lessons for new parents

Here are 10 lessons that Andrea and I learned when we became new parents:

1.) A 6-hour sleep is a luxury, easily more precious and far rarer than any gem.
2.) Night is indistinguishable from morning especially when you're baby-sitting. With the exception of the darkness and the absence of a lot of noise, they're basically the same.
3.) Mixing milk formula every 2 hours with eyes half-closed is a vital skill every parent needs to learn. This allows you to extend sleep for a few minutes.
4.) Not getting soiled when cleaning the baby after pooping or peeing is a dream. No matter how careful you are, you will get soiled.
5.) (for baby boys) The birdie is always armed and dangerous. Never assume it's not loaded or that you're already out of range.
6.) There is no such thing as a perfectly patient parent. No matter how long you stretch your patience, the baby will reach your limit.
7.) When you're parents or your spouse's parents ask to take care of the child for a little while, allow them. These are crucial opportunities to get the much sought after long hours of sleep.
8.) Babies cry for a reason... hunger, feeling of wetness, gas, irritation, or sometimes just to tick you off
9.) No matter how crappy you feel after a long hard day of work, the baby can take all that crappiness away with a little smile... and give you a whole new kind of crappiness in the evening.
10.) No matter how sucky it sounds being a parent, the baby is all worth it.