What’s the most entrepreneurial thing you can do? Have a family of course. Starting your own “home office” and grooming your kids to take over your business empire is the American way. And for new fathers, or fathers-to-be, a first Father’s Day, on Sunday, June 18, could be the most memorable and meaningful of them all.
Dr. Veronica Gillispie, an OB/GYN at Ochsner Baptist Medical Center, 2700 Napoleon Ave., said there are many first-time fathers preparing for this life-changing event, and they’ll have to adjust to new responsibilities without getting too overwhelmed.
The first part of a baby business plan is to be aware of pregnancy symptoms. Dr. Gillispie said expectant dads are susceptible to “couvade syndrome” or sympathetic pregnancy. That means men can suffer from insomnia, nausea, mood swings, food cravings and even labor pains.
To alleviate the angst of financial plans, medical procedures and a life changing baby overhaul, Dr. Gillispie suggests turning to your partner for support and reassurance to cope with stress.
Once a new dad has a newborn in his arms, panic may set in. Dr. Gillispie said to remain calm because a baby can feel your alarm and end up crying even more.
She also suggests creating your own baby network of people to reach out to for help and advice, to stock up with quick and easy meals to grab in times of chaos and to buy plenty of baby essentials including baby food and diapers.
Last, she said to get ready for the delivery room. Fathers can play an important role during that first “Golden Hour,” Dr. Gillispie said, and help facilitate the cutting of the umbilical cord and share first time family bonding moments after a baby is born.
For more information about Ochsner Baptist’s couples prenatal classes
If you’re planning to celebrate a new dad this weekend, head over to The Shops at Canal Place, 333 Canal St., on Saturday, June 17. There will be live music in the atrium and complimentary wine and Abita beer for guests, 21 and older, to enjoy from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Entertainment will include:
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Jesse Reeks on piano
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Garden District Jazz Trio
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Kris Tokarski on piano
Exclusive designer boutiques and stores, including Saks Fifth Avenue, vineyard vines, Donald J Pliner and Brooks Brothers, will be offering summer specials all day, from 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Validated parking rates in the garage will be available with proof of a $20 or more purchase or combined purchases from any shop or food court location within The Shops at Canal Place.
This event is free and open to the public.
A thoughtful gift idea for a new dad with a new baby is a Pre-K book.
New Orleans author and illustrator Michelle Hirstius just released a new children’s book called “Mr. Wacky Mustachey Mustache You A Question.”
Already known for her successful children’s book series “Juju The GOOD Voodoo,” Hirstius took a $168 investment to publish 30 books for her first title. She has since sold more than 15,000 books and created a publishing business featuring seven titles.
She will host a book launch party Saturday, June 17, at Café du Bone Dog Bakery and Boutique in Olde Towne, Slidell, from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., for her first book in the Mr. Wacky Mustachey series.
The Pre-K hardcover shows Mr. Wacky Mustachey meeting some wacky farm animals and asking then some wacky questions.
Hirstius said children and adults alike will enjoy her 32 pages of fun and colorful illustrations.
A dad can be the foundation of a family, a towering strength of reason, compassion, knowledge and power. If your dad fits this bill, consider gifting him with a copy of “Statuesque New Orleans” by local photographer Ashley Merlin.
From war memorials to heroes, musicians and distinguished sculptors, Merlin’s coffee table book explores metropolitan statuesque scenes – from St. Charles Avenue to the Mississippi River, Kenner and Chalmette.
Featuring photographs of 126 of New Orleans’ famous, but often underappreciated, statues and monuments, the book also supports their restoration. A portion of proceeds from book sales are donated to organizations maintaining and refurbishing more than two centuries of priceless New Orleans sculptures.
Merlin said “Statuesque New Orleans” is the only comprehensive guide and history book highlighting statues found throughout New Orleans, and includes 10 neighborhood maps and indexes of every statue by name and artist.
Merlin is a Where Y’Art artist and has served on the boards of the American Society of Media Photographers New Orleans/Gulf South chapter and University of New Orleans’ Fine Arts Advisory Board.
Her book costs $45 and is available at Octavia Books, New Orleans Museum of Art, Barnes & Noble, Chateau Drugs & Gifts and online here.
On Father’s Day, enjoy a classic Creole brunch, live jazz and $12 bottomless mimosas at Broussard’s, 819 Conti St.
Book a table, from 10:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., in the historic courtyard and choose from Napoleon Benedict, handmade English muffins, house Canadian bacon, soft poached eggs, asparagus and classic Hollandaise; raspberry mascarpone stuffed pain perdu, New Orleans style French toast with maple glazed bacon, fresh berries and toasted almonds; and the pecan crusted grilled loin chop with Creole honey mustard, ginger whipped sweet potatoes and warm chicory salad. And don’t forget the sides including stone ground grits, sweet potato biscuit with andouille gravy and jumbo lump crabmeat.
Valet parking is available.
And whether you’re celebrating a new dad or a seasoned dad on Father’s Day, a free drink will always be appreciated.
Trinity, 1117 Decatur St., is offering a complimentary glass of draught beer, house wine or a signature cocktail to pair with any entrée during Father’s Day Sunday brunch and dinner.
Choose from a variety of menu favorites including French toast a la mode with brioche, vanilla ice cream and Ponchatoula strawberries ($12); lobster roll and chips with flying fish roe, yogurt and brioche ($15); blackened lamb chops with cauliflower, braised cabbage, toasted walnuts and fried sage ($33); or grilled pork tenderloin with carrot puree, lardons, spaghetti squash and fried pickles ($30).
Classic cocktails include The Whistle Pig Sazerac with Whistle Pig rye whiskey, Peychaud’s bitters and herbsaint ($16) and the Bulleit Bourbon Old Fashioned with Bulleit bourbon whiskey, orange bitters and Luxardo cherries ($12).
