I always wondered what exactly it would be like to take care of a baby day in and day out. For all my childless friends out there who wonder the same thing, here's how my day usually goes:
12 AM:Change and feed Perrin and attempt to go back to sleep.
3 AM: Change and feed Perrin and attempt to go back to sleep.
6 AM: Change and feed Perrin and attempt to go back to sleep.
7 AM-9 AM: Perrin usually sleeps pretty well through the morning, so I sleep in too. I've always been a morning person and generally never slept past 7 or 7:30. Those days are gone. If Perrin is sleeping in, I'm sleeping in.
9 AM: Time to get out of bed. Hopefully Perrin is still sleeping, which gives me a little time to take a shower before he wakes up ready to eat again.
9:15 AM: It's inevitable: halfway through the shower, Perrin wakes up crying. I rinse off, jump out of the shower, speed dry, and rush into the nursery. He's in desperate need of a diaper change and acts like he hasn't eaten in ages. Oh, and he's managed to leak through his diaper, so I change his clothes too. And his sheets.
10 AM: Perrin is clean and fed. I'd really like to finish getting dressed, brush my teeth, and grab a quick bite to eat for breakfast... or at least a glass of juice if breakfast is out of the question. Perrin is wide awake and not interested in staying in his crib. I attempt to put him in his swing, but he's been alone all night and is ready to be held and cuddled... and what the boss wants, the boss gets.
10 AM-12 PM: I check a few emails, catch up with friends on Facebook,and read the news online. I mostly do it one-handed so I can hold Perrin. This will be easier once he can hold his head up on his own. I take breaks from the computer to change him and feed him again. If he gets fussy, I'll walk around the house with him. That seems to calm him down.
12:30 PM: He's asleep! Praise the Lord! I may or may not have had time for breakfast, but either way, I'm hungry. I grab a quick bite to eat, and since Perrin is still asleep, I also throw together a load of laundry and run the dishwasher. If he's still asleep after all that, I just might sit down to do something mundane and enjoyable, like reading or updating my blog.
2 PM: Perrin wakes up and needs to be changed and fed again.
3 PM: Tummy time! I place Perrin on a blanket on the floor and let him squirm around on his belly. It's good exercise for him and will help him develop the muscles he needs to crawl. He really looks like he's trying to go somewhere. Maybe he'll be an early crawler.
4 PM: Time to feed and change him again.
4:30 PM: Trey is home! Time for some father-son snuggle time while I sort through the mail and do some light housework. If Trey's lucky, I might consider making something for dinner.
6 PM: We try to coax Perrin to sleep so that we can have a quiet dinner together. No such luck. I end up holding him with one hand (awkwardly) and eating with the other (also awkwardly... and trying my hardest not to drop food particles on Perrin's head). Some days he'll let us put him in his swing while we eat. Strange how much I enjoy just being able to savor my food and talk to Trey during dinner time--something I really took for granted before!
6:30 PM: Time to feed and change him again.
7:30 PM: Bath time! Perrin hates baths, but I love when he smells all clean and fresh. Plus he looks super cute bundled up in his hooded towel.
8:30 PM: We try to get Perrin to go to sleep for the night, but he's crying. We swaddle him, carry him around, feed him again, then let him snuggle in our bed with us while we read for a bit. If we're lucky, he'll get nice and sleepy and we can put him down for the night. If we're not lucky, we might end up carrying him around for quite awhile until he's cried enough to wear himself out. At some point, he does fall asleep.
That's my day in a nutshell. Taking care of a newborn is definitely a full-time job!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
The unexpected
We've survived a little over a week with a newborn, and we must be doing an okay job as parents--Perrin seems to be a perfectly healthy, happy little baby. And I must say, I'm really enjoying being a mom! It's been a big adjustment though, obviously. And in some ways it's been different from what I expected it to be. Here are just a few examples.
I didn't expect...
1. That Perrin would always wait until we removed his diaper to decide to pee. I'd heard that baby boys would sometimes do this; I just didn't think we'd have to be on constant alert for it. It's a little embarrassing when we take him to the pediatrician for a weight check and he sprays down the entire room (including me and the diaper bag).
2. That I would keep forgetting we have a dog. People say that having a baby will make you love your pets less. But Trey and I talked a lot before Perrin was born about how we would make Molly feel like she's still a part of the family. We vowed we would pay her lots of attention and treat her extra nice while she was getting used to sharing the house with a baby. But I keep waking up in the morning and completely forgetting that there's a dog somewhere that needs to be fed and taken outside occasionally. Poor Molly.
