I hesitate to blog about this particular topic for fear that typing this out will change things. So I'm knocking lots of wood while I type here. Duke, my terrible sleeper, high-needs baby seems to have turned a corner. I believe we're on night 5 of him sleeping through the night (from about 7:30 p.m. until 7 a.m.). I feel like a new woman. Who needs to win the lottery when you can get a high like this?!
It's like something clicked and he finally realizes that sleep is a good thing. He's napping better during the day too. I don't know if I should hold out hope that this will be a continuing trend, but I sure hope it is. If not, I'll enjoy it while I can.
I've been reflecting on Duke's first 9 months of life and feeling a bit guilty. So many of my memories are of being exhausted and frustrated with him because he only wanted to be held and/or because he wouldn't sleep. I really do feel like the first few months of his little life were spent with a fog around me. While it's nice to feel like myself again, I'm a bit sad that my recollections of his life so far aren't more joyful.
There is joy, though. The best thing I did was join a local moms group. It was hard for me, since I'm an introvert. I considered just walking right by the group of moms I saw at the first event I attended. But I sucked it up because I knew I had to do this for myself and for my kids. This group of caring, supportive moms has been a lifesaver to me. Just being able to talk to other adults, get out of the house for some fresh air (in the warmer months), and keep the kids entertained with new activities has saved my sanity. I don't know what I'd do without them.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Reflection on 2009
I'm finally getting a chance to sit down and reflect on the past year. We had a bout of some sort of gastro illness blow through our house just after Christmas, but things seem to be getting back to normal now.
2009 has been a really, truly, great, blessed year for our family. With the birth of our son, Duke, we welcomed a new, perfect little being into our lives. It was a wake-up call for me too, since life with Duke has been....challenging, to say the least. I think it was karmic justice for my "first time parent arrogance." There have been a lot of tears - both from me and from Duke, frustration, fatigue, and other challenges. But there's also been joy, wonder, and a feeling deep down that our family is now complete.
Another huge change that happened this year was the Colonel quit his job. It sounds crazy, given the economy and the fact that we have a young family, but it has been one of the best decisions of our lives. The Colonel is a hard worker, probably with one of the strongest work ethics of anyone I've ever met, so this was a major decision for him. He's a student now, and we have a lot less money, but our relationship has never been better. He went from working about 60 hours/week to going to school for approximately 20 hours/week. Having him around, especially with the sleeping challenges we've had with Duke, has been a lifesaver! I'm so proud to see him excel in school and to be motivated to do well in his program.
We have very little disposable income now, but we're so much happier. We simplified this Christmas and stuck to a strict budget, plus made a few things by hand for the kids and it just felt...right. Being creative is something that was really missing in my life, so it feels good to have that as an outlet.
I wouldn't have believed anyone who told me we would be happier with less, but we really are. I feel like my marriage is stronger and that life is just generally more balanced these days.
Just to brag, here are some pictures of our handmade gifts for the kids. First, Duke's set of wooden blocks:
And Sunshine's felt food:
2009 has been a really, truly, great, blessed year for our family. With the birth of our son, Duke, we welcomed a new, perfect little being into our lives. It was a wake-up call for me too, since life with Duke has been....challenging, to say the least. I think it was karmic justice for my "first time parent arrogance." There have been a lot of tears - both from me and from Duke, frustration, fatigue, and other challenges. But there's also been joy, wonder, and a feeling deep down that our family is now complete.
Another huge change that happened this year was the Colonel quit his job. It sounds crazy, given the economy and the fact that we have a young family, but it has been one of the best decisions of our lives. The Colonel is a hard worker, probably with one of the strongest work ethics of anyone I've ever met, so this was a major decision for him. He's a student now, and we have a lot less money, but our relationship has never been better. He went from working about 60 hours/week to going to school for approximately 20 hours/week. Having him around, especially with the sleeping challenges we've had with Duke, has been a lifesaver! I'm so proud to see him excel in school and to be motivated to do well in his program.
We have very little disposable income now, but we're so much happier. We simplified this Christmas and stuck to a strict budget, plus made a few things by hand for the kids and it just felt...right. Being creative is something that was really missing in my life, so it feels good to have that as an outlet.
I wouldn't have believed anyone who told me we would be happier with less, but we really are. I feel like my marriage is stronger and that life is just generally more balanced these days.
Just to brag, here are some pictures of our handmade gifts for the kids. First, Duke's set of wooden blocks:
And Sunshine's felt food:
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