Sunday, August 19, 2012

Ten Things I'd Forgotten About Having a New Baby

I'm breaking the rules for this weeks Listicle.  I am completely consumed by this tiny new being and this new way of life that he brings with him.  And I hope the List Master will forgive me for saying this, but in my opinion, new baby smell trumps new car smell any day!

Ten Things I'd Forgotten About Having a New Baby


1. How little sleep you actually get, and what sleep deprivation can do to your brain.

2.  That smell of absolute deliciousness. Even before they've had their first bath.




3.  Fluid retention and cankles.

4.  That I may want to throttle the Hubs when he asks if this is the first time the baby has woken to feed, when in fact it is the fourth.  But that all will be forgiven the moment he hands me a icy cold glass of water while I'm nursing, makes me a sandwich, or takes the baby from me at 4 am when my poor boobs just can't take any more and I need half an hour of sleep.

5.  That "sleep when the baby sleeps" isn't always possible.  There are other things to be done, like eating, showering, laundry, and this time around, there's also a big kid to look after.

6.  The hormone dip that occurs around day 3 after baby is born and reduces you to tears over the fact that the one pair of pants that fits you right now is in desperate need of a wash.

7.  That there is nothing as rejuvenating as 10 minutes to yourself to shower.

8.  Planting kisses on tiny hands and feet.

(Yes, those are flowers and butterflies on his bassinet sheets. Second child syndrome.)

9.  How long it takes for the belly to recede, and how pregnant you still look even a week after your tenant has vacated. 

10.  That friends and family are absolutely amazing.  There have already been so many gifts and offers of food and play dates for Lilah.  And our fridge has never been so stocked!  It reminds me how fortunate we are and makes me want to be a better friend/neighbour/relative when it's our turn to give back.



31 comments:

  1. Don't tell Captain Canada, but the list, cankles and all makes me want another little one!
    Have an extra sniff of that new baby smell for me.

    We would love to come meet Henry in a little while.

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    1. And we would love to have you for a visit!

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  2. Aw, I'm disappointed it's not about your car. ;) Congrats again, mama. Here's hoping he'll be one of those babies who quickly realizes nighttime is for sleeping & lets you rest a bit more.

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    1. Thanks!
      My car IS pretty special... :)

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  3. Aw... totally sniffly now. Love the butterfly sheets! You may have a soonest to blog about baby record here BTW!

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    1. Just sneaking in some blogging time while the Hubs is still off work. I'm sure things will get more hectic very soon!

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  4. You are making me want to have a baby! He is such a sweet little boy. And cankles will be history very soon!

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    Replies
    1. Well, you do make cute babies. Worth some thought.. . :)

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  5. Yes, all these!!! I've never subscribed to the sleep when baby sleeps thing because, by god, I'm taking a shower, writing, eating, playing with the toddler, doing laundry - there's just so much to do!

    Glad you're enjoying Henry. Time really does fly because my baby is already 3 1/2 months old!

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  6. A most beautiful and loving listicle.

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  7. Brings back the memories, I just love new baby smell!

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  8. Totally agree! I totally love those chubby cheeks!

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    1. The newborn squish is just the best. I'd forgotten how soft they are!

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  9. The new baby smell totally trumps the car!!! He is soooo sweet! I almost sort of want another one. :D until I think about that whole sleep thing.

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    1. That's definitely the hardest part. But the good news is it gets better!

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  10. I'm pushing the cankles and hormone dip and sleep deprivation out of mind, as I savor those photos of the precious cheeks and think back to that smell. This is what will get me through December & January. (February and March too!)

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  11. New baby smell definitely trumps new car smell. And I swear, I had my last baby 11 years ago, but showers are still special.

    You'll pee and nurse out that fluid soon. :) Ellen

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  12. Good choice - I am sure we are all thrilled that you opted for new baby smell! lovely post and gorgeous pics too.
    I never got the cankles.....but don't hate me; I still have the tummy.

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    1. I'm blaming the heat for the cankles. I sure hope it's fluid retention, because I've only lost 10 lbs so far and Henry weighed 9.5!!!

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  13. I can so relate to this!!
    IT is all so worth it. He's adorable and you will be back to your old self in no time.
    The sleep? Yeah, that will take a while longer. I am here for you.

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    1. Thanks, Susan! Wanna take him for a stroll while I shower or nap? ;)

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  14. I LOVE new baby smell. And the belly thing? Yeah, I don't think it ever *really* goes away. One of my kids asked me if I was pregnant last week when we were going to the pool...darn kids ;)
    Wish we were next door neighbors, I'd make you a casserole and take your big kid on a playdate.

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    1. Aw, wouldn't that be lovely if we were neighbors?

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  15. I've been having baby fever lately. Your list made me remember the realities of taking care of a newborn. While they are totally worth it, it is seriously exhausting work. Congratulations on your new addition!

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  16. Awwwww...what a great list! New baby definitely beats new car...poopie diapers and all. :D Congrats!!!

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  17. How is it that reading this post made me want another tiny little baby desperately - and my youngest is only 8 months old! Congrats!!! I'm so happy for you.

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    1. 8 months already??!! I can't believe it!

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  18. It's such a sad milestone when they stop smelling like sweet smelling babies. And when their super smooth skin gets hairy :)

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  19. Congratulations!!! I know exactly all those things you listed. My baby just turned 2 months. And that whole sleep when the baby sleeps HA HA HA Not with a toddler around! They seem to sleep at different times, and of course NEVER at the same time!

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