3. That my life would be so consumed with nursing. Babies have to eat about every 2-3 hours.Perrin sometimes eats even more frequently than that, and since it takes a good 30 minutes each time, I feel like I'm feeding him constantly. The boy is going to be an eater...
4. That I would feel worried every time he sleeps for more than a couple hours and wonder if he's okay. Maybe it's just a jittery-new-parent thing, but I sometimes poke him a little until he moves just to make sure he's still alive and breathing. A couple months ago, I probably would have laughed at someone being so paranoid. But I caught Trey doing it today too, so I'm glad it's not just me.
5. That we would be blessed with the cutest, sweetest, most perfect little baby in the whole world! Okay, I might be a teensy bit biased, but seriously--Perrin is pretty special. I was always a little unsure about having kids. But I feel like Perrin is a gift that I never knew I always wanted.
I didn't expect...
1. That Perrin would always wait until we removed his diaper to decide to pee. I'd heard that baby boys would sometimes do this; I just didn't think we'd have to be on constant alert for it. It's a little embarrassing when we take him to the pediatrician for a weight check and he sprays down the entire room (including me and the diaper bag).
2. That I would keep forgetting we have a dog. People say that having a baby will make you love your pets less. But Trey and I talked a lot before Perrin was born about how we would make Molly feel like she's still a part of the family. We vowed we would pay her lots of attention and treat her extra nice while she was getting used to sharing the house with a baby. But I keep waking up in the morning and completely forgetting that there's a dog somewhere that needs to be fed and taken outside occasionally. Poor Molly.
3. That my life would be so consumed with nursing. Babies have to eat about every 2-3 hours.Perrin sometimes eats even more frequently than that, and since it takes a good 30 minutes each time, I feel like I'm feeding him constantly. The boy is going to be an eater...
4. That I would feel worried every time he sleeps for more than a couple hours and wonder if he's okay. Maybe it's just a jittery-new-parent thing, but I sometimes poke him a little until he moves just to make sure he's still alive and breathing. A couple months ago, I probably would have laughed at someone being so paranoid. But I caught Trey doing it today too, so I'm glad it's not just me.
5. That we would be blessed with the cutest, sweetest, most perfect little baby in the whole world! Okay, I might be a teensy bit biased, but seriously--Perrin is pretty special. I was always a little unsure about having kids. But I feel like Perrin is a gift that I never knew I always wanted.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Epidural--my new best friend
Our sweet little Perrin is finally here!! He's cute and healthy and a lot of fun (except when he's screaming in the middle of the night, of course). And I am REALLY happy to not be pregnant anymore.
Unfortunately, I had a really long and tough labor. In a nutshell: contractions HURT! If my labor had progressed quickly, I wouldn't have had to experience much pain before getting my epidural. But that wasn't the case... I had painful contractions for about 50 hours before I finally went into active labor. The contractions weren't causing me to dilate any further, so I had no choice but to suffer through them and pray that I would finally start making progress soon.
When I finally got my epidural around 1:00 AM Saturday morning (Feb 20th), I wanted to jump up and down with joy. (Of course, I couldn't do any jumping since I wasn't able to feel anything from the waist down). It was just such a relief to not feel pain anymore! Trey and I fell asleep and stayed that way for most of the night. The nurse came in and checked me every so often to let me know how far along I was. Then, around 6:30 AM, it was time to start pushing. I'll spare the gory details... but lets just say that poor Trey wasn't quite prepared for what he saw. (I told him not to watch. Did he listen to me? No. So it's not my fault that he nearly passed out).
Anyway, we survived. And Perrin is well worth the 9 months of pregnancy and a long, tough labor. He's snuggled up on Trey's chest right now, sleeping. So cute!
Unfortunately, I had a really long and tough labor. In a nutshell: contractions HURT! If my labor had progressed quickly, I wouldn't have had to experience much pain before getting my epidural. But that wasn't the case... I had painful contractions for about 50 hours before I finally went into active labor. The contractions weren't causing me to dilate any further, so I had no choice but to suffer through them and pray that I would finally start making progress soon.
