Surviving Month 1

I’m pleased to report that we’ve survived our first month of parenthood. Flynn is a one-month-old. He’s growing like a weed (I nearly cried when he started growing out of newborn clothing), and he’s definitely keeping us on our toes. Every day brings new discoveries, new challenges and moments when we want to tear our hair out followed by moments of pure baby bliss. So far, this motherhood thing is a wild ride.

Here’s a little recap of month 1:

Shock & Awe: The complete disbelief and amazement that comes with having baby has yet to wear off. Not a day goes by when my husband and I don’t stop and say, “Can you believe we made him?” Everything about our daily routine has changed and yet everything feels very meant to be. It’s a bizarre feeling, and it’s one that I hope lasts for months (and hopefully years) to come.

Visitors & Well Wishers: I was never more grateful to have such a great family and so many awesome friends than when Flynn arrived. Over the past month, we’ve enjoyed visits and kind words (not to mention a series of tasty meals) from our nearest and dearest. I’m constantly reminded of how much love surrounds our son. Flynn’s grandparents, aunts and uncles are intent on spoiling the hell out of him, and our friends have embraced our new addition with tons of excitement (whether they have children or not). The outpouring of love has made this first month really special, and I’m very thankful to have such a wonderful support network.

Unexpected Hiccups: Sure, we were warned about dirty diapers and sleepless nights, but our first month also brought a few surprise challenges that were not on our radar. For example, Flynn had a couple minor health scares that generated serious new parent freak-outs. He was born “tongue tied” (he had a little extra skin under his tongue), which the pediatrician corrected during his first checkup (and we tried not to pass out when the nurse brought out the scissors). We also had to rush him to the pediatrician office for a follow-up blood test to assure us he wasn’t jaundiced. As it turned out, he was just fine, but we quickly learned that parenting required us to toughen up a.s.a.p.

Major LOLs: I don’t think I’ve laughed this much in a very long time. Maybe it’s sleep deprivation or my hormones attempting to find normalcy again, but sometimes being a mom is downright hysterical. Watching my husband figure out diaper changing was particularly entertaining. In an attempt to save Flynn from kicking himself during the process, he held a leg in each hand as if he was about to stuff a turkey. Then there was the time Flynn assaulted us not once but three times on the changing table or the time I successfully dressed our son in a straight jacket after misbuttoning a onesie. While I had hoped to be the perfect mom, I’m starting to realize that it’s the imperfect moments that make motherhood truly incredible.

Jillian Gordon is the Managing Editor of Mamapedia.com. A Los Angeles-based lifestyle writer and editor, her work has appeared in Beauty Launchpad, Nailpro Magazine, Saturday Night Magazine and Westside Today. She is also the former Content Manager of Mom.me. Jillian is currently expecting her first baby in late November, 2016.