I was cruising the baby center forums the other day and came across a "What Do you Do All Day?" post from another mom. After reading through many of the responses about what these women (with more than one child) were accomplishing throughout the day I decided to give my day a long hard look.
Was I doing enough? Am I an adequate stay at home mom? Am I getting out of the house often enough?
I figured that at this point I could probably be taking on a little more and not letting fear of a mid project wake up or a mid errand meltdown get me down. I realized that it’s time for me to get out of survival mode and really start living again. I also wanted to step up my game in taking care of my home and cooking more exciting meals. I don’t need to make the same 5 things over and over again just because they can be made quickly.
Vietnamese Grilled Pork Noodle Bowl (not the best recipe, but I will work on it and get back to you)
Part of the reason that things have bit a little hard is the fact that Olivia has silent reflux which has made feeding her very difficult. This has been very emotionally exhausting and really upsetting for both of us. She is now on medicine much to my dismay, but it is working and she is eating better. She is still a nightmare to feed in public, but that’s just life with a distractible 5 month old I guess.
I think I was in survival mode a bit too long, but I guess there really aren’t any technicalities on that. I have a great and happy baby but I often let nerves get the best of me. I am glad that I have been able to acknowledge my state of mind and move away from it. I realized that if I don’t start enjoying these moments that they will soon be gone. Fear will always be here. These days with my first baby girl are fleeting.
Oh my gosh Jamie, she is so beautiful! I’m sure you’re an AMAZING mother.
I’m only 34 days into a routine with my boys and there are some days when I can get things done and others where I have no idea where the time has gone. I find that it helps to keep a list of tasks I want to get done for the week. The boys come first naturally and then I dedicate any free time I have to getting things done. It’s not a perfect system but I learn new tricks and get better every week. Good luck on your end. I’m sure it’ll all work out well.
Oh cuteness! Look at that sweet face. Love!
I get in survival mode too…go at your own pace. You’ll find your rhythm
She is so beautiful! And just take it one day at a time. Take her to the park or for a short walk. just baby steps. Also the mall is a great place to put her in the stroller and walk her in the early hours when it first opens. Not a lot of people and out of the heat!
She is so adorable!!! It’s summer vacation for my two oldest which means every day is survival mode until they go back in September!
I don’t think there is such a thing as “being in survival mode too long” when it comes to a new baby. You do what you’re comfortable with based on the kind of baby you have. I very much doubt other moms with babies with same issues get out too often or do more things than you.
It’s the same with my Lexi, it was simply by an option getting out or getting anything done. Still not when it comes to doing things cuz of her naps. I have a neighbor who has a girl same age and she can easily put her in a seat and cook for hours.