A Letter to New Moms from Leslie

Hi friends.  Just popping in.  So far, my week of testing craziness is... going. Let's just say that anyone working 15 hour days normally (and I know plenty of people do) are officially my heroes... Anyway, I've missed our "regulary scheduled programming," but I hope you are enjoying these letters.  Today's letter is from Leslie who is a very new mom, herself.  I love that she wrote out some "lessons" she's already learned (in bullet points, because what new mom has time for any other style of writing?).  And, for the record, I especially agree with points three, four, & five. Enjoy!

Dear New Moms,

Hi There! My name is Leslie. As I'm writing this letter, I have been a mom for 6 weeks...so I don't have that much experience, but I'll fill you in on what I've learned so far. :) If I could give you any advice, it would be to...

-take pictures. I put my little girl in a gown that swallowed her in the hospital today, and it barely fits. You've heard this a million times by now, but they grow up SO fast...document every second.

-on that note, keep up with the baby book and a calendar. I barely remember what happened yesterday at this point, much less a month ago. I haven't been too good in this department.

-don't buy many newborn or 3 month outfits. Seriously...it's smocked overkill in my house. You'll rarely leave the house at this point, so sleepers and onesies work just fine.

-cuddle that baby, love on it, but also remember that you need your time too. It's going to be ok if he/she takes a nap in the crib...it may worry you to death the first few times though. :)

-if you haven't had your baby yet, don't go into the hospital with a definite birth plan that can't be changed. I tell you this after almost 24 hours of labor (16 on pitocin) and a c-section. It doesn't always go as planned, and as Miss Type-A here, I'm telling you that's ok...as long as you're healthy and you have a healthy baby after the fact, you've got what you need.

-remember your husband or significant other. It's very easy to get overwhelmed with this whole new world and forget them. Keep being romantic!

-talk to your baby. You're going to feel like a fool, but tell them how much you love them, tell them how special they are...it's never too early to start!

-listen to other mothers. (Most of the time), they're not trying to offend, just trying to help. But also take advice with a grain of salt...do what works for you!

-and most importantly, soak in every second. Time is just FLYING now. This is a lot of work, but it's also the most rewarding thing I've ever done. Try to take a moment at least a couple of times a day to stop and thank God for just how lucky you are!

I could probably go on and on, but that covers a good chunk of what I've learned. It's been a pretty educational 6 weeks! :) Good luck, and just take it one day at a time!

Sincerely,
Leslie Lambert

Leslie & Emma Ramey

I've been a loyal follower of Leslie's blog, Lamberts Lately, for a couple of years.  It has been a joy to watch as she and her husband Noah have welcomed their sweet baby girl after a very tough year of loss and waiting.  The three Lamberts (and their dog, Hardy) live in Alabama where Leslie is a teacher, part-time blog designer, and coupon extraordinairre. :)

P.S. Midweek Confessions is taking a little "vacay" this week.  We'll be back next Wednesday!