Hello all!
Cassie is another first time mommie who was willing to share her take on motherhood. She's been a mom for almost five months now and has some great takes on what it's been like being a mommie. She's a sweetheart and we both have similar stories in our pregnancy journeys that we've bonded over. So without further ado, let me introduce Cassie & Baby Will.
Name: Cassie Van Langen
Baby's name: William Cooper Van Langen
Baby's age: 4 1/2 months.
What are some pieces of advice that you got from friends and family when they found out you were pregnant?
Almost everyone told me "Sleep when the baby sleeps" and "enjoy every moment" because the newborn stage goes so fast!
What was your favorite piece of advice? Least favorite?
My favorite piece of advice is enjoying every moment. Who cares about the house work, lol.Least favorite: I don't really think I had advice that was my least favorite. It is nice to hear from others who have been through it, but the thing to remember is that every baby is different so not everything/ every tip works for every baby! You will learn from your baby what is best and what they need!
What is something you wished you knew before giving birth to your child?
I honestly thought I was pretty prepared....thanks to the birthing class!! That was very informative. I would say the one thing I was not prepared for was the vomiting during labor?! I had no idea that could happen so it took me by surprise. My delivery nurse said that it is completely normal but doesn't happen to everyone!
What are your top 5 favorite baby items that are your MUST haves?
1. Halo sleep sacks for swaddling.
2. Buzz B Electric Nail trimmer(is the absolute best!)
3.Weighted bath wash cloth to place on baby for warmth while washing their hair.
4. Onesies. ARE A MUST(so simple and go with anything and everything)
5. Car seat/stroller combo(works fantastic!)
What are your least favorite items that weren't quite the hype?
Just remember that babies outgrow the newborn stage quickly so don't get caught up in purchasing a lot of 'newborn' clothing! All of the stuff we received from showers and/or purchased were all great and useful!
Did you have any pregnancy cravings while you were pregnant?
I honestly only "craved" a big mac once and by the time I got to McDonalds I had changed my mind and ordered a double cheeseburger, LOL.
What's the best part about being a mother?
There are so many "Best Parts" about being a mother. Your little baby is your everything and the love you feel is incredible and unconditional. I love the fact that I will get to hear my little boy call me Mommy.
Any other comments or advice to give to new moms?
There are some restless nights for sure. The 'sleep when baby sleeps' is incredibly hard when you are trying to continue to run the household, feed yourself, pump breastmilk, etc. DO ASK FOR HELP! Don't try to do it all by yourself because it will wear you out. Don't sweat the small stuff. Really do enjoy as much snuggling as you can! Don't get set on a schedule because by the time you get used to it, your little baby changes it on you, lol!
Also: Start making lists if you don't already! Mom brain is a true thing!!! I was a list taker before, but even more so now!
Favorite part of being pregnant? Least?
I loved every moment of my pregnancy. Feeling the kicks were the absolute best! I looked forward to his active times every day! It was such an amazing feeling!
Special things you've done or made as keepsakes?
We took weekly pregnancy photos. I made a Shutterfly pregnancy journal book. It started with the day we found out we were pregnant and goes until he was born. It turned out to be a pretty big book!! And of course I have started the next one! The other keepsake I am doing is making a college photo with Will's coming home outfit, newborn diaper, hospital pictures and Will's ID bracelets from the hospital!
Anything you would have done different?
I would have liked to have a few more pics of my husband and myself pregnancy photos, but my husband IS the photographer, lol so that was a little more difficult!
