New mom advice to myself .....the second time around

You will not be getting any sleep for a few months, or maybe a year or so, but it's not the end of the world. Your baby is new to this world, and sleep is not the same thing to them as it is to you. Their little bodies are wired differently than yours. Don't worry about waking up to feed your baby. It will not make them spoiled if you let them nurse even if they might not be hungry. Sometimes a baby just wants their mom, and that is not a bad thing! Oh, and co-sleeping is not evil. I'm pretty sure most people in most other countries sleep share with their babies, so as long as you do it safely, you will enjoy that extra bond and those extra cuddles with your sweet little boy. After all, your toddler won't even cuddle with you for more than 20 seconds these days. Don't you wish you would have cuddled with him more when he was a baby?

Just because a pediatrician tells you to do something, it doesn't make them right all of the time. Sure, they went to school and all, and they are the 'expert', but at the end of the day they cannot tell you how to raise your child. Do your research about things, and do what feels right to you. After all, you are the mother.

There is no cookie cutter mold to being a mother. You will learn new things with each kid. Just as little John taught you so much, little Joel will teach you even more. Keep an open mind and be teachable. Each kid is different, and that's a good thing.

Your body will never be the same, in more ways than one, but it's okay. God designed your body for childbirth, and it's a beautiful thing. So what if you never fit in your old jeans again. As long as you take care of yourself and your baby you are fine. Just realize your wide hips are probably here to stay.

Don't get in a hurry for your baby to get bigger so they are more 'fun'. Enjoy the little coos and smiles as this age. Before you know it, this cute little baby is going to be running around the house and jabbering in his crib when he is supposed to be napping, just like John is today. Babies don't keep. That's for sure.

Try not to be too hard on yourself. You are doing your best and you are your own worst critic. You've got this, mama!

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing;  in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.