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Momorandum Archive »
Executive Momorandum
The Second Time Around
6/11/2010
- The Second Time Around
Through the lens of maternal experience, it's hard not to look back on those
early days of first time parenthood and think,
"If I only knew then what I know now,"
which is why as much as we don't "do parenting books," when we saw this title we
were instantly charmed:
 How to
Have Your Second Child First
Written
by "second time parents"
Kerry Colburn and Rob Sorenson,
this fun read is an ideal shower gift alternative to
"What to Expect," from moms
who have already been there. Expanding on the axioms we all know, like the virtues of a generous 5-second rule for dropped pacifiers,
here, in no particular order are
a few of our favorite of their nuggets of experienced parent wisdom,
for you to identify with and/or pass on to that first-time pregnant woman in the
office down the hall:
-
You
don't need to buy all that stuff (or alternatively: wipe warmers are a total
scam).
-
The
first few weeks will blow your mind (or alternatively: frozen peas are not
just for dinner).
-
Formula is totally fine.
-
Changing tables are not imperative.
-
You really CAN take a shower.
-
Changing a diaper in the middle of the
night, just because you think you are supposed to, is not necessary.
-
Put some "Ma" time into Maternity Leave.
-
Abandon creation of the perfect Baby Book (we prefer the
Drawer or Box method).
-
You can turn off the baby monitor.
-
Don't over pack for every little outing.
The corollary: do keep your car stocked (oh, how we learned this one the hard
way, over and over again).
-
Little babies do not need classes in
foreign language or Mozart.
-
Baby toys are overrated (or, why plastic
spoons and Tupperware should have an aisle in Toys 'R Us).
-
You don't have to give them a bath every
night.
-
You don't have to constantly
interact with your baby. (Or: watching a little TV is ok for you, and
them)
-
Babies can listen to your music (we could
call this one: "why our 4 year old knows every song from "Glee").
-
You don't have to rush home... to put
your baby to bed.
-
You're allowed to complain.
-
You will find your own parental comfort
zone.
-
Baby bottle brushes also work beautifully for
washing wine or martini glasses.
You can enjoy
the rest of these nuggets at How to Have Your Second Child First: 100 Things That Are Good to Know... the First Time Around
And apparently seizing upon a related nugget,
that first time moms feel compelled to wash their baby's clothes separately with
special baby detergent, while second time moms throw it all together in the wash
(that was definitely us, in both cases), the detergent brand
All Free Clear
has teamed with the authors to create a
forum for moms to share these kinds of tips; you can check it out here:
facebook.com/alllaundry
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