I won't
- be afraid of dropping my newborn the first time I give him or her a bath.
- wait to use the great swaddle blankets that allow a newborn to sleep for longer stretches.
- cry if I have to supplement with formula.
- be jealous of moms with "easy" babies, because now I know how to deal with a tough cookie and still love him as fiercely as if he'd been a breeze.
- think that difficult phases will last forever.
- take on every night shift for almost a year.
- worry that I'll never get my body, brains, or self back.
This time...
I will
- avoid the going back to work battle when my baby is four months old, and be truly ready when the time comes to reenter my career.
- enjoy as many moments as I can in which I get to just stare at this new little person, even if those moments come when I am exhausted in the middle of the night.
- get out of the house more often in the first few months, or at least invite more people over.
- watch as my babies adjust to each other, solve conflicts, and learn to love each other.
- learn new lessons because this little one is already teaching me that every child is unique.
- remember that "the days are long, but the years are short."
Hurray for children and how much they teach us...even when they are 31 :-)
ReplyDeleteIt is different the second time around. Experience and knowledge are on your side - love your first point about bath-time and dropping on head! Handling the baby is the least of your concerns; now you get to figure out how best to logistically get two little people (and yourself) to a set location ... upstairs, to the backyard, or out of house! I promise you'll get it all figured out :) And, of course, we have experienced firsthand just how quickly they grow, so cherishing every moment becomes a top priority! I am only a phone call - or heck, even a holler - away! My two would love to play with your two :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome! It is so true! All of it. I remember being 100% stress case with Seren. It didn't help that I'm type A, she was my first and she was a preemie. Ugh. What a mess. With Wyeth, even at 2 am, 3 am, I would just sit there and look at his face. My first night in the hospital, I held him in my arms the whole time. You'll love all of the sweet moments all over again. Enjoy these last days of the bump too. GREAT post.
ReplyDeleteI love your post! It's great reliving thoughts and memories through you! Remember - breathing is good, hyperventalating - not so much! Your on my mind daily hoping to hear great news soon! Love you -
ReplyDeleteAunt Julie