So, anyone who knows me would probably tell you that I know way too much about how to conceive. Between all of our personal trials and doctor's visits I have done plenty of research and reading that I could tell just about anyone how to get pregnant. So, when we finally got the news that we were actually pregnant I was dumbfounded by the little bit of knowledge I had about pregnancy. Luckily, there are plenty of websites and books that I now probably know more than the average person should know about pregnancy too. Luckily, my knew obsession will only last nine months so I have a limited period of time to obsess over every little detail. :) The humorous thing I am finding is that it seems like so many women obsess over pregnancy and little about the aftermath...A BABY! Are we really prepared for everything that comes along after pregnancy is over with?
Fortunately, my husband and I had a crash course in parenting when we did foster care. We have experience under our belt, right? After all, we only had about four hours notice when we brought two children into our home. So, off with my mother I went to Target to buy everything we needed for an infant and a toddler. And we SURVIVED! Yet, when we have nine months to prepare it seems like it is just not enough time to get everything in order. I know we will survive, hopefully, not doing to much damage to our children in the process. :)
I do have to sit back and look at how unprepared people are throughout this stage of life though.
One: Why don't people talk about their future plans before they actually start a family? A few simple questions answered from your partner and it would make this whole family planning process easier. How many kids do each one of you want to have? What if you can't have kids? How will you discipline your children? Will both of you work or one stay at home? Sure, life never goes as planned, but when choosing a life partner it makes it a lot easier if you have a peak at what your spouse sees as an ideal family before you go and get knocked up! Luckily, my husband and I have talked about these issues since we were about seventeen (odd, I know, but we were prepared for everything life threw our way).
Two: When you have kids it is your job to keep them safe. This means it is your responsibility to do everything in your power to make sure they don't get hurt. By all means I am not aiming this at the "all time obsessive parent" who cries when their kid scrapes their knee. These things will happen! But you should know how to install a car seat for heaven's sake! If you don't know how to then you should find someone who is certified to do it for you. Just check out this site...it will be enough to scare you! http://www.parenting.com/blogs/show-and-tell/kate-parentingcom/rear-facing-car-seat-safety Okay, so don't read the article, but know that children under 2 are 75% less likely to die or be severely injured in a crash if they are facing the rear. Please, do not put your infant in the front seat because it is easier for you to watch them. If they cry in the back seat, although this may be annoying, at least you know they are breathing! Also, do your homework on your babysitter. You never know what can happen when you are not around. Do a background check. Having someone neglect or abuse my child is just a risk I am not willing to take. By the way, if one of your parents is willing to watch your child (generally speaking) you have to think that they raised the two of you so I am sure that they will do a better job than the girl down the street who has never had a child before. And just because someone on nanny.com claims to have 27 years experience doesn't mean she actually does. Do the math, that would make her 5 when her "experience" began!
On a lighter note...Paul and I have started our baby prep classes...
A couple of weeks ago we attended a three hour breastfeeding class. When we were leaving Paul told me that he almost snickered at the beginning of class. Was he kidding me? So did I! I wasn't mentally prepared for the slideshow of boobies. I didn't realize there were so many different shapes, sizes and colors of boobs. You just kind of assume everyone's boobs look like yours. Apparently, this is not the case. But I was proud of my hubby for staying awake through the long class and now hopefully we will have some idea of what we are doing when it comes to the whole feeding situation.
Last night we did the hospital tour of the maternity ward. I have to admit I almost started crying when we went up to the nursery. I couldn't explain it, I guess it is just hard to believe that we are walking around with all these other pregnant women and will be in that same place from a few months from now with our own little miracles. But no, it isn't all that sweet and simple. One poor mom-to-be fell and almost fainted while we were in the labor and delivery room. It was rather hot in there so it really could have been any one of us knocked up women. When all the commotion was going on before we realized what was really happening I leaned over to Paul and told him we didn't realize we got to see a live delivery on our tour! :) The poor prego was so embarrassed. It did reiterate to me what a great husband I have. He was ready to jump over the other people to lend a helping hand (as if someone from the hospital staff would not have been more prepared to handle the situation). When we were in the car he told me that her husband barely caught her that the woman giving the tour did and he should have been rubbing her shoulders or something to make her feel better. Ha! Love him!
