I should have been a pro. After all, I had been taking care of other people’s babies for over 7 years. Diaper changing…check. Breastfeeding…I’m an expert. I knew everything there was to know about the how-to of taking care of an infant. Only this time, I couldn’t leave him with his mommy while I caught up on my beauty sleep.
Everyone told me how difficult mommyhood would be. I would nod my head in sympathetic agreement secretly believing I had a one-up on every one of them. Mommy and Me, MOPS, Gymboree…I was going to join them all.
And then the stark reality of sleepless nights, engorged breasts, and a colicky baby hit me. If I managed to get 3 meals and a shower in, the day was a success. Forget about going out. By the time I got myself and my little munchkin ready, it was time for him to eat again…or take a nap. I spent what little free time I had getting ready to go nowhere. Taking him out in the stroller with the dog was my one outing for weeks…even months.
One day I had enough. I was tired of being confined to the four walls of our apartment. I was tired of being afraid I’d have to nurse my son in public. I was tired of worrying my son would cry at the grocery store. I was tired of being limited by my worries and fears. So I did it. I went out. With my son. The two of us. First it was just to the grocery store and back. I couldn’t handle much more than that. Then I started getting adventurous. One of the best times we’ve had together is at the zoo. My little boy loves riding around in the stroller looking at all the animals.
My BF was (and still is) the impetus that freed me from the confines of my apartment. Having 3 girls under the age of 3 taught her a thing or two about multi-tasking. Her wisdom has been motivational. Having the courage to go out with my son has been liberating. We’ve enjoyed lunch-dates with friends, shopping trips at the mall, family time at church and so much more. Our first big trip was a recent excursion to the south where my husband’s family met our little boy for the first time.
As my son gets older, I find that it is easier to go out. I just have to be more creative about where we go and what we do. There is a wonderful new book entitled The Rookie Mom’s Handbook filled with 250 activities new moms (particularly first-time moms) can endeavor with baby in tow. Check out their blog filled with fun, inspirational activities to keep you social and sane.
Don’t forget to visit the other mothers’ who are blogging about their first-year outings and adventures here.
- Discover Luxury at Sonesta Irvine: Your Ideal Staycation - August 8, 2024
- CHOC Walk Returns to the Disneyland Resort – Special Events and Ways to Support - June 28, 2023
- Beastly Ball Returns to the Los Angeles Zoo - May 8, 2023
It is hard in those early months, isn’t it? But it gets better and easier with each new stage…or maybe I’m just getting more comfortable/confident as a mother…