An Open Letter to My Past Self

Dear Past Heather,

Let me preface this by saying that I have in no way become an expert on the subjects of pregnancy, labor, or motherhood.  I am at best an amateur, and at worst an impostor.  But over the last 10 months, I've developed a relatively short list of things that I wish I had known prior to embarking on this journey.  And things that I still need to remind myself of on a daily basis.  Because you are me, and I know you, you'll read this list and roll your eyes.  But here it is, just in case.

1. You will be terrified.  During pregnancy, labor, and especially when you bring Henry home.  It won't be forever or all the time, but there will be moments of sheer terror where you think you can't do it or you're doing it wrong.  Try to stay calm, you can and you're not.
2. You will have so many questions, and you will think they are all dumb.  They are not.  Ask them and get them answered.  You should ask: Mom, Brandi, your doctors/nurses.  You should not ask: Google.
3. It will be hard.  So hard.  And uncomfortable.  But you were built for this.  You are hardwired to provide and care for the amazing creature that your body grew and pushed out.
4. Sometimes, you will not feel up to it.  You will be more exhausted, more frustrated, and sometimes more miserable than you ever thought you could be.  Accept help when it is offered.  Better yet, ask for help when you need it.  There is no shame in not being able to do everything.
5. Stop and pay attention.  It is too easy to get caught up in the stress and everyday rush.  You will think the laundry needs to be done, but it can wait another day (unless you are currently naked and cold).  Right now, enjoy every quiet moment with Henry.  Memorize every awesome part, because they will be incrementally different with each passing day, and you won't realize it until he is practically a different baby.

Be nice to yourself, you will manage to pull the whole thing off.  And I can tell you it all turns out pretty good, and you get a stinkin' cute kid out of the ordeal.

Love,

Heather

PS - When you go register for baby stuff, try not to cry.