Lessons Learned

Here is my 18 week baby bump! It is right before bed and I'm not looking my best, but it gives you an idea.


Even before I was pregnant Paul has been interested in looking through the baby isles at Target and Meijer. Like I said, he has wanted a baby it seems like forever! For some reason, even now, I find myself skipping past the isles. At first it was like the baby wasn't real to me yet, but now I skip them because I want to know the sex of the baby before we enter. I have to be feverishly prepared for everything. It makes me wonder how I will adapt to this mommy business. Primarily, I learn one of two ways. Either I A. study relentlessly any book I can get my hands on or B. try it once on my own, screw it up beautifully, and never ever make that mistake again.

I anticipate that even the smallest tasks like changing a diaper will be some of the most interesting learning experiences. I can recall many years ago changing Oli's diaper. I made the terrible rookie mistake of removing the diaper and placing it next to Oli. While I was struggling to differentiate between the front and back of the diaper, something hit me smack dab between the middle of the eyes. I looked up at Oli just in time to see her grab a little turd from the diaper and chuck it at my head. I freaked out and whipped the diaper over to my side, effectively whipping turds all over the bedroom floor. Oli just laughed and laughed, but when I think back on the event it replays in my mind like a horror scene. Lesson? Never place the diaper next to the baby's head and, if you do, wrap it up first! Also, it is a good idea to figure out the front and back of the diaper before you are facing a bare butt.

People very generously offer to let soon-to-be mothers "practice" on their babies. I have been given the kind opportunity to change many diapers. The truth is, if you are pretty sure you are going to do something wrong and make the baby cry, it is much more comforting to do it without an audience.

I am pretty terrified of all of the things we will need to learn in raising our new baby. The knowledge of a thousand books probably couldn't compare to the first hand life experience of raising your first child. But at the end of the day I cannot wait to meet the little baby growing inside of me. I had the opportunity to hold and feed Andrew a couple of times this weekend. Starting down at his big, curious eyes I realized that it is hard to get tired of cuddling and cooing a baby. He is just so sweet and innocent. And how often do you get to feel like a hero just because you replaced a pacifier with a bottle? Okay, I guess Paul does give me that same look of gratification when I replace his empty beer can.

By the way, thank you to the Moore's & Walser's for coming to our Labor Day Party. Here are a few pics.

Kendra cleaned my kitchen as per usual.




Ave gave Lola a foot massage.

Played a little flip cup. Even baby and I played with water. This baby should be a natural someday.

Tay cheered for the bullies. She was so cute that we let her.