Each day encompasses one thousand four hundred and forty minutes, and as a new mom, I find myself awake for most of them. Oh, you’re awake again, little one? It’s only 5:30 AM, and I could swear you just woke up two hours ago. Mornings used to be a constant battle between the urge to sleep in and the motivation to work out, but a hungry baby’s cries don’t come with a snooze button. I’m exhausted; the minutes blend together in a haze of sleep deprivation, temporarily lifted by caffeine.
In these one thousand four hundred and forty minutes, I often feel like I’ve achieved nothing. How is my house already a mess? Didn’t I just tidy up yesterday? How can one tiny person, who can’t even walk, create so much chaos? More laundry? My life has turned into a cycle: the baby sleeps, eats, I attempt to sleep, and maybe manage to eat myself, then try to clean up while the baby naps, and repeat. Chores used to fit neatly into my schedule before work or during lunch breaks, but now, laundry feels like a monumental task that consumes an entire day.
One thousand four hundred and forty minutes in a day, and I can’t even recall the last time I showered. When did I last enjoy a fresh blowout, a stylish outfit, and a bit of makeup? Today, I’m just relieved if I manage to change out of my pajamas and brush my teeth. Do I even own any pants that zip? Honestly, I can’t remember the last time I wore anything other than yoga attire. But who’s counting, right?
In these one thousand four hundred and forty minutes, if I were to gauge my day based on accomplishments, I’d feel worthless. When my partner returns home and asks, “What did you do today?” it’s challenging to articulate how the hours slipped by. Between feeding, soothing tears, and trying to keep my house from resembling an episode of Hoarders, I’ve been busy, yet none of it feels quantifiable. I haven’t tackled a significant work project, made headway on personal goals, or achieved any visible results in terms of cleanliness. It feels like I’m on a never-ending hamster wheel, and tomorrow will be a repeat of today.
One thousand four hundred and forty minutes in a day: no shower, more laundry, and the clutter just keeps piling up. Yet I remind myself daily that these moments will eventually become cherished memories. Right now, I’m writing with my 1-month-old son peacefully sleeping on my chest. How did that happen? I blinked, and a month vanished. If only the last month of my pregnancy had flown by so quickly! Amid sleepless nights and countless diaper changes, the early weeks and months of motherhood rush by while I try to navigate this new reality.
The rhythm of these repetitive days combined with the rapid passage of weeks stirs a whirlwind of emotions within me. I’ve never felt such happiness and love, but I also feel confined by my home and a little envious of my partner’s ability to leave for work. Maternity leave is slipping away too fast, and soon I’ll have to leave my precious baby to return to the workplace. Yet, amidst these conflicting feelings, I can’t help but think I must be losing it—how can I feel so much at once?
I do feel it all, learning to savor these fleeting moments because they won’t last long. One day, my baby won’t be crying at 2 AM, and I won’t need to cradle him to sleep. The times I can hold him will diminish, replaced by moments I won’t be able to. It’s challenging to grasp how swiftly infants transition into toddlers during this struggle. There are aspects of caring for a newborn that I know I’ll be relieved to leave behind, yet others I will deeply miss.
With one thousand four hundred and forty minutes in a day, I can’t measure their worth by how long it’s been since I stepped outside, the size of my laundry pile, or my so-called accomplishments. Instead, those minutes are filled with snuggles and smiles—precious moments that are too brief and too few. Despite the exhaustion, messy home, and crying baby, I feel grateful for the journey.
If you’re looking for more insights and support on your parenting journey, check out this resource on home insemination here and consider visiting Make A Mom for at-home insemination kits. For helpful tips and advice on pregnancy and home insemination, CCRM IVF offers a wealth of information.
Summary:
Being a new mom means navigating a whirlwind of emotions and experiences in just one thousand four hundred and forty minutes each day. From exhaustion and chaos to cherished moments of love, the early days of motherhood can feel overwhelming yet rewarding. It’s essential to find value in the small joys, even amid the mess and sleep deprivation.
Leave a Reply