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Original poster

The BEST things about having a baby - newborn-1year...

43 replies

growyourown77 · 05/02/2013 16:37

Currently 29 weeks pregnant....many of my friends love, love, love to tell DH and I just how tired, grumpy, no social life, fed up, lost etc we'll be once our baby arrives (cheerful I know!). So I'm looking for some positive inspiration of why we all do this....

So, just to balance it out a bit, tell me about all the reasons why it's worth it... what are the best thing, the most positive things about having a baby and watching them grow.

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Saffra · 05/02/2013 17:31

Unlimited cuddles, maternity leave, breastfeeding (I have loved bf) and being able to eat anything and lose weight during it (I know the weight loss thing can vary amongst women though), nurturing this little part of you and DP and being in total AWE at how you've produced this little amazing thing, all those amazing dinky little clothes, baby sleep suits... The list goes on and on!

OpheliasWeepingWillow · 05/02/2013 17:34

When they hear a loud noise and their eyes just POP open for a second. Is v cute.
Baby sneezes
Baby skin smell
Baby snoring
Fluffy hair on baby
Baby learning to splash water the first time
First laugh
Smiling in their sleep
Running their eyes when tired - is adorable
Sleeping on stomachs with bottoms in air (yes not allowed but cute when observed when they have fallen asleep on play may)

List goes on

OpheliasWeepingWillow · 05/02/2013 17:34

Rubbing eyes!

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Saffra · 05/02/2013 17:41

Congratulations btw! I'd ignore the naysayers - people will always have negative things to say. other mums at groups are often amongst the worst culprits, it seems to me, actually - under the guise of small talk.

The early weeks/months can be very intense and, yep, you will probably put your hobbies on hold for a period. But there's no reason why you can't get back into things when you're all ready. Life continues. Different, yes. Harder work, yes. But worth it? God, yes.

mummysmellsofsick · 05/02/2013 17:46

Oh the cuddles, the cuddles. I loved bf too (after the first 4 weeks) and smelling his precious newborn head. The first smile, the first chuckle... I was even proud when I saw him wee for the first time.

teacher123 · 05/02/2013 18:19

You will have a social life, it will just be different, we have found we meet lots of people for lunch instead of dinner, that's all! Also look at the bright side, you have the perfect excuse to turn down social events you can't be arsed with!

I got quite depressed with all the naysayers when I was pregnant, everyone delights in telling you that your life is over. In fact it's just getting better! I went back to my hobby when DS was 8 weeks, had rehearsals two evenings a week. I am lucky that I have very devoted parents and inlaws who are happy to babysit as DH works shifts.

Playing with your baby is lots of fun, when they start to smile when they see you is the best thing ever. They smell nice (except for when they don't, obviously!) and they have extremely cute hair! You can nuzzle into them and their skin is really soft. They think you're AMAZING just because you're mummy.

recall · 05/02/2013 18:22

When they snuggle into you mmmmmmmmmm........

getoffthecoffeetable · 05/02/2013 18:30

Of course it's tiring and hard work, but it's so amazing to watch this little person growing and changing and to that depend on you. The cuddles, laughs and smiles are brilliant. Congratulations

ThreeWheelsGood · 05/02/2013 19:27

It is tiring, but the first smile (around 6 Weeks) is such a turning point, and it's great watching them learn stuff and develop. You are in charge of your time so decide/plan to attend baby groups, meet friends for lunch, or not - it's lovely not having any commitments apart from being there for her/him. Life slows down in a sense, it's nice learning to live differently.

superbabysmummy · 05/02/2013 19:34

Cuddles, first smile & when they chat away to you in her own little baby language. Every time they do something new you feel so proud :-)

OneSliceOfSwissCheese · 05/02/2013 19:36

There's so much OP

Holding your tiny snuggly baby while they sleep.

A minute hand reaching up and clasping your top while you feed them.
The magic of watching them develop. Every little change feels like a miracle to me.

