This weekend was a HOT one. H-O-T hot. So we spent most of the days inside, with our A/C on blast, unfortunately. I’m not really a fan of spending hours in artificial air, so I got outside a few times, but had to come in before I started melting. You understand. This weekend marked the first weekend of Zack’s summer break! He’s a teacher, and is now officially on Summer Vacation, woooo! I’m so excited that he’ll be home all summer with me and Sam! We’re a pretty good team, it’s true. ;) And he’s the best husband/dad and is so good about giving me little “me” breaks, which are so desperately needed!
Something not so fun flared up within the past few days, which after extensive researching (aka Googling- not really that extensive at all, actually) I found out is a common occurrence due to childbirth/pregnancy (surprise, surprise): I have sciatica on my right side. And it hurts. Like. The. Dickens. I can’t bend over without it hurting, I walk around like an old lady sometimes when it’s really acting up, and I have actually cried out in pain a few times. Because it is oh so painful. And I am so ready for it to just go away, thanks. Anyone else experience this? Please tell me there is a light at the end of this tunnel? I read that exercise and stretching are good ways to help it, and I mean, that’s honestly just frustrating to a girl who literally exercises/stretches nearly every day of her life. So. Yeah. Lame.
What else. Sleep is still not too great, but I just remind myself over and over to cherish these moments because they are oh so fleeting. So please don’t misinterpret my incessant discussion of sleep (and the lack thereof) here on this blog as complaining. Because I dislike complainers just as much as the next guy, and I’m really not doing that. I’m just talking about my life, and lack of sleep just so happens to be a big part of it at the moment. But I’m in no way complaining. I know how blessed I am to live this life and to have this precious little angel baby of mine. And I know he won’t stay little forever (unfortunately, right?). So whenever I find myself starting to feel a little bummed or wishing for something different, I just kind of give myself a little slap on the wrist and change my attitude. You should try it, it helps with sanity. ;)
Also, I read this quote, something along the lines of “Sleep is like oxygen. When you have it, you don’t think much of it. When you don’t get enough of it, it’s all you can think about.” A to the men.
As for Sam, he’s just the best. Some days he simply will not fall asleep anywhere but in our arms. I’ll be rocking him to sleep or he will have fallen asleep after nursing, and he’ll be OUT cold, and so I’ll slowwwwwwly try to move him into his cradle, or bouncer, or swing, or crib (seriously, this boy has any kind of sleeping surface one could ever want) because I’ll think “Hey! He’s sleeping! Time to clean/return emails/do laundry/cook (ha! okay that one’s a joke…)/do something productive!” and as soon as his little head hits the mattress, his eyes just pop open instantly, and tears are usually followed, and oh boy. Then the process starts all over. And so. Yes. Some days our arms are the only acceptable sleep spots. And you know, I’m more than okay with that. Because having a sleeping babe in your arms is better than just about everything in this world, I tell you.
Oh and also, this happened this weekend. Just to prove to you how ridiculous I am, in case you didn’t already know. ;) It was national donut day, okay? And I mean, who wouldn’t give their baby donut eyes…?….
So here we are. This is parenthood. We’re tired and we’ve got aches and pains and our house isn’t as clean as I’d like it to be, but we are the happiest we’ve ever been in our lives. So happy Monday. Make it a good one.
xo
———————————————————
p.s. The winners of the very first Healthy Habits link up have been chosen!
$25 Amazon gift card: Madeline @ Cappuccino and Fashion
1 week ad space: Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries
Fitness magazine subscription: Britt @ The Dash in-Between
Kind bars: Lindsay @ City to Country Girl
CONGRATULATIONS! Check your emails later today :) And everyone else, be sure to link up this Thursday for more chances to win more prizes! Let’s keep on motivating and supporting one another in living a healthy lifestyle!
Nicolle
Oh girl! Complain away. Cry your eyes out. These first few months of motherhood are incredibly challenging. I have been there. I look back on them now that my kids are a bit older (4 and 6) and actually miss those days when they were Sam’s age, but man those days were HARD. I had moments thinking, “Oh no, what have we done? Our lives were so much easier before!” I’d step into the shower and start crying because I was so tired, my nerves were frayed, my hormones were all over the place, my hair was falling out…yada yada. You are doing so well! I read your blog every day and am amazed that you even find time to look so beautiful and update your blog!!!! You are a great mom. It will get easier in time and you guys and Sam will set up a little rhythm, a routine. Oh, and my kids too used to only want to sleep ON US when they were newborns – that will pass too, as it takes a few months until they get used to sleeping on their own completely. As for the sciatica, I had it with my second and it went away pretty quickly on its own.
Katie
Ahh thank you for your comment. Sometimes I just need to be told that it’s normal, and that it’s okay to complain and feel overwhelmed!! It is so challenging, but so so awesome too. :) And I have TOTALLY thought “WHAT have we done?” a few times! haha life was really lots easier before! But also lots more boring! Thank you so much for your encouragement- it means so much to me! <3
xo
Cindy
Hi Katie!
