The newborn phase is pretty darn difficult. Don't get me wrong, I loved loving on my brand-new babies and the whole miracle-of-life bit, but what I didn't love was the other stuff: the sleepless nights, the endless diaper changing, the feeling that I couldn't leave the house, etc. So I'll be the first to admit that I was more than OK when I started to see the light at the end of the proverbial newborn tunnel and my babies went from being mushy newborns to being just regular old babies.
So whether you've just brought your bundle of joy home from the hospital, or you're in the thick of it, here are a few telltale signs that you've made it through the newborn phases.
You Take Less Photos
You've pared down the thousands of photos you were taking a day . . . to hundreds.
Source: Flickr user Parker Knight [1]
You Shower Regularly
It's funny because it's true.
Source: Flickr user Paul Reynolds [2]
You Can Decipher Between Cries
Before, your baby's cry was your baby's cry. Now, you can tell the difference between your baby's wails based on him being tired, hungry, wet, hurt, or just plain mad.
Source: Flickr user Aurimas Mikalauskas [3]
You're on a Routine
I don't know about you, but one of my favourite parts about exiting the newborn stage was finally settling into a routine for eating, sleeping, and playing.
Source: Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones [4]
Your Baby Starts to Show a Little Personality
Sure, it's not much to an onlooker, but those first little smiles and chuckles mean the world to new parents — and also that you're moving past the phase where all your baby does is eat, cry, and sleep.
Source: Flickr user Caitlin Regan [5]
Feedings Are Quicker
During the first few months of feeding baby, it can seem like your baby will nurse on a bottle or your breasts for hours on end. But fear not mama, things speed up dramatically when your baby is more than a few months old.
Source: Flickr user dailycloudt [6]
You're Going on a Date Night
Some parents simply can't bear the thought of leaving their newborn, even for a night. Others are simply too darn tired. There will come a time, however, when you realise you are ready (and due) for a child-free night out — and it's just another sign that you're getting through the weeds.
Source: Flickr user Olga/ Олька [7]
You Leave the House More Regularly
Braving the outside world on a regular basis is a good sign that you're starting to phase out the brand-new baby phase.
Source: Flickr user Britt-knee [8]
You Change Less Diapers
Two things happen here. First your baby's bowels become a bit more efficient. And second, you're less concerned if your baby is in a soiled diaper for a few extra minutes.
Source: Flickr user Mark Evans [9]
You Trust Your Instincts More
Do you suddenly have a feeling of, "OK, I actually know what I'm doing here. I got this!" Yup, you've made it, mama!
Source: Flickr user Johnathan D. Anderson [10]
You Start to Make Your Own Meals Again
Lone gone are the days of friends and family dropping off casseroles for you to simply pop in the oven — and your freezer has gone from being totally packed to totally empty. It was nice while it lasted, but you're also excited to get back in the kitchen again.
Source: Flickr user beccapie [11]
You're No Longer Shackled to Your Baby
It's not that you were physically shackled to your babe, but mentally it was hard for you to separate yourself from him. At some point you start to feel comfortable venturing out without the baby while someone else watches him — and it's a big step in the right direction.
Source: Flickr user Alisha Karabinus [12]
Your Baby Can Hold His Head Up
You no longer need two hands to hold your little one (one for the body, one for the head), and it's very freeing!
Source: Flickr user Bethany King [13]
You've Got Your Body Back
Postpartum mamas (especially those who are breastfeeding, had C-sections, or other complications during birth) can still have the overwhelming feeling that our bodies are not completely back to being our bodies. Once the newborn phase is on its way out, so is the welcoming idea that your body is back. It might not be the same, but at least it's all yours!
Source: Flickr user Hypnotica Studios Infinite [14]
You're Introducing Solid Foods
Some folks start their babes on solid foods as early as 4 months, and this is a big step away from newborn-ness and into full-on baby mode.
Source: Flickr user Joseph Novak [15]
You're Sleeping (Better)
And amen to that!
Source: Flickr user Paul Roth [16]