re: How did your life change when you had your first newborn

quote:

---

man grandkids are on another level.

---

I hear this all the time and wonder what’s the difference? Perhaps not having to raise them? Whatever, I can’t wait.

For some reason Texas seems to be more expensive than Louisiana. We also had complications outside of the norm and a short NICU stay. I have buddies back home in BR that only paid a few hundred bucks for emergency C section.

quote:

---

Kids are not that expensive

---

We make more than $120k and think your comment is ridiculous.

It’s $1650/month for daycare/preschool. If my wife stayed home, we would see an extra $1800 out of our monthly income.

We put $500 into a health savings account each year and spend it all on the kids.

Kids eat a frick load of food once they hit about 5 years old. Judging from my memory of myself and what I’ve observed of middle and high schoolers, I need a special savings account just to prepare for the higher costs of feeding teenagers.

We shop consignment sales only and still spend about $400/year on kids clothes, shoes, and accessories.

My son is six and soccer is cheap ($100/season) but piano is not ($125/month).

My infant daughter will be wearing dresses and wanting stylish adornments in barely a few years, so I’m sure that will be a nice kick in the financial arse too.

Kids aren’t expensive. Jesus Christ.

Is a night nanny in the budget for the first couple weeks?

Yea we had to get a script to get it and are working on insurance but they are giving us the runaround. Our pediatrician is helping and hopefully it will be covered soon.

Good luck! Keep at them.

Savor every moment because they're fleeting.

When they hit school age you'll have to plan vacations around school times.

When you do something for your kid, whether it be killing spiders, retrieving a lost toy, etc, you'll be the most amazing person in the world to your child.

quote:

---

Lost all my freedom

---

Such a cop out and a selfish point of view. I have two kids and still run marathons, lift weights, play guitar and get gigs, and have guy friends. Sure it’s not like when I was a bachelor in college, but I plan in a way that is conducive to being a family man. If it’s that you work too much and can’t find any extra time for yourself, find a new job or something.

quote:

---

marriage went to shite,

---

Marriage is work and adding experiences to your life should enrich your relationship. Judging by your attitude from your comment, you’re probably a miserable beta grump who acts tired and frustrated all the time - that “I’m annoyed all the time” tone of voice when little things don’t go well. Why would your wife want to sleep with you? How can you be a charming, fun man of the house when all you do is bitch and nag with your piss poor attitude?

quote:

---

always tired

---

So quit drinking, stop shoveling shite food into your hippo mouth, and start lifting. Take pride in your body and appearance and lead your family you frumpy sack of potatoes. It’ll probably save your kids from hating you and save yourself from being shackled in an abusive nursing home when you’re 60 and too decrepit to take care of yourself.

Life doesn’t have to be miserable especially if you and your loved ones are in good health. If you aren’t happy, it’s probably because of you and no one else. Find your joy.

TBH if I could go back I wouldn't have even pumped. My child thrived on formula once we realized he had a milk allergy and got him on the right one. Because I pumped I spent 5 month not bonding with my child. My husband did 90% of the cuddling and bottle feedings while I was miserable pumping/washing parts every 3 hours. Plus people at work had zero respect and would walk in on me all the time while they knew I was pumping. We became a happier family when I we switched to full time formula. But that's what worked for us. Every family is different and should be accepted as long as the child is fed, happy and healthy.

Probably best to just ignore the troll/probable alter