Adjustments

Now that we have a new little one in our lives, there have been quite a few adjustments that we've had to make. Some good, some bad, and some that don't really matter much. As I was between bottles and sippy cups, I sat thinking about all the adjustments going on and I decided to make a list. This post may be long, but I want to document this so that some day when life is even more crazy (heaven forbid) I can read this and laugh at how easy I have it.

1. My waistline

First I go from finally getting my waistline back from my first pregnancy, to losing it to a second pregnancy. Now I'm not pregnant anymore and I get to start the adjustment all over again. From normal to fat jeans to maternity jeans back to fat jeans and then hopefully, after I work my butt off, down to my normal jeans. I can just hear my husband saying,  "I thought your fat jeans were your normal jeans." 

2. Formula

Well this little Ammon guy has certainly given his mother a few heart attacks. I have learned that his choking-until-he's-blue-and-we-have-to-suck-mucus-out-of-his-throat-so-he-can-breath events, barfing episodes, constant wheezing and coughing, gassy stomach problems, acid reflux, and not-pooping-for-over-two-days-and-when-he-does-what's-in-his-diaper-is-seriously-wrong issues are all symptoms of an allergy. His doctor has determined that he is allergic to ... well we are still trying to figure that one out. Currently we are about to embark on a trial period of his fourth formula, not including the first six days he was breastfed. That's right, fourth. Not to mention that he is only four weeks old today. It's hard for a newborn to adjust to different formulas, and when it's hard for the newborn, let me tell you it's hard for the mommy. Tummy aches and sleepless nights are what you get with formula adjustments. We'll see if he's really allergic to corn, otherwise fifth formula here we come!

3. Doctor Visits

Growing up, we only went to the doctor if something was seriously wrong, which means I never went. I mean never. My first doctor's appointment I actually remember was the one I had right before I got married. Well if you don't like the doctor, don't ever get pregnant. From monthly to weekly doctor visits, to a two-night hospital stay, and now a bajillion follow-up visits, I've gotten used to doctors. However, with both Lydia and I, everything has been normal and after the routine follow-ups we've gone on our merry way. With Ammon, not so much. In the last few weeks, I feel as though I never leave the pediatrician's office. I should just pitch a tent and live there because I'm either going in or on the phone with them. This is a huge adjustment because usually I feel that doctors are generally full of a little help and a lot of crap, so constantly checking in with the doctor is weird and, yes, a little bruising to my independence. 

4. Hormones

I could go on and on with this one but I'll just make it clear with this one line. Goodbye clear face, hello hair falling out.

5. My new job

I'm used to putting my hard-earned education to use as a lowly part-time teller. Lame, I know. Still, despite not liking my job, I'm good at what I do. I get to talk with other mature adults and participate in a little stimulating conversation. Now the most conversation I get is my toddler telling me no, repeating back to me what I just said, or some good old crying. From dealing with complex numbers and annoying customers, I now get to expand my brain with ABC's, 123's, and newborn staring contests. If I am tired of work, I used to feel relieved that I got to leave after my five hours were up. Now I never get to leave. My job is never over. Ever. Now that is an adjustment.

6. Definition of Accomplishment

I used to feel like I accomplished something when I did well at work, came home took care of Lydia, got a few things cleaned, took care of a couple bills, maybe did some grocery shopping, cooked dinner, exercised, and got some TV time in in the evening. Well now... at the end of the day if both kids are in clean diapers, fed, and happy, and the bottles are clean, SUCCESS! Sure only half my house is a clean and the meals might be haphazardly thrown together around bottle schedules and I didn't put on makeup or brush my hair all day, but I did good.

At least that's what I tell myself.

It can be depressing to feel like you've run a marathon and yet at the same time feel as though you got nothing done. I've had to start reminding myself that teaching Lydia a new shape is an accomplishment, doing the dishes is an accomplishment, spending time talking to Ammon is an accomplishment. Shaping my children to be happy and successful themselves today is the greatest accomplishment of all. It's just an adjustment keeping that frame of mind and remembering that day in and out.

7. Quality Time

Whether it's quality time for myself or with my husband, it went from some to none. However, the quality time I get to spend with my children has expanded exponentially. 

8. Sharing

I'm not very good at sharing. Neither is Lydia. I now have to share my sleep time with my son and Lydia has to share her play time with her baby brother. I'm learning how to divide my time so each child gets the attention he/she needs.

9. The Scenery

It's an adjustment to never leave my house except for church, dr's appointments, or grocery shopping. I watch the weather every day and I have no idea why. I seriously go four days without stepping foot outside. Yikes. I LOVE being outside. Luckily it's winter so I haven't gotten TOO stir crazy. Just a little. However, the thought of venturing out by myself with two children terrifies me. My sister-in-law Ashley had me thinking about what it would be like grocery shopping with two instead of one. Where will we all fit with the groceries and the grocery cart?! That adjustment I'm sure will require a post of its own. For now I'll wait until Daddy gets home :)

10. More

Now I have double the kids, double the diapers, double the crying, double the crap to carry around. And best of all, double the love. I think the best adjustment of all is having a sweet little boy to love. I was so worried about loving one child more than the other or not loving my son enough. However, when he was born the love came so naturally. I now have double the fingers and toes to count, double the sweet heads to kiss, and double the opportunities for memories and growth. I am now adjusting to having so much more love for both my children. It's wonderful.