It's actually starting to make me feel broody thinking about it!!! Look out DH!

ticklebug74 · 05/02/2013 19:36

Oh my word it is hard work and at times relentless and exhausting (I am in the sleep deprivation stage with 15 week old dc3) but it is so precious and Devine having this little being you have created in your arms totally dependent on you and the love will be overwhelming. Although not always love at first sight and not always at 3am in the morning :-). We did miss a little of the 'old us' when we had our first but we adjusted and created the 'new us' and now 3 children later our social life is our children (we have met some wonderful lifelong friends through having children). Good luck and enjoy enjoy enjoy! Nothing beats your previous first born ( I am not jealous!! )

ticklebug74 · 05/02/2013 19:38

Precious first born !

smicha · 05/02/2013 19:39

Smiles, cuddles, watching them learn, rubbing your face over their lovely fuzzy head (maybe that's just me!) It's exhausting, relentless and yes, life changes lots. But it is also the best thing that could ever happen to you!

Grumpla · 05/02/2013 19:39

The first time they do something funny, on purpose, just to make you laugh.

ticklebug74 · 05/02/2013 19:51

And my absolute favourite things about the first year ( everything really ) but if I had to pick a few - the first proper giggle, the one where they can't stop, first foods - it is such fun watching them learn to eat and making a mess, first words, and the first time they sleep through - pure joy / even if short lived :-)

GingerDoodle · 05/02/2013 20:34

The milk drunk newborn look.
Giggles - they are awesome!
Watching them grown.

The only weird thing we have encountered is that we have a few friends that have culled us or completely ignore DD as they don't 'do' babies. Their loss.
Otherwise we are more socially active!

debbie1412 · 05/02/2013 21:10

Sunday just gone dc2 reached for a hanging toy under her baby gym. It's amazing. All those little 1sts are brillant x dc1 talking away, learning numbers. It's not all bad :-)

TheFallenNinja · 05/02/2013 21:21

Realising that you just did something to react to her personality not just because you are trying everything.

Your first proper connection.

Geekster · 05/02/2013 21:59

Watching them develop into their own person, seeing their personality shine through. The way they laugh at totally unexpected things. The way they love you and rely on you and you know how to make them happy. When they wake up in the morning they talk happily to themselves then give you the biggest grin when you go and get them up. When they want cuddles, they crawl to you. They make you laugh with their madcap antics. Just watching them go from a helpless baby to a talking, laughing mobile infant.

Lawabidingmama · 05/02/2013 22:12

For me today it's the way my 10 month gives cuddles, arms round me saying awwwww and patting my back!! Occasionally leaning in for a kiss so cute! Newborn bf snuggles are amazing! X

weaverofmetals · 05/02/2013 23:08

The laugh of pure joy when LO sees/does something they know they like. Bouncing and smiling. Little arms grabbing your legs when they learn to pull up on you. Adorable uncoordinated expressions of the very newborn; the first smile; the first laugh. Endless repetitions of a new sound (when it's a pleasant one!). Giggling in sleep. Reaching out arms for you when you enter a room. They really are amazing. And congrats on your imminent arrival!

MummyWeatherwax · 05/02/2013 23:25

The love. Feeling such huge love that would make you destroy anything that tried to harm her. different to any other love, baby just becomes essential to your well being.

Understanding how your mum feels about you.

And when you are feeling sleep deprived, and at the end of your tether, and you're up for the millionth time in the night, you'll get a big grin, and find yourself all happy, and smiling back.

I never realised before that when people have kids, it's not that they can't go out, it's that staying home and spending time with baby is better!

paperclips · 06/02/2013 08:35

I just wrote a long post then lost it. Damn phone. But its basically everything everyone else has said.

The positives far out-weigh the negatives.

Original poster

growyourown77 · 06/02/2013 10:20

Thanks ladies, that's ace! So much more positive to keep us going.

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