Business, Blogging And Becoming A Dad
The last few weeks have been a little less than insane as I’ve been bombarded with all kinds of different life experiences and seeming to only have 23 hours a day to do it all. I’ve enjoyed the steady flow of traffic from zenhabits as I’ve been promoting my different online ventures with Leo’s awesome blog. I’ve been trying to maintain a level of quality with my blog posts that has kept me from just taking a quick break and tapping out an average message. This has kept my post count quite low, but I think it’s worth it to keep my homepage packed with, as Leo calls them, ‘High Impact Posts’. And finally, Liz birthed us a little baby boy on Tuesday, the 19th of this month. That event shook things up well beyond normal and just past insane!
First, Let’s Talk Baby
OK, so the baby stuff is what most of you want to hear about, or maybe I’m just most eager to share, but either way, he’s finally here and I’m finally a member of club dad.
At 5lb 15oz’s little Tyson really lived up to his LT name. He’s actually 20 inches long so he’s no shrimp, but he’s got my thin bone structure that makes people wrap their hands around your skinny wrists and say, “DUDE, I could like wrap my fingers around like three of your wrists!” (Once they realize I don’t have three wrists, I’m already gone…but enough about. me 
)
Labor was quite intense to say the least. Liz started having contractions at about 10:30pm Monday night, but they weren’t past the, “Wow, I think I just had a contraction?” stage until about 1 or 2 am. By 3:30am she was starting to panic a bit, saying she wasn’t sure about the fact that we were still at home. By 3:45am we were waiting for the Dr. to call back and running around the house in a controlled panic (if there is such a thing).
We arrived at the hospital by 4:30am and Liz had the wonderful pleasure of screaming all the way up the elevator. OK, so she held it in pretty well, but the poor thing was hollering on the inside, I could tell. By the time we got to our room, she was in the bathroom hollering on the outside.
The Dr. came in to check on her and could tell by the noise that she was definitely in full labor. So we spent the next few hours laboring in different places, from the tub, to the oddly shaped bed to the birthing ball. Refusing the epidural, Liz was left with a few shots of Fentanyl to take the edge off. This got her through a bit more of the birthing pains, but by 6am she was pretty spent.
She laid in her bed while the Dr. came into tell her, “Your 6 centimeters. If you plan on having and epidural, now is the cutoff time.” Liz, being beaten down by the intense contractions, started to question her resolve. She wasn’t sure if she could take much more of the pain without some kind of relief, but because we had spent a lot of time over the past month talking about the subject, I encouraged her to stick it out (women reading this, please don’t punch me through your computer screen. I promise she was glad I did. )
I knew it was her spirit that was most badly beaten so I got her to stand up and do the slow dance I like to call ‘the 8 centimeter Waltz’. For the next 2 hours we rocked back and forth, her head on my shoulder, working through each contraction. Our focus was to forget the past, relax in the present and not worry about the future. Without this, she would be in constant stress over everything that had happened, was happening and was about to happen (kind of like life, you know).
By 8am Liz told the nurse that she felt like the baby was much further down, as if he might drop out. So she checked her and sure enough she was 10 centimeters and ready to push.
Liz later said that the pushing was an amazingly empowering process. That it was the part of the labor where she had some form of control. Finally she was able to do something with the contractions, not just bare them.
The time between the first push and Tyson’s first little cry was only about 45 minutes. Being right there to see the whole thing (heck, I held her left leg for each push), I was blown away at the amazing process that takes place to bring a baby into the world. And when he found his way onto Liz’s chest for the first time, we looked at each other with an amazement and joy that seemed to erase the past 10 hours of pain and uncertainty.
We had a son, he had a full head of dark brown hair and…we had a son! 
Everything is going great and we’re loving every minute of it! OK, so there have been a few hiccups here and there and we’re not quite enjoying the sleep routine that we once had (though it’s Liz that is baring the brunt of that burden…I can’t work if I can’t keep my eyes open…once again ladies, please don’t hurt me…) Seriously, Liz is loving every minute of motherhood. And speaking of mothers, hers has been in town for the last week helping us with everything from meals to shopping to feeding to just giving her motherly moral support. Mother-In-Laws get a bad wrap, but mine is nothing short of amazing!
