I am by no means an expert, but after being a mom for four and a half months I am starting to feel more comfortable. Granted, we've had a few setbacks with teething, but for the most part Graham is a good baby and a joy to have around. So, here are a few things I have learned during my time as a mom.
1. Sleep becomes as important, or more so, than eating
I have always needed a lot of sleep - about 8-10 hours per night. I think that is because I do not take many rest breaks during the day. I love to go, go, go. I never sit down after I get home from work or I would not do a thing. During and after chemotherapy sleep became even more important to me. It was the best way to heal my body and mind. I even slept well during my entire pregnancy minus the more often than usual trips to the bathroom. But, now that Graham is here I am learning to survive on less sleep. I can function on 7 hours of sleep and lucky for me, Graham has been a good sleeper from the beginning. He'd wake up about two times per night, but sleep for long stretches in between the wake ups.
Now that he is starting to teethe, sleep is becoming harder to get. But, we know this is only a phase and hope Graham's little teeth pop through quickly so he - and me and Matthew - can get some more sleep.
2. Never make fun of a nursing mom with a freezer full of milk
I've become the crazy lady from the nursing support group with a freezer full of milk that Becca and I laughed about. Before Graham went to daycare I was so worried that my body would not produce enough milk via pumping. Ha! I believe I have about 200 ounces of milk in my freezer and each week I add to the stockpile. I started to pump early and think I will have enough to last for quite some time.
3. My Mom is a great support system
My Mom and I have had our ups and downs, especially during my teenage years. However, when I was diagnosed with cancer in 2007 my Mom was by my side the entire way attending almost all of my chemotherapy sessions and that is how she's been during my pregnancy and beginning stages of motherhood. My Mom is a great supporter of my nursing, brought me food when I was hungry and will babysit when we need some extra help. She is the person I call to ask "What did you do when I was little?" and offers advice without being pushy.(Side note: My Dad has also been very supportive and often stopped by during my maternity leave to hold Graham and visit.)
4. I was more active when I was pregnant
I was fortunate to be healthy during my entire pregnancy and can only count a few days I felt icky. Matthew, Tootsie and I went for walks every night after work, often walking two to three miles. I never realized how easy that was since Graham was just along for the ride (literally). Now we have to make sure he's had enough sleep to stay happy on a walk, has his sunglasses, hat, blanket, toys, etc. before we leave the house. And, even then there is no guarantee how far we will walk, because he could have a baby meltdown. This summer I am going to make a concerted effort to get back to running and to take Graham for more walks.
5. Your relationship with your husband changes
Matthew is a very laidback guy. He will eat anything, try anything once and does not let his feathers get ruffled (unless you start talking politics). I on the otherhand am very controlling, cautious about trying new things and like to have a schedule. For some reason these qualities mesh well to form our relationship. I always knew he'd be a good dad one day, because of how he loved Bows (our mini Schnauzer). He was firm, but gentle with her and loved to try to get her to play....or as much as an old dog will play. He displays those same qualities when he plays with Graham getting him to giggle and taking him outside to tinker in the garage. The first time he took Graham outside he was covered with a blanket, in his bouncy chair, sunglasses on and toys at the ready. He got up every time Graham cried during those first three months even though he still had to go to work in the morning, and this summer his career is "stay at home" dad to Graham and Tootsie.
While we do not have as much time just the two of us, when we do get a moment to sit on the couch and talk about our days it is even more special. Now if we could just find time for more date nights. It is fun to see your spouse in a new role.
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