Teething Baby, And My Expectations
Hello all,
Im currently laying in the crib with my baby boy (yeah you read that right) because I’m hoping he’ll go back to sleep for a while. Half the time he sleeps in my bed, and the other half in his crib, and normally he sleeps well, and I can lay him down after nursing, or snuggling, and I’m good to go. But for whatever reason – I’m thinking top tooth #2 – he hasn’t slept much yesterday, or last night. And that causes a chain reaction because it bumps us off of our routine. Not that we have much of one, but it is what we have, and not a bad starting place.
You see my son has been the most content, and independent of my three children. He doesn’t even nurse as often as his sisters did… which you’d never guess by looking at him, cuz this guy is thick. But when he is teething, his sleep gets messed up, and he gets fussy, and needy, and stays that way until he gets that sleep he needs. And while none of that in its self is a problem. After all he IS a baby. And his needs, both physical, and emotional are very important. So when does this become a problem?
When it clashes with my expectations. That my friends, can be a rather ugly train reck. And to add insult to injury, they are not even extravagant, or extreme expectations. Having a couple hours of coffee, and reading devotionals, and cleaning or crafting before my kids wake up, is not extravagant. Or wanting to finish the laundry today, and finish packing my girls clothes for next weeks trip, is not extreme. Not on their own anyways. But today I’ll be doing good to use the bathroom in peace.
So I will be doing my self a large favor, to remember that three very important little people need my consideration. And adjust my expectations to the reality of my world. Therefore eliminating some of the opportunities for frustration to come in, and make me a grumpy mom. Because don’t want to be grumpy. I want to enjoy being a mom.
I’ve still had my coffee. And I’ve read a few Bible verses. And I’ll still be working on the clothes. But probably not with the speed, or any bit of quiet, that I had hoped. With all that considered, if I am mentally prepared to be ping-pong mom, well I think my day will be a fair bit better. Because in a bit shell, unmet expectations can lead to frustration.
Let me close this by saying I think big dreams, expectations (tired of that word yet?) and long term goals are awesome! Dream big! Get passionate! But when you look at your day to day life, and you see that your children need 85% of your energy today, don’t go thinking you can only give them 40% and get where you want. And remember, that while little ones can be very demanding. They will only need you this much, for a short while. If I only am able to pick up stuff I don’t want the baby to get, and I can only cook grilled cheese for dinner. But I got to love on my children. I want to be able to count that as a wonderfully successful day.
So be encouraged dear friend. And give your self some very reachable goals today!