Recently I had a friend (who doesn't have kids yet) ask me:
"What do you do all day?"
So I tried to explain that most of my day really is spent taking care of Anders. She wasn't so sure I was telling the truth. But really, it does. One example I gave her is that there are times you think a diaper change will take 3 minutes, tops, and then he has a blow out and it requires massive clean up including a bath. 45 minutes later you wonder where your time went.
Then she asked, "doesn't he take naps?" Well, yes, he does--he's a good sleeper. But it's not like you suddenly have 4 extra hours in your day to do whatever you want. You use that time to do the things you can't easily get done while he's awake--shower, clean up the dishes, pick up the house, NAP, etc... It's not necessarily free time to do whatever you want like you used to before kids.
I guess the best way I can explain what I do all day is to give you a list of some of the questions I spend my time thinking about...
Should I change your diaper now or later?
Does this little amount of poop/pee on your outfit require a change of clothes?
Is the water in the bath too hot? too cold?
Do you need to burp or do you have gas?
Was your nap long enough or should I try to get you to go back to sleep?
Are you tired enough to go to bed now or should I keep you up later?
Am I giving you the pacifier too much?
Would you like to lay on your activity mat or play in your exersaucer?
Would you like to read this book or another one?
Am I waiting too long to start solid food or should I start now?
Are you fussing because you have gas or are you getting a tooth?
Your nails are too long, should I try to cut them alone or wait for dad?
Are you too old to be swaddled?
Is your room warm enough for sleeping?
What germs are you picking up in the nursery?
Am I a good mom because I enjoy having a day off from you when I go to work?
When should I start teaching you sign language? Is it too late?
What if I screw it all up?!?!
It's pretty exhausting when you think about it. That's why I've learned the best phrase for parenting:
Fake it 'til you make it.
3 comments:
Should I change your diaper now or later? I say later unless they are fussy or their clothes are getting wet or they are poopy
Does this little amount of poop/pee on your outfit require a change of clothes? Would you change your clothes if he peed that much on you?
Is the water in the bath too hot? too cold? Is it making him cry, if not no worries
Do you need to burp or do you have gas? Who knows??? No answer for that one?
Was your nap long enough or should I try to get you to go back to sleep? Did he wake up screaming? “They” say that if he wakes up happy than he probably slept enough but who knows I think “they” are guessing as much as we are.
Are you tired enough to go to bed now or should I keep you up later? I say at his age the earlier the better, around 6 months Zach went to bed between 6pm and 7pm
Am I giving you the pacifier too much? I say who cares now if he still wants it when he goes to school than you have a BIG problem
Would you like to lay on your activity mat or play in your exersaucer? He wants what you tell him he wants
Would you like to read this book or another one? He just likes to hear your voice and look at pictures
Am I waiting too long to start solid food or should I start now? Its all up to you, I was breast fed until 12 months and I have friends that started food at 3 months so I think he will be ok, and he looks pretty healthy to me, those chubby cheeks and all!
Are you fussing because you have gas or are you getting a tooth? Both would make me cry
Your nails are too long, should I try to cut them alone or wait for dad? Just wait till Thursdays and I can cut them for you!! Hehe, but I do mean it if you want
Are you too old to be swaddled? I say if he likes it than do it!
Is your room warm enough for sleeping? If he is wrapped up with blankets he should be ok
What germs are you picking up in the nursery? Ones that make my immune system stronger
Am I a good mom because I enjoy having a day off from you when I go to work? You are an awesome mom but you are also a woman who has her own identity out side of her children and its good to still have your own interests.
When should I start teaching you sign language? Is it too late? Never too late, we could start learning now and we are almost 30.
What if I screw it all up?!?! They can do a great job of that on their own when they get older that is why you are there to lead them and do the best you know how and the rest is up to God and them.
You are doing a great job, you are a great mother and friend Thanks for everything.
Renee
So funny! Every one of those questions has crossed my mind recently. Ahhh.....motherhood!
Just in case you wondered, my kids are quite a bit older than Anders, and I still don't know where my days go, and people still ask. Especially when they see toys, blankets, and backpacks all over my living room floor!
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