Before Giving Birth

In the short amount of time that I have been a new mom, I have learnt things about myself. Discovered parts of me that I didn't know existed. I am sure that as the weeks go by I will be discovering and learning a lot more but for now, I am putting them on the blog so I can remember these moments in the future.

Before giving birth-I never thought that moving around post delivery could be so strenuous on the body. Everything hurt. Just the simplest movement was difficult. I discovered the importance of muscles in places that I didn't know there were muscles. I wished the body would heal as quick as people get over colds and fevers but its taking much longer than that. And to this day, I still ache in several places for which I need physio appointments for. (This post is back dated and Abigail is now nearly 3 months!)

Before giving birth-I thought that with my maternity leave of 4 months I would be able to finish off novels, go have coffee (decaf) with friends, go jogging, enjoy parks and basically relaxing. I had bought stacks of novels from Lifeline in preparation for this juggling act with baby and boy.. was I naive! Not only do I not have the time for personal interests, what little time I have I crave sleep! And sadly to say in that little window of free time, before I can fall asleep Abigail is up and needs attending to. So mothers to be, don't go investing in stacks of novels ok? :) You might be able to get to it when baby is 4 years old. Or as some sceptics say when baby is 25 years old? :)

Before giving birth-I didn't know I could do with 6 hours of sleep for weeks on end and still function through the day, juggling baby and household duties.

Before giving birth-I didn't think I could take care of a baby all by myself 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I didn't know I could instinctively predict my baby's needs.

Before giving birth-I did not really understand the meaning and depth of self sacrifice.

Before giving birth-I didn't think I could feel such an intense protective instinct and love a child this much. Now I understand the meaning of a mother's love.

cheryl