I try to be upfront about how I feel because I appreciate it when others do the same. Motherhood is great, I love Emily to pieces, but last week I was having a rough time with things. I was taking care of Emily practically by myself since Michael was working so many hours and she would NOT let me put her down without screaming and she decided she was just too cool to sleep so I would spend hours at night trying everything to get my screaming baby girl to sleep. Even nursing wasn't working. That usually works like a charm. I felt like I was at my breaking point.
Then, a friend of mine asked if I wanted to go on a walk with her and her baby around our neighborhood. I jumped at the chance to get out and whine to a fellow new mom about what was going on. I was hoping for some support and maybe some advice. Of course, it frustrated me that her baby is the same age as Emily and already was sleeping through the night in his own crib. But still, by the time I got home from our long walk (2 hours later), I was feeling much more optimistic.
Then I randomly decided to try swaddling Emily even though she fights it and loves having her arms free. I swaddled her, nursed her, she fell asleep, I slooooowly put her down in her pack n' play. She slept. Granted, it was only a half hour. But it was a miracle! Every naptime since Saturday afternoon, I do the same thing and the naps seem to be going great! She sleeps for over an hour sometimes!! In fact, the only reason I am blogging right now is because I have BOTH HANDS FREE! She is napping. IN HER CRIB. I am so so so relieved!
Emily started taking a bottle better in the last few days too. She doesn't need to since I am with her all the time but now that she can, that means I am not tied down. Michael and I can actually go out on a real date or go somewhere without worrying about being home in a couple hours. Yesterday I went and got a pedicure and out to dinner with a friend to celebrate my newfound freedom. Of course, I missed her and was happy to get her in my arms again afterward, but my mental state is so much healthier right now than it was a week ago. I'm not the only one who is happier with these new developments, either :).
Anyway, I just had to share the good news! Now for some cute Emily pictures!
All dressed for church!
Trying so hard to roll over from back to tummy! She almost has it. She just needs to figure out how to get the arm from underneath her.
Playing in her new big girl toy! We have to stuff a blanket around her in there to support her until she is a little bigger :).
8 comments :
The first is always hard! Everything is new and you hear tips and advice, but once you have a crying baby in your arms it's so hard to follow/remember! You're doing awesome and I'm sooo glad to hear that you're taking time out for yourself! It is something you HAVE to have..and don't feel guilty in the least bit!! :) Keep it up..she is beautiful!!
She is so adorable!
I am sorry you've been having trouble with her napping and sleeping. K loves to be swaddled, even though she always fights it and manages to get her arms out. She has also wanted me to hold her all the time so I put her in the baby bjorn and go about my business around the house and she loves it!
B had a hard time figuring out how to get his arm from under him to roll over. She'll probably get it any day now :)
Don't worry, she's totally normal. It's just what babies do : ) Both mine were the same. It does get easier, though! You're doing great : )
Aww that sounds rough. I'm glad she's getting a little better with sleeping. Chloe used to be the same but now I can actually get her to nap twice a day, usually for 1-3 hours each time. It's amazing.
Chloe's in the same spot with rolling over too. She'll do it from her belly, but from her back that arm is just in the way.
I can totally relate! I remember how hard it is to be the only one in charge of the baby - its hard! Do not apologize for wanting a few minutes to yourself!! :) It's been harder for me to 'put her down' now that I'm back to work - but I've got to try and do a date night again! ahh! So glad you got out. It really does help the mental state!
Yay! Its all such a learning process. Just when I think I have my kids figured out, they change! ha. Blake used to bea GREAT sleeper...her is now 3 and UP ALL NIGHT! Just have to remind myslef...it's just a phase!!
H and Z were the same exact way. It does get better- I promise. Z at 10 months is a great sleeper now. Take one day at a time. It will fly by:)
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