The simple things

Becoming a parent has taught me the lesson of appreciating the simple things.  

Before we got pregnant, we had the freedom of doing whatever we wanted at the drop of a hat.  Time was on our side.  We both worked, but on the evenings and weekends we lived life for ourselves.  Now any choice we make is decided on with thoughts of our baby in mind.  My days are spent holding the baby, nursing the baby, watching the baby, changing the baby, and playing with the baby.  The only I time I get for myself is when Silas sleeps, and let me tell you, those naps are getting shorter and shorter... (and what I usually do during naps is make myself some lunch, laundry, cleaning, etc).  After Silas goes to bed, I am pretty tired myself and usually end up on the couch, going to bed only a few hours after him. 

When Jordan gets home from work during the week, it is a huge relief to know I will not be the sole care taker for the remainder of the day.  Although I don't have a job I go to everyday, I look forward to weekends probably just as much as he does because I know I will have extra help during the day (and maybe, just maybe I can sleep in a little longer).  Watching a small child is hard work and can be exhausting.  Of course I knew all this before having Silas (and that's why we waited as long as we did), but you never really know until you go through it yourself just how demanding it is.  

One of the things I have come to enjoy the most (in the little amount of "me" time that I have) is a nice, long, hot shower in the evenings when Jordan is home with Silas before his bedtime.  I never thought the act ofbathing myself would be something I would look forward to so much.  And this past weekend, I actually took a bath, A BUBBLE BATH --- something I have not done since I was pregnant!!  And there were candles, and Jordan brought me a glass a wine... and then the hot water ran out.  BUT, that bath made me think just how important and lovely that "me" time really is.  With the cold weather, the long days, and the cabin fever, something as simple as a bath could make my whole week.  

And I am okay with that.