Also, some lessons I've learned:
1) Baby hiccups are the most adorable things ever. But entirely distracting when they are happening inside you for the entirety of your Easter church service.
2) Online product reviews are a fabulous way to suck your time and life away, all while creating a personal crisis wondering if you are going to be a terrible mommy because you chose Johnson & Johnson over Aveeno and didn't register for a baby bath. Bottom line people: not all products are created equal, but all car seats on the market HAVE passed the crash safety test.
3) Ditto for parenting style books. Pick a style that works for you and don't feel guilty --or smug -- because someone else disagrees.
4) Always look camera ready, because people love taking your picture when you're pregnant. In fact, a simple rule of thumb:
-Where you will be the only expectant momma, take a little extra effort with the make-up.
-If there will be one other pregnant woman, wear your most flattering jeans because there will be a belly bump comparison pic.
-If there will be multiple pregnant woman, practice posing for the "ooh, everyone line up so we can take a picture of all the mommies-to-be!" picture.
-If visiting with a single friend, you can relax - they will probably feel too awkward to ask to take your picture (does not apply to visiting with multiple single friends).
-Most of these pictures will disappear into the abyss that is camera memory cards, so don't forget to take your own pictures too so you can show your darling bundle how he abused your body. I take them on weeks corresponding with my doctor's appointments so I don't forget. And label them! Or at least hold a sign in the picture itself with the week number.
 |
| Point: I took this picture at either 7 weeks, 12 weeks or 16 weeks. But who really knows? |
5) You can pack away your cute tiny purses at the same time you pack away your cute tiny non-maternity clothes. In fact, you might as well pull out the diaper bag now. Tiny purses just aren't big enough to hold any decent snack.
6) I miss my belly button. Or perhaps more accurately, I miss having the opportunity to miss my belly button.
7) It's amazing how quickly things can become "normal." Sometimes I forget that I used to get up from a chair without using my arms. Or that just seven months ago I never would have mentioned my belly button on a blog.
8) "Healthy" means a million different things, depending on who you are and how your body reacts to its environment. Healthy weight gain, healthy amounts of exercise, healthy side effects or symptoms. So don't compare.
9) Set visitor limits ahead of time. If you want just family the first two weeks, then make that clear before travel plans are made. If you will need time alone while people are visiting, pick those dates and times now and help them make plans to go sightseeing or on a picnic. You know your personality - for example, I am a grouch when I'm tired or not feeling well, and those are both definite certainties. So why set myself up to snap at the people who most love Josh and Kekoa and me?
10) My new #1 tip for brand-new expectant moms: do your budget research early.
In January we started to set aside our estimated baby monthly expenses: diapers, medical, seasonal clothing, toiletries, cost of extra utilities. Each month we use part of that amount to stockpile diapers and wipes and for pre-natal care. The rest goes into a one-time purchase fund for anything we still need by the time baby comes ...and sometimes a little extra in the food budget :P
It's made us tighten up for sure - babies don't have to be expensive, but they aren't free. But we both feel great that we won't be blindsided into overspending the first two months because we're too tired to revamp the budget. And as a mom-to-be, I love the security of knowing that there is a little reserve fund especially for one-time baby purchases. I won't have to wait on the adorable bouncer seat because the cost of gas keeps going up.
And finally, I leave you with....feet! Just admire those long Hawaiian toes. This kid is gonna need the XL booties.
