Remember?
I just KNEW I’d be that mom who had it all together. This was only going to be a MAJOR life adjustment after all …right?
“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”
I settled into my seat on the the couch, moments after returning home from the hospital. My thoughts settled in shortly after. I. AM. A. MOM. Life forever changed. With each day that passed, it continued to sink in . . .and still continues. I’m just trying not to drown!
…And when I speak of drowning, I’m really talking about not allowing myself to be overcome with the daily tasks required for living, let alone the additional tasks that come with being someone’s mother. In my time on maternity leave, there are plenty of things I would have never permitted when I was an average, single, career oriented, kid-free woman.
I’ve decided to compile a list of all of those things that have escaped me, which I’ve become more aware of and am slowly regaining a handle on. Phew!
Daily showers
Who would’ve thought that this was something I would struggle with?! It’s one of those things that we do subconsciously but once my child came into the picture, his needs were first.
At least three meals a day
Again, in putting his needs first, I’d forget that eating is actually a vital part of daily survival.It would probably also help with milk production. I don’t realize how hungry I am until I have a throbbing headache.
Staying hydrated
Water is my favorite beverage! I just skip it and go right for the coffee. I’m just trying to stay awake. Survival.
Doing laundry (although that is a little questionable)
It isn’t until I’m down to my very last, that I realize I have nothing else to wear! The kid has vomitted on all of my tops and my bottoms are limited because . . .baby weight.
Buying groceries
In the beginning, I couldn’t even remember what day it was plus I was (and still) barely eat on time. It really wasn’t until I started to take a look in the fridge when I was famished that I realized I needed to do better.
Manicures & Pedicures
I PRIDED myself on keeping myself together as childless woman. Now, I just get in where I fit in. I’ve even attempted at home manicures [Fail!]
Getting my eyebrows done
Phew! I was looking monstrous for 3 months. I just got them done and feel whole.
Did I miss anything?
I’m now in a phase where I am backtracking to remember who I was before baby. Momming is beautiful but momming while maintaining a sense of self holds even more beauty. Bare with me!
