50 Things I've Learned So Far....

I saw a list like this on PBS today...25 Things I've Learned as a Parent and thought I'd start my own. Given, I've only had 6 months to learn about being a mommy, mine won't be as in depth yet. I think I'll write one every year though and compare notes on down the road! So here's my list of 50 things I've learned so far about pregnancy and parenting and all that lies between:

1.) Half the crap (or more) other well meaning but ill informed women tell you is untrue so research, research & research some more!

2.) OTC medicine is pretty much pointless...nothing beats a cold like hot liquids, tons of rest and a Neti Pot.

3.)Just b/c you don't have any stretch marks while you're pregnant doesn't mean they have passed you by.

4.) Your feet really can grow to the size of watermelons.

5.) Pregnancy is very hard and lonely if your partner is not involved with it.

6.) The ugly cry face is almost fatal with a mouthful of Chic-Fil-A.

7.) You may think bringing home a new baby is the hardest thing in the world but NOT bringing home a new baby is a million times harder!

8.) Every woman has a maternal instinct even if it is hidden deep down inside...trust me, if I do...we ALL do!

9.) There is damn good reason men don't give birth other than just anatomical differences.

10.) Having most people speak into your stomach and kiss it never stops being weird and uncomfortable.

11.) There is a bit of chivalry out there still...you just have to be out in public during your third trimester to discover it sometimes.

12.) Don't try to be a martyr, take the meds when offered after a c-section while you are in the hospital b/c you won't take them once you get home with baby.

13.) Pregnancy weight will not go away on it's own no matter how much you want it to and yes...you are officially overweight now that you are no longer pregnant. Sigh:(

14.) You can live on catnaps alone if you take enough.

15.) I will never poop/shower/eat/sleep/etc. in peace again.

16.) Most other mothers out there think they know more about raising babies than you do.

17.) NO ONE knows how to take care of your baby better than you do.

18.) Mothers and babies have a connection that is uncanny and verges on telepathic.

19.) The simple act of washing your hands keeps your baby the healthiest they can be.

20.) You will lose friends.

21.) You will piss off extended family if you exert your authority about your child especially the ones who have "been there and done that" and think they know everything.

22.) Neither one of these things will really matter to you any longer.

23.) You will never be more interested in poop.

24.) Babies smell good all on their own.

25.) You will do anything it takes to protect your little one...ANYTHING.

26.) The first time you look at that little face you will never love anyone more.

27.) You will never NOT have dirty laundry again.

28.) Boys will pee on you and anything else in your home no matter how careful you are so just get used to it.

29.) Your housework can wait...always.

30.) You can never have enough sheet sets or bibs.

31.) Newborn pants are pointless.

32.) It's hard to stop wearing your husband's tshirts once you get started.

33.) You will start to notice all the overt sexuality and violence in commercials.

34.) You WILL shake your bum to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

35.) You have forgotten the end to most of the nursery rhymes and children's songs you grew up with.

36.) Everything is more interesting through a child's eyes so get on their level...in many ways.

37.) This is the most important thing you will ever do.

38.) Your time is the greatest gift you can give to your child. (Even if it is dirty hair, sloppy clothes and no makeup time.)

39.) Just because it's what everyone else has always done doesn't mean it is right. ( A quick example: Dreft laundry detergent that everyone puts on their shower list is completely full of harsh chemicals but no one reads the ingredients b/c it is what most moms use. Same with Johnson&Johnson products...they are pretty much the worst thing you can put on your baby!)

40.) You don't need baby oil or baby powder at all.

41.) Your baby's slobber is not nearly as gross as anyone else's.

42.) Puke happens. Usually right after you have the super cute outfit on your little one and you are walking out the door...plan super cute outfit B too:)

43.) My baby's laugh makes me laugh...every time.

44.) Babies are not lumps on a log...they see and hear everything from day one so treat them like people and not like the furniture.

45.) No drug could ever replace the warm fuzzy you get from the first baby smile of the morning.

46.) Accept help sometimes but not every time.

47.) Corporate America hates mothers.

48.) Your diaper bag is not big enough.

49.) Stroller brakes are important.

50.) I have a lot to learn and to look forward to:)