The Newborn Stage - Good vs. Evil

Just a few days old, that sleeping smile actually says -
you have no idea what you're in for muahahhaha

I am gearing up for the newborn stage. It will take me at least 8 weeks to psych myself up for those first few weeks. I am glad I kept a journal during Kenzie's newborn stage, because believe it or not... you totally black those weeks out.

That's why people tell you having a baby is great... they forgot the first few months.

With every bad, there is an equal and probably greater good.

The BAD:  He pooped out of his diaper and it got all over his clothes, crib sheets, and you... in the middle of the night. The worst part: you didn't realize it was on you until morning.
The GOOD:  It's morning and even though you got 1 hour of choppy sleep last night, you can't wait to hold him in your poop covered arms.


Falling in love...

The GOOD:  She slept for 5 straight hours last night!
The BAD:  I was up checking on her every 15 mins because I was worried about SIDS.

The BAD: This first time your husband does something like the following: accidentally hits her head on the door frame, tries throwing/bouncing the baby, or tries "burping" her which looks more like he is performing the baby Heimlich maneuver.
The GOOD:  When you get to witness the growing love in his eyes whenever he looks at his baby and it makes you tear up.

A few weeks old enjoying
tummy time on the boppy... finally!

The BAD: He cries the entire 15 minutes of tummy time, every time.
The GOOD:  The first time he holds his head up during tummy time!

The BAD:  He sleeps all day and stays up all night.
The GOOD:  When he sleeps too long during the day you miss him. That's love!



The BAD:  The witching hour... which we all wish was just 1 hour long.
The GOOD: When they finally fall asleep it will be the longest stretch of the night.

The GOOD:  She smiled at me awake! 
The BAD:  Nothing... this trumps everything that you have been through thus far.

The days are long, but the months are so short, and that first year is even shorter. They are only a baby for 1 year and once they get those arms working, they might not even want your cuddles, long before they turn 1. So embrace the rocking, hugs, kisses, quiet cries... because those cries are sure to be longer, louder and a lot more demanding when they are toddlers.