Thoughts from the new Mommy

Following my husband's lead, here are my thoughts regarding being a mom:

• It was incredible to me how Emerson recognized my voice shortly after being out of the womb. He was crying and once I started talking to him he stopped. I know he could hear me while he was in there but it's still amazing.
• I miss multitasking! Everyone who knows me knows that I multitask - especially at work. Well, one of the first major adjustments was saying goodbye to this art. At the beginning I was on Emerson's schedule and what he needed got done. Now I'm still on his schedule and I manage to get things done while he's sleeping but I can't do much while holding him thus I've learned to go with the flow and I get what I need to get done later...like when Daddy gets home!
• I have never appreciated showering more in my life! I tell Robert it's a gift I get each night to reward myself for a long day. Usually Emerson cooperates and sleeps during this time otherwise Robert takes care of him.
• Getting up in the middle of the night isn't so bad once they start smiling. I will crankily get out of bed, take E into the nursery thinking "why don't you just sleep" and then he smiles and my heart melts.
• I still can't wait til we get to the 8 hour stretches of sleep.
• Yes, I know I'm lucky he's sleeping as much as he is and I do appreciate it.
• A naked little baby in the bath tub is the cutest thing ever! Forget the baby pandas!
• Okay, I take it back. Baby hands ARE the cutest thing ever. So is the way Emerson's little baby hands move around when he's awake and lay on his chest when he sleeps. So is the little nail file I use to maintain said tiny baby fingernails.
• Nursing Emerson was so time consuming at the beginning. It felt like that was all I did when we first brought him home.
• Even though it takes up a huge chunk of my day, I truly enjoy feeding my son.
• I'm also very grateful that he's learned to take a bottle from Daddy so the cow can have a break.
• I love that one of my sister-in-laws is a pediatrician. It helps having someone to call with new mom questions. I also love that she's patient with said phone calls. Love you Windy!
• I was already a germ freak but being a new mom + the swine flu has taken it to a new level. My husband can vouch for this. Thanks for putting up with me Baby.
• Getting snot out of a tiny baby nose is a challenge but it's so rewarding when you get them out with that booger sucker (aka a nasal aspirator)
• I miss my pregnant belly. I had gotten attached to it. Sometimes I miss feeling Emerson move around in there and having him all to myself. (I know Keith - I'm selfish!)
• I miss my maternity clothes. It was nice not to have to zip pants. LOL
• I miss how my old clothes used to fit.
• I guess I'm somewhere in between...LOL
• I feel bad for Gus. We try to give him attention but he's definitely second fiddle these day.
• I've never done so much stain sticking in my life. I didn't know how badly baby poop and spit up stain.
• I love watching Emerson discover the world...including his own hands.
• I love that Emerson recognizes me and that he calms down when he sees me or hears my voice.
• I love that he clings to me like a spider monkey when I hold and carry him.
• Becoming a parent makes you appreciate everything your parents have done for you. (We love our moms and dads!)
• And helps you forgive them for screwing you up.
• And makes you realize you'll screw up your own kids. Sorry Emerson.
• Being resposible for a little human can be overwheming.
• I love watching Robert with Emerson. He's such an amazing father and I can see the bond between them already.
• It's so cool having our own family.
• I would do the whole thing over again in a second. It was all worth it.
• I love being Emerson's mom and can't wait to do it for the rest of my life. I can't believe how overwhelming this feeling of love is and how I would do anything for him.
• I don't know how I'm going to leave him and go back to work....