Our son turns 4 weeks old tomorrow. Although these past few weeks seem kind of blurred, we have had many wonderful memories of the start of his life here with us. Along with those good memories, I have learned more than I ever imagined I would in this short time. I think it’s safe to say, I had no idea parenting was going to be this challenging. Turns out I don’t know everything and have found myself praying (a lot) for guidance. The cuddles and smiles thankfully make up for those insecure moments when I find myself the need to apologize to my son with the words, “Sorry, I’m new at this and don’t know what I’m doing.”
Here are a few things I’ve learned in the short time I’ve had my new job as “Mom.”
- I rely on positive reinforcement more than I thought. Not being able to comfort a crying baby for a long period of time is not easy (but apparently normal)
- Babies go through approximately 200+ diapers a day
- I can function on less sleep than I thought I could
- Everyone has an opinion when it comes to babies and how to raise them. Not everyone knows how to keep it to themselves.
- Newborns don’t come with a manual but really should
- “I don’t think that’s normal. Maybe I should call the Dr.” is a common everyday thought the first week of having your child at home.
- A couple smiles (real ones not gas) can make an evening of crying so much easier
- Cuddles are precious at any hour of the day
- It’s entirely possible to have a love/hate relationship with a breast pump
- The sounds that notify you of a dirty diaper are not the sign of an immediate diaper change need. Wait..there’s probably more coming. If you’re in the midst of a change when it does, you will be covered in it and need to change yourself. Don’t jump the gun.
- That nook between my neck and shoulder was long ago made for my little boy. Who knew?!
- The value of a prepared meal for new parents is immeasurable. A month FULL of meals brought to you by sweet friends is absolutely amazing.
- The miracle of life and a baby’s tiny little parts are some of the coolest things you can witness in life.
- When picking up your crying child and his tears actually stop as if comforted by his Mother’s arms…Ahh…that’s a really great feeling
- Elastic is a post partum woman’s best friend. So are girlfriends who tell you that you look great when you probably don’t.
- Date night with your spouse is more than okay within the first few weeks. In fact, it should be mandatory.
- Best advice you can give a new Mom- “Do what works best for you and baby and don’t worry about what the books or others say or think.”
