Two frequent comments I've been thinking about:
When I was pregnant, many people commented during random conversations: "Your life will be changed forever."
True, every new thing in life changes life, but they seemed to imply it in a negative way. I couldn't help but feel EVERYTHING new in life changes life forever, and it starts in childhood. The birth of a new sibling changes life forever. Starting school changes life forever. Getting a new friend changes life forever. Getting married changes life forever...and...having a new baby changes life forever. So why do people always comment on a baby changing life forever, when life in itself is an ever-changing process? Have any of you ever wondered about this?
Another frequent advice I heard too often:
"Sleep when baby sleeps."
WHAT? How? LOL!
Other than sleeping in the night, how is it possible to sleep when baby sleeps...unless I want to live in a filthy, unorganized house, never prepare meals, never do the laundry, and never do the important tasks in life that need to be done?
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?
My thoughts on sleeping when baby sleeps? I just can't do it. God blessed us with a wonderful baby who sleeps well through the night, and also takes several naps in the day. His nap times are my times to cook, clean, do the laundry, make his baby book, read, call my friends, check my emails, etc. If I were to sleep, I can imagine how my life would be. Constantly frustrated because everyday would pass by without getting anything done.
What are your thoughts on this, moms?
Any other frequent comments/parenting advice that bugs you because it just doesn't make any sense?
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