It’s taken me at least four separate sessions spread out over two days to type this blog post, so hitting “publish” is going to feel like quite an accomplishment. Just like completing a load of laundry, making the bed, putting on makeup, and writing a thank you card all feel like big accomplishments these days.
Before I had a baby, I just couldn’t understand why new moms always say they’re lucky if they are able to shower on a daily basis — and now I totally get it. Caring for a tiny human being is a LOT of work, between feeding, changing, comforting, and just holding him while he sleeps.
I have an inbox full of fantastic guest posts by several fellow music therapists and bloggers, and although it was my goal to have them queued up and ready to post starting last week, it just hasn’t happened yet. Parker and I are still establishing a routine, and when I do have the opportunity to get things done during naptime, I usually resort to either sleeping (because not much of that happens at night!) or taking care of the basics around the house.
This blog post is anything BUT a complaint; I absolutely love being a mom and everything that comes with it (including the sleepless nights). It’s more of a reassurance that I haven’t dropped off the face of this earth, and that there’s some good stuff coming your way thanks to my colleagues…just as soon as I have the time and mental capacity (that darn sleep deprivation again) to post it. Thank you for being patient and sticking around during this hopefully short-lived blogging drought!
We love you Rachel! You are doing a fantastic job! :) <3
Thanks for the moral support, friend! All we can do is our best, right? ;)
Sleep, sleep, sleep when you can! We all understand.
Excellent advice, Rachelle! Thank you…I am doing my best to follow it! :)
I echo the call to sleep when you can. We promise to be here when you have time to share. As the parent of a high school senior, I’m here to tell you time passes more quickly than you can ever imagine. You and Parker need to treasure every moment.
Thank you, JoAnn! I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to hear encouragement from experienced parents, although it makes me a little teary to think that this time is so fleeting!!
Welcome to the journey! :) Your post of current events sounds so normal to mom’s with children. You’re doing a great job and little by little, it gets easier (or maybe we just begin to adapt to the new schedule and the new little being to include in our multi-tasking lifestyles).
Take care and find those little pockets of time to rest. :)
Thank you, Amanda! I haven’t yet mastered (or even come close) the art of multi-tasking as a parent, but it’s good to know that someday I’ll get there.
We love you Rachel…and ALL moms TOTALLY get this!!! Anyone not a mom (or dad) gets it too because they love you. When my husband and I went to birthing classes for second baby, we had to fill out a form guessing how long each activity during the day would take. After everyone shared he added, “You forgot the most important and most time consuming activity…simply staring at your child for so long that you lose track of time!” My best parent advice from a friend, “A clean house is the sign of a negligent parent. If your house is spotless you did not spend enough time holding your baby!” I have stuck with that for the last 24 years!
I love everything you wrote, Rene – a reminder of how awesome you are! Thank you for the reassurance that I’m doing this right…because my house is a MESS! Definitely an adjustment for this neat freak ;) And yes, my favorite activity of all is watching my beautiful boy sleep; there’s nothing better in this world.
Dear Rachel,
You are an awesome mom!
Everything completely changes when you have a beautiful baby to love and care for. The love you are feeling for this new chapter in your life is palpable and oh so lovely.
Enjoy every single moment:)
xo
Thank you so much, Susan! You’re absolutely right…everything DOES change, which I’m not sure I was completely expecting. But I’m loving every minute and trying to soak it all in :)