I had no idea what it would feel like to be a mom, even after being pregnant for nine months. But, I think I started to get an idea during the three hours of pushing I did to welcome Graham into the world. It was going to be hard....and rewarding...and hard again...and even more rewarding.
Nursing challenges
No day is ever the same and life continues to pass by very quickly. Each day there is a new challenge to overcome and typically mine has been breast feeding. But each time I see Graham's chubby little cheeks I feel so proud to know that my body is providing him the nourishment he needs to get bigger and stay healthy. I am ever so glad to have my mom and friends who listen to me rant and rave about how I am going to quit breast feeding every other day when Graham and I are meeting our challenges head on whether it's getting him to latch or not throw up or increasing milk supply (ie: malted milk powder and oatmeal).
Beginning a schedule
Learning to know your child and what he needs is also a big challenge, but I think I am getting better at knowing what cry means hungry or tired or fussy or happy. Also, another friend told me to watch Graham for cues that he is getting tired and put him down to nap right away, so he won't get overtired. I am a very type A personality, so getting Graham on a schedule helps me, too. And, the same friend said sticking to a schedule will help your child, too.
Quality time at home
Another thing about being a mom is that I can't just get up and go whenever I want. Yes, I want Graham to know that he will not dictate my life, but fit into it, but I also know when your baby needs a nap it's okay to skip a few coffee dates to stay home for nap. I had a really hard time with this at first, but it's getting better and I really do enjoy being in my home. Plus I've done a little redecorating and changed artwork around to make home feel fresh and new.
How to sneak in workouts
The biggest thing I miss is working out. I love to be outside for daily walks or jogs and since the weather has been icky I have not done that a lot. When Matthew's home we sometimes bundle Graham up in his baby carrier and stick him underneath Matthew's jacket. He can stay toasty warm and sleep while we walk. The carrier should get easier to use once Graham is able to hold his head up (but it's so full of his big brain). For now I settle for sneaking in workouts at home using Pinterest ideas.
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