2 thumbs & a dummy

Annie, this one’s for you. I know I was meant to post this up much, much earlier but somehow, it just didn’t happen and I was also waiting on for more advice. Most of these are coming from mum who have more than 2 kids so I reckon these are pretty good advice! I wish you all the best in your up-coming ‘download’. You can do it woman!!!

1. Invest in a great baby carrier – not a baby bjorn crapola – but a real well made soft structured carrier and wear your baby. Best to carry them and use a trolley – so much more room for shopping than in a pram

2. Be yourself, relax…if something doesn’t get done, it doesn’t. People come to see you, not your house…enjoy your child, he/she will remember you playing cars or barbies with him/her, not if the floor was swept.

3. Accept all offers of cleaning/food/etc! Sit back and enjoy your bub as much as possible!

4. Follow your gut instinct it usually is right (well-meaning strangers and family for that matter) don’t know your child as well as you do) and just enjoy your little one as they grow up sooooo quickly and give them lots of cuddles

5. Whatever happens, just remember that it really does get easier (this is referring to those early newborn days/first 6 weeks which can be quite challenging when EVERYTHING is new). O, and “this too shall pass”.

6. To love the poop machine unconditionally (A really funny one to add!!)

7. Set aside time for each other, mum and dad. Go paktor/dating!

8. Be reminded that it is not easy, expect the unexpected and have patience be your best virtue

9. Find out what sort of parent you want to be AND get involved (this applies to men). Nothing speaks of parenthood more than spending quality time with your children (this means changing diapers and disciplining them as well).

10. Get as much sleep as possible now (I personally second this!)

11. Buy lots of extra clothes pegs prior to having baby

12. Try not to get caught up on the one thing in your baby’s life that isn’t what you expected it to be.

13. Snuggle lots, roll around the floor and laugh. In other words play with them while they’ll let you

14. Respecting them as people will not ‘make a rod for your own back’.

15. Comforting a crying baby and cuddling a sleeping baby doesn’t spoil them – and if you don’t do it while they let you you’ll miss out!

16. Don’t stress about every little thing. I reckon your own stress is felt by the baby too. Relax and enjoy, there’ll be time for all that ‘other’ stuff later

17. Take in everyone’s advice, keep what you want and forget about the rest.

18. And from me, get a routine started as soon as you can or when you notice that he has one. It makes life easier for both you and bub. I can’t imagine my life without a routine for the girls….everything would be upside down!

So there you go, Annie! I hope that helped you a little if not get a clearer picture of what to expect and well, what you’re in for. After all, too late to back out now. Hehehehe…..*I’m so cruel, aren’t I?* Sending positive vibes from across the continent woman…. ((HUGS))

And to all the mums (mostly from my sewing forum) who have contributed to this, thank you very much. Reading all this has also reminded me of certain things which I too tend to not do, but should.