Trying2Parent

T2P Episode 44: Who The Heck’s Ricardo

Hello, hello, all you wonderful listeners out there, and welcome back to the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. We've got another exciting episode in store for you. Let's dive right in!
First off, happy October, everyone! We're embracing the not so fall vibes of Mexico but we are finally settling comfortably into our new house, which we absolutely adore. Getting back into the groove with work has been both exciting and productive.
In recent news, I decided to take the plunge and got my armpits blacked out, aka tattooed. It's quite the experience, let me tell you.
Speaking of new experiences, we went out to dinner with one of Amanda's buddies and indulged in some wings for the first time in Mexico. It's amazing how certain foods can bring a wave of nostalgia.
We also ventured to Costco in Cancun, which was an adventure in itself. It was PACKED. I think people go there on Saturday's just to hang out ha.
Oh, and we had some tiny ceiling fans installed. It's the little things in life, right?
Now, let's dive into our pregnancy journey. In "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook," we're at week 26. We're almost certain we've settled on our little man's name, and we're beyond excited to welcome him into the world. Speaking of the little one, he's been kicking up a storm in there, keeping Amanda on her toes.
On a hilarious note, our dog Nina still doesn't seem to realize that Amanda is pregnant. What's up with that dog?
As we prepare for the arrival of our little man, we're trying to figure out the last big things, like selecting a stroller and setting up the changing table. It's an exciting phase, to say the least.
In our "In the News" segment, we're diving into the topic of gestational diabetes, shedding light on an important aspect of pregnancy.
Now, here's a question for all you experienced parents out there: when do you start loading up on diapers? Share your wisdom with us!
And, of course, we couldn't forget our "I Love the '90s" segment, where we test your nostalgia knowledge:
Can you name all four Ninja Turtles? That's Raphael, Leonardo, Michelangelo, and Donatello.
Here's a classic: Which '90s cartoon featured a diverse team of "planeteers" who combined their powers to summon Captain Planet to fight environmental criminals?
Who's the confident cartoon character known for his karate chops and suave demeanor, constantly convinced that all women want him?
Lastly, name the show where Eliza travels the world with her family, making wildlife films, and has the unique ability to communicate with animals.
That's a wrap for today's episode. Thanks for joining us on this journey. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and parenting adventures on the Trying 2 Parent Podcast.

T2P Episode 43:And We’re Back From Japan

What is up everyone. We are back and full of great stories. Here's another exciting episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. We've got a lot to cover today, from an amazing baby shower to our adventures in Japan. So, let's dive right in!
First things first, we recently had the most fantastic baby shower in AZ. It was an incredible gathering with all our friends and their adorable kids. We received so many thoughtful presents for our little man, and it was heartwarming to see so many people who care about us. Meeting our friends' little ones was a special treat, and Amanda's family hosting it made it all the more memorable. We truly feel blessed to have such amazing people in our lives.
Now, let's take a moment to recap our unforgettable journey to Japan. This country left quite an impression on us:
There aren't many trash cans in Japan, which was a bit surprising.
Toilet paper is typically 1/2 ply, so that's not something we'll ever get used to.
Japan can get incredibly hot, especially in the summer months so be ready to sweat.
Eating and walking is considered impolite, so remember to find a place to sit down when enjoying your meals.
Bidets are everywhere! Japanese toilets are in a league of their own.
The Japanese people are some of the friendliest in the world, always willing to help always saying thank you
Public transportation is top-notch, making it easy to get around.
Japan is exceptionally clean, even in bustling cities.
The food options are endless, and every bite is a culinary adventure.
Surprisingly, Japan is more affordable than you might think.
Access to free public restrooms is widely available, unlike some other countries.
English is commonly spoken, making communication a breeze.
Japan is incredibly walkable, and exploring on foot is a joy.
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven are a foodie's dream with delicious options.
Hotel amenities in Japan are top-notch, offering a delightful stay.
The variety of food is extensive, catering to all tastes.
Sweets are everywhere, satisfying our sweet tooth.
The country's natural beauty shines, especially outside the bustling cities.
Japan feels remarkably safe, and we never felt in danger during our visit.
After returning from Japan, we couldn't help but notice the price difference when eating out in Arizona compared to Japan. It's not even close!
And right after our Japan adventure, we had Amanda's 24-week appointment update for both her and the baby, which went exceptionally well. It's all coming together, and we couldn't be more excited.
That's a wrap for today's episode. Thanks for joining us on this incredible journey. Stay tuned for more exciting updates and parenting adventures on the Trying 2 Parent Podcast.

