The last couple weeks I haven’t been posting as much because my wife, son and I have been anxiously awaiting the birth of a new baby boy. On Saturday morning that birth finally happened. I am pleased to announce my second son Connor has been born. With my first son, my wife was induced so the labor was a slow process that lasted around 14 hours. This time around was the complete opposite. Her water broke around 1:25 am and Connor was born at 3:43.

When my wife woke me up we started to get ready to go quickly, but didn’t rush things. We made sure that everything was ready to go, called my mother in law to come watch my son and waited for her to arrive. About 20 minutes after we woke up, my wife said the contractions were around 2 minutes apart. At this point I really began worrying. Luckily my mother-in-law got to our house and we were headed to the hospital.

For those of you who haven’t done this yet, the drive to the hospital was one of the strangest and terrifying experiences. Since I was obviously driving I had to weigh in so many things such as how fast should I drive? Should I run a red light? Are we going to make it? I wanted to drive safe, but I had a bad feeling this labor was going much faster than expected. The last thing I wanted was to be delivering my own son on the side of the freeway at 2am.

We made it to the hospital and I could tell my wife was starting to experience a lot of pain. It seems like the hospital staff was just moving so slow. We had to get checked in, wait for someone to get us in to triage, wait for the examination, etc. While sitting in triage, all I could think about is the pain my wife was going through. I would feel so much better when we got into the room and she received the epidural. Unfortunately we had to wait to get a room and she needed to get a whole bag of fluid in her through the iv before she could get the epidural. Looking at that bag and seeing the amount of pain she was in, I felt that things were just moving too slowly by the hospital staff and too quickly with the labor.

Finally we got into the room and my wife was begging for the epidural. First she had to sign papers and consent forms. It was awful for her to jump through so many hoops to get the relief she needed. I stayed back trying to make her as comfortable as I could knowing my hands were completely tied.

Eventually the anesthesiologist made it to our room. Just as he was prepping her, she felt the need to push…..Looks like we….she had to do this the old fashion way. I was mortified as was she. It felt awful wishing there was something I could do, but once again my hands were tied. I stayed by her side and just said everything I could to encourage her. I looked at the anesthesiologist and felt bad as I could see he wanted to help but at this point there was nothing he could do. I thanked him for trying and turned back to my wife.

About 3-5 min later she gave birth to our son. After a couple minutes of intense screaming and pain it was over. I was so proud of my wife. I will admit that I had a tear or two in my eye, not from the birth, but more for the courage that she displayed. She didn’t like the idea, and did everything in her power to avoid it, but once she knew she had to do it, she gave it everything she had and fought through the pain.

In the end it worked out as she actually recovered a lot faster than she did with our first son. Once the baby was out things were downhill. To all of those future fathers out there, do everything you can to support the future mother. You may not feel like you have a lot of control, and you don’t, however make sure you are at their side and give them as much love as you can. Whether they get the luxury of an epideral or have to do it naturally, they are going through a lot to give you that kid. Make sure you let them know how special they are for doing so.

In light of the earthquake in Haiti, we are taking some time to discuss emergencies and how to deal with them. One of the things I have hearn so much on the news over the last two weeks is how families have been seperated and many don’t know the status of their loved ones. As part of your family emergency plan, make sure to have an out of town contact or two that your whole family can reach. Make sure each family member knows the number and has the means to call them at any time. If in an emergency it is hard to get through, be patient or try text messaging as opposed to calling. If you don’t have a cell phone, memorize the number and always carry a pre-paid calling card or some change with you.

This emergency contact can also serve as a place to meet up in the case of a major emergency. If you feel more comfortable, create a network of 2-4 contact spread across the country so that no matter where disaster strikes, a contact should always be available for assistance.

In light of the earthquake in Haiti, we are taking some time to discuss emergencies and how to deal with them. The following is a list of supplies the Red Cross recommends you keep on hand for such an emergency. The complete article can be found here: http://www2.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html

Water

Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Avoid using containers that will decompose or break, such as milk cartons or glass bottles. A normally active person needs to drink at least two quarts of water each day. Hot environments and intense physical activity can double that amount. Children, nursing mothers, and ill people will need more.
Store one gallon of water per person per day.
Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for each person in your household for food preparation/sanitation).*

Food

Store at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food. Select foods that require no refrigeration, preparation or cooking, and little or no water. If you must heat food, pack a can of sterno. Select food items that are compact and lightweight. Include a selection of the following foods in your Disaster Supplies Kit:
Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, and vegetables
Canned juices
Staples (salt, sugar, pepper, spices, etc.)
High energy foods
Vitamins
Food for infants
Comfort/stress foods

First Aid Kit
Assemble a first aid kit for your home and one for each car.

