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Ok so either the long term sleep deprivation has finally got to me or I've finally recovered my mojo, because as the dust settles on my first year with my wonderful DS I have realised a few things. We had a "good baby" staying with us this week. STTN, placid, calm (although only 12 weeks old so may change but probably not). I've got one wordHer parents got to eat meals uninterrupted, sleep uninterrupted, talk uninterrupted, shower uninterrupted, drive across state uninterrupted. And because she didn't interrupt them, their babe just kinda got swept up along with them and hardly noticed. Even by them. I'd thought before they arrived that I'd be jealous of this family as I have been know to get playgroup envy when I meet mellow kids. But honestly, I'mglad DS chose us. This kid has spirit and he's ready to take on the world even if it may not be ready for him! So I've created my High Needs top 10 for those mum's still in the Dark Night of the Soul. And to remind myself on those days when I wish for a calmer life....1.Attached to sleep? Gone. Attached to showering daily or alone? Gone. Attached to me time? Us time? free time? A clean House? Gone. Gone gone gone. Its all about letting go!2.Technically there is no self anymore. Just a set of boobs, some arms a lap and some legs (don't stop rocking, walking or bouncing whatever you do!!)3.How exactly will we get the washing up done with one hand? How will we solve nap time today? How can DH and I sneak a moment alone this month? What will today bring and how can we make this work? What the hell is wrong and how do I fix it? Quickly?4.Before I had DS I used to joke that parents should have to take a course before they had kids. I bet you've had to do a self guided parenting 101 to figure your bub out!5.. Caught up in getting from A to B? Rushing to get through the supermarket? Think again. Stop. Attend to baby. Stressed? Oh no he senses it..he's gonna blow..breathe, relax, focus on babe at hand...phew crisis averted!6.. DH and I figured out that the reason this year feels like it has been so long is that we've been awake nearly the whole time so its more like 2yrs. So DS has effectively given us an extra year. (And grey hair and wrinkles but these just make us look wise beyond our years)7.. We never ever give up even when we've given up. Cause we have no choice. When we get over giving up the baby is still there Needing us. Highly.8.Our time, our space, our bodies. Our mealtimes. Our showers. Our Me times.9.. They will not just sit quietly in a carrier. Or sleep quietly in another room. Or play quietly on the floor. And by including them in our world and constantly holding them in our arms we form and amazing bond as only those who have suffered through adversity can.10.. Physically, emotionally, mentally. They test us constantly. Pacing the floor or the streets babe in arms is the ultimate workout no? Strap on a pedometer you'll be amazed. I was!!