10 Things I've Learned

Emma napping under the beautiful quilt made by Aunt Sharron.

A little gas smile. She smiles bigger, but we can't seem to catch it on camera yet.

Hanging out on the couch.

Hanging out in the swing. She's a very content little lady.

I told Greg he wouldn't like this shot - but it's too cute of the two of them. And this happens to be one of Emma's favorite places to sleep.


These last 3 weeks have been an amazing experience. To be thrown into the role of motherhood is one of such extreme emotions. So much happiness, so much love, so much exhaustion, so much frustration, so much joy. Although I'm only 3 weeks into this world of parenting, I've learned a few things that I thought I would share. Many of you have learned these lessons already.


1. White Noise is a magical tool for getting babies to sleep. Emma prefers the hairdryer and will instantaneously go to sleep as soon as it is turned on. There are white noise CD's for those that prefer to save on electricity. Every baby is different with which white noise sound they prefer.


2. A friend recommended that I get a LAZY Boy rocker/recliner instead of a rocking chair. That advice alone has been a saving grace of our multiple middle of the night feedings. The very soft rocker/recliner is up in our room and I have slept in it some nights more than my bed.


3. I looked online for baby announcement for days. http://www.vistaprint.com/ happened to have the cheapest announcements. There were definitely some other sites that had cuter options, but they were almost $2.00/announcement. In sending out bulk announcements, the expensive option was just not happening.


4. My days of showering with the front of my body facing the stream of water are OVER. Too much tenderness from my darling little parasite.


5. I feel guilty following the advice of others to "sleep when the baby sleeps" - but this is something that I need to get over - because NOTHING on my "to-do" list is more important that my sleep, which is directly related to my sanity.


6. For Arizona Moms, there is a wonderful organization - http://savvymommies.com/pages/consignorreg.php that has bi-yearly consignment sales with tons of children's clothing and accesories. My friend introduced me to them last Fall and they have another event coming up on February 29th. Check out the website for more information.


7. I found myself forgetting to eat in the first few weeks. I was so consumed with Emma's eating schedule that I didn't think about my eating schedule. My milk supply started to get low and I learned that my lack of nutrients could have a direct correlation. Now I make a point to eat before I feed Emma. In the end I am hurting my baby if I don't take care of myself.


8. My mother has often called me stubbornly independent. This being said, I have a hard time accepting help from other people because I feel that I can take care of things on my own. When you have a baby, this has to go out the window. There have been so many wonderfully generous, kind, charitable people surrounding Emma's birth that have offered helping hands. I have learned that this help is not only valuable to accept, but it gives those around me an opportunity to serve. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for all the support and help we have received and could not have survived without it. Really.


9. I used to have a list of 5-10 things per day to accomplish. This was PRE-Emma. I found myself getting frustrated POST-Emma that I could not get these things done anymore. Then I changed my perspective. My #1 thing "to-do" every day is take care of Emma. I now add ONE thing each day to try to accomplish in addition to infant care. It is more manageable and I do not feel frustrated. If additional tasks happen to get done, I pat myself on the back for a job well done. :)


10. I LOVE GREG!! No, this is not a new insight. I have always loved my wonderful husband. But, my love for him has grown so much since Emma was born. He has quite literally been my servant for the last 3 weeks, as I sit on the couch with a child breastfeeding and make requests. He has been such an amazing support and it is already evident that Emma recognizes this as well. She loves to cuddle with him in bed and actually cried yesterday when I pulled her away from him to change her diaper. Very cute.