(20) adhesive bandages, various sizes.
(1) 5″ x 9″ sterile dressing.
(1) conforming roller gauze bandage.
(2) triangular bandages.
(2) 3 x 3 sterile gauze pads.
(2) 4 x 4 sterile gauze pads.
(1) roll 3″ cohesive bandage.
(2) germicidal hand wipes or waterless alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
(6) antiseptic wipes.
(2) pair large medical grade non-latex gloves.
Adhesive tape, 2″ width.
Anti-bacterial ointment.
Cold pack.
Scissors (small, personal).
Tweezers.
CPR breathing barrier, such as a face shield.

Non-Prescription Drugs

Aspirin or nonaspirin pain reliever
Anti-diarrhea medication
Antacid (for stomach upset)
Syrup of Ipecac (use to induce vomiting if advised by the Poison Control Center)
Laxative
Activated charcoal (use if advised by the Poison Control Center)

Tools and Supplies

Mess kits, or paper cups, plates, and plastic utensils*
Emergency preparedness manual*
Battery-operated radio and extra batteries*
Flashlight and extra batteries*
Cash or traveler’s checks, change*
Non-electric can opener, utility knife*
Fire extinguisher: small canister ABC type
Tube tent
Pliers
Tape
Compass
Matches in a waterproof container
Aluminum foil
Plastic storage containers
Signal flare
Paper, pencil
Needles, thread
Medicine dropper
Shut-off wrench, to turn off household gas and water
Whistle
Plastic sheeting
Map of the area (for locating shelters)

Sanitation

Toilet paper, towelettes*
Soap, liquid detergent*
Feminine supplies*
Personal hygiene items*
Plastic garbage bags, ties (for personal sanitation uses)
Plastic bucket with tight lid
Disinfectant
Household chlorine bleach

Clothing and Bedding
*Include at least one complete change of clothing and footwear per person.

Sturdy shoes or work boots*
Rain gear*
Blankets or sleeping bags*
Hat and gloves
Thermal underwear
Sunglasses

Special Items

Remember family members with special requirements, such as infants and elderly or disabled persons

For Baby*

Formula
Diapers
Bottles
Powdered milk
Medications

For Adults*

Heart and high blood pressure medication
Insulin
Prescription drugs
Denture needs
Contact lenses and supplies
Extra eye glasses

Entertainment

Games and books

Important Family Documents

Keep these records in a waterproof, portable container:
Will, insurance policies, contracts deeds, stocks and bonds
Passports, social security cards, immunization records
Bank account numbers
Credit card account numbers and companies
Inventory of valuable household goods, important telephone numbers
Family records (birth, marriage, death certificates)
Store your kit in a convenient place known to all family members. Keep a smaller version of the supplies kit in the trunk of your car.
Keep items in airtight plastic bags. Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. Replace your stored food every six months. Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. Replace batteries, update clothes, etc.
Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

On New Year’s Day I had to run to the store to get some extra food for our dinner guests. I just needed a couple of items so I picked up one of those hand carts to help me carry around the items I needed. Once I had my items I went up to the counter to checkout. I always feel bad for those working on holidays. Most holidays I try not to go to the store as to not contribute to the problem, but New Year’s Day (especially in the afternoon) isn’t so bad since most of the action happens the night before. I always try to be extra nice and friendly to those working on holidays and I figured this should not be an exception. The guy checking me out was probably in his early 20’s maybe around 7-10 years younger than myself. After he took payment he asked if he could take my hand basket. I replied that I was walking right past the stack near the entrance/exit and I would return it; to which he replied with a stunned expression, “Are you sure?” I replied that I was and took my groceries. The clerk relpied with a “Thank-you, you are one of a kind my man”. I wished him a Happy New Year and was off. I set my basket in the pile by the door and walked out.

As I was walking I thought to myself how the smallest little thing could brighten someone’s day just a little bit. The fact that I was willing to take literaly 2 extra seconds to drop off the hand basket was enough to put a smile on the clerks face. Sometimes we just have to do the little things in life to make an impact. No one has to save the world, just do something simple and you can help make life that much better.

If you have any ideas that are simple but can help people out, please feel free to share. I will take the ideas and compile them into a post for future reading.

It’s almost 2010. The new year allows for a fresh start in many parts of our lives. Each year most of us make some sort of New Year’s Resolution. According to Wikipedia, only about 12% of us are successful. Change is not always easy, but sometimes it can be very good for you. As dads we all have areas of life that we need to improve. If you dont’ have any new year’s resolutions here are 10 that you may find you can use as goals towards a healthier, happier and more productive 2010.

