I did it! I survived the first year (almost) of motherhood. I kept this tiny human alive for just about 365 days (he turns one next weekend). There were many tears, laughs, sleepless nights, large quantities of coffee consumed. But here’s what I learned:
1.) Throw your plans and schedule to the wind, just go with the flow.
2.) I never knew a turkey sub could taste so good!
3.) That first bowel movement after a c-section can make you feel like your insides are going to fall out.
4.) I can function on very little to no sleep.
5.) Breastfeeding is not as easy as it looks.
6.) Speaking of breastfeeding, it doesn’t matter how you feed your baby.
7.) Flexibility is key.
8.) No one tells you that being a new mom can be depressing and somewhat isolating at first.
9.) But it does get better.
10.) “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is the biggest piece of BS advice.
11.) But the laundry, dishes, cleaning and everything else can wait.
12.) Just when you think you have something figured out, your baby will switch it up on you.
13.) Take lots and lots of photos and videos. Babies grow and change at an alarmingly fast speed.
14.) But don’t spend too much time with your face behind a screen. Be in the moment.
15.) My body is amazing.
16.) My husband is even more amazing! Not that I didn’t appreciate him before, but after being up at all hours of the night together and seeing him with my son, it’s a whole ‘nother kind of love.
17.) There’s nothing wrong with co-sleeping. Seriously when you just need sleep you’ll do whatever you have to do and I don’t regret a single snooze Maxwell has had on my chest, not a single one.
18.) Don’t sweat the small stuff- sh** literally happens, so does spit up for that matter.
19.) You realize what’s really important. And everyone has their own priorities and that’s fine, I have my own too.
20.) I’m more comfortable speaking up for myself and my family.
21.) Everyone’s going to have something to say but you know what’s best for you and your baby.
22.) Whoever said daytime tv sucks was horribly wrong. I could watch Dateline for hours and hours.
23.) But sitting at home for 24 hours a day gives me anxiety.
24.) I’m not meant to be a stay at home mom. I need a little adult interaction.
25.) A nice warm shower and brisk walk sometimes are the best medicine.
26.) And when that fails, there’s nothing a solo trip to Target can’t fix.
27.) Speaking of solo trips to Target, I need my “me-time” and have learned to try to do one thing for myself each day because you can’t give from an empty cup.
28.) Whoever invented yoga pants is seriously the smartest person ever. #momuniform
29.) Sometimes you still just need your mom.
30.) Leaving your child with someone else eventually does get easier.
31.) Your relationship with your partner will change, try to make time for each other even if it’s just a little date night at home.
32.) Your sex drive will change. Thanks hormones and exhaustion.
33.) It’s ok to cry.
34.) It’s also ok to ask for help.
35.) Find a good group of mom friends.
36.) Every kid is different.
37.) There’s no “right way” to be a good parent.
38.) Comparison is a thief.
39.) If you feel like your sucking, you’re probably a good parent.
40.) Don’t buy so many toys. Babies can entertain themselves with boxes and containers for hours on end.
41.) But do buy lots and lots of books.
42.) Baby smiles and belly laughs are better than any antidepressant.
43.) There is nothing quite like seeing your parents become grandparents.
44.) You can never be fully prepared to be a parent, you figure it out as you go.
45.) I can live with the shirt on my back and pasta every night as long as my kid is healthy and happy.
46.) There is no greater joy than watching your baby experience something new for the first time.
47.) But it is also bittersweet because you realize they are getting older.
48.) Mama bear syndrome is real – I’m getting better I think 😉
49.) I always felt bad for moms of boys but being a boy mom is pretty cool.
50.) Just when you think you can’t love your child anymore and your heart may explode, you love them even more.
