1. Sleep deprivation REALLY means sleep deprivation! I’ve never known a lack of sleep like this. I remember during the last 3-4 weeks of the pregnancy hearing, “Get your sleep now,” and was far too distracted with feelings of rage (All I was doing was sleeping-I felt like a log and HATED people for saying that) to actually hear what people were saying. Not that getting my sleeping credits would do me a lick of good now anyway, I at least get the sentiment.

2. Poo stains! I had prepared as much as you can that poo stinks. The fact that Americas Funniest Videos has a clip once a week with a dad changing his baby with a gas mask showed me that breastfed or not, poo will stink. But NO ONE told me that if you get poo on your hand, it will take a good two minutes to get out, not to mention on clothes-changing table-walls-carpets-tile-sheets( I have already experienced all these places, boo.)

3. Tim and I’s team playing skills would be so crucial. I remember the boys were 2 weeks old and my Aunt was coming over to bring us dinner. In times past, if I was having someone over I would literally have anxiety attacks over making sure they didn’t find out I lived like a pig. Tim looked over at me-eyes bloodshot from not sleeping for at least 2 days- and said, “Well do you want me to do the dishes while you clean up the living room?” and I looked at him bug-eyed (I looked like those freaky dogs with the big eyes that sadistic people put on greeting cards-if you don’t get the reference, go back to #1. I am tired) and said, “Are you kidding-this is survival mode! You go to sleep NOW and I will wake you in 4 hours, so you can take the next shift!” I have been telling Tim daily how incredible he has been and him in return. We have a semi-routine in place and his support has been the thread that’s held me together most days.

4.  In the words of our pediatrician, I’ve learned to be fanatically, anti-fanatical. I had romanticized motherhood and specifically newborns my whole life. My best friend had a baby while we were in college and I remember her always having this new mom glow about her. I probably started creating my list of things I would NEVER do then and here I am at week 6 and have pretty much broken all of those rules already. Almost every mother has come out with the parenting method they subscribe to, and all of them believe this IS the way.  I am learning early that there are many ways to raise happy, healthy children and not to get caught up in what so in so says is best.

5. I have never known a love like this. This is one that I can’t describe well. When I was pregnant, I thought I realized how special they were, but I didn’t see their faces light up when Tim’s voice was in the room, or get to see them hold hands when they nurse. The best part about this shocker is that I love them more each day.

So thats my list. The boys have their 1 month visit with the pediatrician tomorrow and a date with Santa. I’ll post info and pics soon!