T2P Episode 42: Really, A Butt Thermometer is Best?

We're back for another one! It's your hosts Shawn & Amanda King and welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. Buckle up because we've got some exciting updates, baby talk, and of course, a splash of '90s nostalgia. Let's get right into it!
First things first, I've got to share that I've never sweat more in my life than during our recent move into our new place. But hey, it's all worth it for the extra space and comfort for the little man. It seems like the people in our apartment complex found out we are moving so I guess they decided to turn up the noise this week, appreciate that ya'll.
We're beyond thrilled to see everyone at the upcoming baby shower this weekend and we're counting down the days until our Japan trip, exactly 1 week. Did someone say Live sumo? Yes, please! Plus, we attended a doula meeting to explore potential options for some much-needed help. Our team/agency is also on the upswing, and we couldn't be happier about it.
Amanda's birthday was a smashing success with a fantastic dinner. We also discovered a newfound love for yogurt pretzels (they're the real deal) and, to top it off, football season is officially here. Who doesn't love some gridiron action? Going to be a real tough year for the Cards, sorry baby.
Now, let's dive into the 'We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook' segment. We're in week 22 of pregnancy, and things are going smoothly. We think we've even settled on a name for our little man, and I officially felt him kick for the first time this past Thursday—what an incredible moment.
Speaking of kicks, our dog Nina doesn't seem to have figured out that Amanda is pregnant. Maybe she's just not noticing yet, maybe she's just old like Amanda lol.
We're super excited to bring back all the baby gear from our AZ/Japan trip and start setting up the nursery. The anticipation is building!
Highs for the week include moving into our new place and the growth of our agency. But, our streaming situation sucks and watching football was a total drag—luckily we've got some other options to utilize. 
Now, it's time for our questions to you, our awesome listeners:
How do you know when your child is sick, especially when they're a little baby? That's always something that's concerned me
What educational shows did your kids enjoy watching growing up? I know TV is not great for kids but there are tons of useful educational programs that I know help kids grow and learn.
And as always, we've got our 'I Love the '90s' trivia. Test your '90s knowledge!
Who can name the lead white actor in the classic movie 'The Green Mile'?
What was Adam Sandler's character's name in 'Big Daddy'?
Which famous gangster movie aired in 1990 starring Ray Liotta, Robert De Niro, and Joe Pesci?
And finally, name one of the two main actors in 'A Night at the Roxbury.'
Thanks for tuning in, folks! We appreciate your support, and we'll catch you on the next episode. Keep parenting and keep rocking the '90s nostalgia!

T2P Episode 41: 6 Month Mexico Review

We're back baby, welcome to another exciting episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. Get ready for a dose of parenting talk, some juicy updates, and of course, a touch of '90s nostalgia. Let's dive right in!
So much is happening, friends! We're on the brink of moving in just a couple of days. The rain has been pouring down due to a tropical storm, but it's not dampening our spirits. We're absolutely thrilled about our upcoming baby shower—it's going to be an epic celebration. And speaking of excitement, Japan is calling our names, and we've got our rail pass all sorted out.
Our 20-week scan went off without a hitch, and it's incredible to witness the baby's progress. A few of our friends are making a big move to Thailand, and it's a bittersweet farewell. We also lent a hand to some friends, helping them set up an IUL for their retirement.
Dreams can be pretty revealing, right? Amanda had a dream about the baby shower, and it's got us all excited. We're in the process of interviewing doulas and exploring the different classes they offer. Plus, Amanda's birthday is right around the corner—happy early birthday, Amanda!
It's also been six almost seven months since we've been in Mexico, and boy, it's been an adventure. We're discussing our experiences, from what we like most and least to the surprises and the potential of making this our forever home.
And now, onto the 'We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook' segment, where we're diving into week 21 of pregnancy. It's a thrilling journey, and we're loving every moment.
Time for some parenting news! Ever wondered about eating sushi while pregnant? We're tackling that topic head-on.
And of course, we can't forget our beloved '90s trivia!
Name at least three of the five *NSYNC members.
Name two of the five Backstreet Boys members.
What was Dr. Dre's first solo album, released in 1992?
Which hip hop song held the number 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the longest time in the 1990s? (Hint: It's by Puff Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112.)
Thanks for joining us for another episode, folks. Remember, we want to hear from you—your thoughts, experiences, and insights mean the world to us. Until next time, keep parenting and reminiscing about the '90s!

