I watched more babies that were not my own than I can keep track of. However, in saying that my point is nothing can ever truly prepare you for being a mommy than actually being a mommy. There are a few things I wished I would have known like…………..1.) Nothing is ever like you plan. Your baby starts to sleep through the night… is on the right track and then all of a sudden wakes up every two hours just because. You put your baby down for two hour nap and he is wide awake thirty minutes later just as you step into the shower. Or you put your baby down for a quick nap and tell someone you will be there shortly only to have your baby take a three hour nap and you keep checking on him just to make sure he is still breathing.
2.) I had more baby clothes than I knew what to do with but all I really needed were some burp rags!!! All those awkward moments when you are covered in milk and baby is drowning and your not sure what is getting in his mouth or just get all over you and everything else, a few more burp rags would have been nice.
3. Go with the flow… roll with the punches…. whatever just relax and enjoy the ride….. every single minute and every moment. Take the advice you like, ignore the advice you don’t. Sleep in and snuggle. Wear your pajamas unashamedly all day every day and don’t worry about cleaning. Eat rocky road ice cream…. you need the extra calories. And kisses…. don’t ever forget you can NEVER get enough sweet baby kisses. Those cheeks are so soft just eat em up!
4. Breastfeeding is the land of the unknown…. I was prepared for labor and delivery and poopy diapers and not sleeping but why didn’t I think about preparing myself for that??? Who knows. Once you got it down you got it down but it’s the getting there that takes time…. I just didn’t realize it would take effort. Silly me.
5. All the books say do this or don’t do that…. but at the end of the day if it works for you than who cares as long as you and baby are happy. If your baby wants to be held all day and that’s ok with you than why not. There is not one right way to do something. The “right way” is whatever is right for you. I am glad I figured this out sooner rather than later. Just not caring and enjoying every minute and not worrying about doing things “right or wrong” was one of the best choices I made. your baby will never know if you are just making things up on the fly… it’s his first time too!
6. When people say to sleep when the baby sleeps… IT”S IMPOSSIBLE!! It’s a noble attempt however when all you can think about is your new little baby and stare at that little face before you know it nap time is done and you are still wide awake. Being tired is actually your own fault. They just can’t help it if they are so stinkin cute!
7. I wish I would have put some money aside to get myself some post-pregnancy clothes. Nothing fits normal after you have had a baby… even when you lose all the weight it just fits funny. Baby looks so cute but man after wearing the same thing every day you wished you would have thought things through a little better.
8. I bought 8 of the same bottles only to discover he hated them and then had to try out a bunch more till we found one that worked. If I had to do it again I would have gotten one at a time to see which ones he liked best.
9. I had so many cute outfits for him the first 0-3 months and he ended up wearing the same things over and over cause they were more comfortable. One piece soft jammie like outfits are the best for a new baby… so much more snuggly than the froofy ones that are so cute but never got worn.
10. The boppy is the most amazing all purpose device. Can be used at the beginning to sit on while healing. Then as a pillow to prop his head up while playing, and now to help him stay balanced while he sits.
11. I wish I would have stocked up on healthy snack food. It is so easy to forget to eat when all you are thinking about is baby’s needs. It would have been helpful to have more options on hand when I didn’t really want to cook or make myself something.
12. Poopy blow out messes are really hard to get out of clothing… car seats…. you name it. Be prepared for anything. I had no idea it could get so out of control and so frequently.
13. I had no clue my hormones could make me so possessive. I had panick attacks that people were going to take my baby away from me. I had a melt down in Lowe’s cause I thought I had left him in a different aisle only to discover he was right there. Man I was a basket case (probably still am). Sharing is hard work though!
14. And finally….. I knew it would be wonderful and amazing but had no idea how wonderful and how amazing! Why didn’t I know it would be so marvelous?!?! Seriously people! It’s like floating…. so out of body amazing yet so tangible too. I guess there are no words. I am so glad I am a woman and God chose me to be a mommy! What an honor. He is my treasure and I am truly blessed. God allowed me to partake in the joys and glory of being a mommy! I get to be a mommy! All I know for sure is I am so thankful I get to experience this gift of motherhood and hope that I can raise my children in the ways of the Lord! Lord teach me your ways!