What I've Learned - 6 weeks - Anna

First 6 weeks lessons:

• Some lessons have to be learned multiple times before they stick.

• Some lessons still haven't stuck.

• Anyone can have their name on a child's birth certificate, but it takes a lot of work to be a parent.

• People always say you need to be quiet to "not wake the baby"...but sometimes it seems that no matter how loud I am or what I try... I "cannot wake the baby".

• It's okay that parents don't have it all figured out... I'm learning that babies don't seem to have it all figured out either. 

• Alarm clocks become almost obsolete when you have a baby.

• I thought I ate fast before, but how fast I ate prior to Anna's birth is nothing compared to how quickly I can pack away food now.

• Anna has a knack for finding the edge of the burp cloth before she decides to spit up.

• If you take your child out to eat with you, and there is a grouchy couple who is irritated a child is in the restaurant... They will ALWAYS be at the table closest to you.

• Lying on my back, I can lift my legs off the floor for about thirty seconds and my abs will begin to hurt (translates into hurts like crazy). Babies can sleep with their legs up in the air for hours and do not seem to be bothered.

• Rubber ducky is not doing his job, bath time is clearly not always "so much fun".

What I've learned - 9 weeks - Anna

Lessons Learned: Anna's first 9 weeks edition

1. When jogging with a "non-jogging" stroller, be careful not to step on the brake...

2. Worship is a very different experience with a baby (And I have a feeling it will not get any easier as Anna becomes more mobile and vocal)

3. When Anna does something her mom doesn't want her to do, she is "my daughter"...When Anna is a perfect angel, she is "Amy's daughter".

4. There is nothing better than when Anna smiles at you.

5. It is much more difficult to be a mom for an infant than it is to be a dad for an infant. (And Amy Whitaker Ward is being an amazing mom)

6. There are at least 10 times a day I think I'm a terrible parent...and that is normal

7. There are likely at least 20 times a day Anna thinks I am being a terrible parent...which is why I believe babies don't really start forming memories until later. :-)

8. Despite 6 & 7, we are all doing just fine.

9. If Anna is still alert and awake, do not let the sound machine turn off.

10. The more cute the outfit, the higher the probability of a blowout or spit up.

11. Pacifiers need to come with a head strap to keep them in

12. It is both the most terrifying thing and the most exciting thing when Anna sleeps much longer than her normal stint at night.

What I've Learned - 6 month addendum - Anna

Since Anna doesn't turn 6 months till Sunday, a few additions to what I've learned.

1. People get mad when you have a long gap in your "what I've learned" post.

2. Starting solid foods brings a whole new aroma to diaper changes.

3. James Johnson was on to something with the use of Vick's vapor rub.

4. You need a engineering degree to be able to use many child accessories. 
5. Making baby food is easier than I expected and a whole lot cheaper than buying the jars. 

6. When dropping your child off at daycare, it helps to bring her milk for the day…it only took three days of dropping her off to learn this one. (Good thing daycare is only 2 minutes from the house)