OK, Now Let’s Get Down To Business
I just wanted to update you on my latest biz banter, if you don’t mind.
I’ve had the wonderful privilege of renting a bit of prime advertising real estate on zenhabits for the last month and will be able to utilize it through the month of June as well. Let me first say that I know few banner spots better on the Internet for reaching a rich audience of loyal blog followers. Leo’s readers are some of the nicest, most valuable web surfers to grace the digits of my Google Analytics. I’m not a sales pitch kind of guy and they’re not interested being pitched a sale. I just get to share my products and services to a much larger audience and it’s been a real blessing to say the least.
Turning a product into a service and a service into a product.
My two online businesses, frugal Theme Dot Com and frugal Site Design, are a perfect match of product and service. I’ve created a product, the frugal Wordpress Theme and I use that particular theme to serve those who need a custom website.
I’ve been giving the frugal Theme away for free for the past few months now, but have recently created a Premium version that I sell, along with single and multi-use licences. There’s still a free one available, but both the free and Premium versions have been updated with cleaner code and many enhancements. And for those who just want it all done for them or who need a professionally customized version, they contact me over at frugal Site Design and hire me for the job.
By the way, for anyone interested, there’s a 40% payout for affiliates on all frugal products! (I just had to throw that in. )
It’s been a great fit for me and seems to have been a good one for my clients as well. So I couldn’t be happier about the venture and hope to take what I’ve learned and am continuing to learn about the unique challenges of online business and share them with my wonderful Motivate Thyself readers.
Finally, About Blogging
I know this isn’t a blog about blogging, but I figured I could sneak this in here and hope no one really notices.
I’ve really changed my blogging/writing style over the last 4 months or so as I’ve had less time and less desire to create ‘pretty good’ content. I’ve dropped my 4 to 5 posts a week schedule and picked up a more ‘post when you’ve really got something worth sharing (and the time to effectively share it)’ kind of mindset. I couldn’t get out of my head the idea that as a blogger who wants to regularly WOW his readers, I can’t afford to let my home page fill with mediocrity. That words should not tap into the confines of my frugal Theme framework without first passing the test of personal passion for the piece in mind.
One of my fears when I first considered this shift was that I would lose a lot of my regular traffic. I was afraid that my readers might come to think I had closed shop. Yet I was pleasantly surprised to instead find a much greater influx of both regular readers and now and again traffic. More of my content was being shared with the rest of the blogging community and I found a greater respect for the voice I was sharing.
This is not to say that every blog is meant for heavy hitting posts a few times a month. Certainly the world of blogging would get quite boring if every place we landed tried to feed us a few thousand words in a sitting. This is what I love about blogging and Internet content in general. We can go from one place that gave us an inspiring snippet of encouragement, to another that teaches us an important new skill and then to yet another that makes us lol so hard that we can’t help but tweet about it. It’s all essential stuff and all apart of a wonderfully complete blogging experience.
Final Thoughts
I guess what I’m finding as I’m typing these words, is that my time is limiting, but my experience is richening. I’m working harder than ever, but on projects that matter to me and with new family members that constantly make me smile.
The Internet has been good to me. It has allowed me to work at home and watch every minute of my sons first moments while assisting my wonderful wife as she cares for him. It has brought the world to my fingertips and me to the world. It has introduced me to an amazing community and allowed me to gain new friends and enjoy their loving support.
Thanks for taking these moments to catch up on my latest life experiences and I hope you maybe even took away a tip or two. Either way, I just wanted to thank all who have been so supportive over these stressful and tiring weeks and just let you know that I won’t forget it.
’till my next post (or a little shoulder tap on Twitter )…
Eric
P.S. You’re always welcome to follow me on Twitter, but if you’re interested keeping up with Liz and her exciting new adventure, be sure to give her a follow as well.
