My small group of friends have been blessed recently. By the time March rolls around (sooner than we know it), we will have three new bundles of joy to love and nurture. With every diaper cake, pacifier shower favor and ultrasound photo, it takes me back to two years ago when I was pregnant and ready to pop. The anxious feelings, the worrying if I got the nursery designed just right and the ultimate fear that I had no idea what Curt and I had gotten ourselves into. But I’m also reminded of all the advice I received so I can sort out the not so great and pass on the life-altering. Besides the issues I’m currently going through as a parent, I’ll also be reminiscing about what I’ve experienced over the past two years.

For any expectant mothers out there who will have family and friends at the hospital anxiously awaiting the birth of your new baby – this is for you.

One of the best pieces of advice Curt and I received about our time at the hospital was given to us by our friend Christy. She advised us to not give into the pressure from our parents by keeping a little distance. In other words, don’t let them in the room right away when the baby is born. Give you and your husband 15 minutes to spend with your son or daughter as a family. Stare at every inch of him or her and just take in the moment. I know you’ll be excited to show your precious creation off to the world, but your baby will never again be so quiet, content and amazing. If you are anything like us, the next few weeks were filled with family and friends pitching in, coming to visit, etc. You’ll never get those first few minutes back. As the mom of a now toddler who doesn’t get a quiet moment until about 10:30 p.m., trust me when I say enjoy it while it lasts.