Has it only been 3 weeks? It feels like much longer has passed but I’m sure that’s the result of being mostly awake these 21 days. The good that has resulted from all that uptime, is that I’ve had too many opportunities to practice changing nappies. As with everything, practice makes perfect. In fact, I feel like such an old hand at nappy changing now that I’d like to share two simple bits of practical knowledge on nappy changing with mommies-to-be. I’m sure the already-mommies have caught on.

#1 : There must be a nappy under Baby at all times. The moment there isn’t, is very likely the moment Baby decides to poo or pee. This is especially true after baths.

#2 : Don’t look too closely at a baby’s bottom when you’re cleaning Baby – you may not retreat in time for surprise farts. Or worse, projectile poops.

Simple, right? I wish I knew them instead of having to discover them.

I think parenthood is a lot of common sense (it’s not as common as you think), and discovering new things every day. I’ve thus far also discovered that I don’t miss going out as much as I thought I would. The only thing I really miss is cold drinks and sleep – just like Maslow said:

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

A friend asked me if I was going to “turn into those boring only want to stay at home type of mother” over the phone last week. I should have just shown her Maslow’s Hierarchy. If my first tier needs aren’t properly met, I think third tier demands will have to wait. Of course I complained explained to her why I don’t think I’m up to going out anytime soon. And of course being good friends (only good friends dare ask questions like that), I got the empathy I was fishing for.

I used to wonder why my friends turn parents did not come out as much as before. I mean for the first couple of months, it is understandably the need for sleep, recuperation, and getting adjusted to having Baby in their lives. What of after those initial months? They don’t want to bring Baby out for fear of cramping their friends-with-no-children’s style? They cannot find babysitters? They think catching up will be tough with a child in tow?

An inkling of the answer came to me a few days ago. I took a short excursion to the supermarket thinking that some fresh air would do me good. Other than being tired after an hour out, I found myself missing Renee a lot more than I thought I would. Yes, in that short hour. What a wuss, right?

So I’m beginning to suspect that the reason might simply be that they prefer to be with Baby and family. And I felt a little ashamed that all my pre-Renee thoughts pointed an accusing finger to the child for taking away mommy and daddy’s social time.

Now, my official answer if anybody (dares) asks me that question in future: “I’m not boring and only want to stay at home ok? I Prefer to.”