When I finally got my epidural around 1:00 AM Saturday morning (Feb 20th), I wanted to jump up and down with joy. (Of course, I couldn't do any jumping since I wasn't able to feel anything from the waist down). It was just such a relief to not feel pain anymore! Trey and I fell asleep and stayed that way for most of the night. The nurse came in and checked me every so often to let me know how far along I was. Then, around 6:30 AM, it was time to start pushing. I'll spare the gory details... but lets just say that poor Trey wasn't quite prepared for what he saw. (I told him not to watch. Did he listen to me? No. So it's not my fault that he nearly passed out).
Anyway, we survived. And Perrin is well worth the 9 months of pregnancy and a long, tough labor. He's snuggled up on Trey's chest right now, sleeping. So cute!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Natural induction
It's the wee hours of the morning, and once again, I can't sleep. I am sooooo ready for this pregnancy stuff to be over with. Don't tell my doctor, but I've been doing some research online to learn things I could do to help induce labor. There are a few things that keep popping up over and over. Here's the advice from the great, wise Internet:
"Eat spicy food." Done! I have thoroughly enjoyed spicy food throughout my pregnancy. In fact, one of my cravings has been the hot sauce from Taco Bell. I've been hoarding the stuff in my refrigerator for months now. I could probably drink it straight from the packet. (I won't, though).
"Take long walks." I guess I could try pacing the living room. I really don't want to take a long walk outside the house in case I get too far away and can't make it back. I mean, imagine walking around with a bowling ball crammed into your pelvis. That's what it feels like. Not exactly the recipe for a long, leisurely stroll around the block.
"Drink castor oil." Ew, no thank you.
"Have sex." There's some debate as to whether this actually helps to stimulate labor. I could question whether sex is even possible at nine months pregnant. I suppose it is, but I can pretty much guarantee it would be more comical than helpful.
I suppose I'm going to have to do this the old-fashioned way and just wait until Perrin is ready. But until then, I think I just might increase my hot sauce intake.
"Eat spicy food." Done! I have thoroughly enjoyed spicy food throughout my pregnancy. In fact, one of my cravings has been the hot sauce from Taco Bell. I've been hoarding the stuff in my refrigerator for months now. I could probably drink it straight from the packet. (I won't, though).
"Take long walks." I guess I could try pacing the living room. I really don't want to take a long walk outside the house in case I get too far away and can't make it back. I mean, imagine walking around with a bowling ball crammed into your pelvis. That's what it feels like. Not exactly the recipe for a long, leisurely stroll around the block.
"Drink castor oil." Ew, no thank you.
"Have sex." There's some debate as to whether this actually helps to stimulate labor. I could question whether sex is even possible at nine months pregnant. I suppose it is, but I can pretty much guarantee it would be more comical than helpful.
I suppose I'm going to have to do this the old-fashioned way and just wait until Perrin is ready. But until then, I think I just might increase my hot sauce intake.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Last day of work
Today's my last day of work, and I feel strangely sad about leaving. After a couple week of sleepless nights, backaches, and general discomfort and fatigue, I thought I'd be rejoicing to finally make it to this point. And in some ways I am. But I also genuinely enjoy my job (most days, anyway), so I can't help feeling a little sad to close the doors on this part of my life.
At the same time, I'm totally excited that I get to stay home with Perrin. I never thought I'd be able to do this. It will definitely require some major sacrifices--no more eating out or other frivolous spending. But I know it's worth it. (Perrin, I hope you're worth it!!) :) And Trey and I both really feel at peace with our decision--we feel like God has blessed us by making it possible for me to stay home, and we're trusting that He'll provide for us.
I'm not completely leaving FamilyLife altogether... after a few months, I'm planning to work a few hours from home each week for the Global department. So hopefully this will be like the best of both worlds. But it's still a major change... an exciting, scary, never-be-the-same-again change. After all, I know how to organize meetings, create PowerPoint presentations, and write proposals or product descriptions. But taking care of an infant? Brand new territory for me. I truly believe that I'm leaving one full-time job and entering into a much more difficult (but also more rewarding) full-time job.
My new job title: Mommy. Hours per week: (How many hours are in a week? That many. Plus some.) No experience necessary (thank goodness). Description: Keep baby clean, fed, rested, safe, and loved. And try not to put the diaper on backwards.
At the same time, I'm totally excited that I get to stay home with Perrin. I never thought I'd be able to do this. It will definitely require some major sacrifices--no more eating out or other frivolous spending. But I know it's worth it. (Perrin, I hope you're worth it!!) :) And Trey and I both really feel at peace with our decision--we feel like God has blessed us by making it possible for me to stay home, and we're trusting that He'll provide for us.