Props to you for maintaining a positive attitude every day! My little boy is also 8 weeks, one day younger than Sam. He has a bassinet and crib but the only thing that he will stay asleep in is his Snugabunny Rock ‘n Play Sleeper. It’s inclined and cozy so it makes sense to me. One night, he even slept a full 7 hours, heaven.
Also, I had sciatica during pregnancy and regular yoga relieved it in a couple of weeks. I found that repetitive motions like running actually exacerbated it. If you google “yoga for sciatica”, you’ll find the appropriate stretches/poses. Hope this helps!
Katie
Awww yay for our little twin bday boys!!! :) And we just started having him sleep in his swing, and oh man, GAME CHANGER! He loves it and actually will fall asleep all on his own!! WHAT?! It’s like, crazy. I have yet to get that glorious 7 hours sleep in a row, as Sam is a little hungry hippo, but some day. ;) haha I will definitely be googling yoga for sciatica- thanks for the tip!!
xo
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne
I love your whole attitude tolds life in general. Seriously, I love how you just enjoy the little things, because in my eyes, that is what life is all about <3.
Katie
Aww Chelsea, thanks sweet girl. :) I absolutely agree- the little things are what make life so much sweeter <3
xo
Laura Nelson
oh, i am right there with you. i had the hardest day of my life last week, and i just cried and cried the whole day. you have to do it! just cry- i promise you will feel so much better afterwards! and never think you are alone in your feelings! i feel so inadequate all the time, and sometimes i even catch myself complaining that i don’t get to do the things i want to do, or the things i used to! but then i remember that i am a mom. and this little baby needs me so much, and i need her so much more. they teach us the most important things about ourselves, and it’s our responsibility to raise them! and is there really any better calling in life than being a mother? i don’t think so :) just remember you are loved, and there’s no shame in asking anyone for help if you need it!
and on the sciatica, i had it my whole pregnancy, and it was awful- i could barely walk! so i feel your pain, literally. but, it went away and it’s been so glorious! i know it’s frustrating, but do those stretches! also, talk to your doctor, mine had me order an exercise ball that really, really helped!
Katie
Oh, sweet girl, yes, crying absolutely feels so good! I had a night like yours the other night, where I was just lying in bed and it all just caught up to me and I just cried and cried. And then felt SO much better after! I agree- being a mom is really the best :) Thank you for your encouragement- I needed them!!! I’m stretching- hoping this sciatica goes away soon!!
xo
Katie@LifesNextBigStep
I don’t know anything about the sciatica (though I’ve heard of it), but I hope it gets better soon!!
I do know the sleeplessness and I can tell you that it will get better. We just celebrated my little one’s 1st birthday this weekend, and there are days here and there that the sleep isn’t great, but for the most part, it’s awesome (and the good thing about it is, once you get past 6 months or so, the first few months are a hazy blur, so you forget how tired you were…I think that happens on purpose :))…
Just experiment with different sleeping styles (swaddled, not swaddled, crib, swing/bouncy seat/rock n play…) – we went against the grain with Brooke – she HATED being on her back, so we would put her on her side (unswaddled, she hated the swaddle too) and that is how she slept best…it was trial and error for sure, but we figured it out eventually :) Parenthood is the greatest, even when you’re so tired you are cross-eyed.
Katie
Aww happy 1st birthday to your little one!!! :) And ha! You’re so right- you forget about these days on purpose… so you can have MORE babies! ;) Otherwise, I’m convinced there wouldn’t be any babies at all hahaha. And we just found something that works for sleeping, so hopefully it sticks- he LOVES the swing!!! :) Fingers crossed it is the answer we’ve been looking for!
xo
Lindsay
In just a few months you will think back to these sleep deprived states and realize it doesn’t last as long as it feels like it does when you’re going through it.
Katie
Yes, that’s what everyone keeps telling me. :) I’m soaking it all in, because I know these moments are fleeting!
xo
Ashley
I would never interpret your lack-of-sleep talk as complaining! You are totally right- it’s just a big part of your life right now (DUH) so you should talk about it!! :) You have such an awesome outlook on life; I love it!
Katie
Awww thanks Ashley!! <3 You're the sweetest!
xo
Ann
I love your positive outlook! I’ve never even thought that your sharing of sleep deprivation was complaining. Also, found a cute and awesome mama and baby giveaway on instagram and thought of you. It’s found at @petitesoulshop
Katie
Aw thank you so much Ann!! :) And I will definitely check out that giveaway!!
xo
Ashley
I found myself complaining a lot when I was pregnant. I was a bit negative about the whole experience. After I gave birth and had moments to reflect, I felt rather dumb for complaining. A baby is a beautiful gift and while I did not have an ideal pregnancy, I gave birth without any complications and that is so amazing. Great advice about taking a moment to change your attitude, I plan on doing the same when things get a little rough :)
Katie
Awww I’m so glad to hear that!! Yes, it’s really easy to complain, but half the time I find myself complaining just for the sake of complaining/hearing my own voice (ha!), you know? And that’s just no good. Here’s to positivity! :)
xo
Chandler
So precious!! I love reading about your adventures with Sam and I don’t think you are complaining at all– I’ve heard worse ;)
Katie
Aww thank you so much Chandler!! :)
xo
Christina @ justmarried12.blogspot.com
Sleep is key, vent away! I’ll log some extra zzzz’s for you :)
Speaking of that, my summer break as a teacher starts soon, as your husbands already has. Can you tell me, did I read correctly on the graduation post that the class has only 2 kids??! Wowza!!! California right?
