Project Spartacus
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CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,929
Likes: 5
From: York PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
Also, since your on the subject of kids here....let me remind you that not all kids are the same. Each have thier own personality and wants/needs. I have 4 kids ages 12, 7, 5 and lastly 3 and all of them do thing different. Similariites in how the first year or so went in each of there lives but once that walking stage kicked in, personailties, etc. its all a guessing game. Routine routine routine is #1 key item just like Curry mentioned. All my kids even to this day have been on a routine for bed time. So they are all getting ready around that 7pm time frame and usually fully sleep around 8pm. That is because they shower, brush teeth, pajamas and then comes reading time for about 30 mins each night. My son who is the oldest 12 going on 13 does get to stay up a little later at times. And then sometimes on the weekend we do allow the girls who are the younger ones stay up but not much past those times that way it does not throw the time clock off.
Kids are amazing and you will learn a lot from them. Stay positive try not to get discouraged and always ask for help if needed. Afterall we all started from square one with no knowledge of how to become a parent. I don't care what anyone says there is no book or science out there to become a parent. You are either in it or not. Sometimes you may need a little more pursuasion but that is expected when your going to be expected a lot from. Your free time will not disappear but when you do have that free time take advantage of it for you and your wife. Sometimes it may be your alone time and then share it together. "Curry" hit the nail on the head in a lot of spots but I just wanted to touch base on the fact of multiple kids if in fact you choose to do so later on.
Kids are amazing and you will learn a lot from them. Stay positive try not to get discouraged and always ask for help if needed. Afterall we all started from square one with no knowledge of how to become a parent. I don't care what anyone says there is no book or science out there to become a parent. You are either in it or not. Sometimes you may need a little more pursuasion but that is expected when your going to be expected a lot from. Your free time will not disappear but when you do have that free time take advantage of it for you and your wife. Sometimes it may be your alone time and then share it together. "Curry" hit the nail on the head in a lot of spots but I just wanted to touch base on the fact of multiple kids if in fact you choose to do so later on.
Welcome to the official CF forum parenting page. Haha
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
Model: Cherokee
Hey your welcome, I know that even with my wife and I having 4 kids we are not perfect and we don't know everything but learned a lot. We still are and have a long ways to go before we are in the clear lol. By then it will be the grandparents life 
I just don't want my kids to grow up.
Who would have thought there was a parenting section in CF!!!! maybe one thing I could be good at lol.
I just don't want my kids to grow up.Who would have thought there was a parenting section in CF!!!! maybe one thing I could be good at lol.
Last edited by XJIrish4x4; Feb 1, 2018 at 03:25 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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From: SoCal
Year: 1987
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
No, I don't lick fish.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Yea, you have a little while yet. Even when your baby is born, you will still have a lot of free time. It’s not like the valve of free time instantly closes. When they are born, it will neck down a little. Since they sleep a lot when they are born. You will have time for other things. It won’t be the same type of free time though. It won’t be for long stretches. The free time will be frequent and short. It’s when they start developing a personality, crawling and eventually walking when the free time valve really closes.
Typically from there, the valve should start to open a little more every once and while. Since the child will eventually become self-sufficient enough that they don’t need to be monitored second by second. I would say I’m at the free time low point, my valve is barely open.
If there is anything i can recommend to you and your wife, as a man who is literally living through it right now, start a routine! Kids love routines and routines mean order! And a byproduct of order is more free time for you (typically). My son is 15 months old and we have had a solid bedtime and bath time since day one. His internal clock is so well calibrated that at about 6:30PM he will actually walk back to the bath tub and wait for you to fill it. So he can get his bath.
