A new-baby post for a new year. And this time, “The First Month” post is so close to home – my brother and sister-in-law just welcomed their first baby! [I am massively grinning.] Baby Maeve (how about that name?!) joined our family back in November and we have been wildly smitten ever since.
I love doing “The First Month” posts. The newness of a fresh-born is exhilarating and life-altering and so exquisite. (Yes, exhausting, but, I figured that went without saying … ) To capture any thought of a new parent is beautiful – the thoughts are so intense but so fleeting. It’s a time when you want to remember every detail but by the time you are out of it, it’s pretty glossed over. I tried to keep a journal with Radley in his newest days – it was hard – but the times that I did write something down, I re-read it now and think – “I felt that way?” or “That happened?” or “I had completely forgotten about that!”
I always hope that these small interviews will be another momento parents can add to their memory banks.
The First Month
Can you write five to 10 words that describe the first month of being a new dad?
Challenging
Entertaining
Crazy
Exhausting
Fun
Funny
Learning Curve
What is one thing that you can tell us that you weren’t sure you would tell anybody about what you are feeling or have felt this past month?
“No, one wants to deal with that.” (Referring to Maeve waking up – again.)
What is the one thing that took you off-guard, that surprised you the most?
The struggle to poop.
What are the moments and experiences that you have enjoyed the most this past month?
The start of baby talk and her sleeping well every now and then.
What do you wish was different?
That she hated crying.
A couple is about to give birth and the partner asks you for one piece of advice – you say:
Just come home and clean the best you can and take the baby for as long as you can. Eventually the baby will need her mom, but in those moments, mom gets help and a little break.
What is a question that you have for other dads?
Best burping methods?
How has this changed you?
[It has] changed basically everything for now. You basically work, take care of baby, sleep, repeat.
What do you look forward to?
Terrible twos. Honestly, just the next milestone.
When you are gazing at your baby snoozing, what are you thinking about?
Please don’t wake up and boy are you cute.
Anything else that you want to share that I haven’t asked?
Don’t waste money on a “shusher.” Your phone has one.
Can you write five to 10 words that describe the first month of being a new mom?
Exciting. In love. Exhausting. Happy. In shock (that we created this little human.)
What is one thing that you can tell us that you weren’t sure you would tell anybody about what you are feeling or have felt this past month?
“No, one wants to deal with that.” (Referring to her waking up – again.)
What is the one thing that took you off-guard, that surprised you the most?
I’m amazed at the amount of love I feel for my little one – it’s a type of love that I didn’t realize exists, until the doctor placed her on my chest.
What are the moments and experiences that you have enjoyed the most this past month?
I love the quiet days we get to bond as a new family
What do you wish was different?
Three days after we gave birth, my husband started a new job. If he would have stayed at his old job, he would have nine months off of work with me.
Someone is about to give birth – she asks you for one piece of advice, and you say:
Only have family visit you at the hospital and keep the visits short. Child birth is exhausting and you need the time in the hospital to recover.
What is a question that you have for other moms?
Do you co-sleep? If so how long do you plan on doing it for?
How has this changed you?
I feel like I’m in protect mode 24/7 now, always on guard with her.
What do you look forward to?
Her next milestone.
When you are gazing at your baby snoozing, what are you thinking about?
When I look at her I’m still amazed that we created her and how lucky we are to have her in our lives.
Anything else that you want to share that I haven’t asked?
I agree with Kyle’s answer. YouTube will be your best friend for nap/bedtime. Find “sounds of the womb” and “shushing baby.”
Baby Maeve! We are so excited to watch you grow! ❤️
Little Tot Landing 
So adorable I love the personal trainer outfit 🙂 I use to put youtube on for my son and he instantly fell asleep 🙂 Thank you for sharing 🙂
Can’t wait to see more of your content 🙂
I would love for you to check out my latest post xx
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Thank you Kara, I have no words just tears of joy.
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