Royal baby: Duchess of Cambridge has a boy; we have advice
Congratulations to Prince William and Catherine, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, on the birth of their son, an 8-pound, 6-ounce boy born on Monday. And, after the media frenzy of the last week, as the world waited breathlessly, now what?
We’ve read about what the former Kate Middleton might have been buying for the baby. At one point, she was seen shopping with her mother at a posh baby boutique in south Kensington (she bought a bassinet, according to the Daily Mail). Times fashion critic Booth Moore has reported that well wishers have been sending gifts.
We’ve read all about the souvenirs that are being sold throughout England: souvenir cups, souvenir plates, afternoon tea with baby shower themes, “It’s a Girl” and “It’s a Boy” balloons.
But now it’s time for a little advice for the new parents, which, undoubtedly will come from all over the globe.
For starters, the website mumsnet.com has asked parents to share their tips with the new mother, including advice on “coping with over-enthusiastic in-laws.” The parenting site says its users will be tweeting under the hashtag #tips4kate, starting on the day the baby is born.
In addition, the Daily Mail reported on a poll (of 1,000 people) that “found more than half supported the couple’s plan to bring up their baby themselves.”
In the meantime, one of the greatest moms of the 21st century — that’s Snooki, of course — has already made a suggestion: Hey, Kate, when you’re tired, pick yourself up a little by doing your makeup and wearing a tiara.
A blogger at “Good Morning America” has some advice for the couple about how to deal with their “beloved black cocker spaniel,” Lupo, when the baby arrives. “Keep the baby’s bedroom off limits, even before it arrives.”
Of course, those of who toil away in the fashion and style pages at the Los Angeles Times have a little advice for Will and Kate as well:
*Don’t worry about cleaning up; in your case, we’re betting that many others will do it for you.
*Limit the time of visits, as in sorry, Queen Elizabeth, but your 15 minutes are up. There’s nothing sillier than a new mom struggling to stay awake while her baby-less relatives drone on for hours.
*Don’t try too hard in the first few weeks to put your baby on a schedule; babies were born to sleep and wake up whenever they feel like it.
*The first time you sleep for five hours straight you will be tempted to reaffirm your faith in God. Which is OK, but just understand it’s the sleep talking.
*If you thought people got personal and touchy when you were pregnant, just wait until you parade your gorgeous royal baby around. Be prepared to smack away hands.
*Your friends and countrymen may want to send gifts for the baby, but the truly thoughtful among them will send a gift for you. After all, you’re the one who has endured months of scrutiny and weight gain, and the new arrival is unlikely to remember who sent what, anyway. Besides, Forbes magazines points out that the newest royal is third in line to the throne, which possibly makes the baby a billionaire.
*And, finally, please remember this: The first eight or nine years will be lovely; the next eight will test that faith you found when you first slept for five hours straight and after that, children go away to university so you have to worry about them only when they come home on vacation and race out to the pubs late at night with their friends.
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