I so relate to this post about getting nothing done when you have a baby. It's been a while since I've had the time (and both hands) to sit down and type out a blog post, let alone do the laundry, make dinner, take a shower, wash the dishes, clean the bathroom, sweep the floor, organize the bookshelves, sort through baby clothes, solve world hunger, save the whales. etc, etc.
People, especially those with kids, always have some words of advice to give you when you're pregnant with your first child.
"Your life will never be the same again!"
"Be prepared for some sleepless nights!"
"I hope you're ready!"
My response to these people was always, "Oh yes, we're prepared. We're looking forward to it!" (not referring to the sleepless nights, mind you, as we planned to co-sleep from the beginning). I heard what they were saying, but I never really reflected on what kind of impact this kid would have on our lives until he was born. I was prepared (some would say over-prepared) for my labor and delivery, but what I was not prepared for was the near-complete loss of my independence once he was born.
Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom. There are significant rewards to this lifestyle (the contentedly sleeping child I'm currently "wearing" being one of them...and OMG he just let out a sigh...HOW CUTE IS THAT?!? Ahem...anyway...) However, I have to admit, in all honesty, that there are times when I miss being able to veg out and watch Jane Austen movies all day, or bake whenever I feel the inclination. Nowadays I have to run all my activities by a certain small person, who does not much like my attention being focused on anything but him. He's gotten better at entertaining himself in his bouncer while I do simple tasks like make myself breakfast, throw the laundry in the washer, or take a quick shower, but for the most part, he needs my full attention.
It got better once I became accustomed to babywearing. I learned how to wear him on my back so I could accomplish some things while still fulfilling his need for semi-constant contact. It took a month or so to surrender myself to this new life. I'm not just living for me now. This little guy is depending on me, as his primary caregiver, for all of his physical and emotional needs. The dishes will just have to wait.
Speaking of which, I think someone needs a diaper change...
I totally relate to the loss of independence; I went through the same thing and had the same babywearing and cosleeping habits with my first. My second will let me put her down, and I confess that I love her carseat naps so much that I rush around the apartment doing every chore I can with a sometimes whiny and sometimes happy toddler at my heels. I also am really looking forward to her having a bedtime, but really love that she will still sleep in my arms. It all goes by so fast, and I am sure everyone is telling you to savor every moment. But also take time for yourself when you can--it makes a much happier mommy and baby!
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