Happy 9 months, Jett!

I can't believe Jett is already 9 months old! Time goes by so fast. It feels like yesterday that we were coming home from the hospital. Our lives have changed in a way that only another parent can understand. People can tell you all day long how amazing & rewarding it is to be a parent, but until you experience it for yourself, I don't think it's possible to fully understand.  Parenting is a huge challenge & one of the hardest things I've ever experienced, but the good always outweighs the bad. And the bad is never really even that bad. I mean, getting peed on, getting poop on your sheets, & not sleeping for 3 months used to sound like my worst nightmare, but since I've become a mom, I just deal with it. It somehow becomes not only cute, but hilarious. As moms, we just learn to make it work! That's what we do :) Here's a few things I've learned along the way:

1. Listen to all advice given, but ultimately do what's best for you and your family

I can't tell you how many times I compared myself to other moms, existent or non-existent (aka, the idea of the perfect mom I had in my head). I think this is the worst thing you can do. You are a mom, therefore you are never a failure. You made a human. And birthed it. You know what's best for you & your baby more than anyone else in the world.

2. You don't have to overdo it on baby toys.

Through chatting with other moms & observing my own baby, I've learned that babies are much more interested in things like car keys, water bottles, remote controls, sunglasses & magazines. So don't stress if you don't have the latest & greatest of the baby toys. For the bigger things like Jumperoos, swings, & walkers, you can always check Craigslist too. Most of these items are easy to clean & you can get them at a fraction of the price.

3. Target diapers are good too.

At first, we ONLY used Pampers Swaddlers. Mostly because we weren't sure when Jett's diaper was wet, & theres a little line on there that changes color when they pee. But I bought Target brand once (once we figured out the wet diaper thing) & they're great! For generic, I'd suggest those & Costco brand.

4. Babies grow out of clothes really fast.

That's just a statement. There's nothing I can do to help you with that. Except maybe say buy a lot of different sizes when you're getting ready to have a baby.

5. It's OK to feel overwhelmed.

Between learning to be a mom, maintaining your relationship, maintaining your house, work, friends, family & everything in between, life can get really overwhelming. There's just no way around it. My best advice for this is to ask for help (and it's OK if you need it. I know we like to think we can do it all, but sometimes we just can't). During the first few months, know that your house will not be spic & span. My mom told me during one of those first crazy months when I was losing my mind that I was just going to have to let my house go a little & only focus on taking care of Jett. Once I figured that out, things were a lot easier. Thank God for moms!

6. Just when you think you'll never, ever, ever ,ever sleep again, the baby finally learns how to sleep.

That was the absolute hardest part about the first 3 months. I thought I was going to lose my mind! Jett was up every hour and a half to two hours, so we literally didn't have a full night's sleep for 3 solid months. Then one night, we put him to bed at 6:00 and he didn't wake up until 5:45! It was miraculous. That's when I finally started to feel like a normal human being again. 

7. Things WILL be different for you & your partner. Be patient & you'll eventually figure it out.

Jonathan & I were used to a very spontaneous, non-scheduled do-whatever-we-want type lifestyle. That doesn't quite work once there's a baby who depends on a schedule enters the picture. It's a huge adjustment, & you have to remember that it's not easy for either of you. Stay positive, choose your battles, and most importantly, communicate about how you're feeling. 

8. Enjoy every minute. It goes by so fast.

Happy 9 months, sweet Jett!