I have wanted to write a letter to you for quite some time but I wasn't quite sure how to word it. I didn't want this to sound weird, ungrateful, or be insensitive to those struggling with having a baby of their own. This is half funny but all from my heart. Here goes.
The first thing I want to tell you, pre-mama Tricia, is that you need to sleep every single minute that you possibly can. Feel like taking a nap? Do it. Nap, nap, and nap some more. Sleep like it's your job because even after you're past the newborn stage of sleeplessness, you encounter toddlerhood where all bets are off. Your daughter, you will come to find out, is a little bit afraid of the dark and a lot afraid of thunder. I know that you can't store up sleep but just pretend like you can.
Next? Take a vacation every year with the hubs. I don't know what you were thinking by not taking any. You and the hubs decided that you wanted to move a lot so you decided to do that instead. Were you crazy? Yes. GO TO THE BEACH. Or New York City. Or anywhere but where you live and stop pretending that a staycation every year, because you spent your vacation budget on a moving truck and boxes, is AWESOME. It's not.
Just like sleeping, you need to read A LOT. Read every single book on your bookshelf because when you have a baby, your mental capacity and attention span will not allow you to sit down and comprehend words on a page. Once that little smushy baby is FINALLY sleeping, you will want to clean, organize, watch mindless TV, and sleep, too.
Lastly, I want to tell you that you don't need to be anxious about starting a family. It's hard, no doubt about that, and there are days when you will pray "God, do I even have the ability to be a good mama?" but just know that it is the GREATEST joy and the BIGGEST blessing. God timed things just right when He gave you N. He knew that the first few years of her life were going to be tough in the "life stuff" department and that she was going to hold you together. You become equipped for the challenges you face and you will be surprised at how hard things seem easy simply because you and the hubs are doing them together.
P.S. Oh, did I mention sleep? *wink*
13 comments:
the book thing! yes! I absolutely love to read and before kids I would read at least one if not 2 or 3 books a week...now? maybe one a month...it's so sad
Yes, yes, and yes. OMG I'm so tired all the time and my brain just does NOT work the same anymore. It's terrible!
I really like the last paragraph, though, because I struggle with giving them enough time with me while trying to fix up the house and run an Etsy, and keep things clean (fail), and I worry sometimes that I don't have the patience I should have with them and question if I'm doing a good job.
Hahahaha oh my gosh I literally LOL'd! SO TRUE.
i loved this and needed to read that last one. :-) thank you.
also, the little girl i nanny for ALWAYS wears her sunglasses upside down like N. and i think its awesome.
Such a well written post :) I don't know why you were so worried to write it... it's perfect! <3
Yes!! I'm going to pass this along to pre-mama Megan!! The sleep has to be what I miss the most. This is a great letter, and you no matter how hard the day are a great mom!
XOXO
Megan
I'll keep all of this in mind for future reference. Just in case ;)
VERY good advice. I sure wish someone would have given it to me before my first born. :D
Very good advice lady! After having 6 kiddies I second everything you said!
I couldn't agree more! Your experience is exactly mine. I lament more frequently that I "didn't get more done" before my son came along. Still, I know it's unreasonable for anyone to expect perfection: you can't plan for this. And it's worth all if it!
Taking every single one of these to heart in my pre-baby life! ;) Thanks girl!
Such a cutie she is!! Amazing advice!!
Ahh the vacation thing hits the nail on the head! That was ONE thing I wished we would have done before having kids. Oh well- :) GREAT advice. Love this.
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