A New Mom for the New Year

Janet & John anxiously await their new baby's arrival

It’s a new year and we start off our first Mom Monday of 2011 with a first time mom who is getting ready to welcome her new bundle of love on February 14th! Grab a cup of coffee or tea. You will love getting to know Janet and her journey to motherhood.

What was your first reaction when you found out you were expecting?

Excitement and a little surprised/dumbfounded. We were trying but not really expecting it to happen at that time. Actually my husband’s reaction was a lot funnier. I got up early for work and took the home test. It was positive, so I went to wake up hubby. I turned on the light, shook him lightly and told him to grab his glasses, He was very groggy, but grabbed his glasses, looked towards the window and asked, “ Where’s the spider?”

Your due date is drawing very close. Do you feel ready for baby to make his/her debut?

Ummm, no. I’m a little tired of being pregnant, but not really ready to have a baby. It’s almost a feeling of if I could have myself back for the last 4-6 weeks I could regain a feeling of normalcy. And would be better prepared. We live in a small space and are trying to pack things up in preparation. I’m a big fan of “being prepared” but I have no idea how to do that in this situation.

Note: I answered this before we moved some furniture and set up the playard…that was a hard smack into the reality of the impending birth. I was somewhat overcome with fear and excitement, but mostly fear….

What are you most looking forward to with being a mom?

I love the smell of newborn babies, it’s so sweet and innocent. I can’t wait to hold and snuggle the little bundle. The first smile, watching him/her grow and become aware of things. And of course “playing dress up.” They have the cutest clothes. I know that is unrealistic, as all my mommy friends have told me, but I still hold out hope.

As a first-time mom what are some of your fears?

At first I thought it was all the things I didn’t know, but I have lots of support and people to ask for advice. I’m afraid the baby won’t “like” me. I’m afraid of being the parent with the spoiled/bratty kid that no one wants around. I’m afraid I’m too old to keep up (I just turned 40). I’m afraid of the cost of health insurance. I’m afraid of dirty diapers. And if I may be shallow, I’m afraid of not losing the weight.

If you could receive ‘expert advice” on one aspect of parenting, what would it be?

I don’t know. There are so many things I don’t even know to ask yet and soooo many different schools of thought and approaches to everything. I guess a realistic list of the absolute necessities we will need for the baby. Not a list of wants and nice to haves, but true necessities.

Where do you see yourself in 25 years?

At my brilliant, well-adjusted child’s post college/graduate school graduation.

Janet & John celebrating their 1st Anniversary & Babymoon

Now for a quick glance into Janet’s life.

What is one thing always in your fridge? Ice cream.

What is your one guilty pregnancy pleasure? Coco Puffs, It’s not a “craving” I just really like them and I don’t eat them when I’m not pregnant.

One thing that helped you through morning sickness? La Croix water. Pop was too sweet. I found the carbonation very comforting and the water helped me stay hydrated.

If you had a free day to yourself, how would you spend it? Of course we are talking about a beautiful, warm sunny day. Relaxing and mellow, going for a nice long walk (with my dog if she would go) then sitting on the beach reading a good trashy novel.

If someone were going to write a book on your life, what would they title it? Falling up the Stairs

Janet's fur baby