Ok so either the long term sleep deprivation has finally got to me or I've finally recovered my mojo, because as the dust settles on my first year with my wonderful DS I have realised a few things. We had a "good baby" staying with us this week. STTN, placid, calm (although only 12 weeks old so may change but probably not). I've got one word BORING!! Her parents got to eat meals uninterrupted, sleep uninterrupted, talk uninterrupted, shower uninterrupted, drive across state uninterrupted. And because she didn't interrupt them, their babe just kinda got swept up along with them and hardly noticed. Even by them. I'd thought before they arrived that I'd be jealous of this family as I have been know to get playgroup envy when I meet mellow kids. But honestly, I'm so glad DS chose us. This kid has spirit and he's ready to take on the world even if it may not be ready for him! So I've created my High Needs top 10 for those mum's still in the Dark Night of the Soul. And to remind myself on those days when I wish for a calmer life....
1. High Needs Babes teach us non attachment. Attached to sleep? Gone. Attached to showering daily or alone? Gone. Attached to me time? Us time? free time? A clean House? Gone. Gone gone gone. Its all about letting go!
2. High Needs Babies let us practice selflessly serving another being. Technically there is no self anymore. Just a set of boobs, some arms a lap and some legs (don't stop rocking, walking or bouncing whatever you do!!)
3.High Needs Babies nurture our problem solving skills and our creativity. How exactly will we get the washing up done with one hand? How will we solve nap time today? How can DH and I sneak a moment alone this month? What will today bring and how can we make this work? What the hell is wrong and how do I fix it? Quickly?
4. High Needs Babes force us learn about parenting. Before I had DS I used to joke that parents should have to take a course before they had kids. I bet you've had to do a self guided parenting 101 to figure your bub out!
5. High Needs Babies force us to be present in the moment. Caught up in getting from A to B? Rushing to get through the supermarket? Think again. Stop. Attend to baby. Stressed? Oh no he senses it..he's gonna blow..breathe, relax, focus on babe at hand...phew crisis averted!
6. High Needs Babies give us extra hours in the day. DH and I figured out that the reason this year feels like it has been so long is that we've been awake nearly the whole time so its more like 2yrs. So DS has effectively given us an extra year. (And grey hair and wrinkles but these just make us look wise beyond our years)
7. High Needs Babies teach us tenacity. We never ever give up even when we've given up. Cause we have no choice. When we get over giving up the baby is still there Needing us. Highly.
8. High Needs Babes teach us about sharing. Our time, our space, our bodies. Our mealtimes. Our showers. Our Me times.
9. High Needs Babies teach us to include them in our world and acknowledge their individuality. They will not just sit quietly in a carrier. Or sleep quietly in another room. Or play quietly on the floor. And by including them in our world and constantly holding them in our arms we form and amazing bond as only those who have suffered through adversity can.
10. High Needs Babies make us strong. Physically, emotionally, mentally. They test us constantly. Pacing the floor or the streets babe in arms is the ultimate workout no? Strap on a pedometer you'll be amazed. I was!!
High Needs Babes teach us that we are more than we ever believed we could be. And when we reach the end of our rope we grow wings and learn to fly! One thing is for sure, life will never be dull with one of these kids around!!!
1. High Needs Babes teach us non attachment. Attached to sleep? Gone. Attached to showering daily or alone? Gone. Attached to me time? Us time? free time? A clean House? Gone. Gone gone gone. Its all about letting go!
2. High Needs Babies let us practice selflessly serving another being. Technically there is no self anymore. Just a set of boobs, some arms a lap and some legs (don't stop rocking, walking or bouncing whatever you do!!)
3.High Needs Babies nurture our problem solving skills and our creativity. How exactly will we get the washing up done with one hand? How will we solve nap time today? How can DH and I sneak a moment alone this month? What will today bring and how can we make this work? What the hell is wrong and how do I fix it? Quickly?
4. High Needs Babes force us learn about parenting. Before I had DS I used to joke that parents should have to take a course before they had kids. I bet you've had to do a self guided parenting 101 to figure your bub out!
5. High Needs Babies force us to be present in the moment. Caught up in getting from A to B? Rushing to get through the supermarket? Think again. Stop. Attend to baby. Stressed? Oh no he senses it..he's gonna blow..breathe, relax, focus on babe at hand...phew crisis averted!
6. High Needs Babies give us extra hours in the day. DH and I figured out that the reason this year feels like it has been so long is that we've been awake nearly the whole time so its more like 2yrs. So DS has effectively given us an extra year. (And grey hair and wrinkles but these just make us look wise beyond our years)
7. High Needs Babies teach us tenacity. We never ever give up even when we've given up. Cause we have no choice. When we get over giving up the baby is still there Needing us. Highly.
8. High Needs Babes teach us about sharing. Our time, our space, our bodies. Our mealtimes. Our showers. Our Me times.
9. High Needs Babies teach us to include them in our world and acknowledge their individuality. They will not just sit quietly in a carrier. Or sleep quietly in another room. Or play quietly on the floor. And by including them in our world and constantly holding them in our arms we form and amazing bond as only those who have suffered through adversity can.
10. High Needs Babies make us strong. Physically, emotionally, mentally. They test us constantly. Pacing the floor or the streets babe in arms is the ultimate workout no? Strap on a pedometer you'll be amazed. I was!!
High Needs Babes teach us that we are more than we ever believed we could be. And when we reach the end of our rope we grow wings and learn to fly! One thing is for sure, life will never be dull with one of these kids around!!!