Easier or harder ...

Do you think having a baby (not the labor part) or raising a baby is easier or harder than you imagined?

I know for me the first 4-5 months were harder than I ever imagined.

People would tell me it was hard but I never imagined how hard.

I honestly never thought babies did not like sleeping. I just envisioned 10 bedtime and everybody goes to bed. I think that was the hardest part for me getting him to sleep...well that and the colic but that's another story.

Before having the baby I would be annoyed if I went to someones house to see a baby and they were sleeping. I would think to myself "just wake them up, big deal"

However now at 9 months I think it is easier and more fun.

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It definitely *gets* easier (mine are 10 months and almost 3), but it's the hardest thing I've ever done. No amount of babysitting can prepare you for the "real deal".

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By far, much harder than I expected!

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I think it really depends a lot on the baby... for me, it was sixty million times harder than I ever could have imagined. No one really prepares you or tells you like it REALLY is, or at least, no one did for me. But I think part of that was because Alex was such a collicky, gassy, no-sleep baby. During my maternity leave, it was so bad that I was literally counting down the days to go back to work! But, now that she's 9 months, she sleeps through the night and has more personality in a little 22 pound baby than I've ever seen in an adult, it's an absolute joy, and much easier than I imagined it would be for the next 18 years

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I would say the first 5 months were harder than I expected. So far it's been easier now that they're older. I think having two kids is a LOT easier than I thought it would be.

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So much harder then I ever thought.
But so much more wonderful, too!

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It's been harder and a lot more work than I expected.

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For me, its much easier than I thought it would be

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harder at first, now easier

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Harder definately.

What's difficult for me is the unknown. Like when he bumps his head, is it just a little bump or is it something I should worry about. Or am I doing the right things for him so he'll grow and develop normally.

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Julia was easy from day one, I never really had any problems with her. She's been sleeping through the night since 2 months, and till this day she sleeps till 9am. When she was first born I was a little overwhelmed the first week or two, but once I got over that I was fine, I just needed an adjustment period.
Julia is a very easy going baby, and is very content. She will be a year old soon , and I'm so blessed as to how she behaves, she's so much fun too!!

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MUCH harder! I'm hoping it gets easier and that she sleeps more. at least the colic has been gone for a bunch of weeks, that was the worst.

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I can't say it's easier OR harder. It's not really easy but it's not really hard either. I've been around tons of babies while growing up, so I knew what to expect. But I don't think I realized how fast the days would fly by. I get so busy cleaning bottles, cleaning the house, playing with Jackson, doing all these little chores.....before I know it, it's time to go to bed!

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Honestly some times its rough- but overall its easier than I thought it would be!

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I think it was harder than I imagined...especiallyl in the begining. But now as he has gotten bigger and on a more schedule, it has become more easy for me. I think of the time though that #2 comes along...now that will be HARD!

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I think it depends on the child. My dd has ADHD so it has always been hard with her. My son is much easier but now he is going through the terrible 2's and will NOT stay in bed at night so we are getting no sleep.

It is easier with some things as they get older, but other things will always be harder.

My sil has teenagers and she said it is always hard, it is just different issues and phases you have to go through.

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Well - my daughter is 4 months - and I really can't say its been hard nor easy - she is a terrific baby though - sleeps through the night and is generally a really happy baby and joy to be around.

I anticipate it getting better and more fun as she explores and grows.

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For me, the first 6 weeks were awful. I was so overwhelmed... All I did was cry.
When Emma hit 7 or 8 weeks - I don't know - I got my act together, and it's been wonderful since then.
Don't get me wrong - It's not all Polyanna, but it's def. a lot easier now.