To give you an idea of what you may expect for a typical evening since I assume you normally work first shift like me:
I get home around 4 to 4:30, about 20 minutes later the wife and son show up. One person will start dinner. The other watches/plays with Bennett. After dinner, which is usually about 5:45 we will play with him together (important) until 6:30. If hasn’t had an afternoon nap, bath time starts at 6:30. If he has had a nap, bath starts at 6:45. By 7:10 he is in his jammies. He then drinks a small sippy cup of soy milk (he is just about down breast feeding, he also has many food allergies, hence the soy) and then gets his teeth brushed. After that, he gets a kiss goodnight and we put him in his crib. He does not fuss about going to sleep (the byproduct of routine and order). He will cuddle with his stuffed animal and that’s all you hear from him until 6-6:30AM.
Then you come to free time at about 7:30 at night. At that point I’m beat *** tired from the day. Don’t really feel like going out to garage or working on anything too involved. I usually read a book, play video games, play guitar or hang out with my wife. That’s another point to make, make sure you and your wife are still spending quality time together. I know its tempting to want to split ways after the baby is asleep and pursue both of your hobbies in the limited time you have. But maintaining the husband and wife (notice I didn’t say mom and dad) relationship is very important. After all, you are both going to be each other’s rock in all this and the child will benefit from witnessing a strong example of what a successful loving relationship/marriage looks like.
Good luck dude, you got my number if you need it.
Typically from there, the valve should start to open a little more every once and while. Since the child will eventually become self-sufficient enough that they don’t need to be monitored second by second. I would say I’m at the free time low point, my valve is barely open.
If there is anything i can recommend to you and your wife, as a man who is literally living through it right now, start a routine! Kids love routines and routines mean order! And a byproduct of order is more free time for you (typically). My son is 15 months old and we have had a solid bedtime and bath time since day one. His internal clock is so well calibrated that at about 6:30PM he will actually walk back to the bath tub and wait for you to fill it. So he can get his bath.
To give you an idea of what you may expect for a typical evening since I assume you normally work first shift like me:
I get home around 4 to 4:30, about 20 minutes later the wife and son show up. One person will start dinner. The other watches/plays with Bennett. After dinner, which is usually about 5:45 we will play with him together (important) until 6:30. If hasn’t had an afternoon nap, bath time starts at 6:30. If he has had a nap, bath starts at 6:45. By 7:10 he is in his jammies. He then drinks a small sippy cup of soy milk (he is just about down breast feeding, he also has many food allergies, hence the soy) and then gets his teeth brushed. After that, he gets a kiss goodnight and we put him in his crib. He does not fuss about going to sleep (the byproduct of routine and order). He will cuddle with his stuffed animal and that’s all you hear from him until 6-6:30AM.
Then you come to free time at about 7:30 at night. At that point I’m beat *** tired from the day. Don’t really feel like going out to garage or working on anything too involved. I usually read a book, play video games, play guitar or hang out with my wife. That’s another point to make, make sure you and your wife are still spending quality time together. I know its tempting to want to split ways after the baby is asleep and pursue both of your hobbies in the limited time you have. But maintaining the husband and wife (notice I didn’t say mom and dad) relationship is very important. After all, you are both going to be each other’s rock in all this and the child will benefit from witnessing a strong example of what a successful loving relationship/marriage looks like.
Good luck dude, you got my number if you need it.
Also, since your on the subject of kids here....let me remind you that not all kids are the same. Each have thier own personality and wants/needs. I have 4 kids ages 12, 7, 5 and lastly 3 and all of them do thing different. Similariites in how the first year or so went in each of there lives but once that walking stage kicked in, personailties, etc. its all a guessing game. Routine routine routine is #1 key item just like Curry mentioned. All my kids even to this day have been on a routine for bed time. So they are all getting ready around that 7pm time frame and usually fully sleep around 8pm. That is because they shower, brush teeth, pajamas and then comes reading time for about 30 mins each night. My son who is the oldest 12 going on 13 does get to stay up a little later at times. And then sometimes on the weekend we do allow the girls who are the younger ones stay up but not much past those times that way it does not throw the time clock off.
