This is the second post in a series of posts where I ask Reanna from The Last Mommy Blog a series of questions about being a mom. She came up with most of the questions but I get to have her advice. So it’s a win-win for me — and now you, too!

If you missed last week – you can read it here. Or go here to read how I answer her questions on her blog, too. Today, it’s all about newborn life. Because newborns are the sh*t in my opinion (I may be biased).

1. First, let’s get to know Reanna a little more with a development/growing check-in: How old is The Baby right now, and what’s he up to?

The Baby is 7.5 months old right now. He is crawling, pulling up to stand, busting out teeth like crazy (we’re up to six), sitting at the table for three meals a day (though still getting the majority of his nourishment from me, judging by how much of his food ends up smooshed on his thighs or eaten by the dog) and doing a lot of babbling. He’s SO. MUCH. FUN. right now. He tries to get us to chase him around the house and loves peekaboo. But he’s also super stubborn and I think he’s going to be a holy terror of a toddler!

2. Like me, Reanna also did not find out your baby’s sex before birth. Describe what it felt like when you heard, “It’s a boy!”

My first thought was, “What? That can’t be right!” I had convinced myself I was carrying a girl, if only because The Husband was so adamant it was a boy. (He later told me he was pretty sure he’d seen a scrotum on the ultrasound.) I’ll admit, I was disappointed for a second, if only at being wrong, but I love my little guy so much.

3. Newborns are amazing, but scary! What was hardest for you to get the hang of: Diapers, clothes changes, baths, breastfeeding…?

Breastfeeding was definitely the hardest for me. But also pulling onesies over my baby’s head was scary. That and driving him anywhere, because he always seemed to have terrible meltdowns and I was stuck driving and couldn’t comfort him. Newborns are just hard, man.

4. What would you recommend to someone about making the most of maternity leave?

Get out of the house once a day if you can, even if it’s just taking a walk. Even if you have leaky boobs and your house is a mess, if someone you like wants to come over to see the baby, say yes! It will make you feel better to talk to a human whose poop you’re not responsible for, and it will help you exercise your “not giving a sh*t” muscles about imperfections… something that has gotten considerably stronger for me in the past several months!

5. What is one thing you’re super proud of about your approach to parenthood so far?  

I’m really proud of myself for sticking with breastfeeding through a really, really tough beginning. [Please don’t read into that more than it says, anyone who did not stick with breastfeeding, for ANY reason! I definitely don’t care!!! Fed is best! *Hug!*] For me, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and once it got better it was so easy and affordable, not to mention such an amazing bonding experience, that I’m infinitely grateful it worked out that way. And the rough road at first gave me so much more compassion and perspective for all moms than I would have had otherwise.

Side note: If you’re still reading… B and I are taking our first road trip with the baby soon! And I’m so excited. And nervous. 8+ hours in the car with a 2 month old? Eep. BUT I’m also so grateful for Reanna’s tips to traveling with a baby – I’m definitely using these!

Questions for you:

• Parents – anything else to add to Reanna’s answers, above?
• What’s the last road trip you took?

i know there’s a typo in there… i didn’t make the image, but you get the gist of it. it’s so true!