Is IUD the bomb?

IUD or IED, what's the difference? Intra-Uterine Device or Improvised Explosive Device, often times both are difficult to find, and both are used as a prevention method.

In the case of IED, they're often buried in the road so unwanted vehicles or people(aka, US soldiers occupying foreign land) going by would detonate the explosive devise. In the case of an IUD, it's typically carefully implanted by the Gynecologist which prevents from sperm from fertilizing an egg, as well as if an egg was fertilized it would have difficulty attaching to the uterus.

Why is this an important note to dads? Well sometimes Moms like to get Dads involved in the birth control process, whether is equal sharing of who buys the condoms, to the the dad who reminds the mom to take the birth control pills, etc. As this article states, IUD are not too popular in the US, while in other parts of the world, it's widely used amongst women. I am sure there are many woman who dread the idea of going back on the pill, the possible weight gain, the hormonal changes/imbalances, etc.

Perhaps the Dads out there can suggest the IUD, no hormones, low cost, no mess. While the NuvaRing is similar, other than you have to keep putting it in and taking it out, I've heard it was never designed for women who are sexually active with well endowed man(true story, personal friend had to call NuvaRing customer service on why the ring wasn't working for her and her man).

What would be best form of birth control for your family? IUD, BCP, Tubectomy, Vasectomy?

Four Days Away

Babymamma was away for the past 4 days. Luckily, Babydaddy has a mamma who wanted to come and hang out w/Babygirl and help me out with the logistics of balancing work, play, and life.

Oh there were adventures and mishaps, but most of them did not include Babygirl. Eachday she would tire herself out with endless shenanigans and theatrics she would perform for her Grandma. It probably included: her ability to climb on to things, her games of wanting more milk but not really wanting, but wait I think I want it now, saying "bye poopies," as someone flushes the toilet, running around in the ocean, playing in the sprinklers, saying "no," "oh-oh," "no way," learning new words like "walk," "rock," "wet," throwing balls around, reading many books, dancing, stretching, trying on hats, trying on Babymamma's shoes, putting on bling, putting diapers on her dolls/stuffed animals, and lots of hugs and kisses.

Babygirl got to bond with Grandma, Babymamma got to get pumped up at a conference, and Babydaddy got to spend more time with Babygirl as well.

Summer living ain't too shabby when Babygirl provides all the laughter.

Me, Grup, U?

An astute friend of mine passed along this article from the NYMag, about Grups, or Grown Ups, or basically hipster dads. Interestingly the article was published in 2006, since I wasn't a dad back then, nor have I ever read the NYMag, I guess I never came across the article.

I guess Babydaddy here wants to know, how many dads outside of NYC, identify with the dudes in this article? By no means am I hipster, dress down techie who has a flexible schedule and buy Ramones onesies for Babygirl. I do live in the city, I do commute by bike, not a fixed gear bike, I do have a collection of retro shoes, I also do like to go through the sales rack of Urban Outfitters, but I certainly don't have time to be chasing indie bands, wear retro t-shirts from the 80's, or quit jobs frequently to fit my lifestyle.

I do feel as a dad and adult, I long to hold on to Passion. I long for more passionate parenting experiences with Babygirl, I do hope that I can foster her own passions, rather than conform to molds of what's socially acceptable or a passing fad at the moment. I also hope that my jobs do not stifle my passions for my own pursuits. I guess like many hipster dads, I don't want to just live to work, so that I can work to live. I know I won't be carrying a briefcase anytime soon, and I'm happy going sock-less most days of the years, but is that going to be enough to keep the Passion alive? Isn't the chase for staying young and being youthful and passionate a losing battle in the end?

Everyone is looking for something to bring meaning to their lives, sometimes it's family, sometimes it's who we associate with, sometimes it's a revolutionary movement, or political affiliation, at the end of the day my Christian identity makes the most sense to me and helps me to stay grounded and not get caught up in emotionally charged/uplifting groupings.

What drives your ideas of adulthood, parenthood, or being Grup?

Vacation Tips

While Babydaddy has traveled a bunch with Babymamma, before baby was included in our names, the 4th of July wknd, was our first opportunity to travel w/Babygirl which did not include attending a wedding, figuring out how to get a baby through airport security, or visiting family.

I think the #1 idea of thinking about traveling with a baby should not be about costs. Of course you should always stay within budget, but let me explain. While we went for pricier accommodations, it was totally worth the cost. First we stayed in a suite, which allowed for us adults to stay up well past a child's early bedtime. It also gave kids enough space to run around and not feel like they are trapped in a hotel room. We also had access to a full sized fridge and kitchenette if we wanted to cook in(who wants to cook on vacation). Of course there was a pool, which is always nice for the kiddies, what kid doesn't love to swim? There was also a very nice hot tub for the adults too.

With the nice suite option, we had a better than expected continental breakfast, that was not your typical, heat your own waffles, eat boxed cereals, and drink some coffee breakfast. Every breakfast was slightly different, but great, and everyone took full advantage of the free food. Eating a good breakfast, which also had good coffee, cut down on costs for snacks before lunch, and allowed for a small lunch rather than big lunch.

Where you spend extra money on accommodations, it seems that we were able to cut corners on meals. Only because Babygirl just doesn't do well in sit-down-restaurants, which allowed for Babymamma and I to go get quick sandwiches, go to off the tourist path's eateries and have real conversations with hipsters working their summer jobs. We would make Rachel Ray proud in accomplishing $40 a day on meals for three.

While Babydaddy typically likes to get the most of traveling and pack in as many things as possible, but with Babygirl in tow, I made very loose plans, and left it up to Babygirl's mood, weather, and various other factors that could come up with traveling with a baby. So being flexible and just enjoying the fact that you're out of town, or don't have to worry about cleaning should be much appreciated of any vacation.

While Babygirl did get out of some routines and rituals, it was vacation and we tried to roll with it. For instance Babygirl got to co-sleep with her parents for the first time. The pack n play wasn't working out. Of course trying to keep some thing predictable and same as home is much more comforting for kids, even if they are on vacation.

Of course any destination that has plenty of outdoor space, playgrounds, children friendly places(museums, stores, restaurants, activity places) are a must. I would say it could be difficult to find balance btwn fun things for the parents and fun things for kids/babies, but being a part of your child's exploration of a new place, or new thing is pleasure in itself!

Go out and and explore!

While we did not fly to our vacation this time, we have traveled extensively on airplanes with Babygirl, since she was less than a year old.