My maternal instincts are finally kicking in!

[girrllie]

I have to admit that I have not been looking forward to the newborn period. I just remember it being such a nightmare with DD - no sleep, exhausted, arguing with DH all the time, sore nipples. So I've been anxious about it.

My friend had a baby on Monday and I went to visit her on Tuesday. The babe was less than 24 hours old. OMG! Soooo sweet! I held her and bounced her and calmed her down for a good 30 minutes (Long story - baby was hungry but the mama didn't want to nurse yet. She wanted her mother to leave as she was getting a lot of pressure to not nurse from her mom. Arrghh - the pressure was actually making her cry. So sad! But she was sticking with nursing, which was great to see. Anyway . . .) The baby snuggled down until her cheek was on the one open area of skin on me - my chest! (I was wearing a v-neck shirt.) Finally the grandma left and the mama nursed her and i had totally forgotten what that was like! The newborns stick out their little tongues and lick the nipple and sniff and then finally open up.

I have to say I was in love! I can't get the image of her out of my mind and now I can't wait until the baby is here! I'm so excited. Just had to share!

[Spark]

Oooh, girrllie! You totally gave me shivers!!! Oooh! :hug How cool!

Just for some reassurance, you know every baby is different and your experience with your daughter has will really be apparent when you have your newborn in your arms. With your second, you don't have to think so much, you just know. And, when they cry you also know that it's what babies do. It's not your fault. It's not the baby's fault. You just know that you can offer warm arms and comfort. The baby might cry and it might not, but you're there for it. :hug

My son was a high needs baby. I would go to night LLL meetings just to escape the confines of my house so I could bounce a fussy baby with other adults around to keep me sane (my DH works nights). When my daughter was born both DH and i were prepared for another fussy baby... and you know what... she was a gem. I FINALLY understood people's fascination and love of babies!