A Little Advice

This Sunday my mom and sister threw a baby shower for little Jacqueline.  Many of my family and friends were able to come visit our new home and celebrate the new little life that will bless us in five short weeks(ish...)

The shower was filled with everything a good baby shower has; food, loud laughing, cute little baby clothes, and games.

One of the games we played was for everyone to guess Jackie's birth date, weight, and length and then offer a little piece of advice for the new mommy and daddy to be.

I thought it would be fun to share the advice from so many experienced moms and a few "someday" moms.

~  Pick up the baby whenever she cries.

~  Make sure you always take time to listen.  Even that can make things seem so much better and easier for her.

~  Don't worry about the small stuff.

~  Patience is key

~ Listen to your mom, she's been there before.  (This was not from my mom...)

~ Read to her.

~  Parent whatever way feels most comfortable for you and Ethan.  Remember that you were chosen especially to be this little one's parents, so you have a PhD in her.  Your instincts are probably right.  The days are long...but hte years are short, so enjoy all the moments.

~  Rest, and be careful what you eat if you are nursing.

~  In all things turn to God. 

~  Be very patient and love her lots

~  Don't worry about anything and pray about everything.

~  Even when you think you might be doing something wrong, trust your instincts.  No one knows baby Jackie better than her mama.  Even if it takes some time to get into the "groove."  And all the other stuff, the dishes, laundry, cleaning...it can wait!  Time goes so fast so enjoy every cuddle, diaper change, feeding, etc...  And you can never have enough spare diapers, more importantly wipes!  Those dissappear very fast!

And of course, the Grandma's-to-be had some expert advice also:

My mom:  I love you!  You will be a loving mother...and don't sweat the small stuff.

Ethan's mom:  Call grandpa anytime.  That is if he isn't out there already!

All such great advice!  I'm sure Ethan and I will have all the help we need :)

And now I better get going on some Thank You notes!