I'm not completely leaving FamilyLife altogether... after a few months, I'm planning to work a few hours from home each week for the Global department. So hopefully this will be like the best of both worlds. But it's still a major change... an exciting, scary, never-be-the-same-again change. After all, I know how to organize meetings, create PowerPoint presentations, and write proposals or product descriptions. But taking care of an infant? Brand new territory for me. I truly believe that I'm leaving one full-time job and entering into a much more difficult (but also more rewarding) full-time job.
My new job title: Mommy. Hours per week: (How many hours are in a week? That many. Plus some.) No experience necessary (thank goodness). Description: Keep baby clean, fed, rested, safe, and loved. And try not to put the diaper on backwards.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Pregnancy insomnia
Strangely, even though I'm incredibly tired these days, I can't seem to get a decent night's sleep. I just lie awake for most of the night, tossing and turning and trying to find a way to get comfortable.
Since I'm trying to look at the bright side of things, I will admit there's one good thing that's come of being awake all night: a couple nights ago, I got to hear Trey talking in his sleep.
Trey doesn't generally talk in his sleep. In fact, this is the first time in our nearly four years of marriage that I've had a conversation with him while he was sleeping. Here's how it went (and if it doesn't make much sense to you either, join the club):
Trey: Someone was having me for breakfast.
Me: What??
Trey: Someone was having me for breakfast.
Me: Trey, what are you talking about?
Trey: (In a slightly whiny voice) I don't know! (Buries his head in his pillow)
Me: Did you have a dream?
Trey: I think that might have been part of it. (Mumble, mumble). You know, those little sausage things? (Rolls over and goes back to sleep)
That's about it. I asked him about it in the morning, and he didn't remember a bit of it. I was really curious to find out if someone was just having him over for breakfast, or actually having him for breakfast. I guess we'll never know.
Since I'm trying to look at the bright side of things, I will admit there's one good thing that's come of being awake all night: a couple nights ago, I got to hear Trey talking in his sleep.
Trey doesn't generally talk in his sleep. In fact, this is the first time in our nearly four years of marriage that I've had a conversation with him while he was sleeping. Here's how it went (and if it doesn't make much sense to you either, join the club):
Trey: Someone was having me for breakfast.
Me: What??
Trey: Someone was having me for breakfast.
Me: Trey, what are you talking about?
Trey: (In a slightly whiny voice) I don't know! (Buries his head in his pillow)
Me: Did you have a dream?
Trey: I think that might have been part of it. (Mumble, mumble). You know, those little sausage things? (Rolls over and goes back to sleep)
That's about it. I asked him about it in the morning, and he didn't remember a bit of it. I was really curious to find out if someone was just having him over for breakfast, or actually having him for breakfast. I guess we'll never know.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Feeling the pressure
I'm only about 3 weeks away from my due date. Crazy, huh? I'm close enough that I actually could go into labor at any moment now. It's partly exciting and partly terrifying.
In the last couple of weeks, it's gotten a lot more uncomfortable to walk. I'm feeling a lot of pressure--it's like Perrin is pushing down, ready to escape. It's making me wonder if I'm really going to make it another three weeks. I wouldn't be too surprised if he came early. (Watch, just because I said that I bet he'll come two weeks late.)
I'm a little paranoid about going into labor somewhere or sometime really inconvenient. I heard a story not too long ago of a woman whose water broke while she was in Wal-Mart. She smashed a glass jar of pickles on the ground to cover it up, then headed off to the hospital. I really don't know what I would do if that happened to me. Maybe I should keep a jar of pickles handy at all times... just in case.
In the last couple of weeks, it's gotten a lot more uncomfortable to walk. I'm feeling a lot of pressure--it's like Perrin is pushing down, ready to escape. It's making me wonder if I'm really going to make it another three weeks. I wouldn't be too surprised if he came early. (Watch, just because I said that I bet he'll come two weeks late.)
I'm a little paranoid about going into labor somewhere or sometime really inconvenient. I heard a story not too long ago of a woman whose water broke while she was in Wal-Mart. She smashed a glass jar of pickles on the ground to cover it up, then headed off to the hospital. I really don't know what I would do if that happened to me. Maybe I should keep a jar of pickles handy at all times... just in case.
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