It's funny how we make plans in life and have assumptions about how everything will work out. We go into a new situation expecting one thing, and sometimes get another.
My new baby is a good example!
I FULLY expected that our fourth child would finally be a daughter. I had no doubt. Boy was I wrong!
I really thought labor would come early and I'd be allowed to try for a VBAC. Wrong again! Actually, we found out after he was born via scheduled c-section that our dates were off and he was born past his due date!
I thought that I would be able to assume my role as Supermom very quickly, tackling the cooking and housework as well as run my etsy shop (filled with new items even!). Nope!!! Not even close. Every day is spent juggling my "before" life with a nursing-all-the-time-baby.
Which leads me to my last wrong assumption - I really thought I would be able to breastfeed my son with no problems, just like I did the last time around. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Baby is 6 weeks old. In this time, I've had cracked, bleeding nipples, thrush, mastitis, and unexplained, toe-curling, tear inducing pain. I've had multiple meetings with lactation consultants and doctors, tried prescription meds and home remedies. I've been tempted to stop trying & just use formula, like I did with my first two sons. But I can't! I'm too stubborn. That's what it boils down to - my chubby little guy with his double chin and thigh rolls smiles up at me after his meal and I know that nothing is going to keep me from feeding my baby the way I was made to! Please don't get me wrong - I have NOTHING against using formula (except the way it smells). I believe everyone makes the decision about what is right for them and their children. Personally, I LOVE breastfeeding. Well, not the pain & challenges that I've had this time, but every other aspect of it! I just want to nurse my baby, darn it!
Maybe when I get "the girls" healthy, I can dig out that old Supermom cape. I can be really productive, have a clean house, yummy food on the stove, work out 5 days a week, do crafts every day with my kids, and spend time with my girl friends. Maybe. I'm assuming, though, that those days are over. I think I should probably come to terms with the NEW ME. The mom who has big visions, but little time to realize them. The mom and wife who tries her best, but never crosses every item off her to-do list. The woman who struggles daily, but loves her life and is ready to throw out expectations and live!
By the way - the shop is now open for business. I'll spend some time each day working on new items to list. In the mean time, though, please feel free to convo me for custom orders!
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