Ep 32 Part 2: Diaper Diet Failure & Baby Chaos: Older Dads Can't Keep Up!

The Price of Dad Life and the Diet Wars: An Update from Gray Hair & Daycare

Welcome to the conclusion of Episode 32 of the Gray Hair & Daycare: Gen X Dad, Gen Beta Baby podcast! Frank and Carlo are back to cover the stories and updates they didn't get to last time, including an accounting update, the state of their diets, and some much-needed fatherhood advice on baby-proofing.

Check, Please! 💸 The Financial Cost of Raising Kids

Frank and Carlo check in on the running tally of baby expenses—everything except food—since baby Josie was born.

• Previous Tally: The last count in August was $7,537.

• Major Purchases: The only major purchase in the last two months was an UPPAbaby carrying case for the stroller, which ensures the stroller is warrantied for upcoming travel plans, like their Disney cruise.

• New Tally: Carlo guessed $8,190, which Frank declared the closest guess yet. The actual running total is $8,263.

They speculate that the true number might be closer to $10,000, as Frank suspects Kelly may not be accounting for every single item, such as "Montessori toys". Frank doubts they will hit $10,000 by the end of the year if Christmas presents aren't counted, but are certain to hit the milestone by Josie's first birthday.

The Diaper Diet 🏋️‍♂️ Older Dads Battle the Scale

The segment returns to "The Diaper Diet," a long-running challenge where Frank attempts to lose more weight than Kelly gained during pregnancy plus what she has since lost.

• The Results: Last time, Kelly had a lead of 29.8 pounds. Frank reports that both he and Kelly have recently gained a little weight. Frank is down 25.6 pounds behind, which means he has narrowed the gap by over four pounds.

• The Challenge: Frank admits his current struggle is due to a cold and the "different woman" he lives with now, as Kelly is eating more to cope with sleep deprivation and stress.

• Carlo's Progress: Carlo reports being down over 20 pounds by successfully implementing intermittent fasting, eating only within a 12-to-8 window and cutting out cream and soda. He was motivated by seeing his weight creep over 200 pounds for the first time.

Frank sets a goal to pick up another five pounds on Kelly by the next update.

Silver Fox Mailbox 📧 Needed: Baby Advice

In the "Silver Fox Mailbox," Frank expresses disappointment that he only received one response with baby advice and fatherhood tips regarding baby-proofing.

• Received Tip: A friend of the podcast suggested a "message of moderation". This involves putting simple buffers (like bumpers on the coffee table) but mainly relying on direct coaching and redirecting the baby so she learns what she can and cannot touch.

• The Urgency: Frank notes that Josie is already pulling open cabinets and actively reaching for the phone and remote, making safety a pressing issue.

Carlo gives an update on his son, Nick, who is adjusting well to college life at SUNY Brockport, though he's already contemplating transferring somewhere warmer to avoid the cold winters.

What Just Happened 👶 A Little Ham and Star Trek Costumes

Frank shares a series of recent "firsts" for Josie:

• Family Plans: Frank and Kelly hosted Uncle David and Auntie Gabe for a visit to Skaneateles and are already planning to host both Thanksgiving and Christmas. Frank is insistent that he host the holidays to create memories and enjoy the Dad life of cooking for his family.

• Stage Presence: Josie is developing a charming but potentially challenging personality. She recently picked up on attention she was getting at church and started "hamming it up," looking and leaning out of the pew to put on a "show" for the adjoining pews.

• Halloween: The family has decided on a Star Trek theme for their first family Halloween costume. Josie will be in a Command Gold onesie (the Captain's color), Kelly will be in Sciences Blue, and the dogs will wear red neckerchiefs—the infamous "Red Shirts" who die first.

• Future Travel: They are looking forward to their upcoming Disney cruise, which will be the first time they travel with Josie.

Do you have any practical baby advice or creative fatherhood tips for baby-proofing Frank's kitchen cabinets?