Babies, Babies, Everywhere!

My sister, my cousin's wife, and one of my best friends all had babies last week. All were born within 24 hours of each other! I will admit. I had baby fever for about two seconds while we were getting play-by-play details on each birth... and while we were visiting Elliott and Farris for the first time. These precious babies tugged on my heart just a little  a lot. I remember seeing and holding my sweet baby for the first time. Ahh... memories. I was quickly brought back to reality by a two year old who was squirming in my arms trying to reach out and pet, yes, pet each new baby. He was fascinated... and surprisingly curious and gentle. Am I ready for baby number 2? NO... I repeat NO. Bennett is still very needy and I am not quite ready to divide and conquer TWO kiddos quite yet. I will get there eventually but I will enjoy my time with my sweet boy until that time comes.

The play-by-play updates made me smile... I remember the anticipation of awaiting the arrival of our sweet baby so well. There are so many things I would love to go back and tell my "Mommy-to-Be" self. 

Dear Mommy-To-Be Self:
There are some things you should know.
*Your life is forever changed.... altered.... but in the BEST way possible. It may not feel like it when he cries all day, but I promise, it's all good.
*Routine, sch-moutine. Don't force it. It's okay if Bennett doesn't follow the typical newborn schedule that is mentioned in your handy dandy book. In fact, throw the freaking book out the window. 
*Remember, when your time comes to be a "veteran" mommy. Don't you dare say the dreaded words, "Just you wait." You will hate hearing those words.
*Breastfeeding is hard. Very hard. It's time consuming and emotional. If you have to supplement with formula, you aren't giving him poison... no matter what your brain says.
*You will be consumed with feelings you never knew existed. That sweet gift from God is the closet thing to God this side of heaven. Treasure it.
*You will cry. A lot. Tears of frustration. Tears of joy. Tears of sadness. Tears of exhaustion. Tears for no reason. Tears are good. It's a sign you are doing a good job.
*Your house will never be as clean as the day you bring him home. It's okay. Spend time with Bennett when he is awake. You can clean during naptime or bedtime. If you don't get it clean... who cares? 
*He is only little once. Cherish it. Temper tantrums suck. The biting phase- it sucks too... but its a phase. He will outgrow it and move on to other things. 
*Take time to let him be curious and to touch things and see things. Expose him to new experiences. Encourage friendships. Teach and model how to be a good friend.
*Let him do things by himself if he wants to. Sure, it may take forever for him to get into the car and into his seat alone... let him do it.
*Read daily...its a chance to snuggle and to show him new things. It doesn't hurt his IQ points either.
*Read Bible stories. You are building the foundation. The relationship he has with God is the most important one. Also, commit to raising him in church.
*Start praying for his mate. He will get married one day...face it. Go ahead and pray that he will find a Godly woman that will treat him with respect.
*Pray for the person he will become. 
*Model for him the type of relationship with Jonathan that you desire for Bennett to seek. 
*Hug B, kiss him, love him. Let him know he is important.
*Remember, he will learn what he is taught. This is important!
*You will always worry. ALWAYS.
*In the first few days after he is born, you may wish you could put him back in the womb... just for a bit- to get a shower, to nap, not to worry that he somehow quit breathing. It's okay. Don't feel guilty. The overwhelming realization that he is here... permanently, can be scary. 
*You may not go out in public for awhile. Face it, poor girl. Your kid will have colic. IT's gonna be bad. He will cry ALL. THE. TIME. for eight months. You will feel helpless but it won't last forever. IN the meantime, hold that sweet crying baby and love him like it's your job... because it is! 
*Don't compare your kids to others or spend time "researching" on the internet. It will drive you crazy and you will probably convince yourself something is "up" with your kid. You are not a doctor and he is probably fine. P.S. Your doctor may get tired of you.
*That being said...Go with your gut. It's called Mother's Intuition and it's God-given. It will never lead you wrong. If you feel something isn't right, it probably isn't. Who cares if you have been to the doctor on Monday... and it's Friday... and you think it's another ear infection and you are out of antibiotics.Call the stinkin' doctor! I assure you, you will be right more than you are wrong. Trust me. You know Bennett better than ANYONE.
*Lastly, just relish it. You are a Momma! It's what you always wanted to be. It's the biggest, most rewarding, toughest, best job in the world! Everytime your sweet boy says, "Momma" your heart will overflow. I promise.

Sincerely,
"The Mother-of-an-almost-two-year-old" You