My Master's Degree

I always wanted to get a master's degree in something. I seriously considered going back to school a few years ago to pursue an education related degree, but then I met Graham and got married instead. He was already a master, so I didn't want to try to show him up. :)

Recently, however, I started an intensive course of study in pursuit of a new degree. The program is awesome. It has lots of hands on learning rather than just textbook reading and lectures. Best of all, I can do it all from home in my pajamas if I want to (for now, at least. Eventually, there will be field work to do). The down side is that I will never get a diploma, and it will take a lot longer than the typical two years to complete. Still, I'm excited to pursue my master's in motherhood.

I've learned a lot in the last few weeks already. For example:

1) Babies are much smarter than most people (and parenting books) give them credit for. They are incredibly adaptable, despite that fact that many books will try to make you hyper-sensitive about all sorts of things. Can't you see the deep thoughts behind those dark eyes? I'm pretty sure he's plotting something.

2) Baby boys have incredible timing...and aim. Keep extra diapers on hand at all times. And wipes. And spare clothes...for everyone involved.

3) No matter how small your apartment, there is always room for a swing, bouncy seat, and a rocking chair. They're worth the sacrifice of floor space.

4) During the first week, it's normal to wonder what you got yourself into and question if you were really ready for a child after all. Don't worry; soon you start to realize life is going to be okay after all.


5) Having a washer and dryer in the apartment is a life-saver!

6) Don't be afraid to get out and enjoy life. Newborns will sleep anywhere.

I'm learning new things every day, and relearning how to do a lot of things (like folding laundry and getting myself ready for the day among others) with a baby in tow. When we left the hospital, I wondered how it is that they just let us take this little human being home. Who decided that we're qualified to be parents?

Well, we don't have any official qualifications, but we're doing our best to keep Will happy, fed, dry, and altogether alive. So far, we've at least succeeded in keeping him alive. I guess I've got the rest of my life to learn the rest of the course material.

Wish me luck!