What was more difficult or easier than you thought it would be in your life with a new baby?

Things are not usually as expected and we often tell only the good stories in reflection, diminish the challenges of life with a new baby, leave them out of conversation altogether, or conversely, we mythologize them (you won't sleep for 18 years!).  Perhaps the truth is somewhere in the ANDs.  The acknowledgment of the good and the challenging swirl together to make the whole story.  Creating a safe place for new parents to share about their rough days involves honoring their whole story.  Here is some of mine.