Life with baby Ray is certainly a learning adventure.
There have definitely been moments, okay, hours, of total frustration. Especially lately because we are trying to do some “sleep training” which is going just horrible. Regardless, he is great.
The toughest part:
Has definitely been my own healing. For some reason I didn’t mentally prepare myself at all for my own healing. I imagined the challenges of a crying baby, long nights, and not always knowing exactly what to do.
But my own pain?
Nope.
No one really talks about or tells you about the post-baby healing. Well…It hurts. And its a LONG process, even if you’re healthy. I thought I’d be good after a day or two. I’m in good shape, I’m healthy. A week max. Alas, here we are at 7 weeks post baby and I am JUST NOW beginning to feel better. Not better as in “I’m all better” But better, as in, there is hope.
The best part:
There are so many great parts to having baby Ray. Its hard to pick one. He is so stinkin cute and sweet. I really just enjoy a lot of cuddles.
We’ve been doing lots of tummy time and working on rolling. When you’re mom is an occupational therapist, there is just no getting out of working on those developmental milestones. Sorry Baby.
We’ve also cloth diapering. I was exposed to cloth diapering when I did a 6 month nanny stint in Washington D.C. right after college, so I knew what I was in for. It was there that I learned:
- Cloth diapering still existed
- The diapers are the cutest.
- It can save lots of money and its good for the environment
Now, cloth diapering isn’t for everyone, I get it.
But for us, it works. I do the diaper laundry every other day. Because there isn’t any folding involved, I don’t dread it near as much as regular laundry. And we still use disposables when they just make more sense or just way more convenient.
The biggest differences:
Time itself has changed. Its like time becomes reflected through one of those fun house mirrors at the carnival. All wonky and what not. There are days that feel exhausting and endless, but then I blink and baby Ray is 2 months old. What??
I find life happens in small pieces and tid bits more than it used to. More of a mosaic, than a full picture. The text message is half written. The pillow covers are on the bed, but the rest of the sheets are still in the dryer. The bagel in the oven is burnt. Its just how things roll now.
The boy and I work as a team much more than ever before. The phrase, “hey, you want to do me a favor?” is stated a lot, by both of us. I’m so grateful for all his help. I have NO idea how single moms/army spouses/anyone who has to parent alone does it. Props to you.
Tips for new moms:
- Boy babies will pee on you, take cover.
- The more tasks you can do with only one hand, the better. In fact, if you can figure out a way to do tasks without using your hands at all, if you can will things to happen with your mind, you will be quite successful.
- “Sleep when the baby sleeps” is just a saying that people who don’t have babies/don’t remember having a baby say. If you ever actually get to sleep when the baby sleeps, you can bet that will be the moment that your amazon prime gets delivered. And the dog will go bonkers.
- If you are ambitious enough/crazy enough to have ordered birth announcements, know that it will take no less than 3 weeks for you to actually get them addressed and sent off. Possibly longer.
- Never turn down a meal. Between my church and neighbors we had dinners made and delivered for almost four weeks. This was huge. I am SO grateful.
- Contrary to the babies in movie and on TV, they do NOT all just accept bottles and pacifiers. A pacifier actually makes Ray quite angry. And yes, I tried every brand.
- Contrary to the babies on Pinterest, they do not just stay asleep in cute swaddle blankets all the time.
- Have coffee on hand.
- Have wine on hand.
- Have vodka on hand.
There you have it friends.
The quick and dirty of life with a baby. More in the future, but bed for now. The boy, Ray and I all leave on a long road trip tomorrow. We are visiting the boy’s parents lake house in Michigan. Send prayers as we are doing 2 8 hour days in the car with a 7 week old!
- Note- all photos in this post were taken by our VERY talented photographer Erin.
Dina says
I love your honesty!