This week, Charles and Shireen dive right in to the latest adjustment in their household; Carter (baby #2) is here and maternity leave/paternity leave are inn full effect!  Charles is back in his R&B HouseParty bag now that he's on paternity leave, and Shireen talks about going back to work from home after 5mo with the baby. She says she can get distracted by nursing, taking supplements, and balancing her mental

(3:08-4:14). Charles talks about wanting to be the Tom Joyner of our generation, sharing the fun side and the business savvy side. He says having a mini him in CJ felt so perfect, he didn't know it could get even better having 2

(5:20-7:55). They discuss their different takes on timing; Charles wasn't ready for another kid the same time Shireen was, and then was impatient once he got on board, finally conceiving after 9mo

(9:34-14:30). Despite having in-house support from Charles' mother Shontina, which Shireen loves, Charles has a hard time being fully comfortable as the man of his house. To the kids, grandma can do no wrong, same dynamic with Charles and his grandmother

(16:10-20:10). Charles talks about this difference between 1-2 kids, wants to stay home more, event scheduling is done around family now. CJ is a sweet sensitive child and both parents work to make sure hes always nurtured. They make it a point to designate one on one time with both kids. Charles/CJ time is getting haircuts together

(23:02-29:10). Shireen shares that she had baby blues but not full postpartum depression with CJ. She didn't know what she needed and couldn't articulate it. Charles struggled trying to find a solution so just implored that the best thing he could do was just be there to listen. He surprised her with her NY friends for her birthday. Shireen's sacrifice uprooting to the west coast didn't go unnoticed by Charles. From the bay to LA, they prayed constantly. "Your blessing isn't your comfort zone"-Shireen

(30:00-38:09). They're happy to know/have more knowledge and support with baby #2, so the prayers are to be richer and richer since childcare is expensive(private school, larger house). The couple advise everyone considering expanding their family to communicate with their partners and families. Consult doctors, ladies talk to other mothers/like minded people. Check on your strong friends and strong parents

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In their very first episode, Charles and Shireen introduce themselves to the audience walk them through how long it has taken to conceive this podcast. Since participating in the 'Black Love' TV series and having their second baby last year, life has been life-ing! (1:20-1:45) Shireen admits to getting in her own way and Charles encourages her to step into her main character energy. (2:00-3:45) Shireen shares where the title "For Better Or Best" came from (5:00-6:10). Charles is a bit of a perfectionist, and it shows in his work/family life (7:10-7:45) Both talk a bit about their origin story. They worked together and became friends but weren't romantic for a while(11:30-14:40) They were long distance for most of their pre-marital relationship.(16:00-17:02) Charles also shares his recent vysectomy experience; explaining the process, the thoughts that led to the decision and addressing the stigmas for Black men surrounding their "manhood". Shireen expresses her gratitude and clearly states she doesn't want anymore children after her 2 C-sections and also wants the freedom of not being on birth control anymore. Adoption or surrogacy might be an option but not yet.