That Mom

Well, it's official. I'm one of "those" moms. I inundate my Facebook wall with photos and videos of this little, drooling 12-pound squish face. I talk about him any chance I get. I even go so far as offering more details of my birth story than most care to hear about. The thought of getting a tattoo with his name immediately crossed my mind. I get more excited about buying a toy or a new bottle or a cute outfit for him than pretty much anything else. I don't care anymore. I will deny myself anything and everything for this little guy. Also, he laughed at me today, so he gets what he wants from now until forever.

Survival

(originally posted March 2012)

I must have gone through 20+ episodes of the show, “I Shouldn’t Be Alive” in the past couple of weeks. I think it’s because I feel like I’ve been dropped in a jungle, with minimal survival skills, little food, and no sleep. And by “jungle” I mean, parenthood.

You may or may not know this, but they make you go through a series of hoops in the hospital after the baby is born. You need to satisfactorily show the staff that you are, indeed, somewhat capable of taking care of a child. There is zero rest to be had. Once you pass their tests, they cut you loose. And that’s it. Next thing you know, you’re home and attempting to figure out this child’s needs all on your own.

Sure, I’ve not been left for dead on Mount Everest, nor have I had to spend a month navigating the Amazon while battling starvation and malaria, but I do have to force myself out of bed every couple of hours, deny myself showers to take advantage of a nap, and feel somewhat like a hostage in my own home. Heck, brushing my teeth and eating something substantial I consider a luxury right now.

The good news is, my son is really cute, and he’s only going to be this little for a short time. I also try and think of it from his perspective - it sucks! He had a great thing going for 39 weeks, and now, he has to learn how to eat, manage sleep without feeling like he’s falling, and get his temperature taken rectally.

I might feel like we’ve been dropped into a jungle, but we’re figuring it out, and it helps to have a really great husband, who’s turning into a really great father.