To Andrea, the Mommy-to-Be

Andrea... I cannot express how excited I am for you and Nathan to share in the wonderful journey of parenthood. Here are my top 5 pieces of advice for your pregnancy... hope you enjoy :)

1. Pamper yourself. You will never be more uncomfortable in your life than you are when you’re pregnant. Take the time now to get a pedicure, manicure, massage, whatever it is that makes you feel relaxed and refreshed. Don’t wait until after the baby’s born. I received a spa gift card at a baby shower, and to this date have still not used it. Not because I don’t want to (my GOD do I want to!); but I never want to spend any more time away from my family than I do already. So spend the $50 and do it… you deserve it.

2. Newborn pictures. Make plans to have professional photos taken of you, Nathan and baby within the first week after BT (Baby Tefft) arrives. Whether it’s at the hospital, a studio, or your home, it is well worth the investment. It makes the entire experience even more magical. We never planned on having them done, and wouldn’t have had someone not offered, but they are some of my most cherished pictures of our family. Looking back, that time is a bit of a blur of sleepless nights, feeding every few hours, feeling so complete, yet so inadequate. When I look at those pictures I don’t remember any of it; only the good stuff :)

3. Myth: Sleep Now. All those people who give you the advice: “Sleep as much as you can now before the baby arrives, you’ll need it” are full of crap. Unless they have discovered a way to bottle that extra energy for after BT arrives, all this “advice” does is get you into a sleeping schedule that will be impossible to keep up. So when you can’t sleep, you’re up all night peeing, or drinking water, or turning over, just remember: this is preparing you for motherhood.

4. Enjoy it, you’ll miss it. I won’t lie, pregnancy is hard. And uncomfortable. And tiring. And worth it. But you know that already. What I wasn’t prepared for was how much I would miss being pregnant. There is a comfort having your baby with you at all times. I remember when I was pregnant, I used to always tell Adam, “Once the baby’s here I won’t worry so much because I’ll be able to see him and check on him.” Once Elijah did get here, all I wanted was for him to be back inside the womb! I missed that closeness; that connection that only a mother and her child can experience.

5. Pray. My last piece of advice is also the most important. Pray. Pray for baby. Pray for his health, his timing, his future, Pray for yourselves. Pray for strength, guidance, patience. Pray for your doctor. Pray for his wisdom, skills, staff. Praise God for his glory, his grace and his love.