the bad

"God save us from people who mean well."

-Vikram Seth, A Suitable Boy  

While we got a lot of great advice, some things didn't work for us. Sometimes there just isn't a "cure" for a baby who won't sleep, or for teething pain, or for postpartum depression. Although people will still suggest solutions anyway... 

The Worst Advice We Received: 

-"Sleep When He Sleeps"- We would, except that it's the only time to clean, cook, shower, and tackle that ever-growing pile of laundry.*

-"Do [Insert Thing You Love] Now, Because You Won't Get To Do It Once The Baby's Here"- It seems people take some sort of joy in saying this, because we got it all the time before Clay was born. And sure, maybe you won't see as many movies or go to as many restaurants or travel to as many places when there's a kid in the picture, but these things definitely aren't gone forever. Our life didn't end when the baby came - honestly, it got better. Clay is our favorite third wheel. 

-"Don't Carry Him So Much"- Clay has been sort of a late bloomer in terms of the physical milestones. He was late to sit and late to crawl and still doesn't show even the slightest interest in walking. But he aways gets there. The physical therapist suggested it might be a result of too much carrying. And while that definitely could be true, it just seems unlikely we'll look back some day and ever regret picking up our baby. 

-"You Just Have To Make It Through The First 3 Months"- Everyone's experience is different. And if at the end of three months you still aren't getting any sleep, this can seem like you're failing. We'd replace this advice with, "just take it one day at a time." 

-Scott & Eleanor 

*Scott wants to give this advice another try; this time just skipping cleaning, cooking, showering, and laundry.