I love the "flowers and fruits wrapped in a blanket" metaphor, Tamil! I wish I felt the same, instead of feeling like someone threw a cactus for me to hold on bare hands :D

As for the best advice, I don't think I recall many, perhaps other than the good old-fashioned "sleep when the baby sleeps."

As crazy as it sounds, it's just about the only time a new parent can sleep, at least in the beginning. Tired, cranky parents certainly aren't at their best, which only makes them feel terrible, if not the worst. So yes, getting as much rest as possible was (and still is) a savior for me :)