My friend, Erin, over at Cultivating Rosebud’s sister just had a baby. She’s 12 days in and sounds like she’s in the thick of trying to master everything and figure everything out.
I wanted to put together my thoughts on the first few week’s after the Bug was born, but I’m struggling a bit. Becoming a mother is beautiful and magical and all the words that you hear about so often. But it is also messy, ugly and sometimes downright torture. And I feel ok saying that. I wish more people would. It would help some of those doe-eyed new mothers who are given the vision of roses and daisy’s from books and other friends.
I was lucky. I had a friend say to me about 3 weeks before the Bug arrived, “I wish someone had told me I would cry everyday.” Whew. That was good to know because I DID CRY EVERY DAY. For about five weeks and then it tapered. And then it was gone.
HALLELUJIA, it ends!
I think that’s what I have to say to Erin’s sister. All of it ends. And then it starts again…as something else. The first six weeks are the hardest. The next six are hard, but in a different way. There will be beautiful, amazing, fabulous moments along the way where you’ll gasp and ooh and aaah over this little marvel that you’ve created. But all of it ends.
So cherish it and try not to fret.
And about going back to work….you’ll do what’s right for you. I had no choice about going back to work and thought I would be miserable. Turns out, I actually need it. I had no idea I would feel that way.
Good luck to you and welcome to the club!
You. I *heart* you. Tears of missing you and of thankfulness that you are an amazing friend. Thank you so much for sharing your words.
Amen! Those first few weeks are definitely a wild ride, but worth it.