Being a parent is a little different, isn't it?

[krikwennavd]

So we've got Matthew home with us at last. Christi and I are finding out what it takes to be parents at last, and we're exhausted. We didn't get the first 15 months to get used to watching a kid with one eye and listening with one ear while we work on the rest of our lives. It's going to take some time before we relax that much. Sigh. And I

Comments

it changes everything ...

[fairydust1]

I wondered to myself just last night why Jay and I were sitting in the recliners completely vegged out in front of a TV show that (now) I don't remember. During a non-parent day you get down time. You have time when you aren't performing for the boss or the spouse or the friends, and you can just be you. With kids, you are on whenever they're on - and that's ALL day! There is no such thing as down time, until they've gone to bed for the night and by that point, you're hoping to have something left over for the spouse (or for yourself).

I can certainly appreciate the exhaustion you are both feeling - but on a good note, it means you're doing it right. Kids need that kind of dedication from their parents so they turn out right. It gets easier with time, and you'll all learn each other's patterns and rhythms and start to blend more and more. I congratulate you both on the passion you're putting into your efforts - it's not easy to become "instant" parents.

*BIG SQUEEZY HUGS*

Re: it changes everything ...

[onefishclappin]

Thanks! I'm exhausted, but it's getting better.
I know that he's good for about 30 minutes in his high chair with food and drink while we eat. We help him along still, but can actually carry on a conversation of our own as well. It's nice to have the time to talk as well as be parents. And he's pretty happy about it too!
I still can't quite get over making him so mad - he's very short tempered and gets frustrated easily. And I hate making him mad, but I know he needs to learn patience, so jumping up for instant gradification isn't always the best idea. If he wants apple juice and I give him water and he makes that face and throws the cup down, then I have to be hard hearted and let him deal instead of just giving in and giving him juice to make him happy (ie. quiet).