What is it like being a new parent?

Is it everything you thought it would be and more? Please share your thoughts & post some pics of your new additions? TIA

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

It is the best thing to ever happen to me!! I can't even put it into words!!

So many people said it is not easy and that it is hard to adjust - I do not think that at all.

Here she is

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

It's a love you cannot begin to explain

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

It is wonderful. My little one is 9 weeks old today and it has seriously been the best 9 weeks of my life. Don't get me wrong it is hard and trying at times but as soon as she coos or flashes me a grin I forget all the hard stuff.

She changes so much day to day and as time goes on she is getting more scrumptious!

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

This described it best for me:
http://www.lifamilies.com/chat/topic.aspx?&P=1&ID=11946#P175879

Here's the actual text:
There is an Elizabeth Stone quote that says ""Making the decision to have a child--It's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body." True in every sense of the word..

This was an email that went around awhile ago that explains to a tee what no one told me...how nothing in my life would ever be the same and how I wouldn't change it for anything in the world.


Having a Baby
We are sitting at lunch when my daughter casually mentions that she and her husband are thinking of "starting a family".

"We're taking a survey," she says, half-joking. "Do you think I should have a baby?"

"It will change your life," I say, carefully keeping my tone neutral.

"I know," she says, "no more sleeping in on weekends, no more spontaneous vacations...."

But that is not what I meant at all. I look at my daughter, trying to decide what to tell her. I want her to know what she will never learn in childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical wounds of child bearing will heal, but that becoming a mother will leave her with an emotional wound so raw that she will forever be vulnerable.

I consider warning her that she will never again read a newspaper without asking, "What if that had been MY child?" That every plane crash, every house fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of starving children, she will wonder if anything could be worse than watching your child die. I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish suit and think that no matter how sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will reduce her to the primitive level of a bear protecting her cub. That an urgent call of "Mom!" will cause her to drop a soufflé or her best crystal without a moment's hesitation.

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many years she has invested in her career, she will be professionally derailed by motherhood. She might arrange for childcare, but one day she will be going into an important business meeting and she will think of her baby's sweet smell. She will have to use every ounce of her discipline to keep from running home, just to make sure her baby is all right.

I want my daughter to know that everyday decisions will no longer be routine. That a five year old boy's desire to go to the men's room rather than the women's at McDonald's will become a major dilemma. That right there, in the midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues of independence and gender identity will be weighed against the prospect that a child molester may be lurking in that restroom. However decisive she may be at the office, she will second-guess herself constantly as a mother.

Looking at my attractive daughter, I want to assure her that eventually she will shed the pounds of pregnancy, but she will never feel the same about herself. That her life, now so important, will be of less value to her once she has a child. That she would give it up in a moment to save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for more years - not to accomplish her own dreams, but to watch her child accomplish theirs. I want her to know that a caesarean scar or shiny stretch marks will become badges of honor.

My daughter's relationship with her husband will change, but not in the way she thinks. I wish she could understand how much more you can love a man who is careful to powder the baby or who never hesitates to play with his child. I think she should know that she will fall in love with him again for reasons she would now find very unromantic.

I wish my daughter could sense the bond she will feel with women throughout history who have tried to stop war, prejudice and drunk driving. I hope she will understand why I can think rationally about most issues, but become temporarily insane when I discuss the threat of nuclear war to my children's future.

I want to describe to my daughter the exhilaration of seeing your child learn to ride a bike. I want to capture for her the belly laugh of a baby who is touching the soft fur of a dog or a cat for the first time. I want her to taste the joy that is so real, it actually hurts.

My daughter's quizzical look makes me realize that tears have formed in my eyes. "You'll never regret it,” I finally say. Then I reach across the table, squeeze my daughter's hand and offer a silent prayer for her, and for me, and for all of the mere mortal women who stumble their way into this most wonderful of callings. This blessed gift from God . . .that of being a Mother.

Message edited 7/25/2006 3:23:35 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Parenthood is the most amazing, difficult, rewarding, frustrating, fun, constantly questioning yourself, exciting, stressful, happy things to ever happen to me...

It began with a surprise that changed my life forever...a line I never expected, a joy I could never have foreseen. It stripped away every selfish thing I have ever done for myself...and gave me this wonderful little being.

This amazing little girl I call my bellybean, who lights up when I walk into a room, that looks to me for guidance.

I could never have dreamed her up in my wildest, most desired fantasy.

Isabella Grace

Message edited 7/25/2006 2:43:08 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

I have tears in my eyes from that...it is so perfect.


As for me- the best way to describe it is that it is my happy thought. When I get upset or stressed, I just think of DD and suddenly I'm happy. But it really also expanded my emotional range- adn I was very emotional before. I have never been so happy as I am when I hear my daughter laugh. I have never been so scared as when we were in a car accident with DD.

I love her more than anything I have every loved in my entire life.

Message edited 7/25/2006 2:46:25 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Oh wow, you guys are all sunshine and rainbows!

I love my daughter, can not imagine life without her, and have no regrets but parenting is soooo much harder than I expected! I guess I was just clueless going in. Boy am I exhausted by 7 pm!!

