2 Months, 3 Weeks

Things I have learned as a Mom/Wife since Trenton was born..

1. BE SPECIFIC!
On our first outing, we went to see my parents. Great, however, Wes wanted to take his diaper bag, so we did. I asked the pertinent questions, did you pack diapers? formula? bottles? bottle nipple? and I received a yes to all of those. However, I forgot to ask, Did you pack the right size diapers? Yes, my newborn sized child sported a size 2 diaper once we had to change him...oops!

2. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES
They tell you this when you get married to, but even with my almost 3 month old, I am having to chose my battles. I like for him to look all clean and put together, but he truly doesn't care about that little dribble of formula under his mouth, only I do. Don't bother him.

3. DON'T MAKE A PLAN
Truly, I am not the biggest planner, but sometimes I like to have a time schedule. I vowed I would not be that woman that is late to everything because she couldn't get her child and family ready in time, but I am learning Trenton pretty well dictates much of what I do. Oh, it is time for Church, sorry God, my child still has 2 oz. I mean, honestly! **note, that time we did interrupt feeding to go to church. *** Oh, you want to go back to work, sorry, your child is going to get sick again! There is not such thing as a plan.

4. SLEEP WHEN HE SLEEPS..um, no thanks!
Tell that to the dust bunnies lying in the house or the dog that hasn't been bathed or played with all day because Trenton won't be put down. Sorry Wes, you would have clean clothes, but Trenton took a nap..dinner, no can do...it was nap time. I just can't justify it. Wes worked while I was on maternity leave. Although, yesterday taught him to appreciate those 10 weeks and all I did, there isn't a bone in my body that could sleep while all that needed to be done.

5. ASSUME NOTHING!
Case in point, last night, Trenton and I went to P-POD. Great time, but he had been fussy all day, so we get home and he eats at 7:00. Great! He fights sleep until about 8:45/9:00, so I am thinking why go get all cozy in my bed for him to wake up at 10:00 to eat, right! WRONG! Wes and I stayed on the couches..my 6'4" husband on the love seat, me on the big couch (with Baxter), Trenton in his pack and play. Well, Baxter wakes me up to go out around 2:00am. Trenton is still asleep. So, I think that soon he will be waking up...nope, 4:00AM Trenton decides to eat. Really!, REALLY! We slept on the couches for nothing. Deep down, I think my child is a lot like me, and he is laughing at us. Especially since this is about the 5th time we have done this...we may be the idiots we deny we are.

6. DON'T HOLD YOUR CHILD ALL THE TIME
I learned this after I took Trenton to daycare. My child has been through a lot in the first little bit of his life, I couldn't hold him until he was over 2 weeks! Really, if he wants to be held all day, I will....um, worst day ever for daycare workers! Sorry!
Along those lines, don't hold your child to the point that others can't. Pass him/her around. Although, nobody will ever do it like Mommy.

7. CHERISH FAMILY
Best babysitters around...give them their time with him too!

8. TAKE ALL THE FREE STUFF PEOPLE GIVE YOU
Join every website and take every coupon. If you have amazing neighbors, like we do, then appreciate every giant tub of clothing they bring over. The Ellis Family has been amazing...not to mention, she is probably the one I will be calling all hours of the night for help! Trenton has more clothes than most thanks to Abbey and Steve!

9. ANNOY YOUR PEDIATRICIAN
This was hard for me since my father is a doctor, I want him to be the one to fix it, but we have a pediatrician for a reason, so don't be afraid to call him. I am still learning this lesson.

10. TAKE AS MANY PHOTOS AS POSSIBLE!
While we have yet to coordinate the perfect family photo, it is amazing to see how much Trenton changes. I laughed at Ansley and Adam when they brought down equipment for a photo shoot, but it did put everything into perspective. Sorry we didn't do all the outfit changes, Ans.

So, clearly I have a lot more to learn and I will continue to learn as I go...everyone messes up on the first child, right? Just ask Ansley! :)

Sir, my dad, has Trenton today, so I am positive there will be stories. Last time they were together, Dad taught him about physics and football. This morning he learned the date and the next federal holiday! It has already been an eventful morning.