T2P Episode 40: Well We’re Officially Moving

What's up everyone, we're back with another exciting episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. We're ready to dive into all the juicy details, so let's jump right in!
Big news, folks—we're making moves! We're upgrading to a larger space, and not just any space, it's a whole house! We're extremely excited. Plus, our weekly fruit stand got a cool facelift. 
We discuss everything from this Alien news that's been going on plus my new favorite Mexican candy called Swinkles? Trust me, you're missing out if you haven't tried it. On top of that, our agency is on fire, growing faster and faster. Football season is kicking in—preseason excitement is in the air.
Baby names are still on our minds, and we're getting more excited by the day about our upcoming baby shower. It's going to be a blast catching up with friends and celebrating this beautiful journey we're on.
Japan is just around the corner—three weeks away, to be exact! And with the food adventure that awaits, Amanda might come back looking twice as pregnant as before we left. But hey, who can resist all that deliciousness?
Speaking of pregnancy, we have a doctor's appointment for her 20-week scan. Can't wait to see the progress and see this little one growing.
In our "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" segment, we're exploring week 20 of pregnancy. And guess what? I started a new book, "How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and How to Listen So Kids Will Talk." The first paragraph was an absolute gem, touching on the importance of truly hearing our children's emotions.
Our highs? Oh, they're soaring! Our agency is taking off, gaining traction, and we've brought in agents from other companies. Plus, we've found a fantastic new place to live—bigger and better.
But of course, life isn't all highs. Breaking the lease for our current place might mean we won't be getting that deposit back. Oh well, sometimes you've got to take the leap!
And now, it's time for a dose of parenting news. We're delving into the do's and don'ts of sleeping positions while pregnant. It's all about keeping mama and baby comfortable and safe.
And of course, we can't end without some '90s trivia!
When was the freakiest movie of our generation, "IT," released?
Who's the main character in "Nightmare Before Christmas"?
What was the name of the bad guy in "Silence of the Lambs"?
In the movie "The Little Rascals," what's the name of Spanky's exclusive club that doesn't allow girls?
Thanks for tuning in, friends. Catch you next time for more parenting adventures, insights, and some '90s nostalgia!

T2P Episode 39: Tying Down An Official Baby Name

What's up fam! Welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast. We've got quite the recap for you, so let's dive right in!
What an awesome week it's been. We were out in Denver for our National insurance conference, and let me tell you, it was fantastic. The energy, the smiles, the chance to reconnect with so many friends we haven't seen in a while—it was all simply amazing. And guess what? Our business is taking some incredible leaps, so you better believe we're excited about what the future holds.
Colorado, you've got our hearts! If we moved back to the states we'd seriously considering the idea of getting a house there. The vibe, the scenery, the overall feel—it's all very appealing.
Our Japan trip is inching closer, less than a month away! We're counting down the days, getting all giddy about the food, the sights, and the adventure that awaits us.
Of course, life isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Our damn water dispenser decided to quit on us last week so we finally trashed it, and to make matters worse, the fridge randomly stopped working right after we left for Colorado. Our poor food didn't stand a chance and spoiled in the summer heat.
Speaking of exciting discussions, Amanda and I delved deep into the topic of baby names. From the significance of names to our personal preferences, we covered it all. And we spill the beans on what's on the baby registry and why our little one won't be drowning in toys.
In our "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" segment, we're getting into the nitty-gritty of week 19 of pregnancy. Learning about each week is helping us feel more and more prepared for this incredible journey.
Let's move on to our highs and lows. The highlight of the week was definitely attending our yearly conference. The energy, the knowledge sharing, and just being around such a positive community—such a boost!
But there's always a flip side, right? We had a friend and business partner ghost us, which was a bit puzzling and disappointing. Oh well, life's full of twists and turns ha.
Now, it's time to hear from you! We want to know, what age was your child the first time they took a flight? Drop us a line and share your experiences.
And of course, we can't wrap things up without our '90s trivia!
What was the classic 1998 movie "Mighty Joe Young" starring Charlize Theron about?
Cuba Gooding Jr. and Ice Cube starred in this 1991 classic together as Darrin and Tre. What's the name of the movie?
Name the Halloween movie starring three witches—one of whom was quite the looker in the movie but is sometimes humorously compared to a horse in looks.
Last one: What's the name of the very sexy actor who played Batman in "Batman & Robin," starring Arnold Schwarzenegger as Mr. Freeze?
Thanks for joining us on this wild parenting journey. Stay tuned for more updates, insights, and '90s nostalgia coming your way. Until next time!