1. Get In Shape – I say get in shape instead of lose weight because believe it or not there are those of us who may not need to lose weight, but could use a bit of toning up. There are also many of us that simply do just need to loose weight. This resolution is probably the most popular new year’s resolution out there and is also probably one of the hardest ones to succeed in. The best way to succeed is to do it together and set specific goals. Since everyone can eat healthy and exercise, there is no reason why this can’t be a family resolution. Plan healthier meals and fun activities with your family. Instead of watching that rerun on TV go for a family walk or run. As a family make each other accountable. Once you start seeing results the rest is easy. Push each other to get through the first couple months and then ride the great feeling of getting in shape the rest of the way.
2. Spend more time with the kids – Our lives are very busy with commutes, jobs and household duties. It is important that we spend good quality time with our kids. Make it your goal to read your children a bed time story every other night. Perhaps you can sit down and help them with a math lesson or play catch outside once a week. There are so many activities that do not take a lot of time, but will mean the world to your kids.
3. Eat Together – We already discussed improving your eating habits. This can include more than just what you eat, but where and with whom. Family meals are an important time. Ensuring that your family sits down for dinner together everyday allows of open communication and bonding time. Dinner is one of those times where the word family is defined. In order to know each other as a family should you need to talk. There is no better time than over a home cooked meal. Don’t let busy schedules take away from family dinners. If you can’t get a few family dinners in a week, you probably need to cut back on the extra-curricular activities.
4. Go Green- You don’t have to paint your face green and use leaves as toilet paper to go green. Here is one very simple way to help the environment. DO NOT USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! So many of us grab that water bottle drink our 8-12oz and then toss the bottle. Go out to the store and buy yourself a nice water bottle that can be reused. Get a filter for your tap and drink away. Even if you have to buy water from the store, get the biggest container you can and keep refilling that reusable water bottle, or glasses from cabinet. Those little plastic bottles are completely unecessary and should not exist.
5. Take more pictures / movies – For my dad this is the opposite or what needs to happen as we never get through a family gathering with less than 200 pictures, however for most of us we get so caught up in the moment we forget to preserver it. I’m not one that believes in going nuts taking pictures. I want to enjoy what I am doing and not worry about having to record every detail. That being said, it is important to take a few pictures so that you can go back and remember the moment later. It’s always fun for kids to see what they were like when they were younger, don’t deprive them of that experience.
6. Take more Day Trips – Most of us go on one, maybe two vacations a year. In between those times we do need a break from daily life. Day trips are a great way to do that. Day trips can consist of anything from a couple hour drive to a nature preserver, or another city to a picnic at the park. Taking time to get away from the daily routine will help you stay focused when you need to by relieving some of that stress.
7. Prepare a Disaster Plan- You never know what can happen, it’s always best to be prepared. Preparing for disaster involves a number of different actions. Try to keep at least a 3 day supply of food in reserve. If you are really gung ho about it you can probably find a way to store up to a months worth of dry food. Get together with your family to decide where to meet if there is an emergency. If you live in areas where natural disasters can occur, keep disaster supplies on hand such as boards for your windows or sandbags to prevent flooding. Another thing many of us don’t think about is planning for a computer disaster. While this is not life threatening, we do depend on our computers to store precious data such as documents and pictures. Consider subscribing to an off-site back up service such as iDrive or Mozy to help protect your files.
8. Date more- Yes I know most of us dads are married, or are at least in a committed relationship. Even so, it is important that the two of you get some alone time without the kids. Make it your goal to get at least 1 date night a month. Even if it is just a 2 hour dinner. The time spent together will strengthen your relationship a great deal.
9. Pay off debt – Make it your goal to pay off a medium debt. For example say you have a credit card with a couple thousand on it or a car payment with a little more than a year left on it. Work on paying those off so you dont’ have to worry about it. No one is going to tell you to make it your New Year’s Resolution to pay off your mortgage, but getting rid of a couple of those $100 – $300 a month payment will do wonders.
10. Enjoy Life – Do something this year for yourself. Join a softball team or a bowling league. Get involved with a group of other people with the same interests as you. Find something you enjoy doing and do it. Don’t let the excuses get in the way any longer.

When I was younger my family typically spent New Years Eve together. My parents never really went out to parties so we found ways to have a good time at home. New Years Eve was always a fun family experience. Here are some fun ways to make your New Years Eve night a family fun night.

• Homemade Pizza - Grab some pre-made pizza crusts and your favorite toppings. Have everyone pitch in making homemade pizzas.
• Rent a movie - Movies are a great way to pass the time until midnight. Make it a marathon of your favorite movies.
• Game Night - After your movie is over, play some board games or social games such as Pictionary or charades.
• Remember – Watch home movies and look at pictures from the last year.
• Plan the New Year - Put together a family plan for the next year. Where do you want to vacation. Any home improvements to make? etc.
• Read - Everyone take a turn reading their favorite short story
• Video Games - Break out the video game system and play some of those great group games together.
• Puzzles – Do a puzzle. Jigsaw, word puzzles, logic puzzles, etc.

Does your family do anything fun together on New Years Eve? Let us know by leaving a comment!

