Quote Originally Posted by popcornbird View Post
My thoughts based on my developing experience with a baby:

My life certainly changed forever after the birth of my child, but in a wonderful way. It changed forever because I have experienced a joy that I never once knew. People seem to imply that having a baby strips you of freedom, but seriously...who needs the freedom to go out and about at night when you have the joy of nurturing and raising a beautiful tiny little human being, who brings such joy to you with his smiles and coos, making you forget every bit of work and hardship he has caused you?
Oh yes, when you are pregnant EVERYONE has advice.
As far as sleeping goes, I agree with prechrswife. In the beginning you sleep whenever you can. My first was a fussy boy for the first 4 weeks. I think part of it was due to my inexerperience and he most likely sensed that. So, I did sleep whenever he did.

As far as them changing your life, it is definitely the most wonderful thing a woman/parent can ever experience. My husband (ex now unfortunately) and I were just so in love with Caleb when he was born, and still are, of course. We often said to each other, what did we do before we had him? Our lives must have been so boring.

My kids are 20 and 23 now and I still love them more each day. Every stage of life they go through from the beginning, good and bad, are all worth it.

My advice to any new parent is just love your kids as much as you can and let them know they are loved! You can never kiss and hug them too much ever!