I recently had another daughter who is two months old, and have another daughter who is 4-1/2 yrs. old. Before I had my two kids, I made more money, did more consulting jobs, and generally had more energy. You will see that once you have kids, that parenting (properly) is by far the toughest job you will ever have. It is also the most rewarding. Sure, it was tough losing pay, especially since I am a Levenger head, and their stuff is not cheap, until it goes on sale. Learn to do more with less (isn't that what technology is all about anyway). You have to "shell script" your life, to be productive. Use "named pipes" to get more that one chore done at once. The only way is to experience this. Very hard to explain.

Your laundry will skyrocket! Especially, if you plan on washing your own diapers, which I do not do, but wish I could of, so we are not such a strain on the local landfill with all the diapers. Babies dirty clothes up quick. Spit ups, "blow outs" (you will find out the meaning of a "blow out" rather quickly), and all sorts of other messes find their way on to baby's clothing. Try to be as green as you can, but it is not easy, especially if one or both of you have to work.

If you can, have a quick look here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parental_leave Yea, that is kind of sad, at how the US treats both parents, and kids. Where are our priorities? Don't get me started on politics, I am a bleeding heart liberal, and damn proud of it. The current administration leaves all children behind in my view.

Breastfeed. Not you, Merlin, but your wife. You could try, but would probably solicit some strange looks from your wife, and the baby, as no milk would come out. Honestly, I feel a little jealous that my wife can nourish our children by doing this. While some people find this disgusting (which I have no idea why, where there formula companies a hundred years ago?), I think your wife will form a special bond between your baby by breastfeeding. Of course, there are all kinds of reasons why one should breastfeed, just google away.

Never yell at your kids, unless it is really needed. My daughter is 4.5, and I have never hit, or really yelled at her, and she is the most respectful, gentle person. If I even raise my voice, or let her know that I am in the least way disappointed in her actions, she crys, and almost always will correct her behavior. Save the raised voice, for that time they dart out into the road, and you really need their attention. Otherwise, they will grow a callous in their ears to the yelling, and just not pay attention.

Always explain as much as you can to them, no matter what the age. Kids are little sponges, and are smarter at what ever age they are, than you think. They listen, and they want to learn, so let 'em learn. Talk to them like an adult when explaining things to them.

Skin time: Great for both mom and dad. Get as much skin to skin contact with your baby, right after they are born. They love it, are more comforted, and it is so, so pleasant. It is a great way to bond with baby, and having learned a lot since my first daughter, I can sometimes calm my two month old by whispering to her, and placing her on my bare chest. So much better than crying, and you get to bond.

Make your kids the center of your universe. Sure it's a cliche, but they are the future, and someone needs to turn out a real decent, caring generation of kids. Not that all kids are bad, but bad kids are usually a result of bad parenting. Forget money, work, anything - just put your kids first, and you will be rewarded in so many other ways, that no money can match.

Sleep? forget it. Get it when you can, and just realize that you will turn into a zombie at times. That's life with kids. Our first kid had colic, and we were both absolute zombies. Some nights she would scream all night. Very hard. There is not much that can be said about this, other than it is hard, and you just have to buck up and deal.

You wife and you will certainly have some disagreements. Your wife's hormones will be going crazy, coupled with lack of sleep, and other demands, and suddenly you are a jerk. Accept it. Practice this: "yes dear". It's just the hormones, and is temporary. Nothing personal. Just say "yeas dear" (replace dear with your pet name, of course)

Most of all, enjoy and cherish every moment. Take a picture each month of the little one, and place a number next to the picture or photoshop one in. It looks cool when you make a little time lapse movie of the growth of your child, over each month.

If you pray, or what ever spiritual guidance you may have, just ask for a healthy baby. That is the best luck you can have. My heart goes out to the parents that have to deal with chronic diseases or genetic issues. Just wish for a healthy baby.

Best of luck,

Bruce