I don't remember ever being this tired before. I'm trying to do all the recommended things - sleep while the baby sleeps, take naps when Shaune can care for both kids - but I'll tell ya, this is no picnic!
Deaglan is in daycare for three days a week until the end of July and Shaune's parents take him out one day a week. This has been a great help.
I know that this phase too shall pass and I'm trying to enjoy the aspects that I can. I find that if I try to make my day as normal as possible - showering and doing my hair, cleaning the house a bit, getting out if I can - my mental health remains fairly normal.
I do like being this busy, it removes the extraneous crap that can act as a filler to my day.
Trying to train a newborn to sleep during the night feels like the hardest task in the world. The nights are so long. I've forgotten what control of my body feels like. If I'm not nursing, or changing diapers, I'm trying to get cuddle time in with Deaglan who has regressed in several areas. He's getting up more during the night and taking a lot longer to fall back to sleep. He seems to want to snuggle with me all the time which I love except that I am feeding the baby most of this time. On the other hand, he is really acting up, taking out his frustrations on Shaune and especially me.
Shaune and I are both on edge most of the time since neither of us is getting much rest. I know from past experience that this first few months is a survival game. This poor baby was in utero for almost a year and was used to getting all of his needs met without asking. Now he must cry out for everything in a world where the other humans don't speak his language.
I'm also trying to ignore the extra 20 pounds that isn't budging. I gained a total of 50 and know that eventually I will get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. However, I have to remind myself that I need to let my body heal from the surgery before I can start exercising.
I know, I know, whine, whine, whine. I'm hoping that writing about it will get it out of my head.
Kim, it is really about survival during those first few months. I remember that constant feeling of fatigue and being overwhelmed. My kids still regress, if you can believe it. Love them all, but there are days I'm doing the Countdown to College in my head :) Sending hugs and love to you. Wish I lived next door so I could help you out.
ReplyDeletekim, i am right there with you. it has gotten a little better....but it is still a day to day struggle....it is totally survival mode right now....writing about it does help....it helped me! and i also have 20 plus more pounds extra... my belly is like a big jello mold.....its gross! everytime i nurse i have to look at it...and it is depressing!
ReplyDeletesounds like you already have the answers even before whining.... whining to us seems a good way of getting rid of some of the frustration - opposed to taking it out on Hubby or Deagan.
ReplyDeleteMy second baby born when the first was only 13 mos... I know dumb .... the 2nd had a clef palet so had to be fed by bottle - slowly - my first used to be perfectly happy sitting up under my free arm, playing with his toys and listenting to me talk to the baby.... I don't remember being this tired.... course I may have just forgotten or i wasn't because I was only 20. you sound in good spirits.... the header photo is the best.
Hang in there - it does get better. Really. I know you know that. And one day you will look back nostalgically.
ReplyDeleteLove the changes to the blog.
I echo Kelly's comments - I wish I could be there to help you.
You will look back on this time and only remember the bliss my friend. :)
ReplyDelete