60 Responses to “Business, Blogging And Becoming A Dad”
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Congratulations Eric, I’m really happy for you man. Good luck with the business side of things as well, I’m sure you’ll be motivated to work even harder with another mouth to feed
P.S. I see he has already adopted your 45 degree head tilt
Glen Allsopp’s last blog post..7 Days of Pure Self-Discipline – You In?
Hey Glen, thanks for the congrats and encouragement.
By the way, I was thinking about copyrighting the ‘head tilt’. What do you think?
Eric
No worries man, do it
Congratulations Eric! on your new son and all your new business ventures. It’s all great.
Thanks Bonnie!
Eric
Good post. Engaging.
My philosophy on posting is that people should do what fits their unique skills best. And what they believe will create the greatest demand for reading their specific blog. Further… some things are best expressed in smaller posts, others in longer posts. All depends on what you have to say and the best way to deliver that message.
Not to mention… we should take a real look at whats out there, who we’re competing against and figure out ways to offer something they cannot.
Bamboo Forest – PunIntended’s last blog post..Thought of the Day
Hey Bamboo, it’s been some of our conversations that have helped solidify this blogging style. I appreciate and respect your opinion. Eric
I’m glad life is treating you well, Eric. And for the blogging, I do prefere this style of writing ;].
Enjoy your new present.
IvánPérez’s last blog post..Is Home Clutter Separating You From Your Dreams?
Thanks Ivan. And I’m glad you like it too.
Eric
Big hugs to you and Liz on the new little guy. Can’t wait to see his first Tweet!
Thanks Scott! I’m sure he’ll be tweeting before we know it.
Eric
Eric,
First – congratulations to you and Liz – Tyson is one handsome guy. And the two of you are the best parents he could ask for, I know that. You worked hard and now you have him. Enjoy every moment.
Second – on to frugal. I love it – I think it’s the coolest theme around, and the stuff you’ve done with the premium version is well worth the money (so expect an order soon – I’m still working on the wording etc. for my new site, but it is going to be spectacular on frugal).
Last but not least – as you know, we all have the same amount of time in a given day.
And you know what, when I became a parent, I really started doing what was important to me, and my family. Making every second count. I mean, we can still have fun and all (that’s what quick jabs on Twitter are good for!), but I’ve largely done the same thing on my own blog.
I still post there, when inspiration strikes. But I make sure it is something that really counts.
If anything, traffic stayed the same or went up.
Maybe the signal to noise ratio made the difference.
Anyway – keep up the great work, on all fronts – and once again, congratulations. I am very happy for you!
Brett Legree’s last blog post..turning point.
Hey Brett, thanks for the congrats and great comments!
I can’t wait to see your new project!
It sounds like you’ve found the blogging style that works for you and therefore will give you the greatest success in the long run.
All the best! Eric
Eric – you’re welcome – you’ve worked hard, so kudos where they are due (Liz – you worked hard too, believe me, as a dad I know the bulk of the work was done by my Cathryn – I just lent a hand where needed…)
I have a feeling you’ll see the new project before anyone else (I’ll need a hand with frugal I think, I have a few ideas and you’re the master – more to follow by email soon).
-Brett
Brett Legree’s last blog post..turning point.
Congratulations to you and Liz! I appreciate you sharing the pics and the experience.
Also, keep up the good work on the Frugal business, as well as, the blog.
Dave
Do You Dave Ramsey?’s last blog post..Link Round-up – My New Job Edition
Hey Dave, thanks for the congrats. I’ll keep up the good work and you do the same!
Eric
I love ‘the 8 centimeter Waltz’. It’s great that Liz (hi Liz! – and Tyson!) was able to get through everything without an epidural. I understand why some women want them, but they are far too routine, IMO. It’s unsettling that they used to drug women to the gills in the past (the 1940s, for example). My grandmother was so drugged up that she couldn’t push. The doctors had to pull my mom out with forceps. My mom had marks on the side of her head for a couple of years afterward (they would show when she cried – contrast of her healthy skin and the scarred skin
).
