Rule 063 | Babies Take Way More Work Than Podcasts

Explicit content warning

11/08/17 • 56 min

Still no plans to have kids of our own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t put our (amateur) parenting skills to good use. Jessie gives Gerard a pep talk while he processes his emotions, and we both resolve to be better about arguing with generous amounts of grace. QUICK BITES: Looking for the backstory on our parenting status? Ep 40 is where we dig in to the personal decision that we get asked about at LEAST twice a week. Jessie recently opened up in a blog post about motherhood doubts from an intentional non-mom. We’re excited about the short-term voluntary care organization that we volunteer with, and you should definitely check to see if there is a Safe Families chapter in your area! Gerard comes clean about a WIDE range of emotions: sadness, relief, guilt, confusion... We’ve both changed our minds at least once throughout this process, but wholeheartedly agree that being generous is our priority. We've learned that accepting help from our church family has been the only way to survive our first care-taking placement. Gerard has a propensity for correcting Jessie when she gives inaccurate statements. There are “no buts” about the fact that arguing fairly requires a willingness to be wrong every once in awhile. Saying "YES, AND" is a very useful marriage tip when communicating with your partner -- Whether you’re playing an actual improv game or decided where to go for dinner, we highly recommend agreeing with each other as a way to move the moment forward.

Previous Episode

Rule 062 | It Only Takes One Spouse To Change A Lightbulb

Jessie admits to a birthday wishlist that is “dirtier” than most, and Gerard is determined to wiggle out of cleaning the house. Conflict bubbles up from the home management department and both Peppers decide to toss the “honey do’s” straight into the compost pile.

Next Episode

Rule 064 | A Unified Marriage Makes The Best Goal Line Defense

QUICK BITES:

+ Gerard has been working nearly around the clock and Jessie is trying to be a good sport amidst the crazy schedule. Listen to another surprisingly accurate sports reference in Episode 33, where we chat about living with chronic pain + college basketball.

+ Past birthday hurts propel most of Gerard’s decisions on taking PTO days celebrate, but everything goes out the window when he lets work-stress take over his week.

+ Being overwhelmed about work feels oddly (and unfortunately) familiar to both of the Peppers. Listen to another episode about Gerard’s perpetually crammed calendar and then hear what happens when Jessie eventually turns into a work widow.

+ Jessie has a rage black out when Gerard lapses on his husbandly-duties, but Gerard is quick to forgive because the apology was sincere.

+ Emojis and iMessages are no longer healthy elements of our communication, but hashing out our cell phone preferences has oddly seemed to help.

+ Gerard has spoken about his unhealthy cell phone relationship on the show twice before and now it’s apparent that his struggle is an annual thing.

+ Identity theft is a valid concern for Jessie (something she happens to share with this past podcast guest), but Gerard brings a dose of reality that finally gets her back on track.

TRIGGER QUESTIONS:

1.) What is one thing that you'd like to receive more grace about from your partner this week?

2.) What are some of the actual symptoms that help you recognize when your spouse is stressed out?

3.) Which partner is more paranoid about things like identity fraud and conspiracy theories?