The challenges:
- Number 1, first and foremost, sleep deprivation, sleep deprivation, sleep deprivation! Which, for me, leads to other things like being super emotional, crabby, tearful and in a general zombie-like state. Marcelo too, we both concur that this is the most exhausted we have ever been in our entire lives.
Marcelo has been really great and pretty much the trooper with staying up nights. He discovered a "womb sounds" youtube station that really helps lull Levi to sleep. He has been sleeping more and crying less at night bit by bit. Last night M stayed in the living room with him from 11:30 pm to 7:30 am. He brought him to me for several 30 minute feedings, and then he would burp and change him. I am so grateful. I feel pretty human today! But Marcelo had to go to a board meeting and left like a zombie. He is able to sleep while with the baby but he says it's not a deep sleep. He is so good with Levi, and so patient. I am so grateful for him!
- My other big challenge has been the adjustment of being a super active, working, gym-going, group going, super social, independent woman to having to stay home 24-7. I was so looking forward to having an extended break from the professional world (my first in 10 years!) but turns out being a Mommy, in many ways is harder than my "job." Ha! All these things I learn as I go.
I really am not the type that feels great staying home [alone] for long periods. TV is ok but, like anything, too much is too much. Although I've seen several choice 80's movies in the past week like "pretty in pink," and "license to drive," with the double Corey action, which has been fun. :-)
But to keep it real, before Levi,I wrote in my journal, meditated, exercised, cooked a lot, took classes, went to groups, and saw friends on most days of the week, etc. All of these things helped me maintain a sense of balance and stability in my life and without the time/energy to do them, it really has been an adjustment. I've been working with some depression and feelings of isolation, which has been tough. Not gonna lie and not gonna pretend like Mommyhood is all easy breezy. I think I've cried at least once each day since we have been home. It's been hard that Marcelo had to go back to work a few days after the birth, but he has been able to do half days from home which is awesome.
Marcelo's Mom has been here a lot which has been awesome. Yesterday I was able to get out for 90 minutes after feeding the baby well and go to Trader Joes. It was so fun! I miss the outside world! Since it's recommended to exclusively breast feed, and a choice that works well for us, I really cannot be separated from baby for long periods. But this coming week I am planning to go to a friends for dinner and games (taking precautions of course), post-natal yoga which allows babies, and a new mommies group. I am SUPER excited!
On the other hand, being a Mom is pretty amazing too! Check out the pics below to see what we've been up to:-)
Little man, look how tiny!
We've gotten out for a walk on several days. Good for both Mom and baby. I LOVE wearing my baby, here he is in my Moby wrap.
When I peek down into the wrap, this sweet face is what I see! (sorry pic is rotated)
Cuddle party on the couch! Baby and kitty, and I am in heaven. (notice the dark circles under my eyes though, Mommy has seriously been tired!)
Thank goodness for good friends that come for visits and bring us Pho (Vietnamese noodle soup) :-)
Thank goodness for Marcelo's Mom who cooks and leaves hot food on our stove and helps with the dishes too.
Daddy loves his boy!
Look at this little angel face! (the baby is pretty cute too, don't you think?) Lol!
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