My sweet, sweet baby turned six months old on Monday. What??!? Guess that means my husband and I survived the infamous “newborn phase.” (Yes, she is six months old and we just consciously realized we’re out of the newborn phase) I have to say though, we have a most easy-going baby, but there was still a challenge with a brand new little one in the house. There are times when you’re sleeping in 20 minute increments, you have to adjust your ears to a brand new decibel of sound, and then you are, of course, recovering from bringing an actual human being into the world. It gets exhausting QUICK and it’s the perfect recipe for a total meltdown. Thinking back over those early months though, I feel that I kept my sanity (most of the time, at least). Here are 5 things that helped keep me sane:
(1) Get ready everyday, makeup and all, well at least some of it (i.e. some days this was just foundation for me) Also, yoga pants count as an outfit if you put on shoes or earrings, bonus points for both.
(2) Put the throw pillows back, if that makes you feel like you have your life together, do it. During the day the throw pillows in our living room would get disheveled. Every. single. night. before I would go to bed I would put them back in place. It took like 7 seconds, but made me feel like the living room looked neat and tidy again (even when there were 83 other things that were out of place)
(3) Do what works FOR YOU! Reassure yourself and reassure yourself and reassure yourself that you’re doing the right thing. Why? Because you are! You were made to do this, you have all the innate maternal instincts you need. Stop worrying about what your friends are going to think or what your mom is going to say. As long as your baby is happy and healthy, keep doing what works for you and your family.
(4) Seriously, sleep when the baby sleeps. So many moms tell me that this is an impossible thing to do, almost a cruel suggestion. My daughter is six months old and I still do this some days. Given, I am a stay-at-home mom, but a lot of mothers that are still claim that this is impossible to do. If I am deliriously sleepy there is no amount of dishes or laundry that’s going to keep me from getting at least a 20 minute cat nap.
(5) Smile. Especially when they’re crying. (Or you are!) It changes your mindset. Those babies aren’t trying to drive you insane; they need something and know you’ll be able to provide it. They trust you and don’t even really know what that feeling means just yet. So smile. And remember, they aren’t going to need you forever. Not to this extent at least. These moments of need are fleeting, try your best to appreciate them.
Good luck mamas, you’ve got this!
Are you navigating the newborn waters right now and have something to add? Or are you reading this as a seasoned veteran and know that there is definitely something I need to add to list? I’d love to hear what you have to add!