Watercolor from the Waterlouge app on my iPhone
I was thinking today about being a new mom and all that this job entails. There is so much I have learned over the past 11 weeks. I feel like I was somewhat prepared as I had been around kids before, but there's nothing that prepares you for what it's like when that kid is yours. When it's something you are completely responsible for.
So I find myself doing the typical stay at home mom things - or at least I think they're typical. Here are some questions I keep asking myself.....
When do Mom's get dressed?
I've found that I save a lot of Laundry when I stay in yoga or PJ pants all day. Sometimes I manage to put on a bra...like if I want to check the mail or something. Most of the time I wear a tshirt or tank top. No reason to put on my good clothes since B will just spit up, pee, snot, or worse on them. Another good question would be WHY do Mom's get dressed?
On the days I DO want to get dressed I have to be sure the atmospheric condition are just right. B has to be content - this means I have to make sure she is fed and changed before I dare leave her to put on jeans. Lest the wrath of BB be brought down on my head.
And thou shalt fear the continued wrath of B if thou shalt intend to dress HER as well as thyself. Prepare for meltdown. Lady B prefers her naked form.
When do Mom's eat?
I haven't sat down for a meal more than a handful of times since becoming a mother. Most of my meals are scarfed down while B is in one of her content periods. Sometimes these content periods match up with regular meal times. Other times I'm eating "Lunch" at 4:30 p.m.
When Matt is around we trade off during meal times. He'll hold Bea if she needs attention while I'm eating and then I'll take her and he'll eat.
I admit a few of my meals have been serenaded with baby screams in the background. Nothing helps that PBJ you quickly slapped together taste better than when it is served with a side of crying.
When do Mom's pee?
I admit - prior to B my morning routine was pretty regular (if you know what I mean). Nowadays I am lucky if I remember I had to pee 5 hours ago. Sometimes going to the bathroom is a great way to get a short break. Sometimes I sit there in the silence and think, "This is what it has come to?"
When do Mom's sleep?
WHEN THE BABY SLEEPS! Most valuable piece of advice I read and actually followed. So what if - especially those first few weeks - there is housework to be done? I have learned to rest when BB rests and that is SO valuable. I don't function great on small amounts of sleep. I need it. And B's a good sleeper so I am EXTREMELY grateful for that.
When do Mom's blog?
When I can. Which is why my blogging has been sporadic since her arrival (though in full disclosure it was sporadic before then too...)
I say all this not to complain. I LOVE this kid. I love being her mom. I love that my husband works SO SO hard in order to provide me the chance to be at home with her everyday. I love that I can't pee, sleep, eat and live like I used to. I appreciate what I had then and I appreciate what I have now.
I say this because I'm recording my life as it is right now. It's pretty awesome and sometimes hilarious and usually wearing PJ pants and I wouldn't have it any other way.
