Friday, October 1, 2010

Life...with baby. :-)

Life with a baby can be quite challenging. However, it can also be rewarding. At times I am overwhelmed by the amount of things I have to do, and it makes me wonder how my Mom managed with 8 children...of course, by the time she had that many, I was able to help with a lot of the responsibility.

There is a never ending pile of laundry to wash--especially since I use cloth diapers. With feedings around the clock, other tasks tend to pile up, waiting to be worked in to the baby's schedule. Often as I sit and nurse, I look around and see the dust bunnies in the corners, the sink filled with dishes, the floor that needs mopping, and I wonder how I'm to get it all done. But then I look at my sweet Danielle's face, and remember that as long as I care for her and make sure her needs are met, that my day is not wholly wasted.

Danielle is growing quickly, and it seems every day she accomplishes something new. Last week, she started reaching for and grabbing the toys that hang over her play mat. We were both very happy at this feat. :-) Yesterday, she came soooo close to rolling over on her own, but unfortunately, her elbow got in the way due to her sucking on her fist.

She now is aware of things going on around her, and definitely recognizes her Mommy and Daddy. Yesterday, she greeted her Daddy when he came home from work with a big smile, and a laugh or two. She smiles when I talk to her, and coos and kicks happily when I look at her. She definitely loves her parents--and we love her. I do find it funny that when I'm around, she wants me to hold her. Yet when Daddy is around, she is content to lie in front of him and have him talk to her.

I am constantly grateful for the wonderful little swing that my grandmother gave me. Danielle enjoys her swing so much, and will remain happy in it almost indefinitely (until time to be fed or have her diaper changed). The last few nights this week, I began bringing her swing into the kitchen with me when cooking dinner, so that she'll be able to see and talk to me while I'm working. This arrangement has worked out nicely, as she stays happy the whole time I'm cooking, and I can actually get work done without having to stop and cheer her up.

This week, I started a fast pace exercise program called "Walk at Home." It is a DVD with an instructor on it who teaches you how to walk in place, combined with aerobic exercises that you can do while you're walking. With these different combinations, I can exercise the equivalent of jogging a mile in about 14 minutes. You see, I am quite determined to get back into shape and be able to wear my pre-pregnancy clothes again as soon as possible. So, while Baby takes her morning nap, I stand in the living room sweating away (it really is quite the workout!) and burning calories. :-) Hopefully I'll start seeing results soon--results other than sore muscles, that is. :-P

So, between baby care, and trying to clean the house and cook meals in between, I stay very busy. Some days it doesn't all get done. I'm just grateful for a healthy baby and a loving husband who never walks in the door and gets upset with me because there are dishes in the sink, or the laundry didn't get washed, or I didn't manage to make it to the grocery store that day for something he needed. I married a most understanding man. :-) And, for his sake, I do try to always work one thing into my schedule...I always make sure to fix myself up every morning, so that he doesn't have to come home to a sloppy looking wife. I think men can sometimes forgive the mess if they have a well kept, clean looking wife. So, faithfully each morning, I fix my hair and throw that makeup on, and dress neatly so that he won't ever have cause to be ashamed of my appearance. And so far, it seems to be working. ;-)

Life is busy indeed, but the little bundle of joy God added to our family (who is the cause of this busyness) is definitely worth it. I wouldn't trade her for a spotless house or all the money in the world. I love my little blessing, and thank God daily that He bestowed her upon us. I love seeing her smile at me, feel her hand stroke my cheek, getting "baby kisses" (which is basically her placing her open mouth on my cheek), having her clutch on to my shirt, seeing her Daddy totally enamored with her, and knowing that my task of sustaining her life--which began while in the womb--is not yet completed, and that for now, I am her sole source of nourishment. :-)

I have a Supreme God, a loving husband, a beautiful, happy baby, a cozy home. I'm fulfilled as a woman. :-)

"The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed" (Titus 2:3-5).

Blessings,
Melody

3 comments:

Nicole Mureiko said...

Hi Melody,
This is Nicole (Lawrence) Mureiko. You have a beautiful baby! How precious! As soon as I saw the picture on your post, I said, "That is a Rohland baby if I ever saw one!!" :) Congratulations!

Our little boy was born April 29th and we have had sooo much fun with him! Isn't it so great how the Lord uses our children not only to bring great joy and fulfillment, but also to conform us to the image of Christ and ultimately to glorify the Lord Jesus.

May the Lord give you and I wisdom as we both are embarking on this new and exciting journey of motherhood. May the Lord fill your and Donald's quiver. I will keep both of you in my prayers, and please do keep John and I in yours as we all seek the Lord in raising our children.

Many Blessings to You and Much Love,
Nicole Mureiko

Nicole Mureiko said...

Oh! I forgot! I wanted to say one more thing! I totally understand about the dust bunnies, dirty dishes, cloth diapers, mountains and mountains of laundry (really, how does it add up soooo fast?!), and dinner still needing to be cooked. But praise the Lord for understanding husbands! I, too, have found that keeping my appearance pleasing to my husband is worth more to him than a spotless house. Even if the dishes have to wait another half-hour, I at least try to "put my face on" before the man of the house gets home! :D Thank you for this post, as it was very encouraging and very REAL, if ya know what I mean! ;)

Ok, I've written a long enough novel for you to wade through!

Love,
Nicole

MelodyJoy said...

Hi Nicole! It's great to hear from you. I'm so happy to hear that you and your little one are doing well. I just love babies, and have enjoyed mine so much, and know that you must be enjoying yours too. Perhaps one of these days I'll get to meet your little one. :-)
I'm glad that you found my post to be real and encouraging. It seems that a lot of new mommies go through these same issues, and it can be discouraging at times--so yes, it is good to know that there are other mothers out there facing the same things. :-)
And it's funny that you should mention a quiver...my husband and I were talking the other day about how many children we wanted, and my husband said at least 5. I laughed and reminded him that the Bible says that "blessed is the man that hath his quiver full" of children...and a quiver holds 5 arrows! So yes, we would at least like a quiver full...if not more. :-P
I shall definitely keep you in my prayers, and I hope all is well with you and yours.
Blessings,
Melody