Danette's Reflections of Six Months with Owen

“Enjoy every day – time goes so fast”
“Having a baby changes everything”
“Taking care of a baby comes naturally”
“It’s really hard, but it’s really amazing”

When you are going to have your first baby people say these things to you all the time. You know they are true. You can intellectually understand them, but it isn’t until that tiny little person slips from the darkness into the big, beautiful world that you realize, in your heart, how true they are.

These past six months have been quite a ride. First, never in my life have I had to learn so much so quickly. Loving Owen? No problem. Understanding Owen? Now that’s a different story. I have taken a bit of flack for all the baby-care research I have done and all the books I have read, but I must say that without that knowledge these past six months would have been a mystery to me. Of course, reading about a baby can only take you so far – you have to learn about your baby and Owen has certainly taught me some lessons:

First, the term “sleep like a baby” clearly means fighting sleep every step of the way, waking up often, and being strangely soothed by a running electric toothbrush.

Second, whoever invented the baby swing is a genius and a lifesaver.

Third, you should spend a little time each day looking at yourself in the mirror. It can make you smile and even help you fall asleep.

Fourth, your hands and feet really are quite fascinating.

Finally, there is nothing more wonderful than watching a big smile cross your son’s face when he hears his daddy’s voice.

Happy half birthday Owen! You are loved beyond compare.