I can’t believe that we are approaching the 2-month mark since Aiden’s birth, time is just flying by and I’ll have my 2-month update on the blog shortly. It’s amazing how much you can pick up in a short space of time. This post may be slightly premature, but in the very little time in my new role as a mama, not only have I learnt so much about my newborn, but I have learnt so much about myself. Some things have only become clear to me recently and I would never have guessed some of these realisations were true to me:
I can run on little sleep
Like the majority, I love my sleep, scratch that, I adore my sleep. Usually, I’m a complete grouch and non-functional if I haven’t had enough sleep, but mamahood has totally turned this concept on its head. I’m not sure what has happened, but I can deal with very little sleep well, better than I thought. I think my body just moves through the motions because it has no choice, but the sleep deprivation was something that I was worried about and although it’s tough I’m glad that I’m coping OK with it.
Time to myself is a must
Naturally I’m not a clingy person and I do like to have time to myself just to take some time out and have some alone time with my thoughts, which can be difficult when you have a newborn to look after. I’m not talking about hours on end, just 5 minutes generally does the trick, but occasionally more time is needed. This is all linked in with my previous post about selfless acts for yourself, prioritising yourself now and then has never been a crime, baby or no baby.
I’m quite reflective
Although I do believe in moving forwards and progressing, I’ve noticed, and even more so now with a little one that I enjoy looking at old photos and remembering. We’ve been taking photos practically every day of Aiden, I’m so scared that we are going to miss something.
Protective of my loved ones
It’s become apparent over the past few weeks that I worry about others a lot, especially those closest to me. I think it has something to do with my new mama protective instincts and my heightened emotions connected to this part of my life. Now the slightest hint of something that could potentially go wrong and cause them harm freaks me out.
Creator of special memories
Even though Aiden is far too young to remember his first Christmas, I still want it to be special for him and our family. We will look back with fond memories and smile at the thought of his first Christmas. I adore creating special moments to look back on. When I’m feeling down they act as great pick me ups.
Like to make an effort with my appearance
Most days I wonder why I even change out of my pajamas as we do spend a lot of time at home nowadays. However, to feel like myself I do like to make a bit of an effort, particularly when we eventually do make it out of the front door. A slick of lipstick, a brush through my hair and picking out an outfit can seriously work wonders to give me a boost even if I’m not going very far. Currently, I’m enjoying shopping for new clothes that are both practical for breastfeeding, stylish and fit my personal style.
I can be quite hard on myself
I hate it when I go off plan or fail to finish something that I had planned to do, it makes me feel so guilty. Time is so precious now that I have a baby, I’ve had to learn that there are only so many hours in the day and I can’t do it all. If the housework doesn’t get done or my legs haven’t been shaved then so be it. Looking after Aiden is far more important to me, everything else can wait. I’m so glad that I’ve realised this sooner rather than later.
What has a certain event in your life taught you about yourself?
Children are just absolute life changers, nothing is ever the same, and so many things you thought were really important prove not to be so.
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It’s so true, some things that I thought were really important before seem so trivial now.
This is such an interesting post to read. I’m not a mother myself but it’s always good to get some insight in the world of motherhood 🙂 Aiden look so so cute as well 🙂 x
I hope you found this post somewhat insightful 🙂 Thanks, he loves being all snuggled in his wrap.
Love the picture of you both Jemma, he looks so snuggled and peaceful. I think recent events in my family have shown me I’m good in a crisis – I’ll drop anything and everything to be there and help and support when needed.
I would like to get better on running on little sleep but I am not there yet!
Running on little sleep is a toughie, but when you have no choice I think your body gives you a helping hand that your mind needs to get through the day.
Having kids has taught me that I’m fiercely protective of my loved ones and also that it’s important to hold onto a sense of yourself.
I totally agree Clementine. It’s amazing how heightened your protective instincts become after having a baby.
I think making time for yourself is so important, for your physical and mental health.
I also think it puts you in a better position to be able to look after others too.
Absolutely, there should be no guilt in making time for yourself either.
Sounds like wonderful changes. It’s funny because whenever I talk to my parents about having my own children and how truly terrified I am and how much I’m sure I’ll fail, they always say I won’t because you just “do it”. You have no other choice, but more than that you want nothing more than to nurture your own and see them through life. It gives me hope!
Your parent are right! You’re thrown right in to the deep end from the beginning and you have no choice but to get on with it and learn on the job.
Awwww, you are being a great mama.
These Xmas candles look adorable. x
Thanks Laureen, I really hope so. x
Glad you’re enjoying the first few weeks of motherhood. Babies change so quickly I also took hundreds of photos so I didn’t forget a thing!
They really do, I’m actually really surprised by how quickly he’s changed.
Wow it seems like you have learnt alot. I am also a complete grouch if I don’t get my sleep, I love my sleep, but you are right, there are other priorities in life and you have to learn to adjust x
Ha! Glad that I’m not the only one with the sleep issue. 🙂