Out of the gate, this adventure has been the hardest thing we have ever done. But, as Brecken continues to develop a personality and look back at us with those big eyes and a smile - it makes any part that makes this seem overwhelming just melt away. The moments lost of just sitting together for hours is time well spent. The early mornings when we are cuddled in bed together is like a perfect dream - probably because we are actually sleeping! Forget everything else that we aren't getting done. I made a long list of to-do's. The goal is to cross one off the list every day, and to take a shower - two things I never thought would seemingly be so difficult.
We've adjusted to operating off minimal sleep! We were walking zombies there for a while - as evidenced by the middle of the other night when I woke Taylor up to swaddle the baby to soothe him - pointing to the cat* that was sleeping at the end of the bed as Brecken slept peacefully in his nursery. We were those people who in the beginning not only slept in the same room with him, but with the video monitor on and the volume up all the way! You can't tell we are new parents.
I'm absolutely sick of the books and articles! If I read one more line that starts with "Recent studies suggest..." Every book you read, every doctor you talk to has a different opinion. I had a wake up call the other day when as we made the decision to move back down to our master bedroom I told Taylor I wasn't sure it was the right thing to do as some cultures suggest leaving a baby alone in their nursery as they sleep is liken to child abuse. Taylor promptly found the place marked in my book where I read this pointing out to me that this reference was to a rural Mayan culture. Taylor suggested we adopt our own parenting style and perhaps not rely on the Mayans to guide our philosophy. Noted... low point...
The feelings of exhaustion and sheer confusion give way to pure happiness and amazement. 6 weeks in I wouldn't change one thing, except perhaps trying to swaddle one of our pets and relying on acient civilizations to guide our decision making :)
A few pictures to share...
Up next: Our favorite baby products (thus far) and the NFL Draft (two independent entries).
*A disclaimer - we are in fact not "cat people". We rescued our dog Tres 2 years ago to bring some balance to our lives; and, now that the dog chases the cat all over the house, we can't decide what kind of people we are.
Photos Courtesy of: Jenny Beck, www.jennybeckphotography.com
I had to leave a message to tell you how much I appreciate the "realism". This is so true and we all have experienced, in some way, what you so gracefully put into words. So happy for you two!! It just gets better and better.
ReplyDeleteSo adorable! The first six weeks are the hardest, followed closely by the first day back to work trying to get everything done, including the shower!
ReplyDeleteYou are doing great-don't sweat the small stuff!