Since becoming a mom, I have learned that there is NEVER enough time in a day to accomplish everything I want/need to do. The hours fly by like they're minutes and before I know it, it's time for bed again. I expected it to be hard to be a mom, but I think I actually underestimated how difficult it really is. Of course I love it. But finding balance has been a real struggle for me.
I'm an only child. I enjoy my alone time. After being around people for a large amount of time, I need time by myself to recoup. But my new best friend is always with me. Which is exactly where I want her to be. I just lack that time in "Amber Land" that used to refresh me.
One of the biggest issues here is that Paisley doesn't feel the need to sleep. She gets 8-9 hours at night (usually straight through, sometimes she wakes once to nurse), but may only catnap once or twice during the day. Every now and then, she'll take an hour nap. The car frequently puts her to sleep but she wakes whenever we get to where we're going. And she isn't cranky at all because of it. It's like she simply doesn't require sleep. So you might imagine my surprise/jealousy when I read the blogs talking about a baby sleeping 12 hours at night and taking 3 naps a day. Seems impossible!!!
I take her to the gym nursery 2-3 times a week for an hour which is a great time for myself. But often she decides to schedule her pooping at the same time. And they don't change their diapers, so they come get me. Usually when we're at the peak of our aerobics class and my heart is beating 170 beats per minute. And I'm drenched in sweat... And she's covered in poop. :(
When we're home, she wants CONSTANT interaction. This is not the type of baby you plop down in an exersaucer while you kick back and relax. She wants you next to it, talking to her and playing with her toys. Which I think is great except it is exhausting. She does like to sit in her bumbo seat while I cook and clean, if I pile the tray with lots of finger foods she can feed herself.
So, I'm still trying to figure out how to stretch myself in a million different directions without feeling too worn out. And I've come to terms with the fact that I have a "difficult" baby. She's happy as long as she's getting her way, but she requires a LOT from us. Her beauty and hilarious personality more than make up for it though... :)
I'm an only child. I enjoy my alone time. After being around people for a large amount of time, I need time by myself to recoup. But my new best friend is always with me. Which is exactly where I want her to be. I just lack that time in "Amber Land" that used to refresh me.
One of the biggest issues here is that Paisley doesn't feel the need to sleep. She gets 8-9 hours at night (usually straight through, sometimes she wakes once to nurse), but may only catnap once or twice during the day. Every now and then, she'll take an hour nap. The car frequently puts her to sleep but she wakes whenever we get to where we're going. And she isn't cranky at all because of it. It's like she simply doesn't require sleep. So you might imagine my surprise/jealousy when I read the blogs talking about a baby sleeping 12 hours at night and taking 3 naps a day. Seems impossible!!!
I take her to the gym nursery 2-3 times a week for an hour which is a great time for myself. But often she decides to schedule her pooping at the same time. And they don't change their diapers, so they come get me. Usually when we're at the peak of our aerobics class and my heart is beating 170 beats per minute. And I'm drenched in sweat... And she's covered in poop. :(
When we're home, she wants CONSTANT interaction. This is not the type of baby you plop down in an exersaucer while you kick back and relax. She wants you next to it, talking to her and playing with her toys. Which I think is great except it is exhausting. She does like to sit in her bumbo seat while I cook and clean, if I pile the tray with lots of finger foods she can feed herself.
So, I'm still trying to figure out how to stretch myself in a million different directions without feeling too worn out. And I've come to terms with the fact that I have a "difficult" baby. She's happy as long as she's getting her way, but she requires a LOT from us. Her beauty and hilarious personality more than make up for it though... :)
I like my "me" time too. It's really important to me and my kids are older but I do babysit my grand daughter and I know that babies rule the time. However, what kind of gym do you belong to that they don't change diapers? At the ymca it's free and they change the babies.
ReplyDeleteI totally understand how you feel!!! It gets easier when they get older and can entertain themselves for a while!
ReplyDeleteI think that's crazy they don't change diapers at your gym...I mean, COME ON. I know what you mean about "me time"- I crave it too!
ReplyDeleteI can totally relate! My little guy wants a lot of interaction too...he'll be happy in his bouncer for maybe 5 minutes. The bumbo is definitely helpful though. But as these other ladies agreed, me time for now is missed.
ReplyDeleteI don't know how you do it all! You work two jobs AND you're a full-time mom! I couldn't do it without my mom, and I know it!
ReplyDeleteRight now Davie still takes a long nap in the morning, which is great. But all of the sudden, she doesn't seem to need her afternoon nap anymore! I used to nap when she did, but now that there's less sleep time, I try to get as much done while she's asleep as I can!
I'm beginning to think I should go back to the "sleep when she does" philosophy!
I am here from ICLW and had to pop on to a blog that had a successful outcome! Your little girl is precious.
ReplyDeleteWhat is ovarian drilling and why did you have it done? Just curious.
That part is hard, isn't it? I just got back from spring break from school/work and I usually spend the week at my parents' house lounging around, catching up on TV but not this year! It was wonderful to have her there and to introduce her to all sorts of new things, but I definitly still need a break! You're right - it's worth it!
ReplyDeleteAnd I commend you for recognizing that sometimes, your baby girl is "difficult". I have a hard time admitting when things aren't perfect, which, of course, they aren't all of the time. You inspire me!