*Clunk* Where should I put this case of champagne? Cuz baby showers need booze no matter what those "experts" at What to Expect You're Expecting say.
*Pop* Here. Here's your glass. I'd like everyone reading to raise your glasses and toast some fiiiiine expectant laydeez: Liz of Mom-101, Christina of A Mommy Story, and (first-timer!) Tammie of Soul Gardening.
Congrats to you all! I don't know the other women as well as I know Liz, and when I say "know" I mean, we chatted at BlogHer just long enough for me to think, "Man. This lady has smarts and spunk and is nice to boot." At that time I had already been a huge fan of her witty writing and she was just getting Cool Mom Picks—one of my favorite sites ever—off the ground. By the way, Liz, when you and Kristen started CMP, about a thousand mommy bloggers all went, "Damn. That was my idea."
Over the years we've emailed back and forth mainly about bloggy things because I value your opinion and your ideas. When I have a question about something and/or need to bounce an idea off of someone, you are one of my Top 5 "go-to" people. I like to think that because of people like you and the women who put together this baby shower, the parenting blogosphere is a better place—not only for the people who write the blogs, but for the people who read them, too. Not to get all "Oprah" on you, but you are "A Force" in all the best senses of the word. I appreciate that you are always willing to listen, help, and share.
Anyway, Liz, you are about to become a parent of two, and I have two very important things to tell you:
1. Target sells both white and red sangria in cute little boxes. The boxes make it easy for you to stack them in your fridge, kitchen cupboards and/or garage.
2. The sangria pairs nicely with a small white pill that rhymes with "That-a-man." Just don't plan on operating any heavy machinery for about 10 hours. Some days, especially when the baby is about 2.5-years-old (aka "Wallie's age"), you're gonna need something to knock your ass out, and you'll remember this.
Take that for what you will and remember, I am not a medical professional.
Okay, so I was asked to give you (and the other women) some real advice and here it is:
When torn between who give attention to, the baby or Thalia, give it to Thalia. The baby won't remember being ignored.
I can't tell you much comforting I found this. Wallie probably cried a little more and a little longer than Bunny did, but I never regretted for a moment letting her wait a minute or two while I attended to Bunny's needs. In the end it works to your advantage because once you can finally circle back to the baby to nurse/feed or change a diaper, you will be able to do it in relative peace because you've already snacked up the toddler and parked her in front of the tv. That's the idea anyway.
The second piece of great advice I received was to have a date night with Thalia once a week. (After you figure our a routine with the baby.) Bunny and I went out for dessert then went to our weekly library bedtime story time. I really looked forward to the one-on-one time with Bunny and so did she.
As far as ASSvice goes, I really can't think of any. I talked to everyone I knew that had more than one kid before I had Wallie and everyone was so kind. All the advice I received (both solicited and unsolicited) was useful and helpful.
Oh! Get a sling. Everything else you will figure out.
I wish you love love love,
Stefania
P.S. Thank you, Kristen, Julie, Nancy, and Catherine for the invitation!
[photo: Bunny greeting 1-day-old Wallie]
