After brooding over all the thoughts in my head, I've finally decided to blog. However, I am fully aware that probably my biggest fault is that I'm really bad at completing what I started, therefore, I have made it a family blog and Brian has been invited to also post.
For starters, some of my thoughts just today (that I will elaborate on in future blogs, to be sure):
1. I am worried about the development of my 4-month-old born with HIE (hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy...basically, she has brain damage due to oxygen deprivation at birth) and am having a hard time finding a balance between enjoying her NOW and wanting to fast forward to see what the future holds.
2. I am once again frustrated and confused by, yet eternally grateful for, the insurance companies. Again finding it hard to balance the emotions... Brian helped me realize that money is counted in how many copays we get out of it...this is sad (and sort of funny), but this is reality for us right now.
3. How do I get my baby to sleep all night in her own bed? Am I doing it wrong or is she just not ready yet?
4. When can I find time to do all these crafts that I'm finding via this blog's link parties? (this is what I do while nursing, I scour these ladies' craft blogs and dream about all the fun things I will make someday...and by make, I mean start, but probably not finish)
5. With that (if I'm lucky) 2-3 hours a day that I get all to myself, how do I get some "me" time, but not feel guilty for NOT cleaning the kitchen, mopping the floors, doing laundry, scrubbing toilets, etc etc etc. I'm sure Brian thinks I'm a big slacker, but Sadie seems to hate the baby carrier for long periods of time, so I'm usually sitting nursing or bouncing her in her bouncy chair...both of which require me to have everything within arm's reach.
And with that, I've completed my very first blog post...I'm sure I'll get better at it and find catchy witticisms and silly stories to share with my readers in the months to come. Stay tuned!! Question of the day... Readers, help me out by leaving a comment below: What is the best way I can balance that tiny bit of free time I get between what I want to do and what I have to do? How do you do it? (baby wearing doesn't count, as I explained above that she hates that right now)
This is a great idea for you. Expressing your feelings, frustrations, with rearing a special child is healing. Sadie is special, and I know things will be okay in the long run. You are a great mommy and daddy, and God is with you through the whole game. A big family hug to you all.
ReplyDeleteChristie, the only thing I can advise you to do is figure out, with Brian's help to, what do you want to acccomplish each day? The night before talk to each other and decide between the two of you what needs to be done the next day. Don't try and tackle everything all at once. It will just frustrate you both. Then take those things you decided on and put them in a priority list - the most important first, etc. That way you will wittle away everything you need to get done without stressing out. And you may find that you have extra time to do "fun" things.
ReplyDeletePam, I really like that idea, then it's not so much about me, but even if Brian isn't actually HELPING, he's supporting me through brainstorming and conversation and encouragement. Note to self: don't try to discuss this idea with Brian while he's doing a crossword puzzle!!
ReplyDeleteI so very glad you have decided to make your journal public. It is very therapeutic and will help people with simular situations to grow with you. I wish you and Brian much success as you grow with Sadie.
ReplyDeleteHi Christie! I think Sadie is so beautiful. I am excited to keep up on her story with this blog. I say that you were wondering about sleeping through the night in the crib. Eden just started sleeping through the night and I'll tell you some of the things I have done with her and also did with Montanna. I had a mobile in her crib from the beginning and everytime I layed her down I put on the nature sounds. I try to lay her down when she is full, dry, content and sleepy but not asleep. She lays there and listens to the music and falls asleep. I also try to nurse her as much as she wants for as long as she wants during the day so she is all "stocked up" for the long night. I think the music really helps. Montanna still turns on her music and watches the lights as she falls asleep. The two mobiles I have can be found at Target or Walmart. Montanna's is a star that plays music and shines lights on the ceiling. Eden has a mobile that hooks to the crib and plays music but also has a blur light and polar bears, penguins, lions and something else moving as it plays.
ReplyDeleteLet me know if this helps or if you want other pointers that have worked for me. Good luck!