My irrational fears and why I miss my husband.

My son has this adorable little walker that he runs all over the house in.  He loves having the freedom and control to walk around and do as he pleases.  He'll roll over to a little table we have and open the drawers, he'll explore the handle of the vacuum, and of course--he chases our dogs.  He'll get going really fast and run into furniture and over your feet if you're in the way.  I cannot even count the number of times that my poor little toes have fallen victim to this walker. 

Today I was walking down the hallway back into our bedroom to finish getting ready.  As I heard the munchkin chasing after me--at a full sprint, I couldn't help but be freaked out.  Let me explain.  I have issues being chased and followed.  When I was a kid--tag wasn't a game I enjoyed much.  I cannot tell you why--it's just one of my idiosyncrasies.  Whenever I am chased or followed--I freak out.  My husband seems to think this is hilarious.  He'll add in the phrase, "I'm gonna get you" and hold out his hands like he's the tickle monster.  My immediate hysterics always result in oodles of laughter from him.  I, however, am not amused. 

Aaaaand we're back.

Today, I was actually a little freaked out because I was being chased.  By my 8 month old.  Who can't even walk.  I quickened my pace and as soon as I got into my bedroom, whipped around and talked myself out of the anxious feelings that were welling up.  As soon as the babe came around the corner, all I could think was about how ridiculous I felt for having such an irrational fear.

Why does this make me miss my husband?  He would love this story and we would laugh together about it.  Because he can appreciate all of the little weird things about me.  And because he knows me like no one else does. 

Seven years ago tomorrow, he and I met in college.  And now, his little boy is learning to tease mommy while daddy is away just like daddy would.  I'm thinking that once this kid is old enough to play pranks with him, my life is going to get a lot more interesting...

But I am le tired...

I have always heard the term, "Oh, I slept like a baby"---exactly what does that mean?  Does it mean that you wake up at the most inopportune times?  Sleep for a few hours and awake screaming for a bottle?  Wake as soon as your sweet mother falls asleep?  UGH.

First of all--if you don't know me very well, I need to tell you something.  Sleeping in, for me, is the most glorious thing in the world.  When I have the opportunity to sleep in, nothing else matters.  All I care about it getting to stay asleep.  Falling asleep has always been difficult for me.  But sleeping in--late into the morning---ah!  That's just heaven!  When I was six, my mom and dad had to come wake me on Christmas morning to tell me that Santa had come!  I told them that the presents would still be there later, promptly rolled over, and fell asleep again.  In the mornings, I am constantly running late because EVERY morning, it is quite possibly the most difficult feat of my life to drag my body out of bed.  What can I say, I am a sucker for sleeping in. 

In college, I adopted a puppy--Molly.  I was convinced that she was my puppy soul mate because at 8 weeks old, she slept until 10am and didn't wake me until she REALLY had to use the potty.  I was in love.  I would get up, let her potty, and return to bed--and so would she! :) 

I knew that when I became a mommy, I would have to kiss this love affair goodbye.  Babies don't "sleep in"--I knew this.  I had fully prepared myself for this.  I had prepared myself to have to get up with him in the beginning.  I knew I would be getting up to feed him for a couple of months.  However, I had optimistically hoped that my son would take after me.  I was sleeping through the night--12 hour stretches at three weeks old.  THAT is how much I LOVE sleep.  I thought, perhaps, he would be a good sleeper. 

Cue the Ruiner of Things.  My munchkin is still not consistently sleeping through the night.  We had a spell for about a week and a half where he would sleep great.  The past few nights, it's back to the old routine.  Up an hour or so after I fall asleep to eat.  
I was not ready for this.  Six months later, and I'm still having to get up.  I feel violated.  This interrupted sleep is really starting to get to me. 

One day, I'll look back and miss this, right?  I'll just keep telling myself that.  :)

I know that in the grand scheme of things, it's no big deal.  I love that little boy so much.  He's such a blessing from God.  I love being his mommy, and I'm so thankful that he is happy and healthy.  But I am le tired...

The Ruin-er of Things

A few years ago, some dear friends of ours had a precious little girl.  And I do mean precious!  They would affectionately call her, "Monster" when they spoke to or about her.  "Hey Monster, whatcha doin?"  "The Monster is hungry" etc.  She was SO precious, and such a sweet little baby.  We couldn't figure out why.

Then we had a baby of our own. 

Sure, he's precious.  And cute.  And I sometimes want to eat his face a little--the cuteness is overwhelming. But, he is definitely a little monster.  Napoleon-esk.  Because he's angry and little.  Not all the time, of course.  At times he is a happy baby.  But if he's tired, or hungry--he's angry.  Napoleon. 

When I push him in the stroller, I often think of this scene.  A tiny being that is in control.  The entire video is funny, but the specific part I'm speaking of is at 2:40 into the video. 

Ok...back to the topic.  When my son was only a few weeks old, my husband and I were chatting about how different our life had become.  Now we understood why our friends called there little girl, "Monster" and decided we should have a nickname too.  We threw around a few titles.  Beast was a favorite.  The "Beast" is waking up, or the "Beast" is hungry.  We thought that was ok.  I decided it sounded kind of like a WWF wrestler.  Then, it came to me.  We shall call our child, the "Ruin-er of Things"--yeees!! 

