Does this come with a manual?
After 6 weeks of irregular sleep, diapers to numerous to count, and long sessions of bouncing and cuddling, my maternity leave is over—both from work and the Internet.
Actually, it was over last week, but transitioning to the new schedule left me little time to actually make any note of it. It was like sky diving–once it started there was no slowing down to evaluate how it was going. Weeeeee!
Now, that I’ve had full weekend to consider it, I can say the new schedule is working quite well.
- Wake at 4 am after a solid 6 hours of sleep, only broken by 1 or 2 feedings.
- Shower, walk to the dog, pump and start working at 5 am.
- Chris takes care of Bren while I work until 9 am.
- Bren and I hang until he gets home, around 5 pm.
- Chris takes over again in the evening so I can finish out my day.
- Around 10 PM, I get to snuggle Bren and wind down for the night.
It’s a crazy busy schedule–but I love it because it means I get to care for my son all day. I get to! It’s a blessing.
My time off was wonderful, though different from what I’d expected. I thought I spend more time going to the park, keeping up with the house and reading. Not exactly. Live and learn.
A typical day during my leave went something like this: linger in bed with Bren feeding and sleeping as needed, wake up, take a quick shower while Bren contents himself in his bouncy chair, start the laundry, carry Bren, feed Bren, change Bren, catch a moment to eat something, rock Bren, catch a moment to myself while Bren naps, feed Bren, feed myself, transfer the laundry, make up the bed, try to pick up a few things, take a nap and then welcome my honey home from work.
I spent much more time sleeping and recovering that I thought I’d need. But I am so glad I did because honestly it was wonderful to focus on bonding with Bren and taking care of myself. I didn’t feel pressured to get anything done.
My sabbatical from the Internet also did not go as planned. Yes, for the most part I kept away from the web. But I couldn’t resist keeping up with e-mail and scanning Facebook now and then. Damn you Internet, why are you so hard to resist! I did enjoy being a less involved with my online life–though I admit I missed blogging the most.
Mom, I promise to write more. He’s such a..."
Syd — Sadly, those adorable little bundles of coos and poo do not come with a manual. Honestly though, it sounds like you have a tight grip on what’s most important. Laundry and a clean house? All that stuff can wait until there’s one pair of underwear left in the drawer. And sleep? You do get it back. Bottom line though, they are only teeny tiny for a fraction of a second. Early parenthood is often marked by “long days and short years.” Best to try and soak up every minute you can while keeping your sense of humor. But again, you seem to have part down pat
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Not ‘The Breakup’ =-.
Thanks Laura. It helps to be reminded. Long days and short years–that makes a lot of sense. And the sense of humor part helps when I have such good examples and funny ladies to read such as yourself!
I agree with Laura that you seem to have a pretty good handle on what’s important right now. And I’m thrilled for you that you get to spend the day hanging out with Bren. Enjoy it!
.-= Julie´s last blog ..Tuesday Travels- New York =-.
Welcome back! Isn’t it lovely how, no longer how long you’ve been gone, your Internet buddies are always there to welcome you back?
.-= Parsing Nonsense´s last blog ..In Absentia =-.
Thanks Julie and PN, yes, yes it is very nice. Thank you!! <3