Year 1, Day 42

Tonight is a little tribute to my husband, for being such a great father, and a trip down memory lane:

You take such good care of Jackson everyday, but it's nights like tonight, when I can't be there, that I know Jack is safe and sound and such a happy little guy. When I called home, he was giggling and breaking into a laugh so hard, he could barely catch his breath. I knew at that point, he was either playing some game with you or chasing Miles through the condo with great anticipation of the catch.

When you and I took Baby 101 together, we were surrounded by other couples that had limited to no experience, just like us, who wished pregnancy and delivery had a personal manual you borrowed and traded in every five years. It could have been called the "Idiots Guide to Life After Delivery" . . . If they don't already have that book, maybe you and I could just get to writing it now, because boy were we clueless. Ignorance is bliss, but it's always scary when you know you should know what it is that you don't know. One night shortly after his birth, we stood before his crib, and basically rated ourselves as D- parents with no real hope to get any better, because the whole concept of raising a child seemed impossible. I'm happy to say that we finally improved our average and agreed, wholeheartedly, that we would pass as solid B parents now. So, here are some tips from us, after going through the first few months with Jackson. These are things we learned the hard way after delivery . . .

1. DO have your town police officer check the car seat in your vehicle before attempting to take your baby home from the hospital. Your baby's head may flop forward if it is installed incorrectly, and said wife - already overemotional, will literally throw a complete tantrum in the parking lot.

2. DO not panic and feel judged if you can not physically breastfeed. Many women are unable, even with help from lactation consultants, herbs, pumps, and every intervention under the sun. The sooner you let go of the guilt, the better life will be for you and said baby.

3. DO have a list of take out places in your area that serve something other pizza. I've never met a pizza that I wouldn't eat - from old stand by Papa Ginos to the nasty personal pizzas they use to serve at Micky D's, or frozen Elios. But, for god sake, try to get some veggies in and drink lots of water.

4. DO take some time to cry and mourn the life you had, so that you can put it behind you and welcome the new life with open arms and excitement.

5. DO notice the things your partner does for you and the baby everyday. Give him praise and attention. He went from being number 1 to number 2 in a matter of one push, and it can be hard on the ego the first three months.

6. DO welcome any support from family and friends. Don't think you can do it yourself. It takes a village, and for the most part, the village is knocking your door down - you just have to let them in.