I didn’t get so down this time around when baby girl went back to school for the start of a new term.
Every time Hubbie has had holidays, or baby girl has had school holidays, it’s been hard for me to accept them suddenly not being there with me – home to help with baby boy.
But every time it’s gotten easier, and maybe that’s because he is growing up and getting easier, ever so slowly. I realised that again last night – sure, I knew it was me and him during the day, but I wasn’t getting so caught up in worries as I had other times.
Even while out for the morning pram walk, I realised my attitude had slightly changed for other things. Last term I was able to put baby boy down for his main afternoon nap, then 30 minutes or so later slowly transfer him to the car for school pick up, where he kept sleeping!
But now a few weeks have passed, and being officially 14 months old, his awake times have increased. I had to adjust my timings today, and during the pram walk realised I would have to pop him in the car, drive around, and then park for school pick up… there was no transfer, no time anymore.
And the added challenge… we were in another car. My sister’s.
Would he fall asleep easily? Would he be distracted and refuse his main nap?
Instead of stressing on end about all of this, I easily was able to reframe, and found myself, actually comforting myself.
‘You are in a new car, only for this week.’
‘If he doesn’t sleep, oh well, he will sleep later.’
‘Afternoon naps are tricky now, but this will all change again in weeks/months. This is temporary.’
I gotta say, I felt awfully grown up with all of my words of wisdom. But it’s true. Every stage of parenthood is so fleeting, and what is the norm today will be just a memory tomorrow.
And without even knowing what the day would bring, I felt a great sense of calm. Look at me all grown up and all. 😁🤣
(Spoiler alert – he did fall asleep in the car, and he had a great nap too. 🙏💙)
carcrashgratitude 