Lisa is the mama to a newborn
I guess I haven’t had the time to sit down and write a thoughtful reflection yet, but the babe is napping and this seems like a good time. In brief: I am doing really well and am loving being a mom. I guess I wasn’t prepared for this type of love, as it is one you don’t experience any other way. So deep and so pure. But it is also the hardest challenge I have ever faced, and there are moments that are completely overwhelming. I honestly don’t know how I would be faring if we didn’t have so much family near by- the ability to call and have someone come down to willingly take over screaming-baby-duty has been a lifesaver. There are many moments when I have no idea what to do, and after hours of crying, it seems impossible to console her, but then it always ends and there is the beautiful calm after the storm. She sleeps well almost through the night (obviously waking up to nurse a few times) so that is also a lifesaver- I don’t think I would be in good shape if we weren’t sleeping at night. I just read a few of your posts today and really identified with the one about letting go of expectations and doing what works in the moment, instead of always trying to be on some track that sets you up for the future. That is the constant challenge and I really value the permission to do that. We too really wanted to get her into her crib as early as possible and reclaim our bed, but the truth is she has been sleeping on our chests since day one and I don’t see that changing anytime super soon. But we all sleep well, she loves being skin-to-skin, and it works for now. I could go on and on, but in short, I am finding motherhood to be 80% bliss and 20% terror, but am happy to be where I am.