T2P Episode 38: Short and Sweet

Hey, hey, hey welcome back to the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
It's been a bit of a slow week for us, but don't worry, we've got exciting things on the horizon. In a few days, we'll be heading to Denver for our National conference, and you know what that means—work, fun, and catching up with friends. And speaking of exciting travel plans, we're getting super pumped about our upcoming trip to Japan. The food, the sake, the whiskey—ah, can't wait! We even booked tickets to a sumo tournament. Hell yes! I made sure to buy some new walking shoes specifically for the trip to explore Japan comfortably.
My mom is the ultimate parenting video sharer on Instagram. She's always sending me cute shit along with very useful baby hacks. 
Oh, and the baby shower plans are coming together nicely. We're getting all the details sorted, and it's going to be a blast celebrating this with our friends and family.
One thing we did realize is that we haven't really thought much about baby names yet, but hey, we've got plenty of time to figure that out. No rush, right?
In our "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" segment, we're diving into Week 18. As we continue learning about pregnancy, we're growing more and more excited for this new chapter in our lives.
Now, let's talk highs and lows. On the high side, I'm stoked for our life insurance conference this week. I can't wait to catch up with friends, learn some awesome new updates from the company, and, of course, work on improving my craft.
Unfortunately, we hit a little snag with our water dispenser tank, and I think it's broken. Just one of those unexpected things that life throws at you.
In the news, Amanda discusses high blood pressure during pregnancy. It's important to be aware of potential health concerns and stay informed.
And of course, it wouldn't be an episode without some '90s nostalgia! Here are your questions:
What year were Pokémon cards released?
This famous trading card game was also released in 1996 and launched its first anime series in 1998. It's said to be less popular but much "cooler" than Pokémon. What's the name of the game?
And lastly, what was the main character or Trainer's name in Pokémon?
Thanks for tuning in, and stay tuned for more updates, insights, and some good ol' '90s fun. Until next time!

T2P Episode 37: It’s A Boy

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
Wow, what a week it has been! We had some interesting experiences, like my mom informing me she still saving mine and my sister's baby teeth—kinda gross! But hey, parents do all sorts of things out of love. Speaking of which, we did our gender reveal with great friends, and we're having a boy! It was a special moment, and I must admit, my heart is already melting just thinking about our little guy.
However, not everything was smooth sailing this week. The power went out for a whopping 10 hours, and to top it off, we had a flat tire in the scorching heat. It's the kind of week that tests your patience, that's for sure.
On a lighter note, it seems like sweating while shitting is becoming a common theme in our lives since moving to Mexico. Oh, the joys of living in a warmer climate!
In our "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" segment, we're diving into Week 17. As we learn more about pregnancy, we're better equipped to support our partners through this incredible journey.
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly the gender reveal, and honestly, I'm still in awe. But I do want to be honest with you all—I wasn't jumping for joy when we found out it was a boy. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for a healthy baby, and my heart is soft enough already. It's just that I was content either way, and that initial excitement was a bit subdued. But rest assured, I'm over the moon now, and I can't wait to meet our little prince.
Now, onto the news segment. Amanda discusses why extra calcium is necessary for pregnant women. It's crucial to understand the dietary needs during pregnancy to ensure the health of both mom and baby.
Our "Ask the Listeners" segment is thought-provoking this week. Did your parents ever physically discipline you as a child, and if so, did it negatively affect you later in life? We'd love to hear your experiences and insights on this topic.
And of course, we can't forget the '90s nostalgia segment. Here are your questions:
What character did Arnold Schwarzenegger play in "Batman & Robin"?
What is the dashing young star's name who played the lead role of Rick O'Connell in the movie series "The Mummy" released in 1999?
In "The Office," Michael Scott refers to a 1998 animated movie as being better than another one, while mentioning a story about Woody Allen. Which movie is he talking about?
And lastly, what year was the Walt Disney classic "Hercules" released?
Thanks for tuning in to another episode filled with parenting insights, laughs, and some '90s fun. Stay connected with us, and we can't wait to share more of our journey with you all. Until next time!
 

