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Monday, October 11, 2010

The First Day

Today is the day.

The first day.

The first day of "reality" for Eva and I.

Today marks the official beginning of my life as a Mommy without live in help.

When Eva was born, my mother was by my side. And there she stayed for the next week.

Her presence here during Evalyn's first week of life was something that I would not trade for anything. Not only did I benefit from the wonderful help she provided to me but I think that both she and Eva benefited as well - as they were able to begin to form a bond that will last for years and years to come. Eva loves her Nana. And her Nana loves her.

On day 7 of Eva's life, my Dad arrived around 7 pm to pick my mom up and take her home. I think I hugged her goodbye 75 times, hoping that maybe each hug would make her stay a second longer. I bawled as she left. And I spent the rest of the evening bawling, telling the Dude that I did not know how I would do it without her.

Eva and I then spent day 8 and 9 alone, but we had visitors who came in and helped out a bit, and Daddy came home for lunch both days. And, I knew "the help" was not quite done yet.

Then on Day 10, The Dude's Mom came back (she was here to visit a few hours after she was born, too) to stay for the week.

She spent the next six days with us, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, sewing, and snuggling the wee babe.

And then Friday afternoon rolled around and it was time for her to go.

And again, I spent some time in tears.

But, I didn't let the tears stick around.

I fed my baby.

I took her out for a walk.

I put her down for a nap and I laid beside her and caught some zzz's myself.

Then I got up and we waited for a friend to come visit.

Then I put a lasagna that MIL had made in the oven.

And I watched Glee as I fed her again.

And then Daddy came home.

And then I realized that this is our new normal.

Over the weekend, Daddy was home most of the time so there were still an extra pair of hands.

And twice this week, I have supper being brought in by friend's from church.

So, there is still help.

But, our new normal has begun.

And as much as I would not give up having my mom and mother in law here to help over the first two weeks, I now feel ready. In fact, it is only because of them that I feel ready.

I feel ready to figure out exactly how we function as a family of four (yes, Nika is still part of our family, despite the lack of attention she's received lately).

I feel ready to figure out exactly how to care for this sweet baby and somehow manage to get something ready for dinner this evening.

I feel ready to figure out if it's possible to still shower on a daily basis.

I feel ready to learn how to do this Mama thing on my own.

18 comments:

Nicole said...

Minus the daily shower, you'll find a way to fit it all in! :)

Elaine said...

Bless you and your family. Just remember how important it is to enjoy her. She is more important than dinner, or laundry although I know it can all get done.

d.a.r. said...

What a blessing to have a mom and MIL thta are so willing to be involved and love on your bebe! You are going to do great, you will be fine!

Emily said...

You are doing great. Those first moments alone trying to figure out how you will make it all work, will just come so natural and easier day by day! I still sometimes try to figure out what I am going to do and how I am going to do something.. but its a wonderful fun process! Right now should be the easiest because she will nap alot.. enjoy those breaks and rest as much as you can.

Jaclyn_Rose said...

Good luck! Even though Finn is almost 2, I had so many people around during summer that I realized the other day was my first full work day alone with him in over 4 months!!

All I can say is put up more pictures! haha cuz she's adorable

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

I remember this SO well. In fact, I blogged about what a success our first day alone was. Mine was a lot earlier then yours, as I didn't have any "house guests" but all my family live within 10 minutes :)

I have to say, I LOVED getting into our normal routine. These are the BEST days. When you can bring her into bed and snuggle in the morning until you feel ready and energized enough to get out of bed and start your day.

I had no real agenda other then to tend to her and maybe do a load of her laundry, OR, maybe blog. haha. OH, yea--a shower here or there. I'd stick her in the bouncy seat and shower (still do)...

and cooking? I can't tell you how many times I was cooking over a hot stove with my baybeh strapped onto me in a wrap, and how many times I ate while nursing :) (and may or may not have dropped food on her head..hey, it happens)

Ahh, memories :)

You'll do fabulous!

Soak it up. Soon come the days when she can chill in her high chair or bumbo and ::gasp:: PLAY WITH HER TOYS while you cook and watch, coo, and smile at you.

They grow too fast!

{longest comment of the year}

You're a fabulous mommy!

This Texas Momma said...

And you will do great at it all!

Holly said...

You'll do great, and it'll get easier day by day. Enjoy it!
On my "first day", the baby pooped while I was changing him and the diaper was off...it sprayed all over the wall, changing table, radio...good times!

Tricia said...

Your new normal will be wonderful, and soon it will feel like old hat. Just enjoy it! Your new normal will morph into a new, new normal before you know it. Eva is very lucky to have you as a mommy, and you to have her.

xo*t

Annie said...

sounds to me like you've got it all figured out hun! :) you are doing wonderful!! enjoy your little princess as much as you possibly can! :)

Jackie said...

Oh you sweet thing! You are going to do wonderful! So glad you had a lot of help at the beginning. I will be praying for you as you find your new normal. It was hard for me too, but I wouldn't trade this "normal" I know now for anything.

Erin said...

wow you are lucky you had so much help.. :) I am sure the grandmas loved the bonding time with the new babe :)

you can do . . you will make it all work!

Taryn said...

Love you. You are the best mama. I am sure you will thrive.

Is it my turn to come now?

Tereasa said...

You'll do great. I was always happy to do it on our own. You are such a super woman, I know you'll enjoy it!

Anonymous said...

aww girl you are ready!!

Shaina said...

You can totally do it! You were born to be a mommy ... I can already tell that you are totally fabulous at it. Love you!

Lucky in Love said...

You're amazing :)

Kyle said...

You can do it!!