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This is a blog post to my possibly future self. I'm just letting you read it too.
Feel free to leave comments with your own advice. I'm sure I'll be updating this post as I remember additional tidbits / discover new things.
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Pregnancy:
Pray for your unborn child.
I'm convinced FireGirl likes veggies because while I was pregnant I prayed that she would like all the healthy stuff that I didn't.
Try not to gain more than 50 lbs.
Screw the tables the AMA comes up with, but keeps changing.
Knowing your family history, and how much you gained with FireGirl, 50 lbs is a reasonable target (for max).
Follow your gut.
You're an awesome mom already. You know what to do. Do it.
Eat more fruits & veggies.
It's just good for you. And the baby.
Labor & Delivery:
It will not go as planned.
If you're comfortable doing so, allow others in the room this time.
You may need the support. So may FireMan.
Plan on taking at least 12 weeks off (max allowable by FMLA).
Remember last time? 'nuff said.
Infancy:
Pray for your child.
If it's another girl, check her labia frequently.
Labial adhesions are a b****.
Follow your gut.
You're an awesome mom. You know what to do. Do it.
If you want to breastfeed, go for it.
If you're struggling, try to pump. Some breastmilk is better than none. Screw the lactation consultants. Pump & know how much you're getting.
If you feel like you need to stop BFing and / or pumping, do it. There is no shame.
Trust Jason when it comes to carseats.
Chances are your kid will be much larger than average, and he is the trained professional.
Deep breath, calm down.
Toddlerhood:
Pray for your child.
Every kid walks & talks at their own pace.
Stop freaking out.
Trust your gut.
You're an awesome mom. You know what to do. Do it.
Don't let them in the front seat of the car unattended. Even for a minute. Even in the driveway.
They think CD players look like great places for the pennies in the change holder, remember?
Trust Jason when it comes to carseats.
Chances are your child will be larger than average.
It will look scary to check your rearview mirror and see your baby in the big kid seat.
But with Jena you checked & rechecked the safety stats, and it really was safer considering her size, remember?
When it's time for potty training, remember: clothing should be easy for your child to take off / put on.
Buy undies a little bit big (but not falling off), elastic waist pants are your friend, as are adjustable-waist pants (adjusted just a little bit bigger than they need to be (but not falling off).
Oh, and no more one-piece PJs. They're adorable, they keep munchkins warm, but they hinder nighttime potty-training, because they're difficult for small children to put on / take off by themselves.
As soon as they can reach, put doorknob covers on the doors.
As much to keep them in, as to keep the cat safe.
Preschool-Age:
Pray for your child.
Trust your gut.
You're an awesome mom. You know what to do. Do it.
Enroll them in preschool if finances allow.
Challenging them intellectually is good.
Let them go at their own pace (montessori is preferred)
Make holidays a BIG DEAL. Even little ones.
It's worth it just to see their faces.
Always send an extra change of clothes, just in case.
Even if your child hasn't had a daytime accident in months.
The embarrassment you and your child feel when your babysitter sends her home in the babysitter's son's clothes (including undies!) will assure you to always, always send extra clothes.
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* remember, this is a post to myself. I'm sharing it with you, but if you disagree because something didn't / doesn't / you don't think it will work for you or your family, then fine. No need to argue with me, because I accept the fact that what works for one family will not necessarily work for another.*
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