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My New Normal

Since Paisley was born, I have been trying to figure out how to manage all of my different roles in life.  A mom, wife, physician assistant, office manager, daughter, friend.  I've tried to figure out how to get in enough sleep, find time to exercise, and squeeze in some relaxation.  There hasn't been enough time in the day for housework, chores, errands.  And I usually fall into bed, exhausted and frustrated that I couldn't find just a little more time in the day...

But I think it's finally coming together for me.  I know some of you are thinking, "wow, it took you 9 MONTHS to figure this out."  And others are probably still looking for the balance.  I can't promise it will last forever, but it sure is much better right now.

Part of the change is that Paisley is now sleeping 10 or so hours straight at night.  Which some of you may take for granted if your child has been doing this for a while, but it is such a blessing!  It allows me several hours to get things done without lugging around a child who has octopus arms.  And she's increasingly mobile which means she plays really well on her own now.  She'll entertain herself for much longer periods of time.  And she's happier than ever because of her new abilities.

Aaron and I have it worked out so that I can make it to the gym 3 times a week, and I love going to my PA job twice a week.  We've hired a housekeeper to come twice a month which is saving me lots of time on cleaning.  YAY!!!   And the weaning has really relieved me of a lot of stress.  It's crazy to me how much time it really did take for me to nurse all the time.   And pump.  And admire my much better cup size.  (Which is now very sadly gone.)

My schedule looks something like this:
Monday:  work at the vet clinic (Paisley is with me).  Workout class.
Tuesday:  work as a PA (Paisley is with Aaron and my mom).  Baby gym in the evening.
Wednesday: OFF!!!  Workout class.
Thursday:  work as a PA (Paisley is with Aaron and my mom).  Baby gym in the evening.
Friday: work at the vet clinic (Paisley is with me).  Workout class.
Saturday: work 8-12 at the vet clinic. (Paisley stays with my mom).
Sunday: OFF!!!

So, I'm working this out and figuring out how to do my best at all of my different "jobs".  We like to stay busy and Paisley loves all the activities.   And when it all comes down to it, if Paisley had a good day, I can go to bed happy.

Comments

  1. FaithJune 9, 2011 at 11:49 PM

    That's awesome! I hope to get there eventually. I'm just thanking God right now that both babies seem to nap around the same times. But those times are SO short and there is NO way I can get anything done when they are awake. I am really needing to exercise, too, and would like to incorporate some yoga and zumba in, like 3 times a week, but we'll see when that happens. Jakcson is 9 months and I'd say that if I only had him, I'd totally have it together now, so I get it completely! It DOES take 9 months! So, I have about 5 more to go before Addy hits that time:). Of course, Jax still doesn't like to play independently. He wants us with him not-stop. Seriously. We have this gigantic pen area for him, which he'll play in IF we are in there with him. Grrrr. Oh, and I have someone cleaning my house twice a month too - it's so necessary for me with 2 little ones, I just can't find the time (or energy when the time does happen) to get it all done. Enjoy this nice balance, hun, I know you must feel so relieved!

    ReplyDelete
  2. finchJune 10, 2011 at 1:41 PM

    Octopus arms about sums it up! House cleaner=Awesome. Glad you're finding some time for yourself in there.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnnieJune 11, 2011 at 9:47 AM

    Sounds great to finally have a more stable, predictable schedule. Enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
  4. SharynJune 13, 2011 at 10:05 PM

    I'm sorry -- I couldn't concentrate on what you wrote I was totally entranced by the photo of your smiling baby. If that were my child I'd never get anything done as my lips would be permanently glued to those yummy cheeks. In fact, my daughter had yummy cheeks like those and, if I remember correctly, I never did get anything done because I couldn't stop kissing her.

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