Yup - know that story all too well. My sister-in-law that now has a colicky 3 month old told me just the other day "I'm so glad you're a parent, too, at least you understand." I suppose she's getting judged already, 3 months into it, poor thing.
My Mom gave me the best parenting advice. "Enjoy the time you have with him. Some day, he'll grow up, and move away. You're going to miss him. Enjoy him while you can." With that in mind, everything else fell into place. She gave me all the usual advice about dealing with colic, bumps and bruises, temper tantrums, etc. Most of that I don't remember anymore. The important things have nothing to do with whether he went to daycare, or had the latest video games. I guess you have to actually be a parent, before you understand what's important. Sometimes, when I close my eyes, I can still hear him say "Mommy, you make the best cookies."