Kids are amazing and you will learn a lot from them. Stay positive try not to get discouraged and always ask for help if needed. Afterall we all started from square one with no knowledge of how to become a parent. I don't care what anyone says there is no book or science out there to become a parent. You are either in it or not. Sometimes you may need a little more pursuasion but that is expected when your going to be expected a lot from. Your free time will not disappear but when you do have that free time take advantage of it for you and your wife. Sometimes it may be your alone time and then share it together. "Curry" hit the nail on the head in a lot of spots but I just wanted to touch base on the fact of multiple kids if in fact you choose to do so later on.
Last but not least and it may not be something for everyone but if your wife and you decide on a all natural birth I highly recommend the natural water birth with no medication and no IV's or pain meds. My wife and I don't regret any of the births we experienced because sometimes things happen and you just have no choice. We have had both hospital and then birthing center. By far, our expereince in a birthing center was superior than one in a hospital. Nothing is more exciting then watching your baby born naturally and without a million doctors and nurses running around. We gave birth to my youngest daughter at 8pm and by 11:30 pm we were going home. That will never happen in a hospital. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask for help or suggestions.
Kids are amazing and you will learn a lot from them. Stay positive try not to get discouraged and always ask for help if needed. Afterall we all started from square one with no knowledge of how to become a parent. I don't care what anyone says there is no book or science out there to become a parent. You are either in it or not. Sometimes you may need a little more pursuasion but that is expected when your going to be expected a lot from. Your free time will not disappear but when you do have that free time take advantage of it for you and your wife. Sometimes it may be your alone time and then share it together. "Curry" hit the nail on the head in a lot of spots but I just wanted to touch base on the fact of multiple kids if in fact you choose to do so later on.
Last but not least and it may not be something for everyone but if your wife and you decide on a all natural birth I highly recommend the natural water birth with no medication and no IV's or pain meds. My wife and I don't regret any of the births we experienced because sometimes things happen and you just have no choice. We have had both hospital and then birthing center. By far, our expereince in a birthing center was superior than one in a hospital. Nothing is more exciting then watching your baby born naturally and without a million doctors and nurses running around. We gave birth to my youngest daughter at 8pm and by 11:30 pm we were going home. That will never happen in a hospital. Good luck and don't be afraid to ask for help or suggestions.
My wife and I have 3 kids together as well. Ages 10, 9 (as of YESTERDAY), and 5. Solid boundaries, strict adherence to the rules (this helps instill in kids that they can't expect there to be exceptions just because they don't like a rule - or law in their future adulthood), and loving discipline are some of the things that I can recommend. When I say loving discipline, I don't mean "we don't spank our children." We just don't "react" by spanking them in anger, and not every situation warrants a spanking either. If our kids do something deserving of a spanking (which we HATE doling out, btw), we sit them down and talk to them and ensure that they know what they just did was wrong.... then we ensure that they know there are consequences to what they did and that the consequence is a spanking... once we know we're all on the same page and they know they have to accept the consequence for what they've done, they get 3 licks on the bottom. That's always been plenty effective and there's never been any need for whipping the crap out of them, beating them, or going to extremes with anger punishment or anything else. It's heartbreaking for parents and kids alike and you'd be surprised what even a gentle swat on the bottom will do.
There's a difference between disciplining in love and straight up just beating a child. My parents rarely had to spank me, but when they did it was done properly.... never left a mark or did it out of anger. lol... often times, the feeling of "dread" waiting for the spanking (while my parents were cooling off) was even worse than the spanking!
Might be a sensitive subject and hell, Galen, you might not have even come to the point where you've needed to yet... but I'm pretty sure Irish4x4 can back me up on this one, ALL kids will end up testing the limits and pushing the boundaries at some point. It's natural and healthy for them to do just as much as it's natural and healthy for you to enforce the boundaries and rules you place on them. Consistency is the key. If you're consistent, they'll never question you and always know what to expect.
