An Expert

An expert?  I am far from. 

But I'm pretty close to being a month into this adventure, and had lunch with a friend earlier this week who is expecting twins shortly.  It's amazing how much knowledge you have after doing something like this for such a short period of time.

I was able to give her a rundown on what to pack/not pack for the hospital (which I, consequently was only able to do for myself after a consultation with the Phi Mu OMLCs); things that we needed in the first few weeks that I hadn't thought of or read about; and must-have items to take from the hospital for free.

I'm very aware how lucky we are to have mellow yellow Robbie... and yet I don't want to tell anyone how mellow he is, because I'm afraid I'm going to jinx it.  Suffice it to say, he has his father's laid back attitude and appreciation towards the benefits of sleep.

Ready for Another Weekend of Football!

Meeting More Friends!

The Village

Wow-- I didn't mean to garner the response of yesterday's blog.  I'm doing well, I really am.

I know that I'm lucky that I CAN get out an about after a c-section.

I have lots of activities and lunches set up, and friends who are nice enough to not mind a newborn coming along to those lunches.

I even bit the bullet and organized a meetup for this Friday of new moms in the neighborhood.  There are currently 7 people coming, and now I just need to make sure I don't chicken out.

I feel like it's the first few weeks at a new job and I'm trying to figure out the dynamics and the roles.  New job is something I haven't done in 8 years either, so we'll figure this out.

But for today, thank you to the village of ladies who said "me too!" in response to yesterday's post.  It's nice to know I'm not the only one!

Helping Mom Pick Out Tomatoes

Not a Natural

This is hard.

Really really hard.

I've come to the conclusion that I bought into all the hype.  All my friends/family who said "you are going to be the BEST mom". 

I'm not so sure I'm a natural at this.

I'm having a really difficult time conceptualizing this is my life for the next four months.  Wake, feed, diaper, sleep, pump, repeat. 

It's really difficult to do something with no "measurable" sign of success. 

I'm used to those metrics. 

I'm NOT used to staying in my house all day.  Every day.

So mission for the week:  make a new friend.  Which I don't do well. 

I'm shy.  (I know, yadda yadda, no one believes this...)

But its true.

The thought of approaching a stranger on a playground, or joining a playgroup or meet up of new moms makes me seize in fear.

Will they judge me for supplementing with formula?  Are they naturals at this?  Did they read all the books that I just have accumulating on my shelves?  Do they know what all the distinct cries their baby makes mean, and know how to take care of them when they do?

It appears I'm not a natural after all.

Robbie doesn't want to hear it.

The new normal

Well this was the first full week  back at work.  Robbie has been fairly cooperative on the sleeping and Susann is doing an amazing job.  I do feel a little bit like Ward Cleaver when I come home and Susann and Robbie are there already - strange.

Susann appears to be doing better from her issue last week and is starting to get a little cabin fever so I anticipate some field trips for Robbie this week - Costco / Grocery shopping / dog park - oh my.

Over all I would have to say things are settling in pretty well and while I would like to claim the credit for that the real credit goes to Ms. Susann who is busting her tail and doing a wonderful job. 

One other thing - I have also learned that it is a waste of breath to ask your spouse if she would like you to change the diaper.  I believe I have asked well over 80 times now and not once been told no.  My conclusion is just go ahead and change it.

Serious Baby

Serious baby SERIOUSLY does not want to go to sleep!