Waiting for my turn to give birth. |
When they finally came, Mark was able to take 6 weeks off work, which was so phenomenal for me. The first 3 weeks were spent with lots visitors, re-heated meals from friends, and trying to catch some sleep in between all the feedings.
Everyone had told me how important it is to get your baby on a schedule, and I knew if I was going to have any life at all, I needed to be pretty regimental. We were incredibly diligent with nap, feed, and wake times, and the hard work payed off - by 8 weeks they were sleeping consistently through the night.
Soon enough, I was back in the garage, working on furniture. During the early weeks, I would put them in a bassinet together for a nap while I worked away the garage. Eventually they got too big for it, and they went inside and we put the baby monitors on. I had to force myself to be more relaxed about having a messy house and start planning for cleaning days, laundry days, and painting days. My pump became my best friend (yes, I breastfeed), so when people came over to help, they could take a feeding while I worked on other things.
When Mark went back to work, things got busier, but still manageable. We have a pretty solid routine down, with morning, afternoon and evening naps, bedtime at 8, morning time at 9 (okay I know, I have angel babies) and 5 feedings per baby per day. When they are awake I don't attempt to do anything - but as soon as they are put down for a nap, I turn in to a whirlwind of accomplishment. In the mornings I clean up, do the dishes, prepare whatever might be for dinner, take a shower, and usually by the time that's all done, they wake up. During the afternoon nap is usually the time I pick up my paintbrush. Mark brings one piece into the house at a time, so I can work right in the house. I photograph it, and he brings it to the garage and brings in another. I try to do 1 or 2 pieces every week.
Your two little girls are so cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I love those little girls. You are a great mom Jenn!
ReplyDeletebrought tears to my eyes:)
ReplyDelete