While I take some time to bond with my little man, please enjoy guest posts written by moms and moms-to-be from some of my favorite blogs. Today, I’m happy to introduce Jen from Parcel + Paper and The Stationery Boutique!
Hi! My name is Jen, and I’m so happy to be contributing to Bunny & Dolly. I am an Air Force wife with three (very active) little boys. I am a mom by day, by night, by always… but I try to squeeze in some time to exercise and operate a small stationery and creative packaging business from home.
Being a mom is by far the best job I’ve ever had. Also the hardest. All of the books on what to expect are all well and good, but I think the best advice and preparation for being a mom would have come from, well, me. Six years later, that is. If I could go back in time I would like to leave a letter to my 28-year-old expecting self. It would probably go something like this…
Dear Expectant Mom,
You are about to be a mom! You’ve read all the books on what to expect for delivery. Are you ready for what happens next? You will have your share of advice from others, but you and your husband get to decide what works best for you and your family. Decisions, decisions… Breastfeed, or not. Stay-at-home, or go back to work. Let him cry it out, or rock him to sleep.
One thing is for sure, those first few days at home with baby will be haaard! No one will sleep, your boobs will hurt, you’ll wonder if having a baby was a really a good idea. Did I mention your BOOBS WILL HURT? Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Ask a friend or sister or grandma or neighbor (someone you trust, obviously) to come over for an hour so you can shower. Accept meals from friends or family. Sleep when baby sleeps (this will not work when you have older kids, however). You’ll be tempted to do some laundry or dishes when the baby sleeps, but get over it and get some sleep. The mess will be there later, sleep may not.
Make sure to pack plenty of extra clothes if you head out of the house with baby. He WILL have a diaper related explosion and potentially ruin that adorable outfit from Baby Gap. Bring something for you, too, because do you really think you won’t be covered in baby barf at some point during the day? Burp rags are good, but he’ll get’cha when you least expect it.
You will feel frustration, you will feel guilt. You will wish you could go back in time, when you could sleep in on weekends and go out to dinner with your husband. Adult interaction will plummet to a near halt and you might feel alone. I am only telling you these things because I want you to know that these feelings are NORMAL!
But, despite all this, there will be a defining moment when you look at your child. In this moment you will see his life flash before your eyes. You will vow to protect him. You will fall in love.
One more thing… The days will seem so long, but the years will go by so fast. Cherish every moment, the good, the bad and the ugly. You are going to love being a mom. Trust me, I know.
Love,
Mom of Three
If you could write a letter to your expectant-mom self, what would you say?
