No one can prepare you for life after a baby! It’s true. Mostly because all babies are different. One person might have a baby that sleeps like an angel through the night while another is up every 3-4 hours even 5 months in. (Ahem yes I am the latter) Some babies want to be held constantly and others are okay playing by themselves so you can attempt to do things around the house. (Luckily I’m the latter here too) The point is any preconceptions I had about life after a baby have gone out the window!
In the 5 months since Will was born I’ve given up my cute little downtown office because the reality of dragging a baby there everyday was daunting. I’ve gone from being a person that is mean if you wake her up in the middle of the night to not having a solid nights sleep in 5 months. Although recently I was told I’m pretty pleasant considering my lack of sleep! I’ve learned that schedules are amazing and are the only way I can get anything done. For instance Will is down for his second nap of the day and I get to blog….FINALLY!!!! It only took me 4 months to get him on a schedule and things definitely took a turn for the better after that.
When it comes to my business I’ve learned that you definitely want to have a baby during the off season! Or at least take the next 3 months off because you will wake up one day and go holy cow where did the time go. I’m going to be 100% honest here it has been a huge struggle running my business with a new baby. I have always prided myself on being on top of things and that has not been the case since Will was born. I thank God for the amazingly patient clients I have, I have goofed on emails and forgotten whole conversations and luckily they completely understand and chalk it up to new baby craziness. I have emails from new photographers in the area wanting advice or to meet and I just don’t have the time to even return their emails. It makes me feel terrible but priority 1 is my family followed by my business and clients, everything else has to get in line and take a number.
The good news is that 5 months later and I’m starting to feel normal again or at least I’m starting to understand this new normal. I’m catching back up on work and looking forward to a new wedding season! I’m working on a new work schedule too thanks to my mom who is happy to watch her new grandbaby a couple days a week for me! So yes I’ve had a huge reality check as to what life looks like after baby but I’m starting to get with the program finally :).
Here is a photo from today right before naptime (lol) of me and my little guy Will!
I definitely understand that, I have even been struggling with whether or not to quit the business. I’m sure you know there are good days and bad, and after having a baby your emotions are ridiculous. And I hear you on the sleep, my daughter is 14 months old and since her molars have been coming in (for over 2 months) she doesn’t sleep all night either. But I have to saw that you have been doing great! Keep up the good work!
Hang in there! It really does get better – as you can see! It took me a good 5/6 months before I finally got the hang of it and now we’re over a year into it and we are totally good to go. Next time I’ll plan a little more accordingly and make sure I have 4-5 mo’s to get the babe on a schedule. 🙂 It’s nice to hear I wasn’t the only one who struggled!