The other day I had a small “aha” moment and it was super encouraging since I’m still in the newborn & toddler craze. Zack was home these last two weeks during the holidays and we enjoyed all our time together as a family (obviously :)). But we also enjoyed a bit of solo time, too. Usually during naptime one of us leaves for a couple hours. It’s always refreshing to step away from something so constant as parenthood and remember that YES, I do exist as a solo person. (Something I need to remind myself often since having a second baby.) I admit, it was hard to audibly say, “Go on babe! We’ll see you in a few hours,” but I knew I needed to push Zack out the door. And I’m so glad I did.
The door clicked shut, I nursed Natalie, and then I put her in a wrap. I wore her for nearly 3 hours as she snored and slept. Maxwell was asleep in the nursery, and I accomplished so much for me. It was almost like it was *I* who had stepped out during naptime, it was that refreshing. While the babies slept I rolled clay into beads and wrote in my journal. The apartment was quiet and full of encouraging energy.
Working with clay is something I’ve been wanting to do for weeks now, but (seemingly) every time I got up to do so my hands were quickly pulled elsewhere. After such a successful baby-wearing experience during naptime, I’d say it was well worth the 9 week wait :)
After Natalie was born, my mom stayed with us for two weeks, and while she was here she encouraged me in my journey as a mama of two. Towards the end of her time with us — as she was watching me get my bearings — she began to encourage me to wear Natalie. And so I did, a few times, but never while doing something for myself.
I’m pretty sure baby wearing is the fastest way to remind myself that yes, I AM a creative person and yes, I DO love the weight of a sleeping baby on my chest, but perhaps most importantly it has reminded me that, yes, I AM still myself. Something I haven’t always felt as of recent, but my goodness this is such a lovely feeling.
I had been putting too much worry in wanting to spend time creating, but without any actual effort. Well, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and you guessed it — it’s a pretty, sparkly light.
You’re so right, there is still a little part of us that exists outside of the littles! Good for you on spending a little time for you! I have an 8 month old now and babywearing has been so wonderful for everyone in our family! Daddy wears her, too! I love your wrap, a great, ergonomical one for little squishies :) I hear there is even a new ergonomically correct bjorn carrier out now too! Wear all the babies!! And yay for some you time while wearing! Precious! :)
I think we have that one — it’s the Bjorn “we”? :) It’s fantastic!
Hey Maggie,
I’ve been reading your blog for what feels like FOREVER. I’m so glad you have continued blogging. Your words are always honest and dreamy, making even the hardest moments seem like magic.
Glad you like babywearing. It seems like a pretty comfortable way to keep your babies close while accomplishing things around the house or creative endeavors.
Thank you Leslie :) ♥
I have found out that babywearing is magical and a definite must for baby #2 (especially when your firstborn is a toddler)!
Yesssssssssssss. Yes and Amen!
My son was a toddler when my daughter was born. I wore her so much that at times I forgot she was even there. One day I got on my scale to check my post-baby weight loss progress and was shocked to find I had gained 10 lbs. It took me a few minutes to realize that the weight I had gained was actually my daughter!
YES! I love babywearing! I couldn’t be *ME* without it! I even do ballet with a baby on my chest. Who knew?! Glad you got to do stuff for you!
WHAT? You are amazing! I bet it’s a beautiful scene :)
I miss baby wearing so much. I loved taking my little girl out for walks with her snuggling against my chest. Sometimes it really can be a life saver. I had to use it to cook dinner several times lol.
Sometimes it’s hard having a baby on me all the time, or even a toddler who constantly wants to be held, but I know these are precious, fleeting years. It’s a joy to have them want me this way. Not to mention the way their hair smells and their rhythmic breathing is so soothing. Loved your comment :)
awe!!! SOOO happy you’re finding a way to stoke the creative spark and get comfy as a mama of two :) It really does get easier, and baby wearing (for me, at least) is a huge part of it when they’re so little. :)
Our 3rd was our baby who had the hardest time sleeping for stretches, and one of my favorite memories involving baby wearing is of my husband standing in our living room, wearing her when she was about 2 months old while she slept in a Moby on his chest while he gamed (to keep her sleeping while the older 2 napped so I could have a few moments to take a shower – such a great daddy!).
We’re now expecting our 4th, and I got a Boba carrier as a special treat to myself – I know it’ll be a life saver! <3
Ya know, I have a very similar photo of the story you described about your husband. I’ve found as my oldest communicates better with us and I personally feel better physically/mentally, nothing about mothering two babies is impossible. Loved your comment, thank you for sharing with us Elizabeth :)