I think it's because Prince William and Kate Middleton got married just two weeks after Rob and I - and I might have set my alarm to watch their wedding and then continued to watch coverage all day while writing thank you notes...ahem. And now, of course our babies are less than three months apart - but I can honestly say I'm obsessed with the royal baby. I was on baby watch (along with half the world) the week prior to Kate going into labor ...and from there, waited with nervous anticipation for the announcement of the baby's birth (a boy)! And maybe, I stalked the computer at work today to see if there was an official baby name (George Alexander)!
I mean the similarities are astounding - Kate loves polka dots (I LOVE polka dots)! In breaking with royal tradition they aren't having a nanny (shocking I know, but we don't have a nanny either). They are both on Facebook and Twitter (hello, I'm a social media lover)! William drove them home from the hospital with Kate in the back of their car (same driving scenario as us :) And, upon close inspection (read - practically stalking) I'm pretty sure they have the same swaddle blankets as we do. Coincidence? I think not. But, until Kate decides we should be besties (fingers crossed it's soon - Kate, have your people call my people) - I thought I might throw some internet advice her way. Granted, I've not been part of the circle of moms long myself - I've learned a thing or two these past few weeks.
1.) Other than breastfeeding, there are virtually no baby duties that dads can't do. William can certainly help you cuddle, cook, change diapers, bathe, clothe, teach, and babysit just as effectively as you. (And if George is anything like Max, he'll really enjoy a little daddy time)!
2.) Take some time for your little family of three - but don't be afraid to take baby out either! After you get over the enormous amount of "stuff" you need in the diaper bag - it's actually quite easy to go out with baby socially.
3.) Put down the smart phone. Sure, it's tempting to want to tweet, instagram, snapchat, facebook the crap out of your baby - some days you just need to soak in their awesomeness.
4.) Time will literally fly. Like, at their one month appointment, you'll be going - "did we have a newborn?" "Was our baby ever that small"? Soak it up. I cannot reiterate this enough.
5.) Realize the sleepless nights won't go on forever. As George gets bigger and eats more food - he will begin sleeping in longer stretches - I know!! Right?? Amazing I tell you. And, it's totally normal if you wake up and panic because the baby didn't get up. And then you tiptoe into the nursery to check on him. And there he is - still swaddled and breathing and STILL SLEEPING! Hooray! Give yourself a pat on the back and go back to bed. I repeat - go back to bed. You may be tempted to hustle around the house getting other crap done - but really, go back to bed. You can thank me later.
6.) Don't try to straighten each mess right after its made or even every time you leave the house. I went through a period where I was straightening the piles of books every single time I left the house and four times in between. This is borderline ridiculous. Instead, tidy up toys and books once a day, or even (heaven forbid) just every other day. (Or perhaps you'll have a house keeper do this? If so, I might be a little jealous).
7.) Other moms and especially sisters are awesome - especially your own. Dont' be afraid to call them, lean on them, ask them for coffee, and parenting tips. Seriously - they want to help. I mean it.
8.) Babies like routines and predictability. I swear Max knows its bedtime when Rob and I take him upstairs and do bath, diaper change, onesie, maybe a story or two, and bottle. He totally gets it (he might be a genious...just saying).
9.) Forget about being a perfect mom - that's a term defined by culture and other people. There is no such thing (but a million ways to be a good mom) and working to appear as one requires so much effort that there's not much energy left for you to spend being a loving parent - which is obviously top priority.
10.) Dearest Kate, perhaps the best advice I can give you - your body will look strange. You may even look in the mirror and think - "wow - I've got a lot of work to do". :) Everyday though - it gets easier and your body recovers. Then, you might think, it would feel great to get a hair cut, maybe a dye job. So you head to the salon. Here's where you need to listen. YOUR HAIR IS AMAZING!! Literally, the most beautiful hair I've ever seen - put down the scissors. Don't get a "mom cut" just yet - give yourself some time. Just get bangs (like me!) if you need a small change :)
You've got this - it's not too scary after the first couple days. And really, call me - I've got more where this came from.
XoXo
No comments:
Post a Comment