Practice

*Warning... I am going to rant!*

I love holding babies... always have. I've been babysitting since I was 12. Practically ALL of my friends have a baby... and I have held them every one of them. I even know how to change a diaper, install a car seat, figure out a stroller, give a bath, medicine, make a bottle, bounce while standing, etc. In other words, I am not new to the whole baby concept!

Apperantly something magical happens the moment people know you are pregnant. You no longer get to hold a baby for the pure joy. It is not being polite and letting the parents eat in peace while you make funny faces at a little one. Oh, no! It's not that simple any more!!! Now it is called "practice."

"Ah, look. Jan's practicing!"

Oh please... if it were practice, I would be taking one home and getting up for 12, 2, and 5 am feedings. I would be changing diapers and at times have spit up on my shirt. If it were practice I would be buying the diapers and seeing my social life dwindle!

It is not just one person saying it... it's about 5 everytime I hold a baby!

I also love when people who are parents make comments like "oh, wait until you have kids, you won't have time to make breakfast/dinner/pack a lunch." I guess fast food is the only way for working parents to survive! Or, "you won't have time to (insert anything you may possibly love to do)." Maybe I am being cynical, but how did I ever survive without all this knowledge? Why didn't someone "warn" me before I even thought of having a baby!?

Oh, and my other favorite comment "your life is going to change!"

Um, really? I thought it would continue as normal! As you can see, I am a bit sarcastic! But sheesh... I am 30! This was planned and not a surprise... (although according to the teaching world, not planned very well!) and we did talk about all aspects.

We are excited! When will people start telling me things like "it's the best thing that will ever happen to you!' "When they smile at you or say momma for the first time, it melts your heart!" I don't want anymore unsolicited advice on how my life will be. I want burst your heart amazing fall in love with baby stories! Is that too much to ask?

And I believe I will start practicing in January when my little one makes his/her debut! Until then, I am simply holding a baby! So there!