My mom and I discussed several times before Audrey’s birth if we could all handle 3 weeks together. Because of the timing of Thanksgiving, it didn’t make sense for her to leave before that, so she was here for 3 complete weeks. She and my dad drove in the weekend before the birth, my dad left mid-week, and then drove back with my brothers for Thanksgiving. And now, it is Saturday 3 weeks later and she is gone. I have only cried a total of three times (that I remember) when it comes to my parents. 1: As they prepared to go home after dropping me at ACU. 2: Going home after they flew up to get us moved into our home in TN. 3: Yesterday. Hugging them good-bye after 3 good weeks.
My mom had been there every moment since Audrey’s birth. She watched her come into this world. Watched her meet her sisters. Watched her come home. Watched her eat, sleep, and begin to spit up. She held her even while her back was in severe pain. She comforted her when her little stomach got upset after each feeding. She learned her signs and could predict and prepare before the spit up went everywhere. She washed and folded. She cooked. She cleaned. She played with the big girls. She got Alyssa ready for school each day. She let me take naps. She went to the store. She planned for the cousins arrival. She planned Thanksgiving lunch. Could I possible remember everything she did for me? She did all of it without complaint, but with joy. And for once in my adult life, I let her help me. It was a blessing to have my mom here with me as I learned about life with another baby. Since we have always lived so close, she has not really spent this much time with me or a new baby. She would visit, then go home. But this time, she was able to be with us around the clock and we loved it. I think we could have gone longer, but it is time that I learn to do this on my own.
Today, was our first day as a family of five. We had both of my brothers and families here for Thanksgiving and really enjoyed spending time with everyone. But now they are gone. Mom and Dad are gone. And it is just us. And I think we did pretty good today. Here is to Monday when I am on my own all day. And thank goodness Oma arrives on Tuesday! Then I do it on my own, I promise.
I was also really surprised at how easy it was for my mom and I to get along for such a long (it was only 10 days for us, but it was the longest since I was in high school,) time when Jakob was born. My mom, too, was awesome at just knowing what I did and didn’t need and when.
I am glad it left you with good memories. I’m sure you’ll never forget it.
You can do it, Julie! I remember how overwhelmed I felt bringing our third baby home and the first day I had to “go it alone”. You’ll surprise yourself. And on those days that it’s hard, a few tears shed actually helps you to rev up to go at it again.
What a treasure to have that relationship with your Mom… I am so glad she could be there with you!!! : )
Today is also our first day not to have anyone here to help, although we only have one to take care of and not three like you. Tomorrow will be my first day completely along when Guy goes off to work. I felt the same way when my family left, and I to don’t think I can list the many things they did for us either. I admire you so much!
Yay for moms! Oma will be a huge help. She has come to Oklahoma many times to take care of me and I cried when she left – I think it’s normal! Anyway, it gets better with time and I know you guys will enjoy being a family of five alone without worrying about taking care of anyone else. Of course, then Christmas arrives and you have some more family…. 🙂 We’ll be a huge help – I promise! Can’t wait!
Audrey is so precious and I’m so glad your time with your Mom was such a blessing. Congratulations and happy Holidays to all of you.