Taking Care of Yourself So You Can Take Care of Your Little One

Hey there Other Mothers and friends. I am writing this post from my banishment into my bedroom enforced by Wonderful Hubby. Why am I banished do you ask? Because he realized I needed to take a moment for myself and he took over on full time Daddy duty to get his Little Sunshine to bed.

I never realized how much motherhood in general, whether you are a SAHM or a Working Mom, can take a toll on you. With all the feeding, pumping, singing, playing, and sleep deprivation you don't realize how quickly you can become a crazy cranky mom. As I told you in my teething post, Little Sunshine is teething at the moment plus she is adjusting to a new nap schedule, a schedule we have yet to figure out, so we are both a little cranky and tired since little miss is waking up every few hours. God Bless Wonderful Hubby for having the strength to deal with TWO cranky girls in one house (granted one is his wife and the other is almost 6 months old, but alas both cry.)

There have been days where Little Sunshine doesn't want to take a nap or is fussy most of the day and I can't get anything done. I kid you not, today she had 2 of her 3 naps in my arms for an hour at a time because I didn't want her to wake. If she takes good naps, she sleeps better at night. So today my mission was for at least a total of 4 hours of nap time. On days like today, I start loosing my sanity. It happens, it's life, you are normal.

This is where having a support system comes into play. Wonderful Hubby takes over responsibility once he sees the crazy in my eyes. Second, is having an escape. One day, Wonderful Hubby went to a seminar for half a day, he asked if I could hold down the fort (this was when she was a few weeks old). I responded, "I got this, easy peasey." Lord did I know, Little Sunshine refused to nap for me that day and wanted me. As soon as Wonderful Hubby came home, I immediately proclaimed, "See ya later I am running to go get a milkshake, be back in 5." That 5 minutes was what kept me sane that day. Tonight it's my bedroom and having Wonderful Hubby take over bed time duties.

Lastly, make sure every day you do something that helps you feel like you. It doesn't have to be grand and it doesn't have to be major. For me, I have to shower. Whether Lil' Sunshine takes a nap or not, I make sure I take a shower. I shower is what helps me feel normal and able to start my day. Other's it might be that much needed cup of coffee or painting your nails.

So among my ramblings, let me review. First and most take care of yourself; make sure you eat and take care of yourself. Second, have a support system. And lastly, treat yourself and do something for you. Being a parent is hard and it's even harder when you can't take care of yourself. So enjoy your little ones and enjoy the day!!