The First Year

Where do I start? The first year of my first child’s life… I can’t even begin to convey how life changing this year has been. But here are just a few things that I have learned:

1. You truly can function on less sleep than you think. You might cry, you might drink a lot of coffee, you might hallucinate, but you will survive. And it does get better. I think.

2. Other moms are essential to survival. We are not meant to raise our kids alone, going insane with boredom if we read the same book one more time or make one more ridiculous animal noise. Interaction with other moms is a must, unless you want to become a blubbering, incoherent mess before your child is six months old.

3. The female body is incredible, but don’t rush it. Things will go back to where they were… sort of. Very few of us snap back into our pre-pregnancy clothes within a few weeks or even a few months (if you did I don’t want to hear about it). I didn’t truly feel “back” until nearly a year postpartum. It’s ok. That year goes by quickly and is filled with more important things, like first steps and first words.

4. Motherhood is hard. Suck it up. There is no quitting. There are no sick days. That’s just the way it is.

5. Guilt comes with motherhood. They are inseparable. Wine helps.

6. Baby giggles in the morning can erase an entire night of screaming.

7. Relax. Stop stressing about Ferber or not, soother or not, flashcards or not, co-sleeping or not, daycare or not, extended nursing or not. Do what works for you and your baby, and forget about who might judge you. Wine helps.

8. Poop happens. Whether you do cloth diapers or disposable, you will deal with poop. When poop happens in the potty, it is a glorious thing.

9. Neighbours are awesome. Get to know your neighbours. They might just save your life (or at least your sanity).

10. Don’t get too attached to nice things. Chances are, the baby will find it and destroy it. Or puke on it. Or poop on it. Learn to let it go. Wine helps.

11. Do your hair. Use nice lotion. Wear cute shoes. You’ll respect yourself more in the morning.

12. Going to the bathroom alone is a very special thing. Seriously.

13. You will do at least one thing that you swore you would never do.

14. Good dads are incredible. If you have a good partner, count yourself blessed, over and over again.

15. The first birthday party may not turn out the way you want. Your baby might be sick and cranky, people might not show up, the cake might be too sweet. But you and your baby survived, so celebrate anyway. Wine helps.