Gray Hair & Daycare: Episode 28 - The Rollercoaster of Modern Fatherhood

Welcome back to the "Gray Hair & Daycare: Gen X Dad, Gen Beta Baby" podcast! In Episode 28, your hosts Frank Cerio and Carlo Russo dive into the hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes challenging realities of fatherhood later in life. This episode is packed with personal anecdotes, parenting insights, and even some DIY inspiration, making it a must-listen for new parents, experienced dads, and anyone navigating the beautiful chaos of family life.

Navigating the Early Months with Baby Josie

Frank kicks off the episode by sharing an update on his daughter,

Baby Josie, who is now exactly 18 weeks old, or four months old. Time is truly flying by, and Josie's joyful "giggles and happy" moments are a constant source of smiles for Frank. He even shares a funny anecdote about a selfie that made Josie's feet look like "flippers".

One particularly charming story involves Frank playing music for Josie. After discovering she loved the Cuban beats of

Buster Poindexter's "Hot, Hot, Hot" (who, as Carlo recalls, was also part of the New York Dolls) , Frank began playing old Desi Arnaz tunes, which Josie also adored. It's a testament to the unexpected joys of discovering a baby's unique personality.

The "Baby Sleep Solution" Book Report

In this episode's "book report" segment, Frank discusses

The Baby Sleep Solution by Susie Giordano, also known as "the baby coach". This out-of-print book was highly recommended by his nephew's wife , who swore by its effectiveness in getting babies, including twins and triplets, on a consistent sleep schedule. Giordano's method promises to get babies to

sleep 12 hours a night without waking or feeding by 12 weeks.

While this "life-changer" method didn't perfectly align with Kelly's work schedule, they modified it to ensure Josie gets enough time with her mom. Josie now sleeps from around 8 PM to 6:30 AM with one short feeding around 2:30 AM. Frank found a used copy of the book on Amazon, complete with helpful notes from its previous owner, and highly recommends it, giving it "five rattles".

The Diaper Diet Update: A Weighty Challenge

The much-anticipated Diaper Diet update makes its return! For those unfamiliar, Frank's goal was to lose as much weight as Kelly gained during pregnancy, and then continue losing as she shed her baby weight. The last update showed Kelly up 34 pounds and down 21, with Frank down 22.2 pounds, leaving him behind by 32.8 pounds.

This time, things took a surprising turn. Both Frank and Kelly have gained a bit of weight, though Frank gained less, closing the gap by three pounds. Frank admits his reliance on fast food played a role in his gain. However, with his new

Father's Day grill, he's committed to healthier eating and predicts significant weight loss in the next update. He also acknowledges the importance of exercise, which has been lacking in his routine but significantly aids in both weight loss and sleep.

"What Just Happened?": Navigating Parental Challenges

The "What Just Happened?" segment delves into more serious and personal territory, highlighting the real challenges of new parenthood. Frank discusses the

CDC milestone app and how Kelly became concerned when Josie wasn't hitting a specific four-month milestone related to grasping and batting. Frank, armed with research suggesting a wider developmental window (four to six months) , tried to reassure her, but acknowledged that Kelly's impending return to work might have fueled her anxiety. Thankfully, Josie started batting just before turning four months.

A significant challenge arose as Kelly prepared to return to work, leading to friction between her and Frank. The usual "us against the problem" dynamic shifted to "us against each other," making for a "difficult couple weeks".

The situation escalated when their caregiver, Carrie, got COVID, leaving Frank and a cousin's wife to manage Josie on Kelly's first day back at work. It was a "rough day" with Josie refusing bottles and naps. This experience, coupled with a hurtful phone call Kelly received from her mother, brought Frank and Kelly back together as a team.

Frank reveals the complexities of Kelly's relationship with her mother, and his decision to intervene after witnessing repeated hurtful behavior, especially on Kelly's first day back at work. This led to a direct text message from Frank to Kelly's parents and siblings, demanding an apology for Kelly. While an apology has not been received, this challenging period ultimately strengthened Frank and Kelly's bond, reminding them they are a united front in their

parenting journey.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Frank expresses amazement at Josie's adaptability. She quickly adjusted to taking bottles and naps with Carrie, even showing signs of "caregiver preference". He candidly shares a moment of feeling "at the end of your rope" when Josie cried with Carrie, a relatable experience for many new parents. Frank emphasizes that while parenthood is hard, it is "absolutely worth it".

The Silver Fox Mailbox and Exciting New Projects

The Silver Fox Mailbox brings in listener comments, including a persistent podcast promoter named Tanya Sultana who "desperately wants to be our podcast manager". Frank also shares well wishes for his first Father's Day, which included a new grill – a "very dad baby" gift.

Superfan Christine offered feedback on their "Top 10 TV Dads" episode, suggesting Herman Munster as a good TV dad and questioning Ray Romano. She also asked about monthly staged baby pictures, which Frank admits he hasn't done, but takes "tons of pictures".

Finally, Frank unveils a magical new project: a

"mouse hole" in Josie's nursery wall. This miniature

log cabin built into the baseboard will feature dollhouse furniture, including a rocking chair, a stone fireplace with flickering flames, and a tiny Christmas tree during the holidays. He's even ordered a special "fairy door" from England. This whimsical creation is a testament to Frank's desire to give Josie a childhood filled with imagination, a stark contrast to his own "too based in reality" upbringing.

Looking ahead, Frank is excited to design and build an outdoor playhouse, envisioning a "whimsical castle" with a drawbridge or moat. He humorously debates whether a pirate ship would be suitable for a girl. The scale of this future project might even require a permit!

Don't miss a single moment of Frank and Carlo's adventures in fatherhood! Subscribe to the "Gray Hair & Daycare" podcast on YouTube, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates and behind-the-scenes content. If you have any parenting stories or questions, email them at [email protected].