When people find out that you and your wife are expecting, they have tons of advice for you. Most of it sounds as if it comes from a Sith especially with the use of negative absolute words (“You will never sleep again,” “you won’t be able to travel again,” etc.) Of course, some advice is constructive (“Fed is best”).
However, even though parents tend to tell you everything you go will through as a parent, here are five things that still surprised me about being a parent.
5. Going to the bathroom when it’s just you and baby: Maybe this is a form of male privilege, but I have not had one person tell me how to do this when it’s just you and baby in public. Women have to be able to do this all the time, right? If I have our carrier, it’s not a problem, but with a stroller? Or while I’m holding her? This was seriously never discussed with me, and I never read about it.
4. Girls have crevices everywhere: Changing diapers was new to both of us. It really did shock me how poop could get all over the place with girls. And while we are talking about poop…
3. Babies poop really loudly: This one really amazed me. Mrs. Nola Nerd Couple was actually in the back of our house in a different room and heard Miss Nola Nerd Baby. There are times it startles me if I’m not ready for it. And on more than one occasion the sound has awakened me.
2. Shake, Shake, Shake: Formula requires lots of shaking. That’s why the moment I started this actual entry I went to Amazon and purchased this.  It has already made making the bottles easier.  I give it a perfect 5 out of 7.

1. Better Sleep: My wife and I share getting up with our baby. Now don’t get me wrong, I am sleep deprived and exhausted. Yet, my rest is actually better. I fall asleep quicker and fuller. I actually fell asleep the other night watching television which is something I have never done. Before Nola Nerd Baby, I was always restless and suffered from insomnia. Since she has come along, my body knows it needs sleep and makes sure that I get when I can.
Extra surprise: I can’t wait to write more of these parenting blogs!

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