10. Everyone has an opinion: You really have to take what advice people give you with a grain of salt. Every baby is different so the advice isn't applicable half the time. The most annoying thing people told me was 'Get sleep now because you won't when the baby is here!'. Maybe I had a completely different baby than most but I got a descent amount of sleep.....just not all in 1 shot like I did before.
9. Take more pictures and video: I knew Lane would grow up but I just didn't realize how quick. When I look back it seemed like time was moving very slow so I didn't take much for video or pictures but now that I look back it's hard to believe that it's been 7 months already. Thank God for Grandparents that take a crap ton of pictures.
8. Buy newborn size clothes: I've heard multiple times before and after Lane was born to not buy much for newborn size clothes because he'll grow out of them too quick. Boy am I glad that Grandma Patty didn't take their advice! He was in newborn clothes for about 6 weeks and probably could have stayed in them a little longer but I got sick of looking at the same clothes over and over again. It will never hurt to have clothes that you don't use much.
7. Give lots of positive reinforcement to new moms: Writing from experience, the best feeling in the world is someone telling me how good of a mom I am. It is now my mission to make sure and tell my friends that are moms the same thing "You are doing a great job!" and revel when I see the smile on their face.
6. Pregnancy sucks: Don't get me wrong I feel very lucky to have had a pretty easy time getting pregnant and an easy pregnancy compared to other people. I would always hear those women say how much they loved being pregnant and I still think they're crazy. It's just not enjoyable for me and if it was affordable I'd pay someone else to carry my baby for 9 months.
5. I'm always late: According to Mark, I have never been on time a day in my life and it has something to do with this thing called 'Bullock time'. Before having a baby I was on time for work and other things important about 80% of the time. Now I'm lucky if I'm on time 1 day a week for work and for the life of me I can't figure out why. I wake up at a descent time every morning but for some reason I can't get everything together and out the door when I'd like to be. I've even tried waking up 1/2 hour earlier but that didn't make a difference!
4. Brand new products are a waste: I didn't buy much used stuff before Lane but holy cow I learned quick that baby items are expensive. Yes there are a few things that I wouldn't buy used like a car seat or crib but otherwise there is absolutely no reason to spend $80 on a bouncer that he'll use for a few months. Friends, family, garage sales and consignment stores are my best friends. I got the &70 exersaucer for $15 at a garage sale and a huge play kitchen that would've cost $120 for $15 on CraigsList!
3. Family relationships: I was always very close with my parents and think they are the most awesome people in the world. Marks family and I have always gotten along well too but Lane has made us a lot closer than I would've ever thought. I am so lucky to have a great family and have such a great family for in-laws. I hear so many horrible stories about bad family relationships, especially when grandchildren get involved and feel extremely blessed to have a son that brought everybody closer even if the reason people want to see us is because of our child.
2. Automatic bonding: I'm not real sure what it is about going through childbirth but it's almost as if moms automatically become friends and are willing to talk about almost anything with each other. I have met some amazing moms online that I might know and like better than some of my friends. We are sharing fun and exciting things that are kids are doing because other people probably would get annoyed hearing about all of our crazy obcessions. We are so proud of each other/each others kids and honestly want the best for each other.
1. Breastfeeding: The moms out there that nurse really do deserve a huge pat on the back and that is still not enough. While it's really rewarding it's also as much of a challenge. Okay maybe not a challenge once you get the hang of it and if you never leave your house. It's the feeding while out and about in public that becomes an issue. I've never been able to master nursing without a cover without possibly showing everything and Lane hates being covered so we have to walk back to the car or changing rooms for eating time. The 'other people' are the reason I don't nurse in public...if I saw them giving me nasty looks or saying comments I might explode on them. So I don't put myself in that situation. Lots of people have major issues with breastfeeding and/or pumping at work and I just can't understand why. I could go on forever with this topic but that's another blog in itself. Last note is pumping...wow I hate it and pumping is probably the one thing that will make me wean before Lane turns 1. Anyone that thinks it's enjoyable to take a break & have to go pump should be shot :) I'd much rather take a break and go read a magazine or book. It honestly makes me feel like a cow. Mooooooo.
