“Hey! Got any advice for having a boy? My little one is due on Friday!:) Your fam always looks so happy, I wanna be like you guys!”

I never know quite what to say when asked directly for advice. (Unsolicited advice, I’m slightly embarrassed to say, is another story.) I can offer what I know, but it doesn’t mean it’s the gold standard. We are happy, yes. But we are also whiny (all of us take turns at that one!), messy, grouchy, and a whole mountain of other things that mix together and make real life. Here’s what I told her.

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Wow! So fun!!! Congrats! Advice? Hmmmm-

#1: pray A LOT!!

Know where your emergency room is and if your urgent care does stitches.

BUT let them get really dirty and let them climb and run and be wild.

Be consistent with your boundaries and rules.

Teach them to respect you and others especially when apologizing.

Baby boys- if they have a boner (yup, I said it)… Watch out- they’re gonna pee!! Boys tend to leak less out of pampers. If you’re going cloth- even better.

And yes, the baby is getting enough milk. You won’t think so at first, but not to worry they are getting enough.

Oh oh- a good one: daddy will do everything differently. Let him. It’s good for your boy to have his own thing with his dad. The same goes for grandparents!

You will be a fabulous mama and will figure it all out in your own good time. No one really knows what the heck they’re doing anyway! It’s God’s goodness that sees us through the day!

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If you were asked for advice, what would you offer to a new parent?