Things I Wish I Would've Know

The entire time I was pregnant with Caleb everyone I knew ( and even a few that I didn't) tried to tell me what they thought I needed to know before becoming a mother. A lot of it was pretty universal no matter who you talked to, a lot of it was very helpful and comforting and some of it was just plain scary. I worry enough for everyone so I don't need any help being scared and worried! Like any first time parents we are terrified that we may not only hurt him physically but also somehow scar him emotionally for the rest of his life. We, of course, logically realize that God made these little creatures resilliant if not only for the reason that parents make mistakes. We are under no false impressions that we will be any different.

Everyone told us how hard these first few months would be, how parenthood would irrevocably change us as people and as a couple forever and how we would just instinctivly know a lot of the things that we would need to know so to trust those instincts always. These are the things that stand out in my mind as the most helpful advice we received. There are so many things that I've figured out in the last 3 weeks that I wish someone would've shared with me so now I will share them with all of my soon-to-be mommy friends.

- You've never, ever known love like this. It can't be described. For some it happens as soon as you see your brand new baby and for others it takes a little time. As long as you get there, that's all that matters. It's an amazing moment for a mother when you realize that you've always loved this tiny miracle, you just hadn't met them yet.

- You will automatically stop considering yourself and your own needs. What you need and want no longer matters to you. You will do absolutely anything to make sure this baby has what he needs and wants.

- You had no idea what tired was before now. I don't care how many late nights you've had partying/studying/worrying, you've never known exhaustion like this. Like I said though, it's completely worth it.

- You will figure out, sooner rather than later most likely, that you are going to be peed on, spit up on, pooped on and thrown up on. A lot of times all in the same day. Plan on spending the better part of your day hunched over your changing table. Also, don't wear anything you're too attached to, anything that comes out of baby stains like you wouldn't believe!

- You will be expected to be a mind reader. Read all the books you'd like on hunger cues and symptomatic communiction, God knows I did, but you still won't understand why this precious angel is screaming his face off and turning shades of purple at 3am. Its all about keeping your cool and going through the process of elimination.

- Make time for yourself. Even if you just shut the door and sit in the bathroom in the peace and quiet for 10 minutes. Give that gift to yourself.

- No job that you've ever had or will have is as hard and demanding as being a mom. With that in mind, you'll never do anything that is this rewarding or fulfilling.

And last but certainly not least

- Make sure you're entering into this amazing journey with someone you can trust, rely on and laugh with.

In the end, all that matters is that the baby is happy, healthy and safe. If you've accomplished that, what's a little throw up in your hair? :)
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Sent from my Android phone with K-9 Mail. Please excuse my brevity.