Hey friends,
I am back as promised :-) So I am coming to realize that I may not be able to blog as often as I like now that I have only one hand to type and a squirmy baby occupying the other. lol I saw this Johnson&Johnson commercial that said so simply
"Having a baby changes everything." I smiled. How true those words are my friends. So I am here to tell you all about it! To share with you, through a few funny stories, what has "changed" these past three months of mommy-hood. Enjoy!
The Airport Stalkers
3 weeks after the birth of our son, we got on a plane and headed to Jacksonville for my Brother-in-Laws wedding. I knew that was a wee-bit early, but his pediatrician and the airline had no problem with it, so neither did we. Well anyway, we head to the airport, and as a new mom, I am trying to figure out why everyone is staring me down as if I was one of the girls on "16 and Pregnant"...Some people looked in curiosity, yet others in down right disapproval. I guess seeing a 3 week old at the airport isn't so common, but still - you'd think I was carrying Mariah Carey's twins or something. So here is the icing on the cake, even though we had him covered up most of the time, I had to take him out the car seat to change is diaper in the bathroom at the terminal once. So this lady walks over to the changing area, looks at me and says "Oh my goodness...how olllld is hee?" I said: "3 weeks." She says: "Goodness! You should be home getting rest, and that poor little thing...he shouldn't be here at the airport..." I looked in disbelief, extremely irritated. I could not believe her nerve...Deep breath... she's lucky I'm saved. lol
So now that Elijah, is 3 months old - I look back on this (not so fond) experience and realize why people were staring us down like a piece of prime rib. He really was small, so I will extend a little grace, however I just don't understand why a complete stranger can be so comfortable to offer up their nonsolicited advice when it comes to children. SMH
*SN: I didn't mention this story but we ALSO missed our original flight, had to fly standby to Orlando, rent a car and drive the rest of the way to Jacksonville. How is that for a first time flight with baby? (The stories are ENDLESS) lol!
Pregnant in Heels?
Forget pregnant in heels, lets try "new mommy" in heels! Now that my friends deserves
all sorts of accolades. Indeed, these women are full blown Olympic athletes. Well, 1/2 determined, 1/2 naive, I decided to have a go at this sport myself. Hold on - let me set up the story : It was the day of my Brother-in-Laws wedding. My hubby, the best man, left early -so I had to get ready and take care of Elijah alone. This was the first time, but still I thought how hard could it be? Tired of my endless days in pj's post-pregnancy, I was looking forward to dressing up, so I went all out. Hair curled, make up, cocktail dress...and heels in tow. Boy, did I not know what I was in for! Every time I would put Elijah down he would cry...so I came up with a rhythm. Get ready for 5 minutes, pick him up for 5 minutes...back and forth, back and forth...5 minutes of crying was really all I could take...Finally 3 hours later...all dolled up, party dress on...then
doom, doom doom...I stuck my feet into my 5-inch heels and said a silent prayer! lol...Here I am trying to walk somewhat gracefully in these heels, while (let's not forget) carrying a 8lb diaper bag and a 20lb car seat! I am sure I looked ridiculous now that I think about it! Lol - Some things just shouldn't be tempted alone.
The Grocery Store - aka The Amazing Race
What used to be a simple run to the grocery store is just well no longer simple! No...its more like a cross between a relay race and a circus act! So I take my son out in this 100 degree weather, bouncing his car seat off my left leg to support the weight, meanwhile Elijah is getting knocked around in there like a puppet on a string. (Its a good thing I secured the straps!) So we get to the store, when just my luck, my sleeping monster decides to awaken...he screams
"foooodddd, where is my fooooood" in baby cries of course. So I race thru the aisles pushing the cart with one hand, trying to keep his Paci (aka the Silencer) in his mouth with the other - while onlookers stare. So finally we make it out the store, he continues to scream incessantly on the ride home so I turn up my music. I figured, its either I drown him out and drive safely,or allow his piercing scream to drive me crazy...and straight into oncoming traffic!...Finally I pull into the spot and it hits me...
"how am I going to get my child, this diaper bag, and these grocery bags, up to the 4th floor at the same time? Enter Circus De Soleil...I strap him in the front carrier, cross my diaper bag over my chest, grab the groceries, and I'm off...(did I mention it was 100+ degrees outside?) Finally we make it inside, I drop everything, strip down my sweaty, red-faced, puffy-eyed baby with tear stains on his cheeks...and hold him so closely.
"Mommy is here baby, don't worry, we're home now"...I rock him slowly in my arms as I look down into those teary brown eyes. In the stillness of that moment, an indescribable kind of love just overwhelms me. Almost moves me to tears. In the midst of chaos, it crazy how just one look from him makes it all so worth it.
The Check List
Keys...Check.
Phone...Check.
Purse...Check.
Shoes...Check.
Ha! Gone are THOSE days! lol
Now it goes a little something like this:
Bounce Elijah on hip while brushing teeth.
Wear something bfeeding friendly (in a closet where nothing fits yet except maternity clothes.)
Make sure shirt isn't on inside out.
Pack diaper bag,
Change diaper
Nurse baby...both sides
Burp him.
Secure him in car seat.
Finally ready to go and that is a good scenario, absent of any diaper blowouts, spit up that leads to clothing changes and etc..lol..At least I have a new excuse for my tardiness :-p
Well 3 months later, I can honestly say I have adjusted to mommy-hood and I am enjoying every moment. Seriously, I wouldn't trade it for the world! I know I made it seem a bit daunting, but I look back and laugh at the memories my hubby and I have made in such a short time!
As my 25th birthday approaches, I never would have imagined myself being here; a stay at home wife and mother. Sometimes, on those long days at home with Elijah, I find that my thoughts begin to drift off, thinking of the "simple" lives of my single, child-free friends in the working world. Yet, ever night, when I curl up in bed next to my hubby, rest my head on his shoulder, while Elijah falls asleep on his chest, I realize there is no where else I would rather be.
Tania ♥
