how to prepare for parenthood

i've found that many of my pre-ben lifestyle choices made becoming a mother an easy transition. here are my tips if you are planning to become a parent in the next few years:

> stay home a lot. then when the baby comes and you have to stay home, it's not so difficult.

> don't sleep too soundly. this will make it easier to wake up so many times in the night. if you already DO sleep soundly - set your alarm for every couple of hours. great practice.

> start wearing sweatshirts and jeans/lulus more often. then when you have a poochy stomach that is difficult to hide in regular clothing, people were used to seeing you in a hoodie pre-baby anyways. they don't think that you're letting yourself go now that you have a kid - you just have always let yourself go.

> only wash your hair every other day. if you start this pre-baby, your natural oils will have time to adjust so once you have a baby and no time to shower everyday, on day two your hair won't look as greasy.

> don't buy any expensive, new shoes if you plan to get pregnant soon. you will be very sad when they no longer fit post-pregnancy.

> add a lot of blogs to your google reader. those bloggers that post 20 times a day may bug you now but when all you do is hang out at home all day, you will come to love those posters! (let me know if you want some recommendations...)

yep - do these things and you will be well prepared. i know i was. (ha)