Experienced vs. Non-Experienced

So I made it through the first six months, no problem. The next few months went swimmingly as well. In fact, one could say that I’m settling in to this whole “marriage” thing quite nicely. It helps that the CPA is a wonderful man and that he’s done this before and knows what to expect. Speaking of knowing what to expect…

I sometimes ask myself, is it better to know what you’re getting into or to go into it blind? In other words, is it better to have a full understanding of the lack of sleep, the dirty diapers and the constant worry involved with raising children? Or is it better to think of only the cute booties, sweet-smelling skin and the bedtime snuggles?

These questions have been on my mind as the CPA and I have had our numerous discussions about having kids. Each of us has had very different experiences in this regard. He has raised four children, I have managed not to kill my cat for nine years. Needless to say, our understanding of the work involved varies greatly, as do our discussions. They often go something like this:

Me: “I can’t wait to hold the baby and watch him/her fall asleep. They always look so peaceful and sweet.”

The CPA: “You do realize that that only lasts for about two hours before they wake up and you have to go through it all over again? About four times a night, to be exact.”

Me: “Thanks, I hadn’t thought of that.”

The CPA: “No problem, glad to help.”

Actually, our conversations aren’t that bad, but you get the idea. Usually I’m in la-la land thinking how terrific everything is going to be and the CPA is remembering how things really were. Sometimes it’s hard because I am afraid that if I really know what I am getting into, I won’t do it. Then I think about the flip side and realize that it may be good that he has all of that experience. I tend to over-worry about things and it’s nice to know that everytime the baby cries and I start thinking something is horribly wrong, my husband will be there. And he’ll take one look at our wailing little one and say, “It’s okay. I’ve seen this before and there’s nothing to worry about.”

Maybe being experienced isn’t such a bad thing afterall.