The Little Things in Life

The last week or so has been interesting, to say the least. Last week, Isaac was in a growth spurt, so he ate more than usual. I knew it was coming, because I'd read about it in books and the pediatrician warned me. I dealt with it much better than I did the last one, since I knew what to expect. Even still, I was completely exhausted! Last Monday and Thursday, I felt like all I did was feed the baby. Those were the two days he ate the most. The other days? Honestly, they're all a blur now. Thankfully, I've been able to get more rest in the last few days.

I've been able to get out of the house more lately, which has been nice. Yesterday, I took Isaac to my workplace so I could drop off my contract for next year. I visited everyone who wasn't teaching at that time, as well as some of my students. I was hoping I could get there close to the class change so I could see both of my eighth grade classes, but I quickly realized that I just needed to go whenever I had the opportunity. Isaac was tired, but he most definitely did not want to sleep, so I left as soon as he finally did take a nap.

We also made it back to church last week. Last Sunday, I was really proud of the fact that we arrived a little early for Sunday school. Wes had to be at the church much earlier than I did, so we rode separately, and I was a little nervous about having to get the baby ready by myself. I put Isaac in a sling and took him to Sunday school with me since he was sleeping. He didn't stay asleep for long though. Even though I fed him before I left, he was hungry an hour later. I anticipated that, though, and brought some milk that I'd pumped. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough, so I ended up leaving Sunday school so I could nurse him. By the time he finished and I talked to a few people, Sunday school was over. I went to the nursery to change him, thinking that he'd settle down after that. It didn't happen though. I was really looking forward to having him in the morning worship service with me, but I ended up having to leave him in the nursery. Mrs. Rosie was all too happy to watch him though. She said he stopped crying after everyone left the nursery, so maybe all the people and noise was a little too much for him that day.

This past Sunday, I decided to leave him in the nursery during Sunday school. I didn't think he would need to eat until after church, but I figured I'd leave him in there just in case. After Sunday school, he was just as calm as he could be, so I decided to take him into the church with me. He stayed up for the first part of the service. After "meet and greet," though, he went to sleep and stayed asleep for the rest of the time. Everyone was really excited to see him and told me they're glad I'm back. I was glad to be there. It's hard to put into words, but I just felt better when I got home.

It's amazing how much you take for granted...that is, until you have a baby. Since Isaac has been born, these are some of the things I've really come to appreciate:

Hot Showers. I never take my shower until after Wes gets home so that it won't be interrupted. That is probably the best 20 minutes of my day now!

Exercise. I started going to Body Flow again last week, and it felt GREAT.

Coffee. Every morning, without fail, no matter what time it is, Isaac always fusses when I'm trying to drink my coffee. After my Body Flow class tonight, I stopped by the Daily Grind to get a cup of coffee (decaffeinated, of course). It was so nice to be able to drink it without interruption.

Reading. While I was at the Daily Grind enjoying my coffee, I also read the newspaper for 15 minutes. I love to read, so it wouldn't have mattered what I read. But it was nice to be able to catch up with what's going on in the world lately.

Conversation. I've always appreciated my time with Wes, but now I cherish anytime we get to have a conversation without being interrupted. It's also been nice to get out of the house more and talk to friends in the process. The interaction makes a world of difference in my day!

Sleep. Isaac slept so much in the beginning that I was starting to take his naps for granted. Now, whenever he sleeps during the day, I can't wait to take a nap myself.

Speaking of which, it is definitely time for me to get some rest now. Pictures coming later on this week.