Prepare for the best thing that’s ever happened to you.

Exhibit patience when you want to hurry them.

Smile at them whenever you get mad.

They see things through a prism of innocence. Let them enjoy that for as long as possible

I realized something powerful when our first daughter started to mimic me: You aren’t only raising just this child, but your grandchildren and great grandchildren. Your children will raise their kids with what they’ve observed from you.

Congratulations! I hope you've learned enough from this site that you'll send the kid to long snapping camp every year and invest all you can in developing his (or her) long snapping skills.

I'm not sure where you get that, I personally know a number of women who are quite content not being married to their baby daddy.

I've experienced nothing in life that's as good as being a dad. My daughter absolutely makes my life the best it's ever been.

Being a parent is also the hardest thing you've ever done, and the most rewarding. Enjoy, and congrats!!

Oh yeah, prepare yourself now to realize you don't know shit. And all parents are making it up on the fly. Sooner you figure that out the sooner you're going to realize you're not as bad at being dad as you think you are sometimes.

I know you love her but you have to be smart about these things.
First thing you do is get a maternity test, make sure it's hers.

ROFLROFLROFL Leave it to Rainman to offer the most practical advice so far.

One other thing I forgot to mention. If things get sideways with your wife, never, ever bad-mouth her in front of your kids. She is their mother and they love her.

That could be. I might live in a higher SES neighborhood than you.

People who feel the need to point out that they're "better" than others only do so for their own edification.

Perhaps you have some advice for the dad-to-be?

Luv....take my above advice.

Congratulations, man!

This is sound advice that I need to remember

this is all very true, and i should know. mine are 21, 17, 13, and 5

This man ****s.

Haha

"Study the above numbers, and find which is different than the others."

Congratulations. It's the best every step of the way. Kids force you to be present and put your own bs aside, so even if you had a crappy day, you have to come home an be with your kid and not dump any of your crap on him/her. That can be a great relief. Watching them grow and learn and take on new stuff like reading, riding bikes, or swimming is just incredible and will make you more proud than anything. Just make sure you do your fair share around the house too because no matter how hard you work, your wife is going to be working even harder, so don't make her feel like she's in it alone. Enjoy.