favorite baby prep ideas

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Whether you are pregnant or growing your family through adoption, expecting a child definitely takes it's toll - I realize you are already drained. And I hate to be the one to tell you this, but this is nothing compared to the exhaustion that's on it's way. With two of my best friends joining me in this new life of motherhood, (one welcomed a baby boy in November, and the other is expecting her baby girl in June), I've been thinking back on what I would do in advance to prepare for a baby if I were a first time mom again. So here's my list of suggestions that will ultimately make the newborn twilight zone a tiny bit more sane and manageable, which in turn allows you to enjoy that short phase more. Only take on the ones that speak to you and forget the rest. Well, actually, I lied. There is one must-do that I included for everyone...it's super important so don't skip it.

The purpose here is to simplify and prep now so your life is easier later. I promise you'll thank me.

one.

Decide now which mom friend you're gonna call or text when (not if) you have a strange mommy or baby question, need a good cry, or just a pep talk. Let them know they're your "person" - maybe with a coffee and donut in hand as a bribe? - and make sure they'll be pleasant when (again, not if) a need arises at 3 am. 

two.

Download a baby care app on your phone. It's convenient for tracking diapers (wet vs. dirty), frequency of feedings, which side you nursed on, baths, naps, etc. since your brain will be on hiatus especially the first few weeks. This is also helpful for pediatrician visits. Instead of a blank stare when they ask "how many times a day is she pooping?" you can just refer to your app. I used the Total Baby app. 

Also - we STILL use a great lullaby and noise app called Sleepy Sounds. It's nice to have it with me whenever I might need it - in the car, at a hotel, etc. 

three.

Do something to pamper yourself. Mani/pedi, hair trim/color, massage, facial, shopping in Target alone (this would be my pick!) - or all of the above! :)  Because lets face it - becoming a mom means you will often be putting yourself at the bottom of the list.

being a new mom {& what I didn't see coming}

There is a vast difference between preparing for childbirth and preparing for a child. So much focus is placed on the pregnancy and how your baby will arrive, but we can't just brace ourselves for labor when there's a whole new life as a mother waiting at the end of the delivery. Moms-to-be, you deserve to have realistic expectations so you aren't completely overwhelmed on Day One of Motherhood.

In a nutshell, it's one-hundred times harder than you ever imagined it would be. It's also one-hundred times more spectacular than ever imagined it would be. Here's my take on it. 

{P.S., I have updated portions of this post with my thoughts on things one year after originally writing this!}

Overall, I enjoyed being pregnant. Sure, the heartburn was horrendous and towards the end I was just super uncomfortable. But there was something so special about it. I regularly had complete strangers congratulate me, make gender guesses, speak a blessing over me and my baby, and even physically lend a hand. And yes, there were a few awkward belly rubs here and there, but even those didn't bother me as much as I anticipated.

 I actually thought I was going to miss being pregnant. That is until my kid decided to stay put nine days past her due date and come out weighing almost as much as a bag of potatoes. Anyway, I'm not bitter.

Aven was born on February 6, 2014 and I can honestly say I've never felt more elation than that first moment she was placed on my chest. It was the hardest and most beautiful day of my life.