T2P Episode 36: Baby Registry, Sweaty Bathroom Dumps & Mommy Brain

Hey everyone, it's Shawn King, and welcome back to another episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
Today, we're diving into some interesting parenting topics, starting with saving kids' baby teeth. It's a tradition that some parents follow, and we want to hear your thoughts on it. Do you keep your kids' baby teeth as a memento? Or do you think it's unnecessary and a weird gift?
Speaking of kids and traditions, we'll be discussing what magical beliefs we will be instilling in our children and which we won't—the Tooth Fairy, the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, and more. It's all part of the wonder and joy of childhood, and we'd love to know which characters your kids believe in the most!
Now, let's get real for a moment. Living in Mexico has its quirks, and one thing we've gotten used to is sweating while shitting—yep, you heard that right! It's just one of those things that come with the territory. It's like a pre gym warmup routine ha. 
On a more creative note, I've been working on some fun coloring books for kids, and I'll share why I created them and how they can be a great source of entertainment and creativity for the little ones.
Moving on to Week 16 of "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook." We'll continue to explore the journey of pregnancy and how to support our partners during this special time. We should finally be finding out the sex of our baby this week which we're pretty excited about because then we get to partake in the name game.
As for the highs and lows of the week, we had a blast helping families and even celebrated our dog Nina's 10th birthday! However, a low but not really low point was dealing with a grumpy neighbor who didn't appreciate our dog using the community grass. I'll be leaving a little surprise for him later.
During our In the News segment, Amanda brings up an interesting topic—Is mom brain a real thing? We've all heard the term, but what does science say about it? Tune in to find out!
And now, we'd love to hear your top recommended item for brand new parents. Whether it's a baby product, a parenting hack, or a must-have item for the nursery, share your wisdom with our community.
And of course, we can't forget the '90s nostalgia segment. Here are your questions:
What year did the first Mortal Kombat movie come out?
Tell me one thing about the famous movie "The Truman Show" starring Jim Carrey.
Name one of the kids from the famous 1993 classic "The Sandlot."
And lastly, what year did the movie "Friday" come out?
As always, thanks for joining us on this parenting journey. We love sharing our experiences, insights, and a bit of '90s fun with you. Stay tuned for more episodes packed with laughs, discussions, and all things parenting. Until next time!

T2P Episode 35: NomNom or NoNo (Food Must Have’s & Must Not’s)

What's up everyone, welcome back to another exciting episode of the Trying 2 Parent Podcast!
We had a lot going on this week. We headed to Vegas for grandma's celebration of life, and it was heartwarming to be surrounded by family and reminisce about all the wonderful memories we shared with her.
On the bright side, we helped a couple of families this week, and knowing that we made a positive impact on their lives brings mucho happiness.
In some exciting news, we found out that Amanda's brother and his wife, Keith and Elizabeth, are expecting a baby boy! We can't wait to welcome another little one into the family.
I had another tattoo appointment to work on finishing up my chest piece. 
Now, onto a bit of frustration—our plans to bring our expensive crib back to Mexico hit a snag when our United flight didn't cooperate. We'll figure it out eventually, but it was definitely a low point for us. 
On a positive note, we got our teeth cleaned in Mexico. Dental care is essential, and it feels great to have a fresh and clean smile especially when they aren't trying to completely jack your mouth up like the last lady did to me in Washington.
Let's dive into Week 15 of "We're Pregnant: The First-Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook." It's always enlightening to learn more about the pregnancy journey and how to support our partners during this time. Our baby can finally breath, or so the book says. 
Highs for the week definitely included seeing my parents, sister, and her kids. Family time is precious, and we cherish those moments.
As for the lows, the crib mishap took the cake. But hey, there's always a solution, and we'll figure it out soon.
In the news segment, we'll discuss tailbone soreness during pregnancy. It's essential to address any discomforts and seek solutions to make the journey more comfortable.
And now, it's time for our favorite part—the '90s nostalgia segment! Let's test your '90s knowledge:
When did the first Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie come out? 
Do you remember the name of the movie Shaq released in 1996? 
In the famous 1997 classic "Spawn," who played the character of Spawn? 
Finally, name one of the four main cowboys from the classic western movie "Tombstone." These actors certainly left a lasting impression on us during the '90s!
That wraps up this week's episode of Trying 2 Parent. We hope you enjoyed the updates, discussions, and '90s nostalgia trip. As always, thank you for tuning in, and we'll catch you next time with more exciting parenting insights and stories. Stay tuned!