Jim and I have discovered that some parents love to tell you horror stories once they see that you are going to be parents soon. We're glad that we're surrounded mostly by people who tell us how amazing being a parent is and how sleep is overrated. It's amazing to me how excited people are for us and how generous everyone has been with useful advice, hand-me-downs, and encouraging words. Souffle even said she loved childbirth. These are the kinds of things people need to hear, not "Well, good LUCK with the delivery. My epidural was late and it was really painful!" Uh. Yeah.
Not to say that we don't want to know about the realities of birth and childrearing. I mean, it's good to know about all of the uncomfortable details regarding the state my nether regions might be in after birth, or what constipation looks like in a baby, or the importance of hindmilk, or how we might be completely out of our minds for a couple of weeks with insomnia. We don't want to be in the dark here. But there's a way of saying these things that's not like "Oh god, you've made the worst mistake of your lives."
So thanks to everyone who's been so supportive, positive, and honest throughout my pregnancy. That's what we've needed (especially me!). Keep it coming!
3 comments:
Haha. I remember when I was getting really close to giving birth to Stephanie, people kept telling me labor horror stories, about 15 pound babies that took 15 days to come out.
Nope, that's not what you need to hear, and it's not what your experience will be like.
You are going to find that parenthood (beginning with the childbirth part) is miraculous, exciting, rewarding, surprising, but most of all there is NOTHING and I mean NOTHING that can prepare you for the love that will fill your heart.
And I swear to you that even with the challenging moments (okay, there will inevitably be a few of those) that the love for your child grows every single day; even when you think you can't love them any more, you do. This is the miraculous part; you love them more than seems humanly possible.
I am so happy for you and so excited and I have always known that you will be the most amazing parents.
Hooray!
Sweetie...
Let me take you back almost 38 yrs...
In 3 short hours... You and I labored together to help you, little Greta Ann, enter the world. TOGETHER... we did it!
You and Seamus, with the help of Jim will do the very same! It will be a wild journey for sure... one unlike you have ever experienced. Undoubtedly, you will never forget and hold deep in your heart as the single most important moments of your life. YOU ARE WOMAN! Your body was made to do this birthin thing.
I digress now...
What is that quote in Gone with the Wind?
"I don't know nothin' 'bout birthin' no babies!" ~Butterfly McQueen
Good news is... your body KNOWS EVERYTHING about birthin! Talk to it... tell it that you need it to be ready for acsheeeooon.
And with Jim's love and guidance... you both will bring our little Mango-boy into this world just fine!
O H M....
NanaBanana :- )
You both made me cry!
Thanks for your words of confidence!
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