I’m guest posting at Angie’s at Mama Insomnia–I wrote all about the lovely awesomeness that is the Terrible Twos.
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Welcome Greta from Not Enough Patience & Not Enough Jewelery! She just had her 4th kiddo! The fact that she’s capable of blogging, with 3 kids & a newborn is absolutely amazing to me!!!
Life with a newborn is tough. Yeah, of course it is. And as a mom, you probably think back on life with a newborn as a lot of eating, pooping, sleeping, and crying. But do you REALLY remember what it’s like? Probably not. If we all vividly remembered what it was like, the world might be full of parents of only children.
But I just gave birth to my fourth child under six, via c-section. He has big brother, Henry, who’s five and a half, along with two big sisters: Ivy (almost four) and Essie (almost two), all of whom are crazy about the little guy. Baby Ervin was born on March 24 and weighed in at a whopping 7 lbs 11 oz (the smallest of all of my babies). So right now, I’m right smack in the middle of life with a newborn.
Here’s a list of the wonders and mysteries of life with a teensy weensy bundle of eating, pooping bliss.
(This is just my personal experience…hopefully you can relate. I promise I’ll try not to make every item on the list about breastfeeding. Hehe)
- Speaking of breastfeeding (ha!), is there anything in the world cuter than a baby’s cheeks and nose squished up against your chest? I mean, really.
- Something that’s not so cute? Having to go to all of those early doctor’s appointments and trying to run a few errands when you literally can’t go more than a couple of hours without feeding the baby. Even if your baby sleeps through everything, the chances that you’ll actually make it all the way home without said baby waking up and demanding nourishment? Slim to NONE. Bottle or breast, you can automatically add at least a half an hour to every trip.
- After going to a zillion prenatal doctor’s appointments, then staying for several days in the hospital, then having at least one weight check after you and baby are discharged, AND a one-week check-up for baby, did anybody else kind feel like all of the sudden, you were on your own?! I have now given birth four times, and after that one-week check-up, when the doctor tells me that I don’t need to bring the baby back in for several more weeks, I still get a little anxious, I’ll admit. How many things could happen in those few weeks??
- Any reaction you have to anything, big or small? I’m sure it’s not the hormones talking…
- During the first two weeks, your life becomes totally consumed with HOW MUCH YOUR BABY WEIGHS. My little man is small, and even though the breastfeeding seemed to be going well, he wasn’t back up to his birth weight at two weeks old (like he was “supposed to beâ€). In fact, he hadn’t gained any weight in the week since we last had him weighed. Did I already mention hormones? They may have been a little out of control when I saw the scale and talked to the doctor. We’ve had to have him weighed five times since we got home from the hospital, and only the first weight check was very successful. I will be thrilled when he starts gaining weight and we can move on. I know he’s healthy, and I know he poops and pees ALL THE TIME, so why isn’t he gaining weight?
- Speaking of pooping and peeing? Yeah. Can you say “another all-consuming topic for parents of a newborn�
- As the parent of a newborn, it’s amazing how excited you can get about the grossest things. Besides all of the poop, have you ever really thought about the umbilical cord stump? I mean, really thought about it? Eww. But you feel like throwing a party when it dries up and falls off. (Of course, the umbilical cord itself is a miraculous entity of nourishment, but still…it’s gross)
- Your body is not your own. If you’ve breastfed at all, I’m sure you remember that aspect of it very, very well. But when you give birth, whether it’s natural, vaginal with drugs or c-section…your whole body becomes this thing that you can’t control. You can’t control the horrible gas, or the pain, or the constipation that feels like labor all over again. You can’t control the leaky nipples, or your emotions or the times and places that you accidentally doze off because you’re SO.VERY.SLEEP.DEPRIVED.
- It’s amazing how the same things you now have to do every day can go from a joyous act of bonding to a chore that exhausts your entire being. Yeah, I’m talking about breastfeeding again. I know, I know. Of course, it’s those hormones. One day, you’re lovingly nursing your baby, gazing in his eyes and holding tight to that tiny fist. The next day, you want to pull your hair out because you HAVE.NOT.STOPPED.FEEDING.THE.LITTLE.MILK.MONSTER.ALL.DAY.LONG.
- Newborns can’t smile, or talk. They just lie there, in your arms, and stare at you cross-eyed part of the time, or with their eyes closed the rest of the time. This makes them the most endearing, frustrating, cuddly, baffling, lovable creatures on the planet.
I am thrilled that the pregnancy is over, and I’ve met and fallen in love with my little man. But I can’t wait for this little lump of a man to turn into a human being.
What was life as parent to a newborn like for you?
Haha, #10 hit home for me! I couldn’t wait for my kids to smile or do something so I knew they were enjoying me, rather than just staring at me all the time!
Kimberly Most Recent Post…Real Friends vs In Real Life Friends
It’s hard to not feel silly loving and kissing on a newborn that just squirms and stares back at you! My husband would prefer they skip straight to the walking, talking stage. 🙂
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I can’t imagine having 4 kids. I have 2 and that is plenty for me.
Life with a newborn is all about diaper changes and feedings.
Well, I’m hoping life with four gets a little easier!
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
visiting from mama insomnia –
Well you just described everything I can think of (and care to remember) from those first few weeks. If I recall it get’s better after 6 weeks and by 4mo they become a one-man band of entertainment. My 2nd is up to 8mo and we are on a happy routine of sleeping through the night and eating every 4 hours which equals BLISS!
