our good friend Raychel Armstrong took this picture
if you're looking for a photographer in Central Florida... she's your gal
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Becoming a mom makes certain things, like poop and puke, a part of daily life. I never thought some things, like car seat safety and pediatrician choices, would matter so much. I'm also surprised by how many things have fallen off of the radar for me too. I now understand how you can set food in a clothing store and only want to buy things for someone else. (Never thought that one would happen). I also now understand the importance of where we live, because education opportunities and cultural experiences will stem from that.
You can read all of the books out there, but none will ever prepare you for real life with a baby. It's sort of like college to the workforce. No amount of homework or reading will ever prepare you for a real life situation that calls for an executive decision with a baby in mind. At any given moment, all you can do is your best.
The most expensive and luxurious baby gear won't make you a better parent. It will just make your bank account smaller. As much as I want to give our baby the best, I also realize that he doesn't know the difference between brands. Choose your battles wisely. Splurge where it's necessary, and save where it's not. There are so many choices out there, and you don't need (even though you will want them) all of the baby things.
Mom instinct is a real thing. Growing up I was never much of a babysitter, and I'm an only child. Babies have always been such a foreign concept for me. I never much, if any, time taking care of a little one. However, when you have your own, you just know what to do. I'm amazed by this quite often. All I want to do is love on our baby, and I'm shocked at how quickly you're able to learn how to diaper and bathe a little person. You can't really mess it up too badly.
Speaking of messing things up, you'll learn to forgive yourself more easily. There just isn't enough hours in the day to do it all. Don't stress out over it, because you're doing one of the most important jobs. If I tried doing everything the way I did pre-baby, I'd be headed straight down the highway to nervous breakdown city! Prioritizing is your new hobby. Again, choose your battles wisely. Holding the baby wins out over straightening up the kitchen.
You'll never feel more grateful towards your own parents. This parenting thing can be tough, and from the sounds of it little worries turn into bigger ones over the years. No wonder my parents have gray hairs, ha! Seriously though, when I feel like crying over the thought of something bad happening to our baby, I realize the love that my parents have for me. I have a whole new appreciation for the roller coaster of emotions that parents are capable of experiencing. Whew!
I wouldn't change any of this for the world.
My husband and I are in it for the long haul now. :-)
