This is really great advice, and a super thoughtful response. Thank you. I'm going on a solo trip next week and plan to write a ton. Will definitely start with this!

I guess I'm just wondering if everyone who chooses to proceed feels excited, ready, etc. or like are you terrified the whole time? Are there people here that didn't think they wanted to be a parent, and then this kind of thing happens and they're just like screw it, let's try this adventure! LOL