Of course she gives me plenty of reasons to smile and laugh every day.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Being a parent is soo much more than I thought it would be. I never thought I could be head over heels in love with someone i just met. I just want to hug her kiss her and never let her go! Parenthood has also been hard too, I worry about her, and wish and want to give her everything she wants and needs. On my worst days when I think everything has changed and life can't beat me up any worse, that gummy smiles makes it all worth it!

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

WOW, that was great! Thanks everyone for sharing!! And I love the pics

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

that poem brought tears to my eyes. i never thought that being a parent would be so emotional ... it has totally changed my life, everything i do is for him, i think only of him and my every day life is so much happier b/c of him. it's unbeliveable how things you thought you could not wait to do when you 'weren't pregnant anymore' don't even creep into your head now b/c your thoughts are only of him.

edited to say: my is only 3 weeks old and the feeling is so strong... i can't wait for the rest of our lives togethr!

Message edited 7/25/2006 3:27:22 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

That poem brings such tears to my eyes everytime I read it. Its a love that you can not put into words.

I will also say that I never realized the extent to which it would change my life. My thoughts are always on my son. Even on the rare occasion I get someone to watch him and go out, I am constantly worried or thinking about him. But its truly wonderful.

I also think about getting to watch him grow up and learn new things and get so happy. THere are so many stepping stones (walking, talking, first day of school, etc.) that we get to watch happen and I just can not wait to be a part of. But at the same time, everytime he grows out of another outfit I want to cry.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

That poem is so beautiful. Words really can't describe how it feels to become a parent. The first time I felt I wanted to become a mom, I was very young. After being married for five years and going through some personal and health issues, I can't believe my son is finally here. Your child gives you a reason to get up in the morning, and in the middle of the night. Your child makes you feel a love you never knew you could experience. Becoming a parent is wonderful. Cherish every second- the tears, the crying, the diaper changes, the baby who falls asleep in the middle of a feeding, everything. Giovanni is two months old I can't believe how fast it has gone. I can't believe he is finally here in my arms and he is no longer a thought and a dream. He is my dream come true.

Message edited 7/25/2006 4:09:50 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

what poem is everyone referring to?

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

""Making the decision to have a child--It's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body."


It doesn't get any truer than this. Plus the other quote that Barb put. (Bawling as I read it)

It is instant love, an unconditional love, that is purer than any love I have ever known. I can't believ in a few months I will have two

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

It is way better than I could've ever imagined. Each day the love just grows stronger and stronger. It's amazing. I can't think of anything that tops being a parent.

Here's Jackson in the middle of a yawn

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Re: What is it like being a new parent?

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

I agree with everyone.

It is so much harder then I ever thought it would be, but also so much more wonderful then I ever thought possible.

She amazes me every single day- watching her grow so fast and learn new things- it is truly incredible.

Completely life changing- I never imagined how much. It is amazing!

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Message edited 7/25/2006 7:16:08 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

I agree with everyone too!

Your life does change, it enhances and enriches your life in ways you never dreamed possible.

DH and I waited a long time to TTC and even with all the sleep deprivation, poo diapers, crying, etc. ONE smile and you forget it all. You forgo the Friday night happy hours, the Saturday night bar scene, the weekends in the hamptons or weeknights out to dinner because you want to come home to your child. You forget sleeping in because your DD wants to play at 5:30AM and you pick her up because you hear her cooing and see a smile. You bleary eyed and tired pick her up out of her crib and blow raspberries on her belly just to see her smile again.
Don't get me wrong I love spending time with DH alone and I LOVE my "me time" but all the other cr@p that I thought was SOOOOO important (ie: keeping up with the Joneses, going to the best restaurants, the latest and greatest new bar, etc.) does not amount to a hill of beans compared to a night home consisting of lean cuisines for dinner and my Dh & I singing funny songs to try and get our DD to smile and laugh.

eta: here is a pic of a smile (not the best pic but it is the only one I have with her smiling)

Message edited 7/25/2006 7:14:02 PM.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

This little guy who started out as something the size of a pea has taken my love and my life. I live for this boy. I see a future in his eyes that I couldnt envision for myself. I want to make sure he has all that I didnt and more.

From his sly smile, his giddy laugh or the way he comes over to give his mommy a hug & kiss, I'm totally hooked on him. I dont miss the clubs, the late nights, the sleeping in on weekends. Each new day with him is like a new adventure. I think having a child is the most wonderful thing in the world.


I traded in my adolescant lifestyle and I have more fun now changing diapers than I did going out to a club and getting drunk.

When I was pregnant I had such a feeling of closeness to my DH and it has only grown. We watch him when he sleeps and still are amazed that we made him. I love being a Mommy.

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

I agree with what all the other moms said. I also believe that in a way, it is like reliving your childhood. My daughter makes me look at the world a totally different way, and helps me rediscover things I take for granted normally. She is perfect and adds amazing radiance to my life. (and yeah, it is tough, but everything worthwhile is!)

Re: What is it like being a new parent?

God it's the most unconditional love you will ever feel.......When my DD was born it's as if my heart grew another chamber.........

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Message edited 7/25/2006 10:15:22 PM.