My Favorite Learning Moments (in no particular order)

1. When E sleeps on his side, his diaper leaks. Always. It never fails. 

2. I don't have time for petty drama. Not that I ever did before (who does?!), but I notice things that people do to me and say to me/about me that I used to totally react to. I've decided I officially have way better things to do and people to take care of. If there's a situation that I care enough about to let it bother me, I fix it. Or, I try. If I can't, then I can't. But I do try. 

3. As of right now, 3 months later, I have no desire to have another child. I hear that changes with time. We'll see. I'll revisit this again in a year. But even though I had the best pregnancy in the world, I have no desire to repeat that process again. I've done it once, I was happy. I'm good.

4. People will have an opinion now more than ever. You're totally forming one now about E being an only child.

5. Do NOT shake the bottle to mix the formula. Air. Everywhere. 

6. Changing a baby boy's diaper is a learning experience. Always cover the weewee! I use a wipe. 

7. Every child is different. I have stopped letting myself be guided by how others raise their children. I'll listen to advice all day, but I make my own decisions over the care of my child. I no longer keep thinking to myself, "How come E doesn't do that?" 

8. I have waaaaaay too many baby blankets. 

9. 12 weeks of maternity leave is not enough. We need, at minimum, 1 year. 

10. I hate restaurants with bathrooms that don't have a changing table. Like The Cheesecake Factory in Arlington. What in the world?!?! I had to run next door to Barnes & Noble the other day just to change him.

11. In reference to #10, all changing stations should have a hook on them.  For our diaper bags. Not all of them do. That would make life so much easier for mommies. At least for me.  Because I never put my purse on any floor!

12. In reference to #11 above, changing stations should be in the handicap stall. Or in a "mother stall." I HATE changing E in front of everyone. 

13. I will never ask other preggos "are you ready for this?!" whenever a baby screams or cries or does something bad. Because I hated it when people told me that! I will also never point out your swollen feet. I promise.

14. I have gained/found/discovered strength. I have no idea where it comes from, but it comes. Motherly instinct. I've been tired, yes. But I haven't been to the point where I feel I can't go on any longer. I don't know if it's because Eli is SO chill, but I have gotten away with 4 -5 hours of sleep p/night the last 12 weeks and I've felt great! Waking up for 3a feedings just happens. Like I get up and do what I have to do and be done with it. It's not a chore. Also, I wake up to every little noise E makes. It's crazy.

15. My least favorite question ever is "Are you breastfeeding?" I don't understand why people are so intrigued by this. I always feel judged when I say he's formula fed.

16. I don't pray enough. I find myself saying "God please help me with this one!" all the time, but I don't get on my knees often enough. I'm reading The Power of a Praying Parent by Stormie Omartian and I LOVE how she teaches to be specific about the things I ask God for. I need to do that more often. I've started teaching Eli how to put his little hands together and pray for his food. We pray before every feeding. My hope is that as he grows he learns that that's just what we do- we pray and thank God.

The end.