As an expectant mother, you may have heard the all-too-familiar advice: “Get your sleep while you can!” As if somehow, you could stockpile sleep for the chaotic days ahead. Honestly, when your baby is busy kicking your bladder, a full night’s sleep is a distant dream.
Once your little one arrives, the common mantra becomes, “Sleep when the baby sleeps.” Easier said than done, right? I entered motherhood knowing fatigue would be my constant companion. My partner, Mark, and I were prepared for the sleepless nights that come with caring for a newborn—and we certainly experienced them. Yet, we muddled through those early weeks of non-stop feeding and diaper changes, somehow managing to stay somewhat functional.
In those initial days, we navigated the chaos, ensuring we found moments to eat proper meals and even shower. We even took strolls around the neighborhood, often coinciding with our baby’s infamous witching hour. Surprisingly, we learned to adapt, and I even received compliments during a gathering when people remarked, “You look rested!”
You want to know why I appeared so rejuvenated? Because caring for a newborn pales in comparison to the exhaustion of keeping up with a crawling baby.
Fast forward a few weeks, and I found myself on the floor, wrapping gifts while our son, Oliver, engaged in tummy time. Suddenly, he pushed himself up on his hands, teetering between crawling and something more. My husband and I exchanged glances, sensing a milestone moment unfolding.
Before we knew it, Oliver was scooting across the floor, tearing into the wrapping paper I had so carefully prepared. Christmas quickly transformed into a whirlwind of cleaning up pine needles, relocating ornaments, and attempting to rewrap gifts.
Soon after, his curiosity led him to the stairs. I was in the kitchen, convinced he was safe on the floor. Little did I know, he was preparing for his next big adventure. I turned just in time to see him reach for the first step, lift his little body, and, with a surprising burst of determination, scale the entire flight of stairs on his first attempt. Panic set in as he began to explore every inch of our home, pulling himself up on furniture, my pants, and even the fireplace, resulting in a series of tumbles that required us to baby-proof our living space like never before.
Now, he’s a whirlwind of activity—climbing drawers, unraveling toilet paper, and practicing his “walking” skills. Remember when I thought I was tired after bringing him home from the hospital? Well, I’m now utterly drained.
And just when I thought I could catch a breather, it looks like Oliver is gearing up to take those first steps.
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In summary, the journey of motherhood is a wild ride filled with unexpected twists and turns. As you embrace the joys and challenges of parenting, remember to take care of yourself and seek out the support and information you need along the way.