Preparing For Baby

Babies sure are cute, but they don't come with an instruction manual! Becoming a new mother is one of the most exciting, and scary, times of a womans life. Anticipating mother Lu Wojciechowski is feeling both of those emotions and more - and she was kind enough to share her experience of "preparing for baby" for all our expecting mothers! Enjoy!

Beginnings of marriage?

The first 2 years of our marriage have been such a great journey. It’s funny – you think you know yourself, but it’s not until you really commit to being someone else’s partner that you discover your own nuances. We’ve had a good dosage of laughter, tears and frustration but I wouldn’t trade any of it. We’re still have a LOT to learn about marriage, but I’d say each day we work at helping bring the best out of each other.

Advice for new wives/young couples?

• Remember that neither you nor your partner are perfect and you both will change. I read an article once that talked about how sometimes we get caught up in a moment of time together and we try to hold on to that. The reality is we change every day though. When you walk through the door after work, you are a different person than the one who left in the morning, because of all you experienced throughout the day. Talk about those micro-moments, pay attention to each other and don’t expect your partner to be unaffected by the realities of life.
• Surround yourself by other strong couples. It’s true – you are who you surround yourself with. We were a part of a newlyweds bible study group our first year after marriage and it was the BEST thing we could have done for our relationship. It helped us build a network of other couples with similar values and it showed us that we weren’t alone in “figuring it out.”
• Pick your battles and pick your passions. It might be cliché, but marriage is about compromise. There are inevitably things that will drive you nuts about your partner, but is it worth fighting about in the grand scheme of it all? Don’t only focus on the negatives. Look for the good – what do they do that you love and when do they make you feel valued. Call those things out more than the criticism.

Congrats on pregnancy! Preparation?

Thanks –we’re so excited! We’re both pretty (okay, very) Type A so I thought I’d be that mom-to- be with a million books, an excel list and a whole plan. However, from the start we decided to just take this experience day by day and give it up to God. That mindset has helped us relax and enjoy the process.

One of my favorite things to do though was read about the baby and my body each day. The female body is incredible and there are so many apps out there that can help you appreciate all the changes vs. stressing out about them.

Now that we’re in the final stretch, we have the nursery set up and car seat installed I have also been doing more yoga and swimming to help mentally prepare. I’m hoping for an all natural birth, so getting into a place of mediation is going to be key!

How has pregnancy grown you and your husband?

It has definitely helped us realize that there is more to this life then just “us” - that’s for sure! I think we’ve both been more in tune with each other’s needs though. He instantly stepped into this “cool, calm and collective dad” mode which I am so appreciative of. We also have become more communicative with our feelings. Pregnancy seems to bring about a lot of big conversations, decisions and emotions, so I’m grateful for the chance to lean on each other.

Advice for expecting mothers?

You will go through such a roller coaster of emotions! At the beginning, I had a hard time showing my excitement because I was so anxious something would go wrong. What I’ve since learned is that: Pregnancy = patience and giving up control! God and the baby have their OWN agenda, so you cannot have any real expectations. Talk to your partner or other woman about how you’re feeling, but it’s okay to pick and choose what advice you listen to (everyone will inundate you will their own stories and suggestions!). Also, try to keep some of your favorite “you” things going while you’re pregnant. The baby is a part of you, but shouldn’t totally consume you. The better you feel (mentally and physically) the more you can embrace the experience.

Bible verses to prepare?

Ephesians 2:10 – For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do..”
Philippians 4:6-7 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts your minds in Christ Jesus.”

#1 lesson for baby?

Ahh, so many things! If I had one wish for her – it would be that we help teach her to be a strong but gentle leader.

* Jenna Parr Photography