It struck me as funny earlier today that there are SO many things that no one tells you before you have children, or maybe people DO tell you but you don't take them seriously or you just don't listen. I thought I'd dispel some of the myths & illusions here.
First, I'll start with the "Good" Stuff:
You Will Forget about the Pain of Labour - This is very true. I had an extremely short, painful and natural birth with Jack which was brought on through induction. No drugs and very little gas and air, so I felt every bit of it. I must say, I remember having pain, but the instant I held him, I forgot about the level of pain and now, I remember it was uncomfortable, but I'd go through it over and over because it means that I get to look at his precious little face everyday.
You Never Knew What Love Was Until You've Loved your Child - This is also very true. It is instinctual that you will go to any length to protect your child. I remember before I had Jack that I loved life, but the love you have for your child, is something completely unexplainable. You would go to the ends of the earth to protect them and sacrifce anything for them to have what they need in life. I can only speak for myself here, but I would imagine that the same applies for a bond between a child that has been adopted, once they are your responsibility, it is inevitable that your level and capability of love enhances.
Now...the Not So Good Stuff...
You Won't Sleep for the First 2 Years of Your Baby's Life - This is SO true, and is NOT a lie. I was one of those people that thought, "oh, organization and routine" is how you get a perfect sleeper. But, I promise, it's not true. I was absolutely convinced that a strict routine with my little one while he was small would lead to good sleeping habits when he got older. I can tell you from personal experience, children do not sleep until all of their teeth come in. That might have a few good nights here and there, but I promise, it doesn't last.
People that insist that their child is the "Best Sleeper" are lying. Perfect sleepers don't exist, and those who say their children sleep are simply wanting everyone to think that they have the perfect child.
I must say though, as a parent, it is truely amazing how little sleep you can function on when you really have to!
Babies spit up & vomit, a lot, so be prepared all the time - I thought that burp clothes were only needed for the first few months of a babies life. I was proven completely wrong tonight when my 11 month old spit up all down my back - oatmeal...yummy. I'm not really sure why I thought burp clothes were for small babies, it just didn't occur to me that I'd need to wear a towel over me for the first two years of my child's life...at least.
I will never forget the first time I went to meet a friend of mine for coffee after having Jack. Jack was probably around 6 weeks old. I was at the coffee shop, all proud of mysef that I had gotten us both out of the house in one piece, by myself, and I remembered to bring everything with me! I took out Jack's bottle to feed him, and after a few ounces, Jack looked up at me lovingly and vomited all over me, the sofa, & the floor. The one thing I underestimated? The need for additional burp clothes to mop up the vomit....just said I'd warn you :)
Teeth are the Root of All Evil....pardon the pun :) - I had missed out on Kate's teething experiences, so unfortunately I was completely green in the teething department. Jack was exactly 8 months old when he cut his two bottom teeth. Prior to getting these two teeth he had terrible diarriah and a throat infection. At 11 months he has now only cut his left eye tooth, which brought two ear infections, two throat infections and eczema. I'm telling you teeth are the root of all evil.
OK, now I'd love to hear from you all! Please share some of the things you'd like to know about, or what you'd like others to know when entering into the wonderful wide world of parenting! I really hope to hear some of your thoughts!
Being a parent is the best job in the world...even if it is the lowest paid and hardest there is!
Can't wait to hear from you all!!!
Love, Jess xx
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