Thursday, December 10, 2009

Just for The Joy--Baby Joy


A house with a brand new baby can best be described as "Chaotic".  It does not matter if this is your first baby or 5th......trying to assimilate an infant into a house that once had some sort of routine is pure chaos :)  The helpless little love that you just brought home relies on everyone in the home to help them to grow and thrive.  For those moms who are breastfeeding, most of the infant care falls on us and thus we are on 24/7.  These little babies need food, comfort, love, sleep, clean clothes, numerous diaper changes and round the clock attention.  The members of the house (except for baby) exist with very little sleep and try to get through the day as best as they can.  The first 6 weeks are a blur and even though you try to appreciate every moment, they are over before you know it.

At about that 6 week mark, if not before, it feels like you will never sleep again.  You are so tired and feel as though there is nothing left to give.  Tears are often shed as you wonder how you will go on.........and then it happens........this little baby who has needed so much from you bestows the greatest gift.......they smile for the first time!

This is what happened to me last Friday.....I was so tired both physically and emotionally.  Z was very angry with me for not being able to play and even madder with the baby for taking up my time.  The baby was screaming because she was over tired and my back was about to break from walking her around the house.  We were 4 hours away from S coming home and my mom was at the hairdresser......it was a very tough moment.  I finally got Z in front of the electric babysitter (desperate times call for desperate measures) and I stripped C down to see if that would stop her tears.  Thankfully it worked and she began to calm down!  I watched her as she glanced up at her mobile and then she looked over at me and her face brightened with a very big smile.  My heart melted, this was the most perfect gift at the most perfect moment!  It was as if my sweet little baby was thanking me for all that I had done for her over the last 6 weeks :)  Here she was expressing her love for me in the only way that she could, I will never forget that moment!  It brought me so much joy and was the only Christmas gift I need this year :)

11 comments:

Beth P. said...

Aw! Beautiful post, this made my teary eyed. I can only imagine how amazing that felt when you were experiencing so much frustration. There is nothing like a baby's first smile!

Sharon said...

Oh my heart MELTS. You are so right. The first six weeks are painfully hard (I can't even imagine what it's like with a toddler too!) and then that SMILE... That beautiful, beautiful smile...

Fills my heart with JOY just remembering.

Ah... so glad you linked up!

MommyLisa said...

yup. it is awesome - even if it is work.

MamaB said...

That brought tears to my eyes! I know exactly what you mean, your just about at your wits end and then they smile and its all you need! I am so happy for you that you got a slice of joy! Today is Jill-Jill's 4 month birthday boy does time fly! Love those babies Momma your doing great!

Kelly said...

This brought tears to my eyes. Thanks for sharing it! I'll probably need to come back and read this post after my baby (due in 2 1/2 weeks) has been here for awhile! :)

Nicolasa said...

What a wonderful gift! The last few lines brought tears to my eyes! Beautiful post!

Jamie said...

Oh, I treasure that first smile! It definitely helps with those sleepless nights... and long days.

It always gets better!

Tracie said...

That little smile came at the right time. The first 6 weeks were a nightmare with both of my kids. No help and no sleep. It's a wonder I survived.

Connie said...

THat is the best isn't it?

And then....around that time...your husband wants to have sex.

Deborah said...

Thanks for sharing! I remember the JOY of that first baby smile -- and how it more than made up for the (colicky, in our case!) first six or so weeks...

My eyes misted with happiness as I read your post...

Thanks for reminding me of the JOY of it!

Lee-Ann said...

Aww those first smiles are so wonderful. :o)

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