We didn't get home from hossy until day 6. My son got an infection on day 1 and went to special care. We had some very stressful moments at hossy but things started to fall into place when we got home because I was back in control of my life.

I never got sleep deprived. Not everyone does. I was getting up twice a night and expressing as well as doing formula top ups (so took longer than just breastfeeding alone) yet I still only felt as tired as I did while I was pregnant. I found it managable. He's sleeping through the night now and I'm catching up on sleep.

I was shocked by the lack of crying. My son would wake up and whimper rather than cry. I'd get up and tend to him before he cried. He cries a little more now (he's 3 months) but still it's nothing like I'd imagined it would be. He has been a windy and chucky baby but he still doesn't cry much compared to what I expected.

Watching him sleep was one of my favorite passtimes. So sweet and innocent.

Looking at him, marvelling that DF & I created him is priceless.

I loved studying his face and trying to work out who he looked like.

Trying to work out if he's actually smiling or is he about to chuck is great fun. Realising he didn't chuck and he really did smile is a great feeling.

Trying out all the pretty clothes that you've collected and been given is fun.

Make sure you say yes to all offers of help around the house. If you end up bottle feeding and grandma wants to do it (or change a nappy) hand bubs over. It gives you a little rest.

All in all I've found it far easier than I expected to. I did have problems with breastfeeding that I never imagined I'd have but apart from that everything else was nowhere near as hard as I imagined it.

ps I noticed you are doing a lot of reading. A piece of advice, don't do what I did and read up on pregnancy & newborn care and neglect reading up on labour. I did read about it, but not enough (I didn't realise this til after the birth of course), in particular I wish I'd read more about second stage. All the newborn stuff you will learn as you go, and you get lots of advice on things from the midwives and your health nurse will provide you with heaps of info too.