Chaotic Bliss

There seems to be a baby boom on Facebook. Almost everyone I know is having a baby. Most people I know are still on baby #1, a few have lost their marbles enough to spring for baby #2. I'm one of the only people I know who is crazy enough to have three children. So, in honor of all of you newly pregnant mommas, I am going to grace you with a few tidbits of parenting knowledge. You're welcome in advance.

1. Sometimes that "mother's intuition" just tells you to cry. Or panic. Or both and that's ok. I think it's a myth created to make you feel bad about not knowing what to do, actually. This is especially true during the newborn phase.

2. Babies cry. It doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. See #1. Feed, change, burp, etc. and then just love and comfort the best you can. It'll be ok.

3. There will be moments (or days) when all you want is a break. Those are usually the same moments when your baby/kid is feeling really clingy. "This, too, shall pass."

4. Rock your baby. This is a no brainer to me, but there are going to be a whole bunch of people who tell you not to spoil your baby. Those folks are cray cray. Rock your baby every single chance you get. One of the best feelings in the world is a baby sleeping on your shoulder.

5. Stop judging other mothers. Hello, "Mom on the iPhone" blog lady, I am talking to you! You never know someone else's circumstances. Before you go judging the mom on the iPhone (who has seen her kid swing high 19,320 times, has witnessed her precious daughter twirling an equal amount of times, and who has given an enthusiastic "good job!" even more times) put yourself in her shoes. Maybe she was up all night with a baby. Maybe she is a single mom with no help. Whatever she is...she probably just needs a break. Same goes for the mom who lets her kids watch tv or the mom who isn't making baby food from scratch. You worry about your kid and leave everyone else alone. Just remember, judging other people doesn't make YOU a better mom...so get over it.

6. When people ask if you need something, tell them what you need. If someone offers you help, accept it! Ask for help when you need it.

7. Learn to nap. This one is self explanatory.

8. Never say never. I used to laugh at people who dressed their kids in matching outfits. Funny, I know. I pretty much buy three of everything now. Even jammies.

9. Sometimes you just have to laugh so you don't cry. This is especially true if your husband is out of town, one kid poops in the floor, and the other two spill the last Diet Coke everywhere...not that I'm speaking from experience or anything.

10.  Make memories. It all goes by too fast. Remember that you'll never get a day back. The next day your kids will be a little bit older. They'll need you just a tiny bit less, so tell them you love them and kiss them 100,000 TODAY. You're not going to wake up when you're old and wish that you had spent less time with your kids. I promise.