What I wish I had known about parenting I learned with my second child.  The first child is cursed in some ways: cursed with a couple, who have little to know training. Cursed with parents constantly assessing, evaluating and trying new methods to solve daily issues: Should her poop look like this? Should we call the doctor? Is the bath too warm, Is she too warm? Why won't she stop crying? What if we pop her hip out of it's socket trying to clean ALL OF THOSE baby crevices?  We called it analysis paralysis.   

With our pending second child, friends told us it would be easier.  And, my husband and I would exchange glances with thoughts of "that is mathematically impossible."  But, guess what? It's so much easier. I learned it's okay to put the baby in the crib so I can take a three minute shower, throw a load of laundry in the dryer, feed the older sibling, or eat a bowl of cereal.  It's okay.

I learned the magic of siblings and how an older sibling can magically calm a 4 month old just by laying down next to him and singing  the alphabet.  It's magical.  It's okay.

I learned when a parent, neighbor, friend offers to hold the baby or watch him so you can pick up your toddler at preschool without dragging the car seat (and baby) with you, it is a gift! Accept it.  It's okay.

Routines are great, but don't get so OCD that you can't adapt.  Yes, it might mess up the baby's nap, but it's the exception to his routine, not the rule.  It's okay. 

Capture the moments on digital media, but don't spend 45 minutes editing the photo.  Capture the moment to enjoy it later. So what if you still have 10 pounds of baby weight and a double chin?  It's okay.

Just breathe.  When you overwhelmed, exhausted, put the baby in the crib and get one thing done.  You will feel so much better.  It's okay.