Yesterday I felt like a deer in the headlights. With less than 6 weeks until our baby is due reality is starting to settle in. I had a huge reality check yesterday at my family baby shower. I thought bridal showers made me uncomfortable, this one was much weirder. As I opened all the cute little presents I had a hard time really swallowing the fact that there will soon, very soon, be a little girl in our house to use all of this stuff. Weird! Baby stuff is so cute, but stuff for MY baby???? By the time I got home the "weird" feeling had evolved into an "overwhelmed I don't know how to really take care of a baby" feeling. I was not one of those girls who spent every second babysitting. I have very little experience tending babies for long periods of time. Devin was so good to just let me sit on his lap and cry out all of my worries and concerns. By the end of our conversation we came to the same conclusion that we have before when I have been feeling unprepared and not quiet qualified for motherhood, it's going to be ok. It's ok that I don't know "everything" because no one really does. Motherhood is a learning experience, a hands on learn as you go experience.
So with the "overwhelmed" feeling gone, we had fun the rest of the evening organizing our baby stuff. Baby stuff really is so cute! We got a little brown hoodie that is just adorable! Our favorite new "toy" is our baby monitor. Devin had lots of fun setting them up and talking into them. Though we know for a fact, our little girl will not be talking into them and saying funny things. I really am excited to hear how she sounds, to see what she looks like, to just hold her. Even if I don't really know what to do with her, I am excited out of my mind to just love her!
Posts
15 comments:
The two of you are going to make awesome parents. And with your teaching experience you are already ahead of the game.
Christine is right. Plus you learn as your baby grows. There's a reason we can't remember much (if anything) from when we were babies. (So I had to tell Jonny about the time his father took the cap and nipple off of the bottle and POURED it on him.)
Also remember you don't have to know everything in the beginning, they're not born toddlers or teenagers (THANK GOODNESS!) As long as you can change a diaper, cuddle and make a bottle (nursing seems harder in the beginning-it's worth it! but at the very least a bottle will feed her) you'll make it the first few months :) One day at a time, not a whole lifetime-you'll be great!
it isn't easy but you will get the hang of it.:) You will be a great mom. You will learn as you go. by the way what stuff does baby Anna need. I want to send her something.
I think every mom feels that way when the first baby is on it's way. I remember being worried that I wouldn't love this new little person that was forever going to be a part of our lives. But I did and I do, and you will amaze yourself with what you are capable of.
Also, kids are very forgiving of all our shortcomings. Usually all it takes is a hug and a kiss to make things better again! Don't worry, we all know you will be amazing. And even though there will always be worries about what kind of mom you are and how good a job you are doing, the truth is that Heavenly Father knows you and he knows that baby, and that baby is coming to you because it's where she belongs.
Julie, I have no doubts that you will be an amazing mom and Devin an amazing dad! I bet it feels overwhelming...I of course have absolutely no experience in being a mom but I also know that all the moms i have observed feel overwhelmed at times. But I also know that Heavenly Father is sending your sweet little girl to you because he knows you are just the perfect parents for her. I know you will figure it all out day by day and all three of you will learn together.
And a good cry is what we all need from time to time. I know it makes me feel better when I am feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
I am remembering the first time we brought Ashley home. The hospital wanted us to stay another night and I thought better, I know better now! Anyway, we got home late and were enjoying Ashley and then she started to cry. I didn't know what was wrong and it was overwhelming and then Ky said "well I am off to bed", I was like WHAT!!! You cannot leave me here with this brand new baby I don't know what to do! I think I still have that panicky feeling the first few moments I get home with a new one. It will pass and is perfectly normal. You do great with Kami and the girls and I know you will do awesome with little Anna Beth, it just takes practice. And don't forget you have tons of supportive family.
If you had to know how to be parents in order to be parents, then no one would ever be parents. I know that you will be great parents because of the kind of people you are. I'm not worried one bit about you. i'm sure you'll be some of the best parents in the world and I'm not kidding.
OH! Don't worry, you will do just fine. You have an amazing mom as an example and she is always a phone call away with the questions you will have. Plus you have lots of family who have been where you are right now. I have great confidence in you both, you are some of the best in the world for this calling. Don't be afraid to ask for help... especially from Heavenly Father he will give you the most guidance and help. But I'm sure you already know all that.
Love you guys!!!!!
I can relate to the feeling. When I was pregnant with Seth I was worried because I had never been one that saw a baby and wanted to hold it. But it's totally different when it's your own baby. You two will get lots of inspiration of what to do and we are all here to help answer questions. You two are going to be amazing parents!
You'll be an amazing mom. It is surprising how much you just know. There are a lot of things you won't, and that is what mom's are for. I called my mom a lot (and still do) about baby/kid things. Cute stuff!
Julie-your are going to be a great mom-it is amazing how once the baby pops out and is in you arms-your mothering abilities click into gear! All will be good!
Just remember that the baby will stay alive as long as you feed her, keep her warm, and change her diaper every once in a while. Everything else will come naturally and through experience.
I can SO relate to what you are saying! I find myself reading book (after book, after book) as if I am studying for a final exam... can I remember it all?
You are going to be a great mom! I have no doubt!!
Post a Comment