Last edited by Basslicks; Feb 5, 2018 at 12:50 AM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
Model: Cherokee
Yea growing up I remember a few times getting the belt from my parents and wood paddle from my Aunt. However; my son I have smacked his butt a few times growing up especially at a younger age. I found that over time it really wasn't as effective as one would have hoped. No, I really just don't have the need to put my hands on my child unless it is drastic measures. Something about it on the inside I feel guilty afterwards and never was a fan of it.
My girls as they grew up still growing up I remember a few times of smacking thier hands when they touched something or did something they were not supposed to. It was more of a shock and aw type situation.
Again, we very rarely even lay a a hand on our kids anymore. That stern talking to has worked many times over than any other way. Consistency is key though along with follow through. If you say something to them you better damn well follow through with it or they will learn real quick that your just bluffing and take advantage of you later.
My girls as they grew up still growing up I remember a few times of smacking thier hands when they touched something or did something they were not supposed to. It was more of a shock and aw type situation.
Again, we very rarely even lay a a hand on our kids anymore. That stern talking to has worked many times over than any other way. Consistency is key though along with follow through. If you say something to them you better damn well follow through with it or they will learn real quick that your just bluffing and take advantage of you later.
No, I don't lick fish.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
^^Yup... same here. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I've had to swat each of my kids thus far in their upbringing. Most of the time, the "Dad glare" works and if it doesn't, the "Dad tone" does the trick.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,929
Likes: 5
From: York PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
For my subscribers, you’re probably surprised to see a Project Spartacus thread in your email. Welcome back. To random passerby’s: Hello my name-a Borat. When you massage-a my noose, you use cream?
This is my Spring 2018 update.
I really haven’t devoted much time to this hobby. I know most people would say "I “haven’t” had time". Most times that’s an easy cop-out people tell themselves. It strips them of all their guilty feelings.
I’ve just been busy with life and other hobbies and put the Jeep on the back burner. Been really trying to get my eating and weight (I’m over weight but not like a huge obese bunghole or anything) back on track. Which went hand in hand with me picking back up paintball. Its a nice outlet to run around, shoot people and burn calories. So the XJ has been cuddling in my garage all nice and warm.
Now that it’s getting warm out, I hopefully am going to devote some time to the Jeep. Plan for the spring:
-dust it off (lol)
-install boostwerks transfer case shift linkage.
-install XJwonders (douche) trans and motor mounts
-install XJwonders battery cables
-install XJwonders bored throttle body
-cut and fold rear lower quarter panels, passenger side has rusted out towards bottom. I would call it: mostly cut and somewhat fold.
Doesn’t sound like that much, but to me that is plenty. Especially with the paintball season getting into full swing and raising a little boy (not a baby anymore). Bennett has been walking since August of 2017 and is hell bent to destroy my house every waking moment. And she wants another one...lol
This is my Spring 2018 update.
I really haven’t devoted much time to this hobby. I know most people would say "I “haven’t” had time". Most times that’s an easy cop-out people tell themselves. It strips them of all their guilty feelings.
I’ve just been busy with life and other hobbies and put the Jeep on the back burner. Been really trying to get my eating and weight (I’m over weight but not like a huge obese bunghole or anything) back on track. Which went hand in hand with me picking back up paintball. Its a nice outlet to run around, shoot people and burn calories. So the XJ has been cuddling in my garage all nice and warm.
Now that it’s getting warm out, I hopefully am going to devote some time to the Jeep. Plan for the spring:
-dust it off (lol)
-install boostwerks transfer case shift linkage.
-install XJwonders (douche) trans and motor mounts
-install XJwonders battery cables
-install XJwonders bored throttle body
-cut and fold rear lower quarter panels, passenger side has rusted out towards bottom. I would call it: mostly cut and somewhat fold.
