Welcoming a new baby can be an exciting time for a couple. From putting together a nursery, buying baby clothes, and picking out a name, there's a lot to look forward to! For married couples expecting a new baby, there are certain safeguards that can be put in place to prevent a marriage from falling apart. Plan Date Nights Before your new baby arrives, take the time to plan out date nights with your spouse. These can be scheduled as frequently a...

A few weeks ago, I was watching my husband play with our 6 month old son, tossing him lightly into the air, and I felt my heart drop from where I sat. My heart couldn't handle the fear as I saw the potential for him to fall and get hurt, but at the same time, I loved the sound of the giggles and laughter from the two of them. I was terrified, but they were having the time of their lives! I know I play and laugh with my son, but it's so different ...

Parenting is not easy – but it can be fun! Amidst the sleepless nights, the tears and tantrums, and so many other demands, we can still infuse humor, joy, and playfulness. In fact, play and silliness can make those challenging moments lighter! Imagine getting out of the door in the morning. Just as you realize you forgot something, your preschooler doesn't want to put on her shoes, and your baby spits up. A typical reaction would be to start feel...

Memories and physical pictures remind me of my relationship with my dad. From sitting in the pew next to him in church or on the couch for a movie, dad wanted to squeeze my ears, arms and fingers.  As I grew up and became more aware of my dad's way of loving, I grew to hate physical touch. I shrunk from it. I claimed he made my ear lobes bigger. I resisted his effort to care in this manner. This took a toll on our relationship, which began t...

Most of us have heard of postpartum depression in women, but did you know it can also affect fathers?! Figures vary depending on the source, but it's estimated that for every two women that have postpartum depression, one man will have PPPD (paternal postpartum depression), and approximately 25% of new fathers (though only 10% of cases are reported) will develop PPPD. Most cases of paternal postpartum depression get missed because (1) postpartum ...

  While my husband was away visiting with his elderly parents, he sent me a bouquet of flowers with this note: "My dad was telling me how he got some flowers for my mom the other day because she was depressed and feeling down. It struck me that after all these years of marriage [60+years] he still wants to be that guy who brightens her day. I decided I also want to be that guy". It was amazing to me that even now, after so many years, my hus...

Is there anything sweeter than seeing a dad with his new baby? Even before my daughter was born, I was almost more excited to see my husband with her than I was to see her. Fathers play such an important role in children's development, even from a young age. Dads interact differently with babies than their mothers do. They play differently, and talk differently. This difference is great for baby. A study done at the University of Maryland found t...

Not only did your partner just finish carrying the baby in her belly for 9 months, if she chooses to breastfeed, she'll be spending hours each day and night feeding. It can be easy to feel left out or uncomfortable with a new baby; there are a lot of adjustments to make! But don't worry, you aren't expected to know everything or be perfect. To help smooth over the transition to fatherhood a little better, here are some tips for first time dads an...

Infertility is unfortunately the reality of 1 in 8 couples. It's hard, lonely and painful. After being on our road to our baby for two years, I've learned a few things. Honestly, I'm still a rookie in the infertility department, but after learning these things, I've found so much more peace and happiness in our journey than before I started applying these things to my daily life. Number One: Accept it. It can be so hard to accept that infertility...