20 things that change when you have a baby

Everyone warns you that having a baby will change your life. Sure, you'll have less money (and sleep) and a lot more responsibility. But when the centre of your universe shifts to your new baby, there's much to celebrate too:

• You discover an inner strength you never realised you had.
• You accept that the last 15 pregnancy pounds you can't seem to shift are absolutely worth it.
• You don't need a clock any more - your baby now sets your daily schedule.
• You respect and love your own parents in a new way.
• Any pain your baby suffers feels much worse than your own.
• You don't mind going to bed at 9pm on a Friday night.
• Your heart breaks much more easily.
• You discover how much there is to say about one little baby tooth.
• You look at your baby in the mirror instead of yourself.
• You're no longer disgusted by babies' bodily functions - in fact, you're fascinated by them (hooray, a poo!).
• The sacrifices you thought you'd made to have a baby no longer seem that big a deal.
• You respect your body ... finally.
• You realise that a baby's comforter has magical powers!
• You give parents with a screaming baby an "I-know-the-feeling" look, instead of a "Can't-they-shut-him-up?" one.
• You make time for one more baby hug and kiss, even if it means you'll be late.
• You realise that it's possible to love a complete stranger.
• You learn that taking a shower is a luxury, never mind a trip to the hairdresser's.
• You finally get to speak to the shy neighbour in your street, because you've got a baby in your arms.
• You find that things that once seemed important are now meaningless.
• Every day is a surprise.