Doesn’t sound like that much, but to me that is plenty. Especially with the paintball season getting into full swing and raising a little boy (not a baby anymore). Bennett has been walking since August of 2017 and is hell bent to destroy my house every waking moment. And she wants another one...lol
Last edited by CurrySoSpicy; Apr 27, 2018 at 08:30 AM.
CF Veteran
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 4
Model: Cherokee
For my subscribers, you’re probably surprised to see a Project Spartacus thread in your email. Welcome back. To random passerby’s: Hello my name-a Borat. When you massage-a my noose, you use cream?
This is my Spring 2018 update.
I really haven’t devoted much time to this hobby. I know most people would say I “haven’t” had time. Most times that’s an easy cop-out people tell themselves. It strips them of all their guilty feelings.
I’ve just been busy with life and other hobbies and put the Jeep on the back burner. Been really trying to get my eating and weight (I’m over weight but not like a huge obese bunghole or anything) back on track. Which went hand in hand with me picking back up paintball. Its a nice outlet to run around, shoot people and burn calories. So the XJ has been cuddling in my garage all nice and warm.
Now that it’s getting warm out, I hopefully am going to devote some time to the Jeep. Plan for the spring:
-dust it off (lol)
-install boostwerks transfer case shift linkage.
-install XJwonders (douche) trans and motor mounts
-install XJwonders battery cables
-install XJwonders bored throttle body
-cut and fold rear lower quarter panels, passenger side has rusted out towards bottom. I would call it: mostly cut and somewhat fold.
Doesn’t sound like that much, but to me that is plenty. Especially with the paintball season getting into full swing and raising a little boy (not a baby anymore). Bennett has been walking since August of 2017 and is hell bent to destroy my house every waking moment. And she wants another one...lol
This is my Spring 2018 update.
I really haven’t devoted much time to this hobby. I know most people would say I “haven’t” had time. Most times that’s an easy cop-out people tell themselves. It strips them of all their guilty feelings.
I’ve just been busy with life and other hobbies and put the Jeep on the back burner. Been really trying to get my eating and weight (I’m over weight but not like a huge obese bunghole or anything) back on track. Which went hand in hand with me picking back up paintball. Its a nice outlet to run around, shoot people and burn calories. So the XJ has been cuddling in my garage all nice and warm.
Now that it’s getting warm out, I hopefully am going to devote some time to the Jeep. Plan for the spring:
-dust it off (lol)
-install boostwerks transfer case shift linkage.
-install XJwonders (douche) trans and motor mounts
-install XJwonders battery cables
-install XJwonders bored throttle body
-cut and fold rear lower quarter panels, passenger side has rusted out towards bottom. I would call it: mostly cut and somewhat fold.
Doesn’t sound like that much, but to me that is plenty. Especially with the paintball season getting into full swing and raising a little boy (not a baby anymore). Bennett has been walking since August of 2017 and is hell bent to destroy my house every waking moment. And she wants another one...lol
Learn something new everyday. Had no idea XJWonders does bored throttle body.
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,929
Likes: 5
From: York PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
No, I don't lick fish.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Thread Starter
CF Veteran
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,929
Likes: 5
From: York PA
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 Litre I6
No, I don't lick fish.
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,169
Likes: 26
From: Northern Kentucky
Year: 1999
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Hmmmm..... I dunno man, 'cause part of me wants to use the '96 (the spare one I have) 'cause it has the MAP sensor mounted right there with the TB. Any reason the '96 MAP wouldn't work with the '92?
Wake up, Galen! Don't give us that ****! "Whaaaaa I'm going to bed 'cause I have ONE KID that takes up a 10th of my energy whaaaaa"
*****! Call me when you have THREE, you weight 280 lbs, and you haven't slept more than 4 hours in a week!
Wake up, Galen! Don't give us that ****! "Whaaaaa I'm going to bed 'cause I have ONE KID that takes up a 10th of my energy whaaaaa"
*****! Call me when you have THREE, you weight 280 lbs, and you haven't slept more than 4 hours in a week!