81. You think sleep training is bad once… you’ll probably have to do it more than once if you go on vacation, baby gets sick or something else jogs the routine. Yeah. Not fun.
82. Once the baby is mobile, he or she will have lots of bumps and bruises. They’re just unstable. And curious. Bad combo.
83. Nothing is safe. Even baby proofed drawers etc.
84. Husbands will just never understand. Period. They can try. But they just never fully will. Why? They didn’t grow a human in their belly for close to 10 months. They didn’t push something way bigger than the opening that it came out of. They don’t have an automatic food source built into their bodies. They can’t help it.
85. Boys are thrashers. They bang everything against anything and throw everything they can get their hands on, on the floor.
86. As a mom, you will get beat up. Pinched, poked, hit, pushed, bruised, hair pulled, slapped and head butted. I look like I’ve been in a fight every day.
87. When your kid is sick and he’s absolutely miserable, which makes you exhausted, and people say… “it’s good for his immune system” you’re going to want to mentally slap them in the face a few times. Yes I know it’s good to build an immune system but you’re not the one dealing with a sick, uncomfortable, unhappy, fussy kid!!
88. My son puts everything in his mouth. Everything. Paper, dirt, rocks, diapers, cardboard… everything. It’s normal I guess?
89. When they start walking it’s good because they are more independent but bad because they’re constantly falling down and bumping their bodies against everything. Which means more bruises and injuries. I swear he gives me a heart attack every five minutes.
90. Tantrums start early. Brace yourself.
Until next time!
Wow! Can’t believe I made it to part 5!! Well here I go… stuff I’ve realized, learned, was totally surprised by, or needed to reiterate!
62. There’s a new kind of tired in town… it’s called parenthood. Get your coffee. It never… ever… goes away.
63. As a mom, you will hear every tiny sound your baby makes. Your husband, can and will sleep through e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g. Literally.
64. It no longer matters what time you feel like having an adult beverage. Motherhood can drive you insane some days and sometimes taking the edge off is not a bad idea.
65. I’m pretty sure babies know when you’re about to lose your mind. Because then they finally do whatever you wanted RIGHT before… like nap for longer than 5 minutes or not wake up as much at night!
66. I could stare at my son sleeping forever. And not in a creepy way of course. π
67. Baby steps. For. Everything… progress, learning something new, a new skill, training/creating new habits, breaking old habits etc.
68. Two steps forward. One step back. Every time. You make total progress, then they regress a little and test the waters… and repeat. I’m pretty sure that’s close to the definition of insanity.
69. There is no right answer. And it will drive you nuts.
70. Overthinking things will also drive you bananas.
71. Consistency is key. Being consistent is important but things will never, ever be consistent. What does this mean? Stick with your routines, use the same verbiage, support and reassurance. But things are ever-changing with babies.
72. You’re not alone. Even though you may feel so frustrated, lost, sad, exhausted, and defeated… you are not alone.
73. Baby giggles cure all.
74. A break without the baby is never a true break for moms. When you get a free moment you’re trying to play catch up – do laundry, dishes, clean, prepare for the next day, make dinner etc. Moms never seem to get breaks.
75. Do what feels right. You can read 1 million articles and they can tell you a different thing each time, but in the end, you just need to do what’s right for you. If you are doing what is supposed to be right according to 10 other people, but yet are feeling completely exhausted, defeated, and your gut tells you this isn’t what you’re supposed to be doing, then it isn’t what you’re supposed to be doing. There’s no use and having a baby that was unhappy and a mommy that is in tears all the time.
76. The dynamic with your {single, married without kids, married but trying} friends will change. That and even those friendships with those that have kids but have different perspectives and parenting styles will change. It gets messy, folks.
77. When your child becomes mobile it is a blessing and a curse. It’s awesome they can occupy themselves more independently, tire themselves out, and move to what they want to move to. But, they get into everything. Everything. Nothing is safe anymore and you better get baby proofing if this is the case!
78. Dads get the best behavior. Moms get the totally unguarded behavior. What do I mean by this? Babies let their guard down more with mommy. With daddy it’s often fun and play time because if the dad is working, they don’t spend as much time together. Also… the fact that their food source is built into mommy definitely doesn’t help sometimes.
79. Having three dogs and a baby is a blessing and a curse. The dogs are protective and the baby gets used to being around animals… but the dogs can be overly protective and also bark at anything and everything. Oh and the amount of fur everywhere is insane.
80. Almost eight months later you’ll still be losing hair. I swear I’m going to be bald with how much I’m losing.
I think this is a good place to stop for now. πThanks for reading and to be continued…!
More fun stuff I’ve learned, realized etc. in motherhood. π
38. Starting solid foods does not mean that your baby will sleep better at night.
39. Being female, and having a boy as your first, there are many things that raise questions. Such as, him exploring his parts!
40. Even when their babies start sleeping through the night or sleeping longer stretches, you still will wake up! Is he breathing? Is the room too hot? Is the room too cold? You will still wake up.
41. Nap training is FAR worse than bedtime sleep training. Especially if you have a baby that doesn’t want to miss out on anything! And has major FOMO!
42. Transitioning to something new is absolutely awful. I’m sure it is relative but in my experience it is not so fun. It is always a difficult task abandoning something that works and guarantees you success…for something totally new and not seeing any results for days if not weeks! It’s rough.
43. You may be tempted to have a glass of wine or a beer at 11am some days.
44. Babies are smart. They understand more than you think.
45. Watching your baby learn how to mimic, talk, roll over is the most awesome thing ever.
46. Seeing your baby’s soft spot pulse is really creepy.
48. Remind yourself to drink water and eat. Better yet, set a timer on your phone.
49. It’s kind of amazing how much gas babies have.
50. People will keep telling you “It’s going to get better/easier!” But really, it just gets difficult in different ways than before. Not necessarily easier. You have different battles to fight at every stage.
51. You will make the weirdest noises and faces to get your baby to laugh.
52. Going out to eat with a baby that doesn’t like to sit still (stroller, high chair, carrier) is not fun. It’s kind of like a Chinese fire drill. One person eats while the other is walking around with the baby. Then switch. Not worth it. Lesson learned.
53. You’re going to constantly guess what’s going on with your baby… it’s difficult to tell what’s bothering them a lot of the time! Until he or she learns to talk.
54. Borrow baby items before buying – swings, etc. it’s quite possible your baby will hate it and so will you after spending $100+ on it!!
55. Baby snuggles are the best thing ever. They never get old. Snuggle as much as you can while you can!
56. Everyone is losing their shit. You’re not alone.
57. A baby that’s teething while nursing can chomp down on you and it’s bloody awful.
58. Sleep train when you’re ready and when baby is ready. You’ll just know when to do it. We waited until he was 6mos and had his reflux under control and his stomach issues more settled. If we were to do it when he had those issues unresolved, we all would have been miserable.
59. Teething isn’t fun for anyone. We all knew this. I just had to reiterate.
60. I have to say this again… things change CONSTANTLY! And everyone always says once you get something down, babies will switch it up on you! This is true… or just throw you constant curve balls.
61. Looking back at Gavin’s photos… it’s INSANE how much they change in only ONE month. Their looks, personality, sounds, poops…. haha.
I think I’ll leave it at that for now… until next time, thank you for reading! π
Hello again! Thank you for reading this third post on my adventures in motherhood. I must reiterate that these are my experiences only! I am a first time mama and though I have had experience with babies/kids in the past, there is and was a lot that I did not know!
I also want to share that given the fact we have been under a bit of sleep deprivation, the order of these are in no order as I’m writing these points down as they come to mind. π Thank you for understanding!!
And here continues the list…
22. All babies hate diaper changes at first.
They cry every time for at least a few weeks. This is tough on you because you’re changing the diapers so often and it’s just difficult to hear your baby cry.
23. You will be flooded with unsolicited advice.
Ok I knew this already. BUT, I did not know the extent of it. People are very passionate about what’s expected of moms and how they raise their kids. If it worked for them, it should work for all, right! WRONG! Now, hear me out… Everyone obviously means well in trying to help you and offer their suggestions and opinions but what it really comes down to is what works for you and your baby. No one else. You just have to say thank you and take what you want from it if anything at all. I’m still working on this – it is an everyday challenge. This leads me to my next point..
24. Not only is having a baby purely a challenge, but keeping your boundaries is also.
Family, friends, acquaintances, strangers, doctors, nurses, psychologists, your waiter, barista, masseuse etc. (you get the idea) will tell you what you SHOULD be doing. Since every baby is so different, as they say, no one knows what works for you and your babe but YOU. Holding those boundaries within yourself can be the most challenging. To not be affected by these offerings is much more difficult than I imagined. Why? Because I’m a first time mom and I’m not only trying to SURVIVE and keep this baby alive, but to also figure out what’s best for my baby. Meanwhile, I’m constantly questioning myself and what I’m doing because I’ve never done this before! I’m still battling this every day and I probably will until I’m more confident in myself… So, I just have to take a step back and appreciate the gesture, consider the options, take in what I want and just keep swimming… Or floundering. Just Kidding. Maybe… π
25. Nothing ever stays constant except the fact that you will be tired.
All. The. Time. What works one day may make your little one wail the next. For example, when your baby is crying and you’re trying to calm him down, you could have 6 different ways you know helps. Trying each way more than once may be necessary before any one attempt works. Every day is different. What entertains your baby one day may not interest him at all the next day. So… For those people like me who like routines or consistency, just give in to the crazy.
26. You’ll never get to sleep like you used to.
As a mom you somehow sadly get used to getting up all the time at night. And when your baby hits you with a long stretch you STILL will wake up a lot of time! Or you get some time to nap because someone is watching him or her and you can’t sleep!! It’s such a torturous cycle.
27. Sleep begets sleep.
Babies need enough sleep during the day for proper brain function. Do your best to not let your baby get overtired. It’s a constant battle over here in this household.
28. Be prepared for most everything pertaining to the baby falls on mama.
We grew them in our bellies. These things are just more natural for us mamas. Guys have to learn it all. And it’s tough!!
29. Get used to eating your food cold as a mom.
Especially if you’re breastfeeding. You’re at the baby’s beckoning call and often times when the food is hot, so is your milk for your little one!
30. The first year of your baby’s life is the most challenging for your marriage.
Ok I knew this. But I didn’t KNOW this like I do now. I mean where do I start?? Every. Single. Thing. Is different. You will no longer spend your evenings doing the Netflix and chill thing. Or making elaborate dinners. Or hosting lots of guests for meal. Or. jumping up and going somewhere for the weekend. Or going out on the town with friends. Or going on long hikes. You know what I mean right? Ok maybe some of you do these things with infants but I have not experienced this just yet. It’s just much more complicated. Your freedom is temporarily gone. Your time spent together has diminished. Your social life isn’t quite where it was before the baby. All of these crazy moving parts surrounding this new little being are now your focus. It’s not that it’s bad. It’s just totally different. And difficult to adjust to. Communication is your savior. And date nights.
31. If you’re an extrovert like me, cabin fever may drive you crazy.
If I could I would have back to back plans all day long. I love to be on the go and busy! And now, with a baby, I find myself more inside my home more than ever! Yes I get out for walks and quick outings to the store etc. but it’s nowhere near the same! I love entertaining and socializing and being around people.
32. Stop looking for the right way to do things, and just do what works for you and your baby especially in the first few months. Just survive. Keep your baby alive.
33. Sorry guys – but there isn’t a ton for you to do in the beginning months.
Especially if she’s breastfeeding. Cleaning the house, grocery shopping, meal preparation, errands and holding the baby to give mom a tiny break!!
34. Please see image.
35. As a new mother with a newborn you will hardly have time for anything or anyone else but your baby.
Including your husband. This just needs to be known that the energy and effort has now shifted from solely your relationship to your baby. This is extremely difficult especially for the men. Their role has changed and often times this can be confusing and unsettling. Reassure him constantly. Yes, you may have two babies now. π¬
36. Your baby’s laugh could cure cancer in your eyes. It’s the most ridiculously cute sound you’ve EVER heard. Ever.
37. They grow up so fast. Seriously. It’s a bit crazy! Yes I know I knew this before but the reality of it is nutsπ±Weirdest phenomenon. Every day feels like it goes by soooooooo slow but the weeks fly by. You go from giving birth to a 3 month old! It’s unreal.
Stay tuned for more. Thank you for reading β€οΈβ€οΈβ€οΈο»Ώ
Hello! Welcome to part two! Now, please remember, that these experiences that I’m sharing are ones that I had and it is never the same for everyone. These are also some things that I was not knowledgeable of beforehand! Or, I did not know the extent of it! I’m writing about this for my own sake, for the memories! Oh and to share and inform the people that didn’t know some of these things about motherhood… like me!
9. Waiting for your milk to come in is slightly nerve-racking. Mine came in on the fourth day after giving birth and waiting those four days were tough! Why? Because you want to make sure your baby gets the nourishment he or she needs and going that many days without milk/food is scary! Many times people supplement with formula during this time however, I decided not to.
10. Getting up every 1-2 hours is excruciating after awhile. Sleep deprivation is in full effect here. I knew this… And I knew it would be tough but this was and is the most drained I’ve ever felt!
11. Hearing your baby cry makes your insides hurt. Literally. It’s gut wrenching. Especially the first month! It killed me to hear him cry. Call me a sucker, but I’m pretty sure it’s a million times worse than nails on a chalkboard.
12. Gavin had jaundice and had to go to the doctor every day for 5-7 days after to get labs drawn. This poor guy had been stuck with a needle on the bottoms of his feet so many times since being born I felt so bad.
13. You feel like a milk factory if you’re breastfeeding. Don’t get me wrong, it truly is a special time to bond and I wouldn’t change it for the world… But yes I feel like a drive through milk factory at times.
14. You’ve never worn sweats or pajamas so much in your life. Especially the first few weeks! Just go with it. Put on whatever is comfortable because there’s no use getting dressed up to nurse every two hours and have spit up on your shoulder.
15. You’re lucky if you shower. No seriously the first 4-6 weeks are brutal. You’re in survival mode and trying to get to know this little being all while trying to stay sane.
16. You eat whatever you can whenever you can. And when you do, you’ll eat like you’ve been starving for the past year.
17. Postpartum baby blues can be tough. I would just start crying for no reason or because of the smallest thing. Stress, no sleep, and trying to figure everything out all at once is totally and completely overwhelming especially if it’s your first. It will pass! And if you need to take medications, that’s okay too! Don’t be hard on yourself because it is a tough time you’re going through and try to be kind to yourself!
18. Cramping happens while breastfeeding. Ok I didn’t know this. But it kind of hurts. It is actually your uterus contracting while your little human is sucking on your boob. Mind blown.
19. If you have a baby with a super sensitive digestive system lik I do, your diet is going to be BLAND. For a foodie, this is hell. I know it’s temporary but I dream of eating anything and everything. No garlic, onions, broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, lentils, beans, limited raw veggies, or dairy. I swear you can still eat food – I swear.
20. You will hear…”It gets better!β And “enjoy this time” a zillion times. Yes, it’s a number.
I canβt tell you how many times Iβve heard this over the last few months from well-intentioned, caring individuals, especially during the first few months. Heck, Iβve said it to others. And while the truth is it really does get better, and I truly am trying to enjoy everything…something about those statements have bothered me a bit. Itβs kind of like when people tell you that it will be okay. Or telling you to enjoy minor forms of torture. Just kidding. Kind of. It’ll be okay though right?! Ha! Iβm not doubting that the end result will turn out okay, but in this current moment, Iβm not thinking about that. Iβm thinking about when it will get better, how exactly it will get better, what I have to do or not do to make it better, etc. I am also trying to enjoy the moments of smiles and coos as much as possible. I’m trying to think positively about everything but when youre in the middle of a regression or something.. You’re so exhausted that it can be very challenging to take well! So Iβve committed to myself to no longer saying βIt gets better!β and “Enjoy this time!” to other newly minted parents. Instead, Iβll put in a word of encouragement or offer my support in some way.
21. You’re going to have to come to terms with yourself and make peace.
I don’t doubt that I need to make peace with myself. Iβm still in the process of making peace with lots of things. Iβm making peace with the fact that my life is different than it was a short time ago. The days of taking off and doing whatever I want, whenever I want, are no more. Iβm making peace with being a mom. It is what it is, and itβs something that I have to do for my family. Iβm making peace with the fact that my body may never look the same again. Enough said about that one…!! Itβs a process, but Iβm making peace with it. You just have to do it or it will keep eating at you!
Part 3 is coming soon..stay tuned and thanks for reading π
There’s so much people don’t tell you about the first few months of motherhood with your Little Babe. Can I repeat… SO much. I’m not writing this to be negative about having a newborn, but more to be realistic about what is expected. It’s not all cute matching outfits, strolls in the park, giggles and perfectly staged photos in the most adorable attire!
People say, they don’t want to scare you etc. but I am the type of person that would rather know what I’m about to face! Every person says, “Don’t worry, it gets easier.” But they must know that this doesn’t really help when you’re deep in the trenches of keeping yourself and this newborn alive! C’mon people. Work with me here!
Here are some things that I have learned this far… From birth on. I’m sure this will be a multi-part post – so stay tuned!
1. Labor pains are like no other pains I’ve ever felt. Thank goodness for the epidural. That drug is freaking amazing.
2. When your water breaks, it’s not a small cute little drip – it’s like the flood gates have been opened and you’re gushing fluid in the most uncontrollable, awkward way. There’s no stopping this with a pad, or maybe even diaper.
3. You get poked, prodded and your sense of dignity goes right out the door. You’re fully exposed with people all up in your… You know – areas. The nurses and doctors will just keep coming in an examining everything. Everything.
4. After your water breaks, you shake convulsively and continuously. They say it’s because of the hormones. It is a bit crazy and it makes you feel like you’re constantly having little seizures.
5. When you’re about to start active labor and start pushing, you’ll have at least 4 people in the room not including you and your significant other. They will be setting up, checking you, coaching you and gowning up. It’s slightly worrisome but at that point you just don’t care and you know the end is near.
6. After the baby pops out, it’s the most surreal moment, ever. Not only have you been growing this baby in you for 10 months but he or she is now IN your arms and alive and well. Fingernails, hair, limbs and all!
7. After delivering, there will be someone coming into the room almost every 30minutes to check on you or the baby.
8. After delivering you have to wear these disposable underwear with a gigantic sheet folded in half with two big pads lined up together. Basically a mom diaper.
Who knew that there were SO many bad ingredients in our beauty products today??
I honestly didn’t think about it much until becoming pregnant. It has really enlightened me and made me want to learn more about what ingredients are exactly in the beauty products that I use! This includes shampoo, conditioner, lotions, toners, makeup, baby balm and so many other ingredients.
I’ve recently started as a consultant for Beautycounter. This is a company that heavily screens there ingredients that are put into their products. It’s actually quite impressive! If you know me, I am a pretty low maintenance type of person. I don’t really normally wear make up, I use the bare minimum as far as products not only in my hair but on my skin which includes make up. However, after being involved with this company, I have definitely been more inclined to use Beautycounter Products because I know that everything in them is safe for not only me, but my baby as well!
Tomorrow, join me live on my Facebook page, Beautycounter by Erica Petty! I will be online at 11:00am PST to share a little bit about myself, why I joined Beautycounter, and also to showcase a couple of my favorite products!
Yes, you heard me… Baby food. No, we do not have a baby.
I’ve been looking after the cutest little guy that loves his food. LOVES. And during this time I have started to learn the ropes of making all types of baby food! It’s easy. Wash your fruits and veggies well, steam/roast/boil and then blend! If you can, buy organic π
Starting off with single ingredient foods, it is so easy to make and store!
Graduating to multiple ingredient baby food…
Favorite combinations are:
Sweet Potatoes with any of the following: kale, spinach, carrots, apple, butternut squash, banana
Carrots and Peas
Apple and Squash
Pear and Spinach, Kale or Banana.
Mango with pear, apple, banana, or melon
Cauliflower with spinach, kale, Apple, carrots, graded cheese, peas, broccoli, squash… (You get the idea)
Store leftovers in mason jars or vacuum seal! Freeze in ice trays and defrost when you need it.
Nourishing Zen 