I have to admit, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends lately. With back-to-back travel, home remodeling projects, taking care of my “boys” (big and small), maintaining the home, and keeping up with our regular activities, I’ve had very little time to take care of Number One. As a result, I’ve been a bit off balance lately and everything and everyone has suffered. I’ve been impatient with my son and my boyfriend, I’ve let my diet and exercise slip and, as a result, have been feeling less than great – sluggish, frazzled and defeated.
But, after a wee bit of a meltdown the other night, I made a declaration: “No More – I am officially in nesting mode!” I’ve enlisted the support of my wonderful boyfriend and friends and am ready for the homestretch (only 6 weeks to go!). I’m getting back on track with my diet and have taken two – yup, two – baths in a row!
I’ve also been consumed with Shannon’s manual “Raising Children Raises Us” the last few days which couldn’t have come at a more pertinent time: wouldn’t you know that a central point is how important it is to nourish yourself and your relationships and to continue to grow along with your children; that a woman unfulfilled, neglected and whose ‘well has run dry’ is incapable of properly giving and taking care of others. It’s so true, and yet so easy to forget. Not to mention “Raising Children Raises Us” is chock-full of amazing ideas and a refreshing and insightful approach to parenting!
On the physical side of things, I’m definitely getting more uncomfortable as I enter the final stretch: my sashay has turned into a waddle, my energy level has waned, and movements are slower and more difficult in general. Those maternity clothes aren’t looking so cute anymore either, and are making me look a bit more like a stuffed sausage! But I still get compliments, so I ‘spose it can’t be all that bad ?.
Interestingly, my son has been a lot more needy lately – he must sense all this change is imminent – and has wanted to be held and to nurse a lot. Some of the “nursing agitation” I had in my first trimester has returned, although not as intensely (yet), but it’s still pretty painful and irritating; perhaps nature’s way of keeping it to a minimum since nipple stimulation can cause contractions and, if significant enough, can even bring on labor….
In other news, my boyfriend’s very lovely and generous family has decided to throw me a baby shower. I really didn’t expect one this time around and, especially since we are having another boy, we don’t really need anything. So, in keeping with my resolution to take better care of myself as well as my family, I’ve decided to “register” for some more practical things – like help with the laundry, dishes, spending time with my toddler, meals, etc. – now that would be priceless!
So, here I am, writing to you from my new king-sized bed – one babe sleeping peacefully beside me, the other tickling my ribs with his hiccups – taking deep breaths, and ready to take time to just enjoy the moment.