eight weex of self-discovery

If you know me, you know that I make everything a learning experience. It is a rare occasion that I experience something and walk away without some sort of lesson. Jayna is 8 weeks old today. In those 8 weeks, I've learned as much about myself as I have about her. I had no idea that there was that much more to learn about myself...and I'm sure there is more to come.



What I've learned about me in a short 8 weeks:



* My true tolerance for pain. I'm not talking about childbirth here. Yes, that was painful, but it was a one time, very temporary pain. Before Jayna was born, I would get headaches that would keep me in bed all day. I now must get up in the morning, headache or not, and take care of a baby...and it isn't even an issue. I just do it. I suppose I was just being dramatic before.

* How many things I can do with just one hand. This list is forever long. I can wash dishes, type blog entries, make my breakfast, etc.

* How many things I can do with my feet. The most important one here is picking things up off the ground. It isn't always easy to bend over when carrying a sleeping baby. I also pet my dogs with my feet. They love it.

* The real amount of sleep that I need in order to function. Before Jayna, I needed atleast 7 hours of sleep a night. If I didn't get that, I was not fun to deal with the next day. I am now happy with 5 hours a night. If I get more, great! But I can function on 5 hours. That's just amazing...I love to sleep.

* I'm a softie. I honestly didn't see this one coming. I thought I'd be able to keep my wits about me even regarding my own child. But no. I still cry when she does certain things...like the first time she noticed she had hands. Yes, I cried. I still get teary-eyed when she smiles sometimes. I was holding her a few days ago and I tried to put her down on her changing table. She wrapped her arms around my neck and arm as if to hold on or hug me. Yep...I cried. Geez...

* I have more patience than I ever imagined. Who knew that I'd be able to deal with changing 5 diapers in one hour and not lose my mind? I didn't.

* How much stuff I can carry on my body at once. When I get home from work, I try and unload the car in one trip. I carry my pump bag, my huge purse, my water mug, Jayna's diaper bag, her bottle bag, my jacket and her carseat...and I still manage to have my keys out and ