So I've had a baby for 9 months. Did it go by fast? Sorta. Definitely faster than my pregnancy! Nine months later, here is what we are up to, and what I've learned.
1. I've wasted entirely to much money on clothes and toys. Sure it's fine to spoil your first child, and buy every toy in the shop, but it's so pointless. Necessities when it comes to clothing, and nothing too expensive. I see some of these instababies being modeled by their adorning moms with a nicer wardrobe than any adult I know. Why?! Babies really don't give a shit what they are wearing, ever. Actually, I'm pretty sure they hate clothes. Additionally, they grow out of them , and unless you plan on having another child, within a timely fashion, around the same exact time that your current child was born, it's getting donated. And the toys, my god. 2 or 3 core toys, and maybe 5 or 6 additional little things. Penelope's favorite toys are not toys at all: water bottles, boxes, remote controls, random things from the pantry. I spend too much time picking up little squeaky things off the floor and underneath the sofa. Could have saved a small fortune.
2. I have the most adorable baby in the world, and, your kid is pretty cute too. When I was childless, I could say with ease: that kid is not cute. I could probably still say it, but now I see the beauty in all children. It's weird.
3. I wish I was a stay at home mom, but I'm glad I'm not. Ugh. I would love, more than anything, to stay at home and play with Penny, make art, read books, go hiking, cook.. but in all actuality, I would get nothing done. She's more demanding than I could have imagined and she's not fond of waiting. She also doesn't help out with any chores around the house. The nerve. Besides, I get paid to work, am able to socialize with adults, and get 1 whole hour to eat lunch, or go shopping, or take a nap in my car. I get exactly 0 hours to do that when I'm home with her. But maybe one day, I can still dream.
4. I will never look the same. I have lost and gained weight 10 thousand times since she was born. Everything is a little softer, or wider, or different. But that is ok. I have a loving husband who lies to me about how I look, and I have a gorgeous daughter who will be rich and pay for her mommas plastic surgery one day.
5. I do everything I said I would never do, so I'm sorry. I post a gazillion pictures of her, everyday. I co sleep. I don't let her cry. I just do what's best for us. And that is something I wish I understood more before I became a mom. I think we all need to take a step back from the mommy wars, and worry more about what is going on in our own families, and less about others. Some kids will have a pacifier until they are 5. Some kids will sleep with their parents. Some will be late in potty training. It's ok. As long as they thrive, and grow, and learn, and laugh, you are doing it right.
I feel like a new person. I put her first, and I dont mind. I cry more than ever now, almost enough for the both of us. I cry because she's beautiful, because I love her. I cry when I read or hear bad news because it makes me sad, and sad that this is the world my perfect angel has to live in. I was tough once. Those days are gone. But that's ok.
Penny has 8 teeth. She loves all of her family. She loves kids, and animals, and being outside. She loves looking out the window. She says mama, dada, and hi. She waves, and points, and claps. She crawls, climbs, and is conquering the stairs. She doesn't always sleep through the night. She loves cinnamon in her bananas, sweet potatoes, and squash. She eats everything, we give her. She is the biggest snuggler, and loves to cozy up to daddy in bed. She loves to be chased and tickled. She is just so friendly, happy, and free.
We have 3 more months until Penny is 1 and 3 more monthly photo shoots. I love watching her grow, and learn. It's like the whole world opening up in front of her, and I get to come along for the ride. Happy 9 months my sweet baby, we love you very much.