I totally agree with you about when to blog. Forcing it doesn’t work for me. There just always seems to be a timely time to post, if that makes sense. I’ll often edit and reformat posts a lot, too, which takes time so it can take me a whlie to get something out there I’m okay with.
frugal Theme is fantastic. I bought the premium version with multi user license – the full package. It will help me greatly with any sites I develop from now on. I was poised to buy another premium theme and then thankfully I found out about frugal!
All the best Eric, Liz and Tyson
~ Lillea
PS I’m intrigued by your comment options (‘record or choose a video’ + the drop down list). I have never seen that before on sites. Can you tell me more about that?
Hey Lillea, I’m totally with you on this one. The way they birthed babies in the 40’s and 50’s was down right scary. Just thinking about it gives me the creeps.
I really appreciate your business and hope you thoroughly enjoy frugal. It should be a great tool for Wordpress website development.
The video commenting feature you mentioned is a plugin called ‘Viddler Wordpress Plugin’ (I know, catchy name, right?!).
It allows the commenter to create a video response right from the comment section. You just need to have a Viddler account to create a Viddler video response, but it’s pretty cool. Eric
Oh yes, creepy is a good word for what they used to do to mothers in labour (I’m Canadian so we put a u in labour. Well, some of us do).
Thank you for the link to the plugin! I’m always keen to find out about cool things like that. My blog has a lot of WordPress related posts – that’s what people are most interested in when they visit, it seems. I added a nice endorsement for frugal Theme the other day.
It was too much work to change that particular blog’s theme to frugal – probably because my colors and formatting are so tied to that theme (Mandigo)- but I’m putting frugal Theme on many other sites so it will get great use!
I like the threaded comments and the ability to edit – makes things a lot easier to follow/read.
~ Lillea
Eric & Liz –
Congratulations on your beautiful baby boy!
Vi | Maximizing Utility’s last blog post..Diminishing marginal utility of money
Thanks Vi! Eric
Congratulations about your baby! It’s great that your wife stuck to her decision about not having any epidural, with your encouragement of course!! Also congratulations to new beginnings of your internet business. May you achieve greater fulfillment and success with it!
Evelyn Lim’s last blog post..Life Lessons by Warrior of the Light
Thanks! Liz was really glad she stuck it out, but totally empathizes with those who cannot. The bottom line is, the next labor may take longer and she may end up needing it. I think you really have to take it one baby at a time and not remove it as an option, but she definitely enjoyed the benefits of not having one. Especially the quick recovery time. Eric
Eric
Tyson is perfect! What joy has come into your life. Congrats to you and Liz. Oh the adventures that await…
I’ve downloaded your frugal theme to update one of my sites. I’m really excited about how great it looks and how easy it is to customize. Looks like your business ventures are really taking off.
P.S. I delivered my three daughters naturally and wouldn’t have done it any other way. And I think you should copyright the held tilt – it’s just so you.
kathy’s last blog post..A Blog Card for My Mom – Happy Mother’s Day
Isn’t he though?!
Thanks!
I hope you enjoy frugal and I’m working hard to make frugalTheme.com a great place for support as well. Hopefully frugal users find it helpful.
Yeah, we’re planning on three ourselves. We’ll see. Eric
“Refusing the epidural, Liz was left with a few shots of Fentanyl to take the edge off.”
I. Am. So. Impressed.
I have already spoken with Chris about not wanting an epidural. I wish I could say I was motivated by concerns about damage to my child, but I have to be honest, that concern runs a distant second to the the whole giant-needle-in-my-spine thing.
I can’t tell you how heartwarming and beautiful it is that you were 100% present and with her. Knowing that your husband is ‘with you’ makes you feel like you can face anything. The waltz idea, of your mindful connected presence, just amazing.
