B - Babies

Babies are cute and loveable, and seeing them can immediately cause your insides to want one. However, the baby stage of parenting isn't always fun and games. In fact, it can be depressing if you do not watch out.

Most people think baby lasts the first year of life, but it is actually from birth to walking. Once your child switches to walking a majority of the time, they are considered toddlers.

While babies are cute, they are completely dependent on you and they cannot tell you what is wrong. That is, without crying. With my third child, I experienced the worst case of baby blues than I ever had, and it turned into PPD. Because I am bi-polar, my physicians didn't want to treat me. I couldn't get help and it caused several life changes.

I digress ... when you have an infant, you will need to know the following things.

1. It may be IMPOSSIBLE to eat when the baby is eating. You will rarely get the chance to eat warm food.
2. Cleaning is easiest when the baby is in a wrap being carried.
3. Breastfeeding is best for the baby, but do NOT feel like a bad mom for using formula.
4. Do NOT buy into the hype that you have to do specific things to be a "good" parent and if you don't, then you are a "bad" parent.
5. It is okay to cry with your child (and it is also okay to let your child cry for a few while you grab a breath).
6. You only get a baby for a short period ... you can do this!

Even with everything I have been through, I do not regret having ANY of my children. There are times when infancy seems the worst ... but it is very short lived. With the proper support system, you will be able to get through the lack of sleep stage and go back to cuddling with your baby.

Adella Marvel - 2-28-03

Jeremy Lee, II - 11-24-04

Chloe Eileen 4-7-11

Willow Ambher Rose 12-5-12

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