So, they're having a baby (they being the Kosels)...

Ann and I are going to be parents early next year. Her due date is February 18, 2004. I could use some advice on the whole baby thing, from conception (which I excel at) to after they are born. Of course, we are reading our books and whatnot, but advice from people who have gone or are currently going through it would be best (seriously). Below is a list of questions (I'll have more as we move through the pregnancy). Please e-mail Pat with any advice you might have and he'll post it on this page. Thanks, Kirk

1. How long does morning sickness last?
1a. What can you do to alleviate the symptoms?
2. When does the horny stage start/stop?
3. What are nice things for the husband to do to help the expectant mother?
4. When does the horny stage start/stop?
5. What to look for in a daycare?
6. Why do they get so fat? (please omit)
6. Does the guy really need to be in the delivery room?

(Michelle) Don't read too much about the "right" way to do things. You will drive yourself crazy trying to make sure that you "don't do this" or "do that". In the end you will know what is best for you and your baby. All pregnancies and babies are different after all. I am still trying to follow this advice! :) Good Luck!

1. How long does morning sickness last? (Carmen) Depends, for me 9 months with Tatiana and 7 1/2 with Catrina. Zofran (and anti-nausea medication) saved me with Catrina, so if it's really bad, ask about it. For most people, the 1st tri only. (Shon) The hardest part about morning sickness is that you really can't help much. I felt totally helpless. I think this made it feel like the morning sickness lasted forever.
1a. What can you do to alleviate the symptoms? (Carmen) Zofran (see above). Ginger (the spice), you can find it in lozenges and tea. It was a very temporary fix for me, but others swear by it. Another thing you can do is take half a Unisom twice a day and extra B6. This totally helped me to be functional. Also mints to handle the "fun taste" that is constantly in! your mouth:) (Shon) Make sure you get her whatever she wants/needs unless you want to wear your ass for a hat.
2. When does the horny stage start/stop? (Carmen) The what? (Shon) Most say the second trimester, but if there is morning sickness, you better buy a bottle of good lotion and get used to love "solo style."
3. What are nice things for the husband to do to help the expectant mother? (Carmen) Rub her feet, buy her a massage and pedicure once it seems like she can't reach her feet, unless you want to do them both. (Shon) Stuff around the house like the dishes, cleaning and vacuuming and such along with the things already mentioned.
4. When does the horny stage start/stop? (Carmen) ! Huh? (Shon) See #2.
5. What to look for in a daycare? (Carmen) Go more than once to get a good "feel" for it at different times of the day before you make a final decision. Curriculum or daily routine, ask for references (other parents) and call them to ask questions you have. Check with the Human Services Department in your country to check on you final choice. They can give you info about any violations or complaints on file and tell you what they are. If you know people who have kids, get referrals from them, it makes looking a lot easier. Also, check now and find a place that seems good, a lot of places will hold your spot without charging you a fee. And obviously, a lot will depend on whether you are doing home daycare or a center. (Shon) A hot daycare provider. No, really, all the ! things that were already mentioned. Just keep in mind that you are your kids advocate and that if something doesn't seem right, ask about it.
6. Why do they get so fat? (please omit) (Carmen) And how come, even when we do lose all the weight, do we never have the same shape as before? (Shon) Just wait until you put on 25 lbs of sympathy weight Kirk. Ann won't be the only one who needs new clothes.
6. Does the guy really need to be in the delivery room? (Carmen) You better be! Ann needs to be able to blame this on you. Actually, Shon and I were both surprised that through 2 deliveries, only one swear word came out of my mouth and it wasn't directed at Shon. Remember, the epidural is your friend, recovery is uncomfortable enough to suffer through labor without it:) (Shon) Suck it up and be a man you little wussy. With Tatiana, we went to the hospital three nights in a row at around midnight thinking that Carmen was in labor only to be sent back home because she hadn't progressed enough. By the time Tatiana was born, I think I had 8 hours of sleep in three days. Even with being so sleep deprived that I felt like I had a blood alcohol content of .32, the whole experience was absolutely amazing.