Never expected that my body wouldn't co-operate enough to birth naturally, tried everything I could for a VBAC, but still ended up with 2nd emergency c/s. Not really a choice I guess, but the first big surprise in my parenting journey.

Never thought that I'd be a long term BFer (5 years and counting ). First time round was aiming for around 12 months, ended up feeding through pregnancy until he self-weaned when his brother was born. Still feeding DS2, nearly 2.5, and no signs of stopping. For me, this has probably been the best parenting choice I've made.

Co-sleeping - was never going to do this, was going to have beautiful children who slept through from around 4 months of age (or some other random age). Now just hoping that one or both of them will sleep through by the time they've left home. But I think that for my guys it's contributed to their security and all the good things that come from that. I could have tried CC, or sleep school, but my gut says that this would have been emotionally detrimental for my little guys, so I'm glad I didn't do it.

Not having battles over food - I didn't quite manage BLS, but I decided very early on that I'd not have fights about food, I figure as long as they're being offered healthy options and not junk that it will all work out in the end. So far it's worked brilliantly for DS1, DS2....still a work in progress

Watching TV - was never going to have kids sitting in front of TV for long periods of time. DS1 was easy, rarely watched TV until his brother was born. Now, well, it's given me a chance to type this on BB, and will earn me a bit of time to do some study. Not my proudest parenting choice, but I'll live with it .