At the end of January 2015 Jeff and I welcomed our baby, Knox, into the world. Well, Jeff welcomed him and I sat there wide-eyed knowing I couldn't give him back. Postpartum depression & anxiety hit me hard as I embraced for a dark season I didn't know was coming. But alas the Lord delivered me and set my feet upon solid ground and I embraced another new season, parenthood.
Knox turned one a few weeks ago and I thought I'd journal a few of the things I learned this past year in no particular order.
1) postpartum depression is real. It happened to me and it happened to others as very dear women shared with me their stories. But we all have something else in common too, it didn't overtake us like it wanted and peace and health were achieved. (Please contact me at any time if you ever want to ask questions or need help)
2) Baby boys will pee on you, themselves, changing tables, couches, and other surfaces you'd never thought would need a deep clean from urine.
3) You will need some sort of contraption for when they are mobile to house them in besides the crib. This allows for bathroom breaks, coffee to be drank, and peace of mind. I suggest a packnplay or gated area.
4) Schedules for Knox and for me were a win. I needed a routine and turned out Knox loved it too.
5) You don't actually have to journal when they come home from hospital diaper changes, bottle feedings, and naps. Why did I do that?
6) The people from poison control are very kind. Lock up the dangerous cleaning supplies my friends.
7. Back is best but physical therapy for a flat head is expensive. More tummy time next go-around for us!
8) You can survive on 4 bottles. I only own 4, this still amazes me.
9) Breastfeeding is great but don't beat yourself up when you stop or don't start at all. Formula isn't the devil. Its food for your baby. That's all.
10) Baby colds seem to last forever, but the nose-frieda helped. Gross, I know. I never thought I'd be washing a suction tube for congestion.
11) The infant season is only a season. You will sleep again.
12) Moms put lots of pressure on themselves. We must daily give ourselves grace. You're still learning after all.
13) When in doubt call your mom.
14) You and your husband will say, "Do you smell poop?" daily and this won't be weird.
15) Lean into your partner, He wants to help. I love you Jeff xoxo
16) Don't compare milestones to other kids. You'll end up freaking out when in reality kids do things at their own pace.
17) Labor is flippin hard! I was not a three push girl, I was a 3 hour push girl. Hug yourself for conquering such a huge task.
18) Learn to love sweeping and vacuuming because somehow your house needs it every day.
19) Take naps too, they are like a breath of fresh air and ice cream on a sunny day.
20) I still have lifetimes of things to learn.
I currently am almost 4 months pregnant and needed to write down some reminders that I made it through the first year and I can do it again with another sweet soul. Although I know this list will look very different after a year of having 2 kids under 1 years old. God Help Me! No really, help me.
Love, Kate & Knox
