Mom Achievement Unlocked

Mom Achievement Unlocked: 1st mother's day thoughts via GIPHY maybe it's because i got pregnant comparatively later in life than most others (at 33, gave birth at 34), maybe it's because i'm an enneagram 9, maybe it's because i'm secure in who i am, or maybe it's because i saw other mom's self-critical failure mentality and didn't want that nor think it was necessary, but i have no interest in doing the "right" thing or feeling like if i don't "do this" i'm a mess or my child will be. not to say i don't have self-doubt and stress and want to do right by my child and spouse and family as a whole, but i believe those feelings can co-exist with figuring things out and having grace for myself. to me this isn't a pass/fail, win/lose scenario. to be perfectly honest, early in my pregnancy i was reading articles on how to cope with change and one thing that really spoke to me was treat it like an experiment. ever...

Mom Achievement Unlocked: getting organized Organization is not my strong suit. I'm a very go with the flow kinda person. But, as a new mom I'm seeing the need for, and even liking(!), having more structure in my life. For instance, when a friend told me it's normal for NTHs to nap every two hours it was a revelation. I could plan around that 2 hour window. I suddenly started noticing sleep cues! NTH went from random 20-40minute naps to on average 1.5 - 2 hour naps every 2ish hours. Life changing. Because I'm bad at remembering on my own I have fallen in love with my dry erase marker. It has restored hope and balance in my life. You see, I simply put an empty picture frame on my kitchen counter and use the dry erase marker to keep track of naps/feedings/poops so I can notice trends and plan more efficiently in my day. Not to mention keep NTH from having a meltdown because his bottle isn't ready or he's gotten overtired. the paper inside ...

Mom Achievement Unlocked: the nap babies are tricky.  sometimes figuring out the formula to napping seems as elusive as drinking coffee while it's still hot, as in, is it even possible? NTH   is almost 4 months old (i know! how is that true?!) and i have decoded some of his napping clues...creating a nap equation or, NapMath TM if you will, a MomMath TM specificity. 1. slight fussing and a general "enh, enh, enh" sound denotes that he's tired and a nap possibility is near. think Anne from Little Brittain.  this comparison cracks my husband and i up.  if you don't know what i'm talking about check out a tiny clip here: 2. create optimal conditions.at this point i do a diaper change &/or fresh bib &/or onesie if needed 3. insert soother. sometimes he likes this one & sometimes i have to go find the other one . there is absolutely rhyme nor reason to this ever alternating preference as far as i can tell. 4. movement. usually if i hol...

Mom Achievement Unlocked: survived traveling alone with an infant NTH and i took our first big trip, from here in NB to Vancouver...which requires 2 planes each way (my kingsom for a direct flight) but and you know what? NTH is an excellent flyer! i used my moby wrap so my arms wouldn't be exhausted holding him the whole time and to make navigating the airport easier.  luckily i have amazing friends who had tracked down a car seat and base for us at our destination so that was one less thing i had to schlep. also, people in general are so helpful & lovely when one is holding a baby.  people offered to carry my bags while getting off the plane and helped me take me coat off and countless other tiny but helpful things.  i'm the type of person that hates inconveniencing others but having a baby is a good exercise in asking for help...it's somehow empowering in a weird, paradoxical way. so, excuse me pleasant looking stranger, can you please hold this for a second?...