Top 10 things I've learned so far

1. No one says bottles have to be warm....room temperature works just fine and saves loads of time

2. We (women) were created to raise children....trust your gut over all else (Even if it goes against every book or article you read during pregnancy)

3. Trust your doctor, but remember that you know your baby best, so refer back to #2

4. Take all the help you can get.  No one is handing out medals for the mom who can do it all on her own.  Let friends and family chip in any way they can.  Remember....it takes a village.

5. Try to take time for yourself everyday.  Even if it is a 10 minute nap.

6. While we are talking about naps.....it is totally unrealistic to "sleep when the baby sleeps".  But remember this - Don't stand when you can sit, don't sit when you can lay down and don't stay awake when you can sleep. 

7. Try to keep your life in order as best as you can.....you will be amazed at how folding a load of laundry can make you feel human again.  But don't feel guilty if a day (or two) goes by without any chores being done.

8. Ask your husband for help!  He wants to help - but likely doesn't know what to do.  Try not to get frustrated when he hasn't completed the long list of chores running through your head....just ask him to do EXACTLY what you want him to do.  Men aren't good at reading between the lines.

9. Spend time every day gazing at the little life you created.  The days go so fast and I have to remind myself that HE is the reason I am not at work.....not the loads and loads of laundry or the pile of dirty dishes.

10. Enjoy the calm moments you share with the little one in your arms.  Soon enough you won't be able to keep him that close for longer than a few seconds.  Relish the fact that you are the center of his universe....even if it is only for a few months :)