DailyDads.com would like to welcome it’s newest author Travis. Travis is a father of 3 kids of 8, 10 and 13. Travis tends to be very handy around the house and loves the outdoors. Look for some great articles by Travis on these subjects and much more.

I was recently passed on an e-mail with some link to videos that give examples of “the fun theory.” The fun theory is a viral marketing campaign by Volkswagen. The premise of the campaign involves the idea that there are activities people should do in life that they typically do not do. The fun theory states that if we make it fun they will do it. This theory is really a basic concept that everyone has come across before. I remember being a kid and having to do chores, I would find little things that made it into a game. For example when picking up Legos as a kid we would set the bin that held the Legos a few feet away and toss the Legos in. Every kid has done this. Even as adults, we can see how this theory works. For example for most guys an hour and a half running while playing basketball is a welcomed activity where you couldn’t get most guys to spend 10 minutes on the treadmill.These videos serve as a reminder of this powerful tool. If we can add a little bit more fun in our lives, we just may accomplish a lot more. View a few more videos at thefuntheory.com

We find ourselves at the beginning of October, time for Beer and Brats at Octoberfest, picking out halloween costumes and for some preparing for winter. Lets not for get the most exciting part of the year, shopping for the holidays! Can you feel my sarcasm? In reality I find as I grow older, the fun in holdiday gift exchange comes more in the giving than the receiving. I look foward to peoples reactions when i get them that special gift that suprises and excites them. I think it’s because now as an adult I have control over spending my money so if I really want something I can go get it instead of waiting to get it as a gift from Santa Clause. Getting good thoughtful gifts however is not an easy task. While I love the reaction on family and friends’ faces, I really dread the process sometimes.

Here are some tips to help you get your shopping done without a lot of stress:

• Start with a list.
  This list is not of stuff you want but rather of who you want to buy for and now much you want to spend. My wife and I do this every year in an Excel Spreadsheet. We first set ourselves a budget. We then list all of those people or families we want to buy for in one column. The second column consists of a percentage of the budget we want to spend on them or a dollar amount we want to spend. This way we can set different budgets per person/family. You may want to set the budget a little higher for your parents or in laws than you do on a co-worker as an examlple. The third column we leave open to fill in the actual amount we spend. This way we can see our remaining budget and perhaps increase or decrease our spending as the shopping season continues. In the final column we will have a description of the gift so that we know who to give it to once we have our stockpile of gifts ready to go. Click below for a sample.

  Holiday Budget Work Sheet

• Start Early
  It is very adventagous to start early, some people like to start on December 24th, while others December 26th…for the next year. I think these are definitly two extremes to avoid. If you start too early you won’t be able to know what is going to be popular next season or what a person’s likes and dislikes are at the time. If you start two late, you aer just asking for a headache and more stress than you need. I recomend starting sometime between September 1st and mid October. Start the planning and look out for sales over the next month or so. Sometimes it’s best to wait on some gifts until the big holiday sales come around, however, you never know what you are going to find while out and about.
• Don’t overspend
  Times are tough for a lot of people right now and for some people all of the time. There is no need to overspend on gifts, especially for other adults. Many times the thoughtful gift will bring more joy to a person than something generic that costs two weeks pay. Find creative ways to make gifts or purchase in bulk. Online shopping is a great way to get deals on bulk items that certain retailers are trying to clear out.
• Shop Online
  Shopping online can be a great way to save money. Typically you can find things online that you cannot find in strores, especially those rare DVDs, Books and Music. Many online stores offer free shipping around the holiday provided you don’t need immediate shipping or purchase a large quantity of items. Check out stores like amazon for great deals on both new and used items.

This morning my 3 year old said something i’ve never heard out of his mouth… “Daddy I’m cold.” Ok so I’m sure a lot are thinking “Yeah right, you’ve never heard that before”. Well my son has just recently started really talking well and we live in the furnace known as Phoenix. After I can’t count how many days of walking outside into an oven, the cooler weather has finally hit us. Now you must remember when I say cooler weather, the high today is supposed to be around 90 degrees, but the mornings are a bit brisk.

This is one of my favorite times of year because unlike most places, here in phoenix, fall is the time to really get out and do things. In the summer it is much too hot to be outside for more than a few seconds, so we have to rely on spring and fall for our outdoor activities. I’m really looking forward to taking my son out and playing sports such as baseball, basketball and football. He has been begging us all summer to play outside more. Now he finally can. Maybe I can finally get him to ride his big wheel.

To us, fall mean’s we can go to the zoo, take a hike in the mountains or just sit out and look at the stars. While many bundle up for the cold months of autumn, we look forward to the freedom of the outdoors and a little physical activity.

Please feel free to post any comments about what you like to do in the Fall. If you are like me and live in a warm area of the world, what outdoor activities do you look forward to? If you live in a cooler area, what do you like best about this time of year?