After two nights in the hospital where C. and I were frantically trying to learn how to change diapers post circumcision, breastfeed (ouch with a big "O"), bathe baby T., swaddle...basically, all the "must dos" of a new parent, we came home to settle into a new life with our little boy. Now that the first week is over, I can look back and tell you how "wonderful" and "magical" it was to finally be with baby T. but truth be told -- the first 5 days back was one of the most challenging ever.
For the last 9 months. I had done nothing but worry about going into labor. Somewhere in my subconscious, I had neatly tucked away any thoughts, fears and worries on how life post labor would unravel -- the roller coaster motions and overwhelming responsibilities of diaperchanging, feedings, sleepless nights, etc. I must have either chosen to ignore any warnings from other mommies about what life would be in the first few weeks or under-estimated what it would entail as I entered this new phase of motherhood completely unprepared and blind. Needless to say the first 5 days upon our return to the house was tough.
Things are slowly getting better. With each day, I am slowly embracing the new change despite its ongoing challenges. I would say -- I'm more appreciative of the little "gifts" he gives to me -- an extra chance to nap here and there, some free time when he sleeps (on his own and not in our arms!) between his feedings and an extraordinary opportunity to witness how he's been changing, even through a matter of days. Compared to a week ago, he's a lot more alert and experimental with facial expressions.
Also, C and I are both very grateful to C's mom (grandma Choi) who quickly flew in for the week to cover until grandma Cho (my mom) arrived and swiftly focused on helping me recuperate, holding baby T. when I was exhausted (and thereby letting me catch a few zz's) and cooking up a repertoire of delish meals. I don't think we could have survived (nor enjoyed) that first week without her help.
For the last 9 months. I had done nothing but worry about going into labor. Somewhere in my subconscious, I had neatly tucked away any thoughts, fears and worries on how life post labor would unravel -- the roller coaster motions and overwhelming responsibilities of diaperchanging, feedings, sleepless nights, etc. I must have either chosen to ignore any warnings from other mommies about what life would be in the first few weeks or under-estimated what it would entail as I entered this new phase of motherhood completely unprepared and blind. Needless to say the first 5 days upon our return to the house was tough.
Things are slowly getting better. With each day, I am slowly embracing the new change despite its ongoing challenges. I would say -- I'm more appreciative of the little "gifts" he gives to me -- an extra chance to nap here and there, some free time when he sleeps (on his own and not in our arms!) between his feedings and an extraordinary opportunity to witness how he's been changing, even through a matter of days. Compared to a week ago, he's a lot more alert and experimental with facial expressions.
Also, C and I are both very grateful to C's mom (grandma Choi) who quickly flew in for the week to cover until grandma Cho (my mom) arrived and swiftly focused on helping me recuperate, holding baby T. when I was exhausted (and thereby letting me catch a few zz's) and cooking up a repertoire of delish meals. I don't think we could have survived (nor enjoyed) that first week without her help.
Taking a siesta after a tough few days!
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