Best job in the world?

Barb - posted on 12/12/2008

wow my words exactly! I was getting used to a routine with my baby, but no he can't keep it, now at 71/2 months instead of sleeping like he has til now he's up almost every hour at night! So exhausting... But you just pick up and keep going. One thing i've found with my husband is to compliment him on the one thing he does do right and well.That seemed to help and now he sees more stuff that needs to get done and actually sees when i need a break!
yes if our children didn't rely so much on us it would be easier to get more things cleaned up, but in a way it makes you feel like u have the most important job in the world! so you gotta rely on the God of the universe to give you the daily strength and we will get through this!

Ange - posted on 12/12/2008

WOW.. i feel like im in your head LOL i was 20 when my daughter was born in April and got little support from day dot.. even my boyfriends parents think i deserve a medal for what i put up with from him.. yeah ive tried talking to him about things too and i understand he works so hard and but what he doesnt see is the little things like the vaccuming and the dishes and mopping and scrubbing the bathroom and the dirty disgusting skid marks in the toilet that get scubbed off (sorry if thats too much info) and it is totally frustrating to not feel appreciated.. just keep your head high and concentrate on your little one.. dont worry too much about the mess around you.. just take your time.. you have another 20 years to get it right.. remember there is no such thing as a perfect parent and there never will be.. i've learned that and now just concentrate on my daughter who is my world and worry about the little things like crumbs on the floor later on..

Dana - posted on 11/21/2008

i hear u on the subject. i have two one is 6 months and the other is 2.5 years. being a mom is a struggle and u r doing the best u can. as for the bf or husband. i can relate, mine works all day and when he comes home he just wants to sit and relax. not thinkin that i haven't really been able to sit all day.just remember, at he end of the day if your baby is smiling u r the best mommy ever. keep your chin up. it will get better.

Cathy - posted on 11/20/2008

Remember, it takes a couple of years to figure it out and those are the years we don't remember as children. I'm sure your mom took time to find her groove too, you were just too little to remember. It will come to you. Just be patient and know that you will never get this time with your little one again. Wait until he's two! I'm not sure which one is more draining, the 2 year old or the 7 month old!! But it's all worth it in the end. Know that you're not the only mom crying at 3 in the morning because you can't figure out why your baby is up for the 4th time.

I'm 31 and it took me a whole month to figure out that the baby kept waking up every night because he was cold. How dumb did I feel!! But we all struggle and learn and over time become Super Women, just like your mom. Hang in there, it will get better.

Catherine - posted on 11/20/2008

Karen, your baby is beautiful! And it sounds like we are all in good company. I'm convienced that there just aren't enough hours in the day to get everything done. When Carter was born, I got two really great suggestions on how to get things done around the house and yet not feel like I spend every waking moment cooking and cleaning. The first is "no tv before 5pm." I didn't think that I was watching a lot of television during the day, but I was shocked to find out how much more time there was when I turned off the tv. The second great bit of advice is "only clean for 20 minutes a day." I usually do this when Carter is down for a nap. Basically, I commit to cleaning for a solid 20 minutes each day. When it's your primary focus, it's amazing how efficiently you can vaccuum the living room, throw the dirty dished in the sink, wipe down the counter, start a load of laundry and sort the mail.



But like some of the other moms mentioned, just do the best you can and relax. I promise you that your baby would much rather have memories of the two of you spending time together than of a clean kitchen floor =)

Courtney - posted on 11/20/2008

I understand where you're coming from, I think I put way to much pressure on myself ot make sure my house is clea and suppers done and my kids are taken care of that some days I just lose it and on ttop of that I too still have a 7 month old that doesn't sleep all night, it gets better... It's nice to know there are other people in the same boat... keep your head up!

Michelle - posted on 11/19/2008

Don't worry, I think most of us have similar concerns with daddies. I agree with Annie, they just don't see things the way we do, they don't neglect doing things on purpose. This job is something that is extremely rewarding at the same time that it can be extremely trying. Just remember that some of this you don't need to stress about. If there's a choice between housework and sleep/rest, for now, choose to rest. The work will still be there, and no one who's ever been there will judge you if things aren't perfect when you have a baby at home. As for meals, I split the responsibilities with my husband. He may choose to cook spaghetti on his nights, but it's one less dinner I have to make. And i give him options of how he can help me: "Would you rather give Isaac his bath or fold the laundry?" and I do the other task. You still get help, but he feels like he has some say on what he'll do.



Hang in there!

Amanda - posted on 11/19/2008

Did i type the first paragraph or did you? I totally understand where you are coming from. Just hang in there. I work full time during the day and im lucky to sleep in before the alarm goes off during the week. My bf works third shift so i am the one with interupted sleep every night and yet get up first thing with him in the morning while trying to get myself ready for work. Then i come home after he has been home alone most of the day... i cook, clean up the kitchen, living room and pick up all the random stuff everywhere else. Vaccum because i dont want the baby on a dirty floor... and by the time im done doing all that... it bed time for the little one and off to work daddy goes.



You are a great mom! Dont ever think any different. being 19... you have plenty of time to learn how to cook! Trust me, i am 25 and just started last year! It will come to ya! Ask your mom for tips! Oh, and as far as the chicken being frozen in the middle... just let it thaw all night in the fridge and ya should me just fine!



GOOD LUCK!

Karen - posted on 11/18/2008

Thank you very much Annie, you did put a smile on my face and helped me to see things through my boyfriends eyes. Thank you very much for all of your encouraging words.

Annie - posted on 11/18/2008

Keep your chin up! You are being the best at what you can be for now....don't put yourself down, we are learning each day that our baby or children live, they are teaching us as we teach ourselves.



As for your bf or husband! My brother-in-law once told me that they don't see it the same way we do...he asked my sister to make a list and post it somewhere guests would not see it and that he would gladly go through it! He mentionned that he won't see that the stairs need vaccuuming, floors need to be swept, or maybe even bring the laundry basket down. I put some tought into what he said and you know, it does make sense, I panic with a dirty bowl in the sink but boys are not raised the way little girls are....be patient with your husband and talk to him more. I know my fiance appreciates it when I ask him to help out and explain to him what my "bitch" fit is all about....Yes, we all do have those fits..lol!



Keep on smiling and don't stress about your cleaning, enjoy your baby, kids and husband, attack the mess once the little ones are in bed and then make your chores fun with your hubby....I know we have fun together!



Hope I put a smile on your face!!