[laliber]

… if you want to maintain any sort of exercise invest in a sturdy three wheel stroller for running (Bob) – yes you look like a fool (but you were a fool for having kids in the first place so embrace it )

… and do not worry about the dishes they always seem to get done

[sullivand]

My second kid is one-week old today.

Congrats Mr. Sullivan.

Thanks -- and thanks for the timely thread!

[joshwayy]

my boys are going on 10 and 13...holy christ that sounds so crazy.

My advice....savor it; before you know it they will be going on 10 & 13.

[Detrious]

… if you want to maintain any sort of exercise invest in a sturdy three wheel stroller for running (Bob) – yes you look like a fool (but you were a fool for having kids in the first place so embrace it )

… and do not worry about the dishes they always seem to get done

And regarding the buggy (stroller) if it has pneumatic tires, I would heartily recommend getting a product called 'Slime' (here in the UK anyhoo) which is a green gunk that goes into the inner-tube to protect against punctures.
After getting a few while out shopping, and having to manage a 2 wheel buggy with shopping and a sleeping child, this is, in my opinion, a must...

Slime;

<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slime-Puncture-Prevention-Fluid-8oz/dp/B00005BTK8">http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slime-Puncture- ... B00005BTK8</a><!-- m -->

D

[sherpa]

I've got a 4 and 6 year old girl and I can say with almost 100% certainty that if there is a god, children is his way of making you forgive your parents for everything you thought they did wrong when you were a kid.

[Chris Tanz]

great thread -- i have a 2.75-year old and an 8-month old.

My son (the older) likes listening to "Bourbon Blues" and "The Nashville", so I have great hopes for him. My daughter is an angel who, if I'm lucky, will stay 8-months old forever.

ct

[sherpahigh]

My second kid is one-week old today. Still in that sappy new-baby honeymoon phase. (Which apparently does exist with the second baby; not so much on the first.) So, my advice, be it your first or your fifth: Get out and take a walk around the block as a family as soon as you can. Powerfully good feeling.

We're a fresh family of 4 as well. Our 2nd girl was born on Friday night and it's definitely been a bit easier (so far) this time around. We're off for our first full family walk tomorrow morning.

[sullivand]

My second kid is one-week old today. Still in that sappy new-baby honeymoon phase. (Which apparently does exist with the second baby; not so much on the first.) So, my advice, be it your first or your fifth: Get out and take a walk around the block as a family as soon as you can. Powerfully good feeling.

We're a fresh family of 4 as well. Our 2nd girl was born on Friday night and it's definitely been a bit easier (so far) this time around. We're off for our first full family walk tomorrow morning.

Awesome -- congrats!

[Corpse]

This is going to sound obvious but the first child is new and special and everything feels like the world is going to cave in at time. The second (or more) becomes second nature and everything kicks back in. Your first child you will be taking a thousand pictures a day cuz it's all brand new. My advise is DON"T FORGET the next ones in line. Take those pictures that you don't want to because you've already done it once. The kids will appreciate it when they get older. and so will you. It gets crazy with kids but pictures are important for memories.
And of course now I have to keep to my advise because we are new GRANDPARENTS (april 5th) and my wife is making me take those pictures everytime.
Time does fly by (even when your pulling your hair out) so enjoy them young because they don't stay that way long.
And don't goe to Disney till they can enjoy it. Why would you take a 1 yr old that has no clue.........

[Billy]

Good advice from everyone. I have a 5 year old daughter and a 20 month old son and found it was more difficult when our son came along. I think it was simply because my wife and I sort of got back to some semblance of a relationship as our daughter was going to bed nice and early and we could have time together to get to reconnect again. Our son came along and we were back to square one which was hard to accept. He also has had some immune problems which have been exhausting, but all said and done it's just awesome being a dad to 2 kids.

The only real advice I can give is to listen to all the advice you will be getting, (almost all of it will be unsolicited) smile, and if there is anything you can take from it, cool, if not, just discard it. You and your wife/partner will ultimately know what is best for your child so follow your instincts. It may seem overwhelming with all you are expected to know and do, but just take it in stride and know you are doing the right thing.