Lydia turned one month on Friday, March 8, and in just the little time she has been here, my life has gone through some big changes. I'm no longer the center of my universe and now understand what my friend Amy, who is also a new mom, meant when she said "babies will hand your ass to you."

I've never been so tired, worried, absent minded and unkept in my adult life ... and this is with Lydia being one of the most awesomely content babies I have ever been around. Don't worry I'm knocking on wood as I type this.

Nowadays a diaper bag is my latest fashion accessory and long gone are the "get up and go days" because leaving the house is a whole process. Furthermore, I never expected to be so concerned about another person pooping regularly.

I also never knew how much I would miss long hot showers. It is now a luxury if I have time to take a shower where I can shave my legs and apply lotion afterwards. These days my goal is to at least be clean and not smell like sour formula before I leave the house. If I actually get to do my hair and put on makeup, it's a real treat. It's also a major achievement when I can get several loads of laundry done while Lydia is sleeping. Speaking of sleep, I've come to the realization that my next night of solid rest probably won't happen for another 18 years.

While getting used to taking care of a child has been a humbling experience, I know it has and will continue to be one of the most rewarding things I do in my life. Being able to do what I want, when I want doesn't hold a candle to seeing Lydia smile at me, even if it is gas induced.

Lydia's One-Month Stats and Milestones:

Her first holiday was Valentine's Day.
She had her first babysitter, Laura Komisarcik, on 2/15/13.
She had her newborn photo shoot on 2/16/13.
She lost her umbilical cord on 2/17/13.
She got her first bath on 2/18/13 and Auntie Jody was on hand to help.
She started sleeping in her crib the week of 3/4/13.
She weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 21.25" on 3/8/13.