Saturday, November 22, 2014

What I've Learned in 6 Months



1. Find your own pace

You can see so many moms on social media, etc that craft, go to play dates, make homemade peanut butter oatmeal chia seed blah blah blah squares and feel like you are a lazy bum that can't keep up. That's not true. I've never been a crafty lady, so I probably won't start now. I happily purchased Sam's Halloween outfit and I anticipate that I will for the upcoming years. Sam hates car rides so I am never too eager to jump in the car and take him somewhere. If I have someone with me or the car ride is very short, then I will. So find your own pace, do what makes you comfortable. I've missed out on many things because it just was too much for us to take on. And that's ok.

2. Buy that baby a softer sheet 

Sam's nursery is upstairs and really cold. Every time I put him in bed, his face would touch his cold sheet and wake him up. So I bought this sheet and it is so soft that I wish I could climb into that crib with him and sleep on it. I'm pretty sure Sam wouldn't mind me sleeping in that crib with him.

3. Make yourself a priority

I know you have heard this one before along with others such as: sleep when baby sleeps, let the dirty dishes stay in the sink, & cherish every moment, it goes too fast. But sers, try to find some time, any time, and do something that you want to do. It doesn't have to be much, but even the smallest of things can make you feel refreshed. It seems impossible and sometimes it is, but it is still worth a try. 

4. Do what works 

I used to be a stickler for "how it should be". Hahahaha!!! Babies really screw with that. Give that up, girl. Go with the flow. We are currently sleeping in our guest bedroom upstairs so I can be closer to Sam in his nursery down the hall. I was not into going up and down those stairs several times a night. However, since Sam has started napping/sleeping in his room, I have lost a few more lbs!

5. Phantom baby kicks 

I meant to touch on this one months ago, but for several months after you have a baby you will feel "kicks" and for a millisecond, you will forget that you are no longer pregnant. It's weird. And it makes me miss being pregnant.

6. Rings 

Kyle gifted me with my second wedding band when I had Sam. And at that time, I couldn't fit my swollen fingers into my rings. I was worried that my fingers would never be able to fit back into my rings but after about 6 weeks, I could squeeze them on. But there were times I could barely get them off. But by 6 months (actually before that) the rings slid on and off exactly like they used to.

7. The things you will try

As you know, Sam hates the car seat. I have tried everything. Sound machine strapped to his seat, iPad propped up playing videos, toys hanging from the handle. And then I read that you might tape a picture of yourself up so they can see you. And that is exactly what I did. I didn't care how ridiculous it may appear, a nice 5x7 picture of myself taped up on my leather interior. But I was willing to do anything! Would have been nice if he actually stopped crying though...

8. Family 

Your heart will swell every time you see your family enjoying your baby. And your friends, too. 

                                
15 lbs 13oz (17 %)
27.25 inches (75%)

"A person's a person, no matter how small." - Dr. Seuss