They were right!

As any parent can testify to, when you announce a pregnancy, you are inundated with advice and support. Sometimes the advice is helpful and other times it keeps you awake at night. Well, on most accounts, they were right!

1. "You don't sleep as a parent." They were right. During the first week home, I found a new level of exhaustion that I never knew existed. It's not always the baby needing me, but I find myself laying awake at night for often no apparent reason. Sometimes I'm daydreaming; what will Henry be like as he grows older? Who will he look like? Act like? Who will he marry? Sometimes it's fear that keeps me awake. Is he still breathing? Is he too hot? Too cold? When did I feed him last? My mind is always thinking about him and us as a family.

2. "Babies cost lots of money." They were right. Formula, diapers, insurance, health care expenses and miscellaneous little things that he needs all cost a lot of money. We haven't even started paying for childcare yet. Yikes.

3. "Your maternal instincts will kick in once the baby is here." They were right. I've been around babies most of my life, but never really had to be responsible for one more than a few hours at a time. I was anxious while I was pregnant about how I would learn all the necessary skills to properly care for my child. Two days after he was born, he began to semi-violently throw up in our hospital room. I was all alone and knew that he needed me. My instincts kicked in and I turned him on his side so that he wouldn't choke. No one ever taught me that, I just knew what to do. I pray it always comes that easy for me. It comes surprisingly easy for Mike too. I say surprisingly as he's never really been around babies. He learned how to change diapers, feed, burp and love our child all within the first day. He loves his son and wants nothing more than to provide for him.


4. "You will know unconditional love." They were right. From the second I knew that I pregnant, I was in love. I was in love with my child, boy or girl, healthy or not. I loved this child and wanted nothing but the best. I tried my hardest to eat all the right foods and get rest when my body needed it. When Henry was born and I heard his first cry, my love deepened. I hadn't seen my baby yet, but that was the most precious noise I'd ever heard. When I held him for the first time, I felt like I had known him all my life. The bond between a parent and child is one that can never be broken.

5. "It's different when it's your kid." They were right. Thank goodness for that. I love kids when they are happy and content, but once they get out of line, I'm done. God knew what He was doing with Henry though. He made him cute so I have a longer fuse when dealing with him. Only kidding! But in all honesty, the poopy diapers, throw up, sleep deprivation and crying really hasn't phased me. He had a blowout diaper earlier this week that ended up on my shirt and I didn't even gag when cleaning it up. Ha ha!

6. "You will appreciate your parents in a whole new way." They were right. I have found a deep respect for my parents. As a baby, I tried their patience and added new challenges in their lives. I continued that trend through my childhood and into my teenage years. Even as an adult, I know I still get under their skin and I'm sure they'd still like to ground me for some of my decisions. :) They've always loved me though and that's never changed nor will it ever. I thank God each day for both of my parents. I pray that Mike and I raise Henry right so that he one day he will appreciate us too.


7. "You'll always want what's best for your child." They were right. I would give Henry my life, my body, my soul if he needed it. I never want him to do without the things he needs and I only want the best for him.

8. "It's not about you anymore." They were right. In the past, I would spend too much money on clothes and going out to eat. Okay, so I still spend too much money on clothes, but the clothes are for him, not me.

9. "Life will be a little more boring some days." They were right. Before his arrival, I thought that we would be able to integrate our child into our busy lives and keep moving at the speed of light. How wrong I was. Henry has slowed my life down more than I never could have imagined and I couldn't be more content.

10. "Your child is a blessing from God." They were right. There is no greater gift than the gift of a child. God trusted me and Mike to raise such a precious little person who will grow into a fine man someday. We will raise him in church and pray that he grows into the man that God created him for.

So, after 9 months of advice and wisdom, I'm glad to see that they were right.