15 Comments
User's avatar
Nafisa's avatar

The fact that you're thinking about all these things is a really good thing. I'm sure you and your husband will be amazing parents to your baby girl! Good luck with everything and wishing you a safe delivery.

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

Thank you, Nafisa!

Expand full comment
Aastha U.'s avatar

all the best for the last trimester 🙏🏽 if you both already speak to each other in chinese, that’s huge—nothing wrong with a few english words here and there, your child will definitely learn! (sharing as someone whose parents spoke to each other in their language)

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

Thank you, Aastha! Great to know from your experience!

Expand full comment
Sophia's avatar

You're already an awesome mom, the care and intention just shines through as I read through all the ways you are preparing for your little one.

As an OB nurse, I think Emily Oster is fine as an economist but I would not turn to her for advice on your pregnancy. I read her book and did not agree with her recommendations and would definitely follow your health care provider's counsel instead. In regards to changing a diaper, don't worry, when you're in the hospital, the postpartum nurses are happy to teach you. Your husband is right that you'll get lots of practice on this!

It's totally possible to teach your child mandarin even if you're mostly speaking English at the moment. It is a lot of work but it is doable! My fav website that inspired me on my bilingual parenting journey is https://chalkacademy.com/ I can totally recommend more bilingual parenting resources for you too if you're interested.

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

Thank you, Sophia, for the website! I glanced over it and it looks fantastic! I will definitely look more closely into it.

Expand full comment
Yi Xue's avatar

To me, I learned that parenting is a (never-ending) learning process; that it is a journey that once started, it won't end until the end of our lives; that the statement "you change their diapers and they change your life forever" is so very true. :-)

And I also learned, much too late, that the more relaxed you are, the calmer your baby will be. :-)

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

I so appreciate this advice: "The more relaxed you are, the calmer your baby will be..." More reasons to relax and not be too stressed!

Expand full comment
Beneath the Surface's avatar

Don’t worry too much, raising kids is human instinct and it’s already embedded in your gene. ;)

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

Thank you for the encouragement 😊

Expand full comment
Jenna Park's avatar

It's so interesting to be on this side of parenting and read the worries of a new-to-be mother! Relatable, but also very far away 😀. No advice to give because who really wants that? Just that you are approaching things thoughtfully and will be great parents.

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

Thank you, Jenna! It still feels somewhat surreal. I am not sure what to expect, which is the exciting part as well! It's going to be wild ride regardless!

Expand full comment
TWOWR's avatar

As a young mother before cellphones were a thing, I also ended up reducing screen time. I did some of those years solo, and did use the “box” as a babysitter when tired early on. This stopped when we went to visit my grandmother one day and they made a fuss about wanting the TV on. Following that visit I got rid of it altogether and it was a choice I never regretted. The fact that you’re already aware that you need to lead by example impresses me - I was much slower to figure it out. The pile of books you have looks right on point, and as far as travel when you have a small baby goes I will say this: some folks do it well, others find it harder. There are many variables, and some can be managed to make life easier. There is much to be said for planning ahead. For myself, I enjoyed staying home, but my sister was out and about all sorts of places (hikes on small islands a several hour boat ride away and the like) with her first child. Don’t let the doomsayers talk you out of your adventuring. Language - don’t worry too much if it’s mixed up. Children under 7yo will just “absorb” where things fit.

Expand full comment
Alex Castaldo 卡亚立's avatar

I am sure you will be getting a lot of comments from parents who tell you that they also worried and did a lot of planning but much of the worrying turned out to be unnecessary or directed at the wrong thing. Maybe Arthur has the right attitude ;) ...

Expand full comment
Yuezhong's avatar

I will be very glad to learn that much of my anxiety will turn out to be necessary!!

Expand full comment