Katie
Ha! Thanks! ;) Please do log those zzzz’s for me! And yes, you read that correctly- there were only two 8th graders this year! Due to the economy, that class just had dwindled down the past few years, so it just happened that there were only two kids left! Crazy, right? The next classes are a bit bigger and hopefully will stay that way! It’s a small private school as it is though- only about 100 kids total! And yep, California :)
xo
Katie @ Loverly She
Everybody’s right, it does get better :) Every baby is different and there are so many opinions/methods to do with sleep training, but I think there does eventually come a threshold when you begin to feel like you can allow him to settle himself and rely on other soothing mechanisms. but only you can know and decide when that point is :) Pray your way through it and you’ll find your own way with it. Love the pictures and updates, he’s such a sweetie :)
Katie
Aww thanks Katie :) Great advice!!! I have been praying a LOT!
xo
Sue
Right there with you on the baby that wants to be held while he sleeps. More often than not, mine will not sleep once I put him down. Like everyone else says.. Babies don’t stay little for long and some day we’ll wish they’d let us hold them :-)
Katie
Yes, you’re so right! I remind myself of that every time I get a bit restless while holding him. :) He will be grown before I know it, so I am cherishing every moment!
xo
Amy
Oh I had sciatica (on my right side aswell) throughout my pregnancy and afterwards. It hurts so much. Once it calmed down a bit I found yoga helped. I hope it settles down quickly for you, as if our bodies don’t go through enough right?! As for the sleep, boy Megan never slept in her crib. Not once, would scream the place down and it was either her pram or my arms. Complain away, although we appreciate our little bundles sleep deprivation is the worst! xx
Katie
SERIOUSLY, as if our bodies don’t go through enough! Amen! Ugh. Good to hear yours cleared up and I’m hoping mine does soon, too!
xo
Britt
Oh gosh Sam is beyond cute!! I don’t have kids but I know my Cousin uses a sound machine with a heart beat to help her daughter sleep in her crib because it simulates the sound they heard for the 1st 9 months of their life. Just a thought since that might be a reason he prefers your arms to a crib.
Also, I’m so excited I won the magazine subscription!! Thank you! Such a fabulous prize and I truly love the link – up.
Katie
YES, I have just recently started using white noise, and oh man. It really does work! When combined with other things, it’s like magic!!! :) So glad I finally figured it out! Congrats on winning- check your email girl! ;)
xo
Lex
i know a puppy is NOTHING like a new baby… but man, we don’t get much sleep over here either. i understand the craving!
Katie
Haha welllll they’re kind of similar! ;) They’re definitely both super cute!
xo
Kendel
Oh, sciatica is the worsttttttt thing ever. I get it allllll the time…for no apparent reason. Mine comes and goes on its own though. Yoga, stretching and light exercise are probably good things…even though that might be the last thing you want to do. Give Sam a little cuddle for me!
Katie
Aww you’re the sweetest!!! :) And yes, sciatica is literally the worst. Ugh. It needs to leave like yesterday. Yoga it is! ;)
xo
Jessica N
Love, love, love your positivity. I’ve had sciatic problems on and off recently (due to pregnancy). I’ve actually found its better when I get better sleep or am less stressed. I know that’s not much help to you now. Sleep is definitely one thing that I’m going to miss when little guy is here. Have you tried having Sam sleep in a wrap or sling?
Katie
Haha oh sleep. Some day I will have it back ;) And yes I love wearing him in a wrap!! It’s the best :) And he loves it too, which is good. It definitely helps with getting things done!
xo
Jamie
I’m going to be honest with you, I think sometimes complaining just a little bit is good for you. If you can’t actually do anything to change it, sometimes you at least need to vent it out! So complain a little, it’s ok! But that said, I do hope he lets you get just a little extra sleep in the near future ;)
Katie
You are absolutely right, Jamie!! I just meant complaining ALL OF THE TIME is no good and draining!! But you’re so right. You cannot healthily just keep everything in. NO way. ;) And OMG right after this post he had one of the best sleep nights of his life!! YAY! I think he must have read it or something ;)
xo
Katie
the donut eyes photo is hilarious! love that samuel! hope you get some good sleep soon.
Katie
Right?! I was way too amused about the donut eyes haha ;)
xo