Hey dads! I'm expecting my first baby in December, and I’d love to hear your best advice. What are some things you wish you knew going into it, or any tips that really helped you along the way? Looking forward to learning from your experiences – thanks in advance!

Get up early every day. Like early. It’s the only time you truly have to yourself. I just started doing this again and it’s a game changer. Believe me when you start work and you know that you’ve already been up for 3-4 hrs getting it done and crushing your day it feels amazing. Not to mention when your day ends and you need to show up for your family your mind will be clear and able to do so. No more stressing when am I gonna have time to workout or read or study or work on my side hustle or whatever it is. Make your early mornings sacred. Utilize that time every day. My promise to myself is 4:30am everyday for a year. (Hopefully it never stops)

I loved my son Hayden the moment I saw him. But I was 100% not ready for him or to love him completely haha. He had difficulty with acid reflux, and just eating/weight in general. I was totally overwhelmed. I wasn't able to give all of myself to my wife or son. I delt with some shame about that, and I guess still do in a very small way. But now I know for sure I am capable and can be excited. Now I just cannot wait to have our next baby and just give it everything I couldn't give Hayden. So to finally get to the advice.... I think babies can't remember those early months very well for a reason. It's gives us space to adjust and screw up a bunch. If I could go back, I would wake up earlier, get in really good shape (cutting not bulking as you'll likely add weight during the first few months anyway lol) and overall get all systems physically and mentally as tight as I could. I did next to NOTHING for my body and nervous system prepping for my son. And I really should have.

With my first kid I feel like I didn’t fully enjoy the first 2 years because I was so focused on “I can’t wait til he’s older so we can do this, or that” Now he is 4 and it went fast! So enjoy ALL of it. Even the teething and sleep regression👌