My daughter is almost 7 months old. Recently she's been waking up every 1-2 hours during the night. I tell myself these are precious times and that soon she will be sleeping through the night but can I also not want to kill myself when the night is a blurry up and down dance of feeding, bouncing, patting and changing? My friend Tiffany mentioned the MO, "Give me Sleep or Give me Death!" and I sarcastically adopt it as my evening mantra.
I really don't mind her getting up. Once, twice... even three times. I actually enjoy feeding her. But after the 5th feeding I start to think evil thoughts like, "Seriously? You can't STILL be hungry," and "I wonder if I just let her cry if I could fall asleep through the noise." Even though I'm slightly (ok, not-so-slightly) complaining about her getting up, I'm not really asking for advice. My husband and I don't believe in the cry-it-out method for several reasons and so we're willing to put up with waking up. I just do miss sleep and I'm beginning to wonder if I ever will get 8 solid, uninterrupted, glorious hours of sleep again.
It's funny what motherhood does to us women. So much changes. And if you would have told me any of that before I birthed my daughter I would have rolled my eyes. But it's true. I never thought I would be a huge advocate for not getting an epidural. I never thought I'd be for co-sleeping. (I honestly thought this was super weird and unhealthy). I never thought I'd be willing to sacrifice so much to avoid giving her formula. I'm not judging anyone that gets an epidural, doesn't co-sleep or formula feeds. I can understand doing all of those things. My decisions are personal. But if you're curious, I'll tell you why I've chosen the things I have. I'm also incredibly grateful that I get to stay home and watch her grow. She changes daily and I'm so thankful that I don't have to miss all of those "firsts" and that she will grow up to know me so well, and vise versa.
I NEVER thought I'd be a stay-at-home mom either. And I do still work from my home, but my job as a mom takes way more time than I thought it would and my job-job is always on the back burner. In fact, my busy days that require me to work a lot are a love-hate scenario because I love what I do but I have realized I have less patience for Autumn. I end up getting frustrated with her faster and ignoring her more often, and I don't want to be an absent parent even if I am physically there.
I guess it's just funny as I reflect on the last 6 and a half months and think about what I thought motherhood would be like before Autumn was actually born. It's harder but more amazing than I thought it would or could ever be. I have to pray and lean on God a lot. It's scary that I'm partially responsible for this young little life.
And now for something less heavy and a little more sweet...
Strawberry Shortcakes!
This time of year is perfect for this delicious dessert. And it's super easy too.
Strawberries:
Slice and mix in about a 1/4 to 1/2 cup of sugar
Buttermilk Biscuits:
http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Buttermilk-Biscuits-232187
Whipping Cream:
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4-1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar
splash of vanilla
Combine and beat with an electric mixer or kitchenaid mixer until it forms stiff peaks. Delish!
Unfortunately I don't have a picture of this but it was SO good. The biscuits had a hint of a salty taste that complimented the sweet perfectly. My husband said that we can't buy the premade shortcakes ever again because this was so much better.
Enjoy!
seriously how motherhood changes your perspective on MANY things. Until you've done it, you'll NEVER know. lol it's a rude but pleasant awakening... hahah if that makes sense. Something I would never change for the world...and deciding to have a number two took a lot of thought but I think it'll be really beneficial in the long run.
ReplyDeleteNot giving you any advice, but we did a more in-between method of the cry it out.... timed crying worked better. Was easier on the brain because you can count it down. :) As long as we knew that he had food and a clean diaper. You have to find what will work for YOU though - as you're starting to get to the manipulative age... they don't stop after they start. haha no matter how sweet they are. They instinctively try to manipulate you at every turn and crying at this point is what they have to use. heheh. good luck mommy!