Lessons Learned

As Aiden turns 2 months old today, I have been thinking of all the things I have learned in these quick 2 months:

There is nothing like seeing your child smile. It never gets old and I can't imagine it ever will.

Naps on mommy's chest make everything better - for baby AND for mommy.

The 2 month doctor's visit (complete with shots) is A LOT tougher on mommy than on baby.

Red lights are the enemy and pot holes are now a lifesaver with a baby in the car.

Pain is all relative. You think you know your limits, but somehow a baby changes what you thought you could tolerate.

Thank goodness for digital cameras and free film or we would be broke by now.

External harddrives should be sold in baby stores and available to put on the registry.

You suddenly realize how different things now are when you head to the beach and the baby has more swimsuits than mom and dad - combined.

When packing for baby, think about how much luggage mommy and daddy will have. Now double it.

Where I once grumbled and complained about burping and passing gas in the Tanner house, suddenly it is encouraged and even gets mommy's praise.

Cooking dinner for the family is one of the most helpful things someone can do for a family with a new baby - no matter when it is done or what the meal is.

People love babies. Have a response prepared for when a random stranger walks up and asks to hold your baby. It WILL happen.

Babies bring out the baby voice in everybody - even tough guys like daddy.

People who think MacGyver is resourceful have never been a mommy and had to nurse, heat a bottle, change diapers, and take care of a baby on the go.

Nothing can replace the first few weeks with the baby. This week has convinced me that he knows my face, my smell, and my voice. While it has frustrated his daddy beyond belief, it is an amazing feeling to have your crying son handed to you and he immediately stops crying when he sees my face.

Sleep deprivation can make you say and do some funny things. You've been warned.

Always tell a new mommy she looks amazing, no matter what she looks like - it will make her day. After feeling so skinny for the first two weeks, you suddenly realize you aren't when you wear a swimsuit for the first time and someone asks you at the pool how far along you are.

Buy stock in Energizer and Duracel before the baby comes. ALL baby supplies need batteries these days.

I now have tremendous respect and sympathy for cows.

Whoever said "There is no use crying over spilled milk" clearly was not nursing or pumping.

A baby's nursery needs a fan. It doesn't even need to be a working fan, they just want it to look at.

The key to a successful bathtime is a space heater. Trust me on this one.

When preparing for a baby, think like Noah - 2 of everything. You will need a back-up of everything from crib sheets to pacifiers.

They do make sleeping pills for babies - they're called car seats.

I never thought I would be so relieved and excited to see a VERY dirty diaper.

If you are ever selected to be a contestant on Supermarket Sweep and need training, may I suggest taking a newborn that has just woken from his nap and is 3 hours since his last feeding. You will shave your shopping time in half, I promise.

One word - mylicon.

And most of all, there is nothing that anyone can say or do that can prepare you for a baby. It is an unexpected adventure each day!