[Hope74]

How have pregnancy and/or motherhood differed from your expectations?

What have you done that surprised you?

What have others done that you didn't expect?

How has your LO surprised you (if applicable)?

[AndyBee]

I never expected to be a stepmom to a toddler. It was like WHAM this is motherhood.

[Hope74]

LOL - trial by fire I guess!

For me, I was worried about wacky hormones in either pregnancy or after, and that has not been an issue. I wasn't really worried about the physical act of childbirth, and recovery from that was harder than I expected. My LO eats more frequently and less predictably than I imagined, and I am more laid back about safety than I predicted (e.g., letting baby sleep on a boppy pillow).

[marleyandme]

How have pregnancy and/or motherhood differed from your expectations? its all been SO EASY. I'm sure I'm in for it later, but seriously, I'm thinking horrible birth stories, horrible loooong newborn nights, and either I'm superwoman and dont notice, or I have an incredilbe baby!

What have you done that surprised you? Birth with no pain meds. that was a shock to me, and well, the way I've done it on my own, I wasn't actually expecting FOB to be gone, and he is, and it really hasn't affected much.

What have others done that you didn't expect? well, FOB leaving was a big one, but other then that, everyones done pretty much what I thought they would, my mom has been AMAZING this entire time, although, I get a little tired of her "I NEVER went out when I had my kids, I was happy at home" when I go out maybe once or twice a month, (she was married, and he was her best friend) I think that makes it a little bit easier, where as I'm still single (not that I'm looking to date..) but I get lonely only having a baby for company most days... its a nice change of pace to go out with friends once in awhile.

How has your LO surprised you (if applicable)? Shes such a good baby! eats well, sleeps well, plays well, just an overall happy, content baby.