Background:
My whole life I feel as I kept busy and relatively social. From high school, college, and beyond I have always worked, been class, or both. I am also a chronic errand runner, because I can get uber bored in the house within minutes of waking up. At night, Jake and I could always find something to do or somewhere to go.
The Change: (I giggle, because I think of old women and "The change")
Baker was born Oct. 1st, 2011. For the first few weeks, I wanted to stay in to recover. Our pediatrician told us to stay out of crowds for six weeks because it was cold and flu season, so we did. I would take him out occasionally, but for very short periods of time and nowhere fun. At around six weeks, I went to eat lunch with some friends at a small restaurant. Baker was always sleepy until that day...
He cried the whole lunch! I later realized he was going through a growth spurt, but to a new/hormonal mommy this was excruciating. After, I found myself opting out of playdates or only having them at my home. Then it just seemed hard to even get our selves ready, because I knew even a trip to the grocery might risk an uncontrollable cry-fest... DIAGNOSIS: New mommy baby-blues hermit syndrome
The Solution:
GET OUT OF THE HOUSE!! I made myself leave my cave. I went to the grocery, the mall, church, friends houses, to meet Jake for lunch, etc... Every time it got a little easier. I also learned to talk about it, and thankfully I have a wonderful husband. He planned a date for me and my sisters without me knowing it. A night out of the house, was like a breath of fresh air. Also good pick-me-uppers were haircuts, going to work, fitting in to old jeans, and any form of ice cream (though nonpregnancy jeans and ice cream don't mix).
I also have amazing friends and family who would come see me, or the baby :), every week. Shout out to Chris and Katelan for your support!
Slowly but surely, the fog lifted. I started to feel guilty because I was not 100% for like 3 1/2 months. That's why it is good to have mom friends, because it was good to find out I am not alone.
The Explanation:
When you have a baby and especially when you stop working/being as social, your life as you know it changes!! The best way to explain it is you have to learn to find joy and pride elsewhere. In the past, I found it at work, friendships, and my marriage. Not that those have ceased in my life, but my priorities have shifted. I realized that it takes time to adjust, since I have lived a certain way for 26 years! Now I take joy in cuddling with my baby in the morning, the hour with Jake after the baby goes to bed, worship services, and my coffee with Kathie Lee and Hoda (Jake cringes).
I now feel normal!! Yay!! Now, for picture time...
