FIRST MONTH: NEW THINGS —
1) Screaming — seemingly uncontrollable screaming — not crying, but a sound that I’ve nicknamed, “the chipmunk”; animal-like and very unnerving.

Recommendation: Earplugs – I personally found that during those colicky screaming jags, better than get upset and try everything until you exhaust yourself, buy some earplugs (under $5) and leave them strategically within arms-reach around every room. Your new child will still scream, but it takes abit of the edge off the tone.

2) Shaking — both arms go flying into the air and shake, flaying all about at anything new, any movement, any sound.
Recommendation: Patience – in the second month, our son has calmed down about almost everything now.
3) Pooping — breastfeeding apparently is different than formula, but, the amount and texture of breastfeed baby poop is something very new (like a “butternut squash” or “India Dahl curry”). And, now, daily discussions with Masako about our son’s bowel movements.

Recommendation: Diapers — lots of them. My wife told me, “you can never have too many”, and I now believe her. Besides, if you do have too many and your child outgrows them, give them to another new parent. (They will bless you!)

SECOND MONTH: NEW THINGS –

1) Cooing – you know, those ga, ga, goo, goo sounds that you used to see in movies (before they made all the children have adult thoughts and words).
Recommendation: Quiet Time — find some time to get down on the floor with your child and try talking with him; no TV, no distractions, just some nice quiet time together.
2) Seeing — the world starts coming into focus for your child.
Recommendation: Tour Guide — show your child around your home, introduce him to the furniture, windows, mommy, and other wonders in your world.
3) Smiling — no longer is your child only screaming and shaking at you, he’s now starting to smile, and, sometimes even laugh. It’s beautiful.
Recommendation: Aloha — get down close to his face, practice your best “ALOHA” (Ha means breath in Hawaiian and Aloha was traditionally done as a greeting with noses touching). Then, wait as he starts recognizing you. And smiling, and laughing…

Additional Resources:

-these worked great | -cute idea | -we enjoy ours | - bought one used and he enjoys it.

technorati tags:childcare, child_development, being_a_dad