As we journey through fatherhood together, I wanted to share some highlights from week 8 with our bundle of joy.
This week has been about finding our rhythm again as we settled back into our routine, with the delightful addition of having my in-laws visiting from India. It's been heartwarming to have a few extra hands around the house, especially as we transition back from our recent trip to Chicago.
As any parent knows, consistency is key when it comes to little ones. After the excitement of our travels, we've been focusing on helping our child readjust to his usual schedule. From nap times to meal times, we're working to create a sense of predictability and comfort for our baby as swiftly as possible.
In addition to getting back into the swing of things, we've been navigating the challenges of time differences between the US and India. Balancing our household routine while accommodating our guests' needs has been a juggling act, but one filled with warmth, laughter, and cherished family moments.
Reading for the week:
This week's reading actually received a more significant response than I anticipated when discussing it with some of the people in chat. The book we're focusing on this week is "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie.
Amazon link to "How to Win Friends & Influence People" by Dale Carnegie
During my reading, I found that this book emphasizes the importance of gaining people's support by focusing on common ground and collaborating through strategic agreement, rather than resorting to argumentation and coercion, which tend to be our default approaches as humans.
One comment about the book that caught my attention was from
, who remarked, "Like all conservative propaganda, it begins with the tacit assumption that society is okay the way it is and it's desirable to fit into it. Likewise Schumacher and that Rich Dad, Poor Dad guy." While I understand this perspective, my interpretation differs because this book primarily focuses on interpersonal relationships rather than societal structures. Unlike the other texts mentioned, it doesn't necessarily assume that society is immutable; rather, it provides strategies for navigating and influencing individual interactions within society. The tactics outlined in this book are adaptable and can evolve with the times.I encourage everyone to take a moment to read the book and share their feedback. Am I misinterpreting the text? What insights do you glean from it? How do you perceive its relevance in the 21st century? Let's engage in a thoughtful discussion on these questions.
Bonus for you:
This week's bonus comes in two parts. Firstly, I want to provide an update on my projects, and secondly, I'd like to discuss a topic close to home: baby stools, as we've reached week 8 and our little one's stools have finally become consistent.
Regarding my projects, I'm thrilled to announce that I'm thoroughly enjoying documenting my adventures in fatherhood through DADiary. This journey is here to stay, and I'm committed to sharing my experiences with you all. However, amidst the joys of parenthood, I realized that some of my other projects were beginning to take a backseat. As I prepare to return to my 9-5 job, it became evident that it was time to streamline my commitments.
With that said, I've made the decision to shut down two of my projects: Zxzuby and the MediDashboards newsletter. Unfortunately, these ventures had stagnated in recent weeks, and it no longer made sense to continue investing time and energy into them. Rest assured, though, DADiary remains a priority for me, and I'm excited to continue sharing my journey with all of you. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I hope you'll continue to follow along.
In our second part of the bonus, I want to touch on a topic that many new parents can relate to: baby stools. As our little one reaches 8 weeks, we're finally seeing a consistent yellow stool, which is a positive sign of their development. Additionally, with the transition from winter to spring in the northern hemisphere, concerns about vitamin D levels are alleviated somewhat.
For those interested in learning more about baby stools and the transition to a consistent color and texture, I found two websites particularly valuable during this phase. However, it's essential to remember that every baby is unique, so consulting with a pediatrician is always recommended.
Additionally, for parents in winter climates or regions with less vitamin D-rich sunlight, I came across an article discussing how vitamin D drops can affect baby stools. It's an informative read for those navigating this aspect of infant care.
As always, the health and well-being of our little ones are paramount, so please consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns or questions. Here are the links to the
1.https://www.parents.com/baby/diapers/dirty/green-baby-poop-explained/
2.https://www.babycenter.ca/thread/253415/green-pooppossibly-from-vitamin-d-drops
Question of the Week:
This week's question delves into a topic that many parents can relate to: finding time to pursue personal interests and projects while balancing the demands of parenthood. How do you manage your time effectively? Are you someone who works late into the night after the children are asleep, or do you prefer to rise early before the chaos of the day begins?
Share your strategies for carving out time for your pursuits, whether it's through careful time management, delegation of tasks, or setting boundaries. What projects are you currently working on, and how do you prioritize them alongside your responsibilities as a parent?
Let's open up the conversation and learn from each other's experiences. Whether you're a seasoned parent or navigating the early stages of parenthood, your insights and tips are invaluable in helping others find their own balance between family life and personal pursuits.