Now, let me tell you--we LOVE our son!  We wouldn't trade him for the world!  So, this is definitely an affectionate term for him--which will probably be dropped long before he can understand it.  And mainly, his nickname around the house is Munchkin--said in a lovey high pitched voice.  But we also refer to him (never address him) as The Ruiner of Things.  For example, we have to hurry and eat our dinner before the Ruiner of Things decides it's time for him to eat.  We have to be home each night at 6pm because that is the Ruiner's bedtime.  And so on.

We think it's fitting.  

Babies are expensive. Sheesh.

As I was lying in bed last night, waiting for my body to decide it was time to fall asleep, thoughts filled my head.  It’s always like that for me.  My mind just races once I lie down—and it’s gotten particularly worse since I had the munchkin.  I am tired all day, and when bedtime comes, I just lie there wide awake, while my husband just snores away.   

Rather than plot against my husband—who is peacefully resting J I allowed my brain to wander for a time—in hopes that I would finally relax and drift off.

Last night, I got to thinking that perhaps I should write a post about the necessities for having a new baby around.  As a military wife, we can’t just go out and buy every little thing our heart desires.  We might have to move it all across the country—multiple times!!  Alas!  We must be selective! 

So, I decided to compile a list for all the moms-to-be out there.  Let me preface this by saying that I’m pretty practical.  The reason I say that is—this list, in my opinion doesn’t have any fluff.   

Furniture:

• Crib
• Changing table—I had a lot of people say that it was going to be a waste—but because I’m a “everything in it’s place” kinda gal—I LOVE my changing table.
• Rocker/Glider etc. 
• Dresser for baby—or a way to organize blankets, bibs, and bedding

Clothing 

• 5-7 Sleepers (more for newborn) I recommend either sleep sacks, or sleep n plays with footies—and I also recommend 100% Cotton
• 10-12 “outfits” that you would take them out in (Less for Newborn)
• 5-7 “outfits” that you would hang out in the house in—unless you are ok to leave them in their pjs (which I totally did)
• Don’t forget bibs (10), baby blankets (10-15—depending on the season), burp rags (10), and crib sheets (2)           

Tips on clothing a newborn—

• Socks are hard to keep on—so I would just leave my little one in pjs with footsies—that way his feet stayed warm.  In fact, my son is now six months old and he has YET to wear a pair of socks.
• Remember that putting them in pants might be tricky until the umbilical cord falls off (which took almost 3 weeks for us)
• Buying onesies with the little pockets that tuck over their hands are helpful and keep them from scratching their face

You’ll need a Bathtub a few wash clothes, and a couple towels.  I would recommend this tub

Gear:

• A swing
• A exersaucer/play seat
• A monitor (I HIGHLY recommend getting a video monitor)
• Stroller and Carseat
• High chair/booster chair
• Play Mat
• You might want a bassinet/cradle/packnplay for your little one to sleep in if they are in your room

Extras that I LOVE

• Baby Beaba—Steams and purees food for my LO (I make my own babyfood—much cheaper and healthier—and pretty easy!)  It’s an investment, but in the end is WAY cheaper than buying the jars.
• Noise machine
• Bottle dry rack
• Baby gate—we use it more for a doggie gate.  I’m sure that will change once my munchkin is mobile
• If you are planning on nursing—I HIGHLY recommend getting a breast pump.  They are VERY helpful!! 
• Also, I LOVE this diaper organizer.  LOVE.  LOVE.  LOVE.  It might not be a must for everyone, but for me it is a MUST.  It's called "Diaper Depot" by Prince Lionheart.

I would encourage you to register for your big ticket items so that people have the option of buying you those for your shower gifts.  Friends can go in together to purchase the large items and you will have them when needed instead of having to go buy them.   

Tips to make mommyhood easier!           

• Order your diapers and wipes from amazon.com (through the Amazon mom program—which is awesome)
• When you purchase diapers, keep the box they come in.  Then, when you need a place to put all of the clothes that your munchkin has outgrown, you can put the clothes in there and tape it up.  Free box…and, for the military wives—you automatically know that diaper boxes=baby clothing (or baby stuff).  J
• Do a load of laundry a day to keep up with it!  Then it won’t seem overwhelming.
• Ask for help. 
• Have a “mobile changing station” in your car.  Keep a basket or bag with diapers, wipes, etc. in it so that you don’t have to dig all the time in the diaper bag when you are out and about
• Also, I get free shipping through Amazon—so I order anything and everything I can to make my life easier.  I get my dog food through Amazon—and it’s awesome!  I don’t have to go to the pet store and lug the 30 pound bag out of the store while trying not to drop my new bundle of joy.  It comes right to my doorstep—for the exact same price I would pay for it at the pet store.  WIN.

I hope that I have given good advice!  So, other moms out there---what are your tips to make mommyhood easier?  Is there any thing I missed that you consider a MUST in your home?