Life has changed drastically since our little bundle of joy came into the world.
One fine example would be the fact that I have not had the time or energy to blog since I wrote about his birth story!
I first fell in love with caring for children while babysitting for two families who attended the same church as me when I was a pre-teen. Those families were so special to me and I knew then that I would want to have a family of my own one day.
It's funny to look back at when I was in my early 20's working as a Nanny and I thought I had an appreciation of what it must be like to be a parent. But I had no idea what it would be like to try to grocery shop by myself with a baby, or how hard it would be to simply run in to pick up a prescription, or drop off a rented movie. You can't just leave a newborn child unattended in car. I have to struggle to get the heavy carrier and baby out of the car, then carry him through the store because his car seat will not fit in most shopping carts and on top of that, manage to carry the things I need to buy.
I laugh now looking back. I thought I knew so much until I had my own. Now I know so much more.
I have learned it's better to just wait to go to the grocery store when Ross can go with me and just not care if I am being heavily watched on surveillance while we grocery shop with Ross pushing the cart, and me pushing the stroller. My parents have both worked at grocery stores, and told me, "trust me, they are watching you." Ha, oh well.
Getting chores done really depends on if Jackson will let me put him down long enough to get things done. We even broke down and bought a used Mamaroo online. (It's a swing that is supposed to move like a mother does) and trust me, he knows it's not his Mama holding him.
Then of course one of the biggest changes in our lives are the people who we spend our time with.
Ross's friends truly have amazed me. They were awesome even before Jackson was born. They called, texted and visited to see how I was doing and of course to get Nurse Ross out of the house a while. They have still been just as awesome since Jackson was born.
My circle of girlfriends on the other hand has changed a bit. I tend to reach out more to other mommies for advice on baby related questions. This transition began during my pregnancy, especially since many of my friends already had children or were pregnant at the same time.
Believe it or not, the friendship aspect has been one of the most challenging parts. Life changes so much when you have children. Our friends without children have remained close to us by making time to still be apart of our lives and visit or keep in touch. I have become much closer with some who do have babies of their own just because we can relate to each other based on having similar lifestyles at this time. We are so blessed to have so many amazing family and friends who our apart of our lives now and experiencing this blessing with us.
I have had to learn to let go of anyone who, no matter how hard I tried or how much effort I put in, would just not make the time to be apart of our lives once I became pregnant and more so after the baby was born. It's extremely hard and heartbreaking to walk away from people who were once a huge part of your life, but I know that people come into and out of our lives in seasons so to speak. This is a new season.
This past week I had Spring break off of work, and not only did I enjoy getting together with my friends and having many wonderful playdates, but it was so nice to spend some time at home with my husband and baby again. I miss them so much when I am at work! Being a working Mama just makes me appreciate my time at home with my family even more. It is definitely harder now to find time to get together with all of the people we want to see. Working and having a baby is definitely more tiring than just working. So please don't feel bad if we haven't gotten to spend much time with you our beloved friends!! We have learned how tough it can be to coordinate schedules, especially with our friends who are hours away! :*
But most importantly, I have learned that there is just an incredible love you have when you have a child. I thought I knew a deep love when I met my husband. That love grew into something more when we were married and now it is even deeper that we have our son. He just means the world to us.
I always knew Ross was an amazing husband. Thank goodness he enjoys helping me with chores around the house and volunteers to do dishes and pick up! He helps me cook and has been doing all of the nightly diaper changes and feedings when I have to work in the am and he doesn't have to leave for court. His support makes this whole parenting process so much easier! I would be more than proud to raise our son to be just like his father! <3
Watching Ross be a Daddy has truly been a treat. I love seeing them bond and see Ross making Jackson laugh. You can just see the love they have for each other. It makes my heart melt! These two have stolen my heart!
One fine example would be the fact that I have not had the time or energy to blog since I wrote about his birth story!
I first fell in love with caring for children while babysitting for two families who attended the same church as me when I was a pre-teen. Those families were so special to me and I knew then that I would want to have a family of my own one day.
It's funny to look back at when I was in my early 20's working as a Nanny and I thought I had an appreciation of what it must be like to be a parent. But I had no idea what it would be like to try to grocery shop by myself with a baby, or how hard it would be to simply run in to pick up a prescription, or drop off a rented movie. You can't just leave a newborn child unattended in car. I have to struggle to get the heavy carrier and baby out of the car, then carry him through the store because his car seat will not fit in most shopping carts and on top of that, manage to carry the things I need to buy.
I laugh now looking back. I thought I knew so much until I had my own. Now I know so much more.
I have learned it's better to just wait to go to the grocery store when Ross can go with me and just not care if I am being heavily watched on surveillance while we grocery shop with Ross pushing the cart, and me pushing the stroller. My parents have both worked at grocery stores, and told me, "trust me, they are watching you." Ha, oh well.
Getting chores done really depends on if Jackson will let me put him down long enough to get things done. We even broke down and bought a used Mamaroo online. (It's a swing that is supposed to move like a mother does) and trust me, he knows it's not his Mama holding him.
Then of course one of the biggest changes in our lives are the people who we spend our time with.
Ross's friends truly have amazed me. They were awesome even before Jackson was born. They called, texted and visited to see how I was doing and of course to get Nurse Ross out of the house a while. They have still been just as awesome since Jackson was born.
My circle of girlfriends on the other hand has changed a bit. I tend to reach out more to other mommies for advice on baby related questions. This transition began during my pregnancy, especially since many of my friends already had children or were pregnant at the same time.
Believe it or not, the friendship aspect has been one of the most challenging parts. Life changes so much when you have children. Our friends without children have remained close to us by making time to still be apart of our lives and visit or keep in touch. I have become much closer with some who do have babies of their own just because we can relate to each other based on having similar lifestyles at this time. We are so blessed to have so many amazing family and friends who our apart of our lives now and experiencing this blessing with us.
I have had to learn to let go of anyone who, no matter how hard I tried or how much effort I put in, would just not make the time to be apart of our lives once I became pregnant and more so after the baby was born. It's extremely hard and heartbreaking to walk away from people who were once a huge part of your life, but I know that people come into and out of our lives in seasons so to speak. This is a new season.
This past week I had Spring break off of work, and not only did I enjoy getting together with my friends and having many wonderful playdates, but it was so nice to spend some time at home with my husband and baby again. I miss them so much when I am at work! Being a working Mama just makes me appreciate my time at home with my family even more. It is definitely harder now to find time to get together with all of the people we want to see. Working and having a baby is definitely more tiring than just working. So please don't feel bad if we haven't gotten to spend much time with you our beloved friends!! We have learned how tough it can be to coordinate schedules, especially with our friends who are hours away! :*
I always knew Ross was an amazing husband. Thank goodness he enjoys helping me with chores around the house and volunteers to do dishes and pick up! He helps me cook and has been doing all of the nightly diaper changes and feedings when I have to work in the am and he doesn't have to leave for court. His support makes this whole parenting process so much easier! I would be more than proud to raise our son to be just like his father! <3
Watching Ross be a Daddy has truly been a treat. I love seeing them bond and see Ross making Jackson laugh. You can just see the love they have for each other. It makes my heart melt! These two have stolen my heart!
