These
last few weeks I've started to feel like I am back to my normal life, the only
difference is that now I have a baby. The first couple, okay at least 6, weeks
were so all consuming that pretty much everything revolved around Owen. A walk around Greenlake or doctor’s
appointment was enough to fill an entire day. It's nice that now we have settled into somewhat of a
routine and I have energy to get out and exercise, socialize, or get things
checked off the to-do list. I am so thankful to have six more weeks of
maternity leave because now we are having fun and really enjoying each other.
Owen is becoming increasingly charming, lighting up my days with smiles,
laughs and coos. We started our
PEPS (program for early parenting support) group on Wednesday mornings, I have
been going to Pilates on Thursday nights and we have been meeting friends for
walks most afternoons.
Owen
loves being in the stroller and I find he prefers being outside to staying in
all day long. He has started tracking, sucks on his hand all the time and loves
being naked. Now that he is
getting a little older and becoming more aware of his surroundings we no longer
have to plan our schedule around his feeds alone, but his naps as well. He
still naps on the go, but not nearly as much and I know those days are coming
to an end. How is it fair that a newborn will sleep anywhere until right around
the time moms have energy again? Hopefully his naps will eventually develop
some kind of schedule, which will be easier to work around. I certainly
don't want to be "that" mom who won't leave the house during naptime
come hell or high water, but I'm quickly learning that a tired baby makes for a
miserable afternoon.
PEPS
is a group of 12 moms living in the same neighborhood with infants around the
same age. We meet weekly and discuss the joy and challenges of
motherhood. I love it. I am struck by how much becoming a mom
brings women together. It's so reassuring to connect with others who are
in the same boat. When Owen was born one of my friends commented "welcome
to the club," which is the perfect way to put it. One of the things
I've learned being a part of this group is that all babies are different and
one solution rarely fits all. We all have babies with different temperaments
and varying parenting philosophies, yet we all are doing a great job. After only five weeks I feel close to
and comfortable with my group of moms and find it to be an amazing
support.
I
feel like everyone is always talking about “pregnancy brain” which was never a
huge issue for me. This “mom
brain” thing, on the other hand, is no joke. I literally start walking down the hallway to do something
and forget what I’m going to do on the way. It’s crazy. I’m
sure the fact that it’s been over three months since I’ve slept through the
night could has something to do with it, but it’s beginning to feel as though
these hormonal side effects are never going to let up. Who knew they persist until you stop
breastfeeding? My hairdresser has
prepared me to start losing my hair at around 4-5 months postpartum, so I have
that to look forward to next.
When
it comes to sleep, I really don’t feel like we have made any progress in the
last month. Owen started out as a
great sleeper, which is wonderful, but we may have peaked early on. I am certainly not complaining, things
are still going well, but it’s a little discouraging that our progress has
halted. Bedtime is the one thing
that we have down. He takes a bath
around 6, eats around 6:30 and is asleep by 7. It’s amazing for Ty and I to have that time to ourselves in
the evenings again. He sleeps for
5-6 hours the first stretch, is awake to nurse every 3 hours after that, and up
for the day between 5 (kill me) and 7 (which I can handle). When he wakes up, he nurses like it’s
his job and goes right back to sleep.
I’m not sure if he still really needs to eat that frequently or if he’s
just gotten accustomed to it.
Every book I read seems to have a different opinion so I am letting it
ride for now. Here’s to hoping that it won’t be year before we both get to
sleep through the night!
My friends prepared me for how quickly the first year flies by but it’s still hard to believe. Three months have already come and gone and winter has turned into spring. I am certainly exhausted and usually ready for a beer by Owens bedtime, yet I am doing my best to cherish the time. I am rejuvenated by the many firsts and magical moments that we share as a family everyday.
