Your Mother at 8 Months

Monkey #2 is now 8 months. It is hard to believe all that we have done as a family in that time. It is hard to remember what life was like before her, especially how our little family was without this little person. I have to admit, before getting pregnant, the idea of juggling 2 little monkeys sometimes made me think I was crazy to even consider it. But, the reality is that it has not been as tough as I thought it would be. Maybe I had set myself up for such a hectic life that now my new normal doesn’t feel so chaotic. It’s busy, but it’s fulfilling at the same time.

Yes, it is all different. Our lives have all changed. Monkey #1 who is 5 in September has to deal with a super energetic sister who wants to do everything he does. She throws herself at him, willing herself to walk. Yes, she is only 8 months, but she wants to skip the crawling thing and go straight to walking. Secretly my heart radiates with pride at how strong and assertive she is about everything.Yes, this little lady has personality, chutzpah and a sense of humor to boot.

So, I suppose if I were to write one of those “Your Baby at 8 Months” emails you get from Baby Communities, but instead write it about the mother and to the baby, this is how it would go…

Your Mother at 8 Months

Motherhood can be draining and at this 8 month mark, mamas are often on the way back up. Sleep is no longer a bad word, sleep now comes in intervals longer than 3-4 hours. When Mama looks in the mirror she actually recognizes herself, having consistently had the recommended amount of sleep, the dark circles under her eyes are starting to fade.

Your Mother can now easily:

• Multi-task: Nurse while tweeting, writing blog posts and even at times eating
• Her upper body strength rivals that of your freakishly strong baby grip. This is thanks to babywearing, as well as holding and raising you over head like a arm weight during playtime
• Your Mama’s purpose includes nurturing you and your brother, but also it includes fulfillment in other areas of her life
• Your Mama knew it all along that having you has been just as great as having your brother, but now everything has fallen into place and she never has to wonder how her heart could have room for both of you
• Life is good

 Making the decision to have a child – it’s momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.
-Elizabeth Stone

What message would you have for your child in those newborn months?