Hayden Tompkins’s last blog post..How to File Bankruptcy
Yeah, Liz was a tough cookie, but as I mentioned to Evelyn, every labor is different and she might not have bee able to hold out if it hadn’t been fairly quick. But I think having the resolve from the get go is super important. And YES, the big scary needle is a good deterrent!
Thanks for the encouraging comments Hayden. Eric
Congrats!! I can’t even imagine how wonderful it is to watch the process and realize the day has finally arrived. I do hope you both get to sleep soon! On another note I appreciate your update on business. It gives us other bloggers insight into how you do things. Best of luck to you with advertising. Zen habits is def a great platform for building readership.
I too found that writing articles that make an impact on a less frequent basis is appreciated. I found people started to comment a hell of a lot more. When I’m passionate about a topic it reads through in my writing. I too have decided to write only what most benefits my readers, but still stays inline with my passions.
Cheers from Melbourne!
Amber’s last blog post..Stuck Inside This Summer? 4 Tips To Make Sure You Don’t Miss Out
Hey Amber, it’s great to hear from you from Melbourne! That’s so awesome!
I’m glad you appreciated the biz info and possibly found it useful.
Yeah, the posting by a schedule vs. posting when the time is right just doesn’t work well for many blogs out there. It just depends on the content, though. Some certainly need that consistency more than quality. Eric
Eric,
Obviously a huge congratulations is in order for the birth of baby Tyson. That’s just awesome…there’s no other way to put it.
It sounds like you have a lot of great things going on right now – enough to keep you more than busy that’s for sure. It just goes to show you what hard work and resolve can lead to.
I really have enjoyed reading your recent, less frequent posts. It really gives me something to look forward to when a new one is published.
Thanks!
Jake | Revive Your Life’s last blog post..The Importance of Sustainable Farming
Thanks Jake! I’m definitely busy, no doubt about it, but YES, things are going well.
I’m glad you’re enjoying my posting style. It helps to know it’s being well received. Eric
Congrats Eric. I hear nothing changes a man more than becoming a Dad. Hopefully, I will be there soon
“I’ve really changed my blogging/writing style over the last 4 months or so as I’ve had less time and less desire to create ‘pretty good’ content. I’ve dropped my 4 to 5 posts a week schedule and picked up a more ‘post when you’ve really got something worth sharing (and the time to effectively share it)’ kind of mindset. I couldn’t get out of my head the idea that as a blogger who wants to regularly WOW his readers, I can’t afford to let my home page fill with mediocrity. That words should not tap into the confines of my frugal Theme framework without first passing the test of personal passion for the piece in mind.”
I had the same experience in the beginning of this year. I mostly post 2x a week on Yinyang, if that sometimes. I was reminded that while the blog is shared by many, it was started as a benefit to me. My goals were to learn about social media and increase my writing skills. I can say that I have achieved those. When I altered my goals for a bit to try and increase traffic, I lost focus on the content, which was not true to my original intentions. I may not grow as fast as I could, but in the end, I feel I have a richer, almost cult like, audience who enjoy the reading the kind of stuff i enjoy writing.
Reading that paragraph brought a smile to my face b/c at least I’m not the only one who feels that way.
Peter James’s last blog post..Are You A Problem Solver or a Problem Evolver?
Thanks Peter!
Yep! Great minds think alike, right?!
Definitely the way to go for our style of content/writing, I think. Eric
Wow Eric,
Wonderful post and wonderful thread of comments. I read fast and I think I’ve been here for half an hour already! Congratulations on everything, my man. Especially Tyson of course, but all your blogging success also. You know what you’re doing and you’re doing it remarkably well. Great job – life is delivering the starting seeds of all you deserve.
Writer Dad’s last blog post..May
Thanks Sean! I’m glad you enjoyed the content. I know you know EXACTLY where I’m coming from.
I appreciate the vote of encouragement! Eric
Hi Eric,
Congrats to you and Liz! He is so precious and I love the feet photo. Sounds like you’re doing great on all of your new biz adventures. Good for you! Tess
Tess The Bold Life’s last blog post..Magic Mondays with Castle Baths
Thanks Tess! Eric
“I guess what I’m finding as I’m typing these words, is that my time is limiting, but my experience is richening. I’m working harder than ever, but on projects that matter to me and with new family members that constantly make me smile.”
