Has parenting been easier/harder, better/worse than you thought it would be?

I'm just curious how new parents are handling their changed lives. Has the baby made your life a challenge or a joy? Is it as hard as you thought, or did you never imagine it would be so hard? I have a very easygoing baby, and I've been able to do a lot of what I did in my life pre-baby. People always say it is so hard to have a newborn, but I've been pleasantly surprised so far. I love it!