This 6 month mark is significant to me because back when Talia was six weeks old I felt like this day would never come. I was so entrenched in the exhausted, overwhelmed craziness of my life with three kids and out of control hormones that it felt like it would never end. In one of my counseling sessions back in those hard days (I still have lots of hard days now too, but not in the same way) my therapist had me envision my life in 6 months. I thought, "Ok, I can make it through 6 months. In 6 months the sun will come out and it will be warm. I won't be breastfeeding anymore, so my body will be mine again. I will be skinny (or not). Talia will be sleeping through the night (or not). We will have a routine."
And now here we are. We have settled into our new normal as a family. I have my routines with three kids. Talia doesn't sleep through the night yet, but she's also not up every few hours. I'm not skinny yet, but I am done breastfeeding and most of my pre-pregnancy clothes fit. I can't complain. It's amazing how no matter how much it feels like something will never end, it always does. Talia is no longer my sweet little lump. She likes to sit up and see what's going on. She no longer needs me every minute. She wants me, but it's not quite the same. It's a bittersweet milestone, this half-a-year mark. I have no doubt that the next six months will speed by just as slowly. 
In some of our quieter moments we have been enjoying playing outside! Our backyard is definitely not pretty, but the kids still love playing back there, and we all love the hammock, especially Ian. He took this shot of the boys over the weekend when they climbed in there with him. I love the laziness of it. And my little boys' cute bellies and sunglasses. :)
Finally, I wanted to update on My May Challenge (I know. I'm a couple weeks late). It was enlightening. It felt great! I have added lots more fruits and veggies into my diet and figured out how to eat healthy lunches and not just kid food. I still have a sweet tooth. I am still a little lazy when it comes to exercising. I only lost about 5 pounds. I still stink at keeping track of what I eat, but I am glad that I took on the challenge. I think it has made me much more aware of my habits, and helped me to improve. Thanks again for all your supportive comments!
10 comments:
Time speeding by slowly. That is the perfect way of describing it. I'm glad you're in a better place now. I know some people love having a newborn, but it was really hard for me. It's hard to have someone so incredibly dependent on you.
Six months is a great milestone, yay you made it!!! I'm so glad to hear your days are 'easier', is that the right word? With kids there will always be hard days but a well-rested mom without raging hormones can handle it a little better. Guess I'll have to think of another excuse for the days when I lose it ;)
I love how Davin has his hands under his head in the hammock...just chillin' with his big bro. Makes me want to go find a hammock to relax in!
It IS crazy how fast and slow time goes. and I agree that six months is a big deal! I am always embarrased to say that I don't love the newborn stage (well, I like it for a little bit, but then I just want it ot be the six month mark!) I love this stage!!
And GO YOU for your May Challenge!
Shannon, I love reading your blog cuz you keep it real. I'm at the exhausted point that you get when you first have a baby, and I'm going to steal your counselor's trick of imagining life six months from now. Thanks for sharing :)
You summed it up perfectly, Shannon. What a great post. :)
I can't believe that little Talia is six months old either. Such a sweetie! And I was going to ask you how your May challenge went. I'm very impressed. You did great!
I think Talia is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen! (well, in all honesty, I think all three of your kids are pure adorableness! and yes, I just made up that word). Congrats on surviving to this point and feeling so much better.
and congrats on the 5 pounds! That is more than a pound a week, which is phenomenal when breastfeeding!
Your blog just makes me happy. The picture of you and your sweet children and you surviving it all is perfect. You look happy and in control. . inside and out. We can often look happy on the outside, but have a total different perspective on the inside. Talia is the sweetest little thing ever. I can't wait to see her. She will be 7 months old before I get to snuggle and love her. I also love the kicked back Davin and the Weston "buddha belly". So cute!
Wow time does fly! She is getting so big! I am not a veggie eater myself but have started making green smooties-sounds gross, but so good and curb my sweet tooth and give me more energy. You might like them!
hey now, it's not "just" 5 lbs....it's 5 POUNDS! that's great! you're doing a great job and i still think you are an amazing mama. :)
I love this post. Especially after surviving my first week as a mom. It's challenging that's for sure. But also worth it, as we all know. Even though we can't wait for things to happen, "they" say to enjoy the now. I know it all flies by so fast. You're doing a great job. One day at a time right? :)
Post a Comment