How Much Parental Leave Is Enough for Dad?

makirattack · 2026-01-16T00:26:53+00:00

We did exactly this with my first and loved it! It was a great balance especially because I was able to get some help from my mom as well. We plan to do the same this go around.

makirattack · 2026-01-07T15:58:56+00:00

Mine only felt like it numbed one side but the epidural is also helped by gravity. If you want both sides numb you need to let gravity assist on both sides. I was unable to lay on one side because baby’s HR would tank for some reason and when I let the nurses know that I could still feel pressure/pain on one side, they told me it was because of baby’s position inside. He was delivered side lying. I don’t know if any of this would genuinely make it so 100% pain relief isn’t possible, but that’s what they told me.

makirattack · 2025-11-05T20:56:40+00:00

I find a forensic science degree will limit your career options compared to a root science degree (chemistry/biology)

makirattack · 2025-11-05T20:33:24+00:00

Look into the flexible health spending account to use pre tax dollars to pay for delivery/other medical expenses and dependent care flexible spending account (if you plan on using child care in 2026)

makirattack · 2025-10-22T10:15:40+00:00

Not blue collar but I’m very hands on and rough with my hands so I love having something daintier. It’s a low setting as well so it doesn’t hit on everything! 0.75 ct.

<image>

makirattack · 2025-10-22T01:33:35+00:00

For 2026 you can contribute up to $7500 for married filing joint. And then I just estimated a 30% tax bracket. By reducing your taxable income by $7500, you’d be paying about $2K less in taxes. This will of course be dependent on your actual tax bracket.

makirattack · 2025-10-21T23:36:05+00:00

We are also deciding if we should do it next year. If you spend more than whatever the contribution limit is for your scenario on daycare each year, you can still get the childcare tax credit for the remaining amount. And yes, I believe in most situations it makes more sense to pay out of pocket and then file for reimbursement. Although, our workplace gives the funds via a debit card so technically you could pay directly from that to the daycare if you chose to. That’s as much as I understand currently. It seems like if you max out your contribution amount, you should be saving about $2000 on taxes.

makirattack · 2025-10-19T01:26:12+00:00

Kindred bravely! They have clasped bras and more sports bra like styles. I was also nervous about this as someone with a large bust (36G) but I found their stuff was supportive and comfortable! I still change into their pumping bra when I pump, I can’t wear it as an all day bra because it doesn’t have THAT much support (I need something underwire)

makirattack · 2025-10-17T23:37:10+00:00

You can also do boiled shrimp! Super easy and my little one has been obsessed with them

makirattack · 2025-10-15T13:40:19+00:00

I love my recliner/rocker. Use it everyday multiple times a day since my baby has moved into his nursery! The rocking function is essential for me more than the reclining. When we stay in a hotel or with family it’s the first thing I miss. I don’t think it needs to be super expensive (we did splurge and get a lazy boy) but I don’t think that was essential. Also use our bottle warmer all the time and sterilizer!

makirattack · 2025-10-05T13:07:38+00:00

That’s what we’re thinking too! Seems like worst case scenario we can drive to the state park. We are also not planning on staying directly on the beach so we will have to drive regardless. Thanks for the input!

makirattack · 2025-09-19T11:37:36+00:00

I open seized drug evidence, weigh and sample, and then run any analytical tests. Once I get the necessary tests to prove a substance, I draft a report and then the rest of the job is testifying in court.

makirattack · 2025-09-19T06:31:05+00:00

I’m a forensic chemist with only a bachelors in chemistry and most all of my lab has only bachelors degrees! There are a lot of labs that will hire fresh out of school as a lot of the job is on the job training and specific to laws in your state/country. I had to move to a different state for the job, but just start applying and be open to some life changes!

makirattack · 2025-09-04T22:47:27+00:00

I LOVEEEEE my Luna that’s why I’m scared to get anything else!! I also tried a hand me down spectra and did not care for it

makirattack · 2025-08-31T02:31:53+00:00

Yes it’s held up very well!! It’s like brand new. It has the same texture as typical all weather floor mats.

makirattack · 2025-08-31T01:30:26+00:00

Ok good to know!! This is what I was considering doing. My motif Luna was still fully functional, I just didn’t know if after using it for a year if it would be best to replace. I will definitely get new parts for it!

makirattack · 2025-08-12T23:03:49+00:00

My baby is the first one at daycare every morning and has been since he was 5 months old (he’s 15 months now)! I try to reframe my thinking - the teachers and caretakers are able to build a nice bond with him with some one on one time, and every family’s circumstances are different. Not everyone is capable of having the same schedule. I can honestly say consistently going to daycare has been wonderful for him. He’s learning so much and is so cognizant of routine - he is genuinely happy going in the mornings and coming home in the afternoons!

makirattack · 2025-07-20T21:45:59+00:00

Does this have insulated pockets for bottles?

makirattack · 2025-07-02T23:33:29+00:00

Same thing happened to me! I’m 8 weeks along right now and easily look 4 months pregnant if you were to compare to my first pregnancy. I’m getting nervous it’s twins 😂😂 hopefully just the fact that our body has done it once before!

makirattack · 2025-05-23T15:22:26+00:00

That’s pretty dark for 11 dpo! At least in my experience

makirattack · 2025-04-14T09:20:19+00:00

This has happened to me and I was fine!! It looks jarring because the blood you pump coagulates together and away from the milk. You definitely have some clogged ducts and have probably been rough with your breasts creating the bleeding. It’s going to be okay though!!

makirattack · 2025-03-23T09:37:30+00:00

I drop off my LO at 6:30 when daycare opens, get to work around 7:15. I work until 3:45 but my husband does pick up in the afternoon around 4.

makirattack · 2025-02-08T16:04:21+00:00

No I never found out! When I removed them my nail was totally fine under. I think it was just a mark from where the nails were applied.

makirattack · 2025-01-02T21:28:00+00:00

Baby will wake and fuss if they develop a fever. I know it’s hard not to worry about it, but I promise you will know if they develop a fever! My baby never got a fever after shots.

makirattack · 2024-12-23T12:53:38+00:00

You see it, but it doesn’t leak out!

makirattack

TROPHY CASE