Dear Mama-to-be (and me)

Dear Mama-to-be (and me!),

My, how things are about to change!  You can read books galore, and find plenty of 101 lists via Pinterest that will suggest, plead, beg, and shout advice that is surely to be the best.  Right? A baby is coming-and after all, those of us who have "been there, done that" have all the answers.  (I'm laughing even as I type that)

The truth is this:

As I'm about to be a mama to my second daughter, probably the biggest thing I have this time around that's close to an "answer" is confidence.  I am confident that at times I will feel like I know nothing, even though I know more than I think I do. I'm confident that other times Betsy Grace AND Anna Ruth will both be happy and well-rested at the same time and I will feel like super-mom. I'm confident that it's okay to have a hard day, to ask those you trust for advice (but be picky about who you ask!).  I'm just sure that I'll get less sleep than I do now, but that a supernatural, prayed-for strength will be a good dose of medicine (along with quick showers and good, strong coffee).  I'm positive that the happy moments, the ones spent snuggling a newborn and continuing to watch an almost 2-year old grow, will take power over the hard moments.  

I'm confident that a bit of extra Curious George watching won't ruin my children's brains.  I'm confident that there is truly NO joy like having a baby.  And if the joy doesn't come at first-hang in there.  I know it's so hard to adjust to being a first-time mama.  But I know that I will adjust to two, as you first-timers will to one. 

One thing I'm absolutely confident of is "Comparison is the thief of joy." Some moms will fit into their skinny jeans right away.  You might still be in  yours for months. Doesn't matter.  I'm positive that some babies will sleep way, way more than yours, others less.  That doesn't matter either.  I know that some people will co-sleep, some will have baby in a crib, others will hold them "too much " in your opinion.  Let it go-we are all so different and trust me-everyone is generally doing the best they can, with the best information they have.  

Most of all-I'm confident that doing what's best for you and your family is what matters most.  Don't let anyone rain on your parade if you do things differently than them.  

What a miracle you're about to experience!  Having a baby changes EVERYTHING.  You'll learn to get quick about some things (like getting ready), but slow down about the things that really matter (snuggles, book and toy time, kisses and giggles).

Go in confidence, mama-to-be!
Sara :)