Yay you’re LIVING
Congrats to you and Liz! Looking forward to seeing whats in store! I know you will continue to go places
Yes, living. Great way of putting it! Thanks for the kind words. Eric
Congratulations to you and to Liz! Tyson is a beautiful little boy. Best wishes to all.
Looks like your blog is growing up right along with your new son. Keep up the good work on all counts.
Hey Susan, thanks! He’s a handsome little guy, isn’t he?! See, I can say that without sounding boastful because he’s my son.
Everything is going great and you’ve been a wonderful help. Especially with the branding advice. Much appreciated! Eric
Hi Eric,
Again, congratulations to you and Liz on the arrival of little Tyson. He is a little doll – of course, I don’t have to tell you that.
Congrats also on the success of your online businesses. I know you love what you do and it shows in the quality of work you put out. I wish you nothing but the best for the future.
Barbara Swafford’s last blog post..Liar, Liar
Thanks Barbara! You’ve been a great help to me and I appreciate it. Eric
Congratulations Eric and Liz! Tyson is cutie.
Peter
Thanks Peter! Eric
Congratulations and welcome to parenthood. Remember to take care of yourself first during this very busy time in your life.
Stacey / Create a Balance’s last blog post..Self First
Thanks Stacey!
Yeah, we’re trying. Liz, especially, is quite sleep deprived. Right now I’m watching little Tyson so she can take a needed nap.
It’s great advice, though, because if we’re not taking care of ourselves, our sons care will go down hill as well. Great tip!
Eric
He’s gorgeous! Wishing you all good things!
janice’s last blog post..A Patchwork Post: Authenticity Quotes, Book Giveaway Winners, Link Love and Spiritual Pioneering
Thanks Janice! We really appreciate that.
Eric
Wow, it doesn’t seem that long ago that we were looking at ultrasound pictures, and now here he is. He is quite the handsome lad. Just look at all that hair! I am so happy for you and Liz. Give her a big squeeze for me for doing it without the epidural. It is so hard, but well-worth it. My daughter just had her baby boy eight weeks ago. She said, “Sometimes a whole hour will pass and I will realize that all I have done for the past hour is stare at him.” I’m sure you know just how she feels.
Randi’s last blog post..My Bucket List
Yeah, time flies doesn’t it?! Thanks for the kind words, Randi.
Liz said a very similar thing. That she could just stair at Tyson forever. Eric
awesome.
now I know, what I´l be doing this evening with my not-anymore-so-baby-boy – cuddling up on the carpet and looking at baby photos. he loves that.
I well remember the feeling to want to stare at that little creature forever ^^ I was afraid he´d evaporate into thin air, go off to be an angel or s.th again if I wasn´t looking for a second
all the best to your family!
Thanks Nea! Time does fly and there’s no doubt we need to cherish each moment.
Eric
Congratulations on the birth of your son. My son recently turned 13 months the other week. In a world where everyone is scrambling to find meaning, the moment my son was born, everything made sense. Now that you are father, you probably can relate to this.
Having a child makes you be a better person, more motivated and more dedicated. Enjoy every moment and whenever you have a rough day, just pull up a picture of your son. I guarantee you that whatever was bothering you, will melt away.
Hey Jason, you’re right about that! I’m enjoying every moment and much of the rest of my life seems a bit less important when I’m around him. Eric
Hey, a little late, but – CONGRATS!! Man, welcome to the crazy world of parenting
I’m sure you’ll be a great dad…. all the best!
Ross’s last blog post..Does integrity count for anything?
Thanks Ross! It’s too late for congratulations.
Eric
Wow, congrats on being a dad and being able to still blog.
Hi Eric,
This is all great news! Im happy for you!
Cheers,
Jeremy
This is great. I love how you tied in your sons’ birth and still made a valid helpful blog post.