I was originally going to title this post, ‘The Struggle Is Real,” but even with the few uncomfortable symptoms I have (constant backache, swollen ankles/feet and lack of sleep) I am so incredibly grateful to be carrying this little girl we will call Addison. I saw her again today at my doctor’s appointment yet this whole thing still seems a little unreal to me. In 10 short weeks I’ll be someone’s mother. SCARY!
It’s around this time we need to start answering the big questions. What car seat should we buy? What formula do we give her if I can’t breastfeed? Do we need a baby nurse for overnights (I say yes, dad says no)? And most importantly, how early do we have to schedule a play date with Beyoncé’s twins? There is so much information to take in and so many opinions, it’s been hard to weed through it all.
One piece of advice I received recently was from a new mom of a four month old. She told me, “You don’t need STUFF to be a great mom – you will be an AWESOME MOM. And your baby will be a SUPER BABY, regardless of how cute you decorate their nursery, if you use the right diaper, or if you look cute five days after giving birth. Your baby WILL NOT CARE.”
Of all the advice I have been given this has resonated with me the most. Since losing my parents and meeting Dorian I have realized more each day that STUFF really doesn’t matter. It’s the experiences we have, the relationships we foster and the love and happiness we find as well as give to others.
Some advice for my baby girl…. Practice gratitude for all that you have (you will be spoiled – all of mommy’s friends already love you), allow yourself to be vulnerable with the people who matter, do random acts of kindness and don’t be afraid to ever show others your authentic, imperfect, beautiful self.
Thank you Rachael for the great advice, thank you friends who have already begun showering Addison with gifts and thank you Dorian for being the most amazing you every day.
70 days to go!
-Rookie Mom 2017
Becoming Addison 