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From Beers to Bibs: Navigating Fatherhood and Friendship Changes
Life before our little Nino arrived was full of spontaneous barbecues with the guys, late-night poker games with Chris and Mike, and weekend camping trips with the whole crew. But the moment we brought him home, I entered a whole new world – one filled with late-night feedings, diaper blowouts, and the sweetest baby giggles.
Amidst the joy, I started noticing subtle shifts in my friendships. The dads in my circle, like John and Dave, instantly understood the new dynamic. We’d trade stories about sleepless nights and share a knowing look when our babies started fussing in unison during a playdate. But my childless friends? Sometimes their jokes about "partying like it’s 1999" felt a bit out of touch, and Sarah’s comments about how "easy" babies are stung a bit more than they used to. Our conversations shifted from fantasy football drafts to baby milestones and the best organic baby food brands.
I tried my best to bridge the gap. I’d invite everyone over for backyard cookouts where Nino could crawl around, and even suggested a "family-friendly" weekend camping trip. Some, like Emily, embraced the…
