Vaccinations, Panicky Parents, and Baby Josie’s First Eye-roll?!

The Gray Hair & Daycare Podcast: Episode 25 – 10 Weeks of Fatherhood, Baby Milestones, and Navigating Parental Journeys

Hosts: Frank Cerio and Carlo Russo

Welcome back to The Gray Hair & Daycare Podcast! In Episode 25, hosts Frank Cerio and Carlo Russo delve deeper into the realities of new parenthood, sharing insights from Frank's journey with his 10-week-old daughter, Josie . They discuss the rapid passage of time and how they're fully immersed in parenting an infant .

The Evolving Landscape of Parenthood: Finding a Rhythm

Frank reflects on the past 10 weeks, noting that while things feel more fun and simpler now, challenges still arise when Josie gets "out of sorts" . Establishing a consistent baby schedule for feeding and sleeping is a work in progress, and even small disruptions can take a day and a half to correct . Carlo observes Frank's transformation into a seasoned dad, noting how different it is to see his friend in this new role at their age .

 

Book Report: Cultivating Young Readers for Success

In a segment dedicated to "Book Report," Frank shares an article from CNBC about a common trait among successful adults: being early and avid readers . Frank and Kelly, both keen readers themselves, are keen to foster this love in Josie . The article highlights five key strategies parents of successful children use to encourage reading:

1. Treat Baby Babble as Conversation: Engaging with baby babble as if it's a full conversation encourages early communication skills.
2. Ask Questions and Wait for Answers: This builds conversational ability and encourages children to think before responding .
3. Connect Sound and Shape in Writing: Teaching children to write should go beyond just letter shapes, connecting the sound of the letter with its visual representation .
4. Play with Words: Using tongue twisters and rhythmic word combinations makes language fun and helps children understand words as playful tools .
5. Seize Readable Moments: Integrating reading into everyday life, beyond dedicated "reading time," by pointing out words on signs and objects.

Carlo reflects on his own upbringing, where reading was a challenge due to language barriers and a lack of emphasis from his parents . The discussion then shifts to modern children's entertainment, with Frank expressing concerns about screen time and its potential detrimental effects on child development and socialization . He hopes to cultivate a love for music in Josie as an alternative .

Check Please: Tracking Baby Expenses

The popular "Check Please" segment returns, where Frank meticulously tracks the financial outlay for Josie. The current total spent on baby essentials, including diapers, clothes, and equipment, has reached $4,925.53 . This is an increase of approximately $600 in about six weeks . Notably, the initial major purchase of the Cradlewise bassinet still holds the top spot for spending .

 

What Just Happened: Pediatrician Visits and Baby's First Cold

Frank recounts two significant "firsts" for the family:

• First Unnecessary Pediatrician Trip: Josie developed a head tilt, prompting a worried trip to the pediatrician. Despite Frank's initial online research leading him to concerns about torticollis, Josie was perfectly fine by the time they arrived at the doctor's office .
• Baby's First Cold and Vaccinations: Following a visit from a toddler cousin, Josie caught her first cold, complete with stuffy nose and a low-grade fever . This coincided with her two-month checkup, leading to a delay in her first round of baby vaccinations . Josie received three vaccines: Vaxellus (a six-in-one vaccine), Prevnar 13 (for pneumonia), and Rotavirus (for a dangerous childhood illness) . Despite the initial cries, Frank notes that Josie handled the shots like a "champ" . Josie's current weight is a healthy 10 pounds, 15.5 ounces.

Baptism and Godparenting Journey

A major highlight of the episode is Josie's baptism, with Carlo and his wife, Trina, serving as godparents . Frank details the logistical requirements, including gathering baptismal and confirmation certificates . The ceremony, held on Mother's Day, was a beautiful family event, followed by a lovely brunch . Carlo shares his joy in serving as a godparent again at his age, emphasizing the deep importance of faith in their lives .

Frank also shares heartwarming gifts for Kelly: a personalized custom book from Wonderbly for her first Mother's Day, which brought her to tears, and an aquamarine pendant from Angara, Josie's birthstone .

Baby Milestones and Future Adventures

The episode concludes with Frank sharing some delightful baby milestones, including Josie's first outside tummy time and her emerging flirtatious nature, complete with adorable head tilts and effective use of her eyes . Frank humorously speculates that Josie is already developing an "eye roll" in response to his goofiness . The immense joy a baby's smile brings is also a central theme, highlighting the powerful biological connection of fatherhood .

Looking ahead, Frank is preparing for summer adventures, including taking Josie out on the boat, complete with a life preserver and copious amounts of sunscreen .

Stay tuned for more updates on Frank and Carlo's parenting journey in Episode 26!

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Product Links Mentioned:

• Wonderbly Custom Books: https://www.wonderbly.com/
• Angara Jewelry: https://www.angara.com/