Yes, I know, most moms are perpetually tired. And I used to be tired often even before I was a mom, but still, that doesn't make it much easier! I'm at this stage where I feel like so many moms just forgot to tell me about. They talk about when they are babies and sleep all the time... does that stage really ever last more than a week or so? Then they talk about learning to walk and talk and starting to discipline and train their children... why does no one warn about all those months inbetween? I keep reminding myself that every stage has it's difficulties but I am definitely looking forward to some greater rewards.
Let me explain before you all come over and encourage me to see a therapist or something.
I'm totally convinced that Asher's mind is too far advanced for his body. See, he thinks that he should eat baby cereal or some other vegetable EVERY time he gets formula but he isn't old enough to eat baby snacks or chew on food (besides the fact that he acts like he's starving only 3 hours later) but he really is convinced that he could. We bought him these baby rice crackers and he doesn't really get it - although, it doesn't seem to phase him thinking he does :-) Also, he loves to roll around and try to grab all the designs off his playmat... for all of 5 seconds at least. I'll put him down to play while I make dinner or wash dishes or something and I am walking over to him turning him over or trying to give him another toy almost every 2 minutes when I can no longer tolerate the crying and screaming.
I don't want to complain b/c things could always be worse - and I want to enjoy all of Asher's time growing up, but I cannot wait until Asher can actually DO some of the things he wants to do. He's a great eater and he falls asleep on his own wonderfully. He smiles a lot and loves to get his diaper changed. He is a great kid for sure! Mark and I can already see his personality coming out in these things. He gets frustrated easily and wants to try to do anything he can imagine, which is a great combination when directed in the right way... but it's tough to direct a 4.5 month old!
All this is really just to say that I'm feeling a bit tired, mostly incapable and am determined to encourage all moms in this phase and let them know that it is tougher than anyone lets on. All the feeding, changing diapers and cleaning is a piece of cake... staying cheerful all day, everyday in the face of a small, fussy baby is the toughest part so far! Let's just say I am realizing how much I really need God to work in my heart to make me a loving mom. I always seem to think I can do things on my own and always find out that it was God doing everything all along.
July 28, 2008 at 9:47 PM
you are an amazing mother Joellen, don't worry you are doing great! I will always be here for you if you need some time off or just a cool sister to hang out with, love you!
July 29, 2008 at 11:08 AM
I think part of the reason us moms don't tell new moms about that stage is because it's REALLY hard and you don't want to scare a new mom, who's already terrified enough as it is :). That first year, with both my kids, was really, really rough. They depend on you for everything, are still somewhat unpredictable, and then when you think you have them figured out, they change on you. GRRR!
One thing my friend Beth did when her son was little was to let him watch Baby Einstein DVDs. He loved them! I thought she was nuts because we all know that kids shouldn't watch tv, especially not in the first year. Our kids didn't watch tv the first year of life. Hers did and Parker (her son), at age 3, is reading and writing, so I guess she wasn't so crazy after all. If anything, it might help you survive the dinner hour.
Another thing I learned to do when my kids were that age was to make dinner in the morning. My crock pot became my best friend. If I couldn't make the whole thing in the morning, I did as much as I could (cut the veggies, cooked the pasta to be reheated, etc.). The kids attention span was longer in the morning and I had more energy and patience.
Good luck to you and if you need a sympathetic ear, give me a call.
Becca