Congrats, Stef, even tho' I don't know you, and I've been following this thread. I have a little exp. in the baby department: boy '90, boy '92, girl '96, girl '99. Do what works for you and your baby. I've had some sleep with us. Some didn't. One with pacifier. One with thumb. All 4 breastfed- for what seems like a long time... One go without pooping for 5 days. A couple pooed many times a day. This is your first taste that every child is different. Even from day one!! Give your wife a couple of hours by herself when you can. I wanted to pass baby to dad lots, and I was (still am!) a control freak, and wanted him to do it "my way". I learned that his way was just fine, too. Babies love to go outside. Keeps them busy and always looking around. The three of you will learn what works in your home. Everybody has been thru this and has lots of suggestions. Listen and take heart to the ones you like, be appreciative and ignore the ones you don't.
It's amazing that I could cook a meal while holding a baby in one arm! The baby swing and bouncy seat saved us.
You will have difficult days. (and nights!!!!) But the joy of your baby makes it all worth it. We are entering our teenage years (yikes!) and I hope they will return to their precious baby ways some day. (they are now almost 14, almost 12, 8 & 5.)
My hubby letting me go to Cobra things (like Friday 1 pm til Sat. 5 pm) really goes a long way in the sanity department. Remember to let your wife get away, too! Our relationship sometimes gets on hold. Oh well, we know the kids are the priority right now, and we get out when we can. Some day they WILL all be gone. Kinda makes me sad (but a little proud, too) that they will be independent people sometime. Basically, our job in life is to rear them to be indepent, responsible members of society. Big job, but somebody has to do it!!
Have a wonderful journey, and may it never end.
Kristen (in Texas)
from the mom's point of view....
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