Surviving the first year

Now that Little Foot is a year old, I thought I'd look back on the past year and make a few notes on what we learned and how that helped us (me?) survive. Ya know, for next time. Or in case anyone stumbles on this little ol' blog and wants to know if something is normal :)

1. Hormones are RAGING those first weeks after you give birth. The week we brought her home I actually said "what did we just do??". Thankfully the Mr. reeled me back in during those days and I couldn't picture my life without her.

2. Those first few months are wicked. I thought I was doing pretty well since she would sleep a lot, but less sleep definitely takes its toll and for me it really hit ~3 months in when I was back at work. During those weeks and months, don't worry if there is dust on tables or food on the floor. Relax when you can and accept help that is offered to you.

3. The people that say it takes 6-8 weeks before breastfeeding becomes established are right. So very right. Probably TMI but I would cry anytime I had to feed her because I had cracks and was bleeding. At my 6 week postpartum appointment I asked my OB if there was anything I could do and she gave me All Purpose Nipple Ointment. That stuff is the bomb. My cracks healed up within days (even while breastfeeding) and I started to enjoy nursing her. If lanolin isn't working for you, talk to your OB now.

4. Introducing foods is fun and challenging. Sometimes they can't get their mouth open fast enough and other times (even during the same feeding session) it's like trying to fight an octopus. Distraction with another utensil is a good way to work around this. Also, there will be times she eats like a football player and other times when she barely has anything. This is normal, so don't freak out.

5. Stranger danger is alive and well from about 9 months on. If she doesn't know you she will cling even harder to the person holding her. Heck, even if she does know you she still might not want you to hold her.

6. Have Tylenol with a syringe, VaporRub, a NoseFrida and Aquaphor on hand at all times. These will alleviate discomfort for most things that go wrong during that first year. (Not true medical advice!) A humidifier is also very helpful.

7. Every baby is different. Duh. I just mean that some babies will be picky about some things but not other things. Little Foot liked the MamaRoo but wasn't a big fan of the bouncer. She didn't have an issue with any of the bottles we tried. We didn't buy a swing so she lived without it. I've already professed my love for the Rock N Play. I'm just trying to say that you can't plan everything out before they come. They will show you what they want and need as the time comes.

8. Don't be quiet while they are napping or you'll set yourself up for a lot of quiet time. Little Foot can sleep through a lot of stuff thanks to that helpful hint.

9. It's impossible not to compare your baby to others of a similar age, but try not to. It'll suck all the fun out of it and that's just not good. They will do things on their own schedule- some will be early by comparison while others will be later. Same goes for their size. No baby can be 50% in everything all the time.

10. Enjoy the little things- bath time, reading books, introducing a new food, cheering when she learns a new word or does something for the first time- without pushing to hit that next milestone. It'll come, so enjoy the journey... one minute at a time.

Our dentist would be so proud

Little Foot is 12 months old.