Do what you know to be right.

This applies in all situations. 

 On the ball field. 

 At school. 

 At church. 

 I gym class.  

 At a party. 

 A friend's house. 

 

But I'm speaking as a mama praying that one day you'll find a lovely, Christian lady to marry and maybe one day have children of your own. 

Parenting is the most wonderful role ever. Hands down. With that comes a great responsibility.  And if you want to be the best at being a mama or daddy, you'll read and ask and read and ask. Again  and again.  And sometimes you'll get conflicting advice and your brain will feel like mush.  Sometimes you'll know without a shadow of a doubt you're doing the right thing.  Other times, the route to take will be clear as mud.  

My advice to you, my sweet first born.  Do what you feel is right for your babies.   You know your little ones better than anyone.  You know them better than any doctor with 10 degrees.  Or any seasoned parent. You know your children.  Whether it's your first child or your 5th child.  You will have a feeling deep within your tummy that hints at which option to choose.  Listen to that. Every. Single. Time. Chances are, it's the right choice. And if you don't know talk to that sweet bride of yours.  If she's like me, she's head over heels in love with her tiny ones.  And she studies them every waking moment.  And so, she knows them. Trust your wife's instincts.  Her gut may fail (as will mine) but rest assured, she's doing her very best.  And she has those little dumplings best interest at the forefront of her mind. (As do I.) And really, more than likely, her shot in the dark (at least it seems like that to her and maybe you) will appear to others to be the most educated and wise decision possible because it was made by a mama that devotes her life to a family that she couldn't imagine a life without.  

So, if someone says that your baby needs a pacifier because if they don't then  you'll only be dealing with a worse thumb sucking problem...move along. Say, "Thanks for the thought.  I'll take hat into consideration."  You know your baby. I heard that with you. You sucked your thumb when you got your first teeth. I worried not. You never wanted a pacifiers. But you could be soothed by your mama.  And that was music to my ears.  Do what you know to be right by your children. 

When someone suggests you let your wee ones cry it out and you can't bear to hear them scream another moment. Go to them. Pick them up.  Rock them and hug them. And kiss them.  Be their hero. Because you are.  

When someone gives you and your wife advice about breastfeeding (feeding in general), remember that all children are different. With different and unique needs. And you know them best.  There isn't a formula.  Do what feels right.  Do what you'll be most happy with in the days to come.  Do what you know will foster love, and care, and gentleness in your children.  Listen to your babies.  

They are wise.  They will teach you more in their first year of life than you'll have ever learned in a lifetime of successes and failures.  Trust your babies.  They trust you!  

Written from this mama heart about her heart.  You, Will.