Best of luck to ya!
Rachel M. Most Recent Post…Lamma Island
Thanks, Rachel! I’m definitely looking forward to getting out of this…shall we say “challenging” phase?
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I remember all those doctor visits and trying to fit in a few errands before you’d have a screaming, hungry baby. And the weight thing? Totally agree. My oldest lost a lot of weight in the hospital and I had to take him in every day for the first 2 weeks for weight check. I’ve never cared so much about gaining weight before in my life!
Elena Most Recent Post…Asparagus The negative food
I know, right?! I wish I could give him some of my leftover baby weight. Talk about stress!
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I always dreaded the comings and goings required after bringing the baby home. I guess I’m just lazy but having to go back for the check-ups the first week after birth was always a pain to me because of the reasons you gave – every trip out of the house with a baby is a major ordeal!
My baby is now almost 10 months old and although the sleep deprivation was mind numbing, I miss her tiny body and her constant need to be loved and held. Enjoy your time with your precious one!
Christa (One Cheap Mama) Most Recent Post…I Like Wal-Mart So Sue Me
I’m doing my best to enjoy it while I can, when I’m not overwhelmed. 🙂 I don’t think it’s lazy…it’s hard to want to get out of the house the first few days when you look and feel like you just gave birth!!
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
No kids yet… and now I’m kinda scared of them hahaha
Laura in Cancun Most Recent Post…Just Thursday
it’s definitely a lot of work, but so worth it. Being a mom is like nothing else, and there’s nothing better!
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
Is it weird that I want to have another baby and breastfeed again after reading this? I loved it 🙂
kim Most Recent Post…What Must The Neighbors Think
Aw, thanks! I wasn’t sure if people would be scared off or reminiscing…guess it’s a little of both. 🙂
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I love that even though you are an “old hat” at the mommy thing, you still admit that it isn’t easy nor without worry. Too many women won’t admit that, so i find it refreshing that you do.
Also? My girls – both who were full term – we so small that I can’t imagine your smallest being a lb more than either of mine.
liz Most Recent Post…What I Lack&8230
Thanks, I’m glad it’s relatable. I can’t say I wasn’t a lot more cautious with #1 than I was with #2, #3, and #4, but I definitely still wonder if I’m doing it right.
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I only have the best memories of these first weeks and months after giving birth, in spite of the crying on end around 5pm every day because he had colic, it was a wonderful time. About the nights of broken sleep I thought this comes with the ‘job’ of being a Mommy and got used to it. And it works definitely easier when the baby is sleeping in your bed and the only thing you have to do is popping your nipple into his mouth and back to sleep you go. Now he’s a little more than 2 1/2 yo and trouble from the minute he wakes up. Well, not always, there are also many many sweet moments every day.
But looking back, these first month were so easy.
I’m glad somebody thought it was easy. 🙂 And I’m quite jealous that you had such a special time, especially with a colicky baby. That takes a strong momma!
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I totally understand! I LOVE having children, I love newborns, I love them when they are older, I love breastfeeding but having said that…. Having a newborn (especially with other children) is hard. Not to mention sleep deprivation, feeling like you don’t own your own body, breastfeeding every.two.hours. But it is worth it!
Hannah Most Recent Post…Small Successes
It is worth it, once you get out of the hormonal fog and into the light! I just have to push through this phase. 🙂
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
I remember how frustrating breastfeeding could be, but when I considered the alternative, it would ease my mind. I mean…. a constant overflowing sink-full of bottles and nipples; having to remember whether you brought the formula with you or (gasp) if you needed to go buy more. At least breastfeeding gave me a few less things to think about (and less cleaning to do). But, I do remember it being overwhelming at times.
I have an only child, so the thought of having four is something I can’t fathom. Congrats to you and your family. I’m sure having three older ones has already taught you that it will all be over with before you know it…. 😉
Jackie
Jackie Most Recent Post…Interviewing Maddox
Thanks, Jackie. Sigh…it is overwhelming, especially with three older “helpers”. Trying to keep my eyes on the prize. 😉
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
THANK YOU GRETA!!! This was such a fun post!
Even though all the sleep deprivation & diaper changing & breastfeeding is exhausting, I hope I’m blessed to do it 4 times like you! 🙂
Thanks, Kate! I think everybody should have four babies. 🙂
Greta Most Recent Post…Friday Featurette
Great post! It almost makes me want to have another baby. I’m serious! Each recovery was easier than the last, although my middle child got the raw end of the stick. His sister was 20 months when he was born and he had colic, which meant that I was not always as cheerfully available as would have been ideal.
Good luck with your four and I hope you get some jewelry soon.
you mean there is an end to all of this?? My baby is 12 days old, and I feel like my whole life is now BREASTFEEDING, PUMPING, or being worried, stressed, and anxious about feeding. Just a few days ago I was having breakdowns because I thought I didn’t have enough milk for my newborn. She would suck and suck and at the end cry and whimper in dissatisfaction. I think my milk supply is much better now. But I am still depressed by the fact that I can feed her all night, and she still only sleeps minimally. While during the day she sleeps a lot longer after being breastfed. We have even turned to supplementing with a bottle at night so she can be more satisfied and sleep longer (and so we can also have some rest) Right now it seems like this a nightmare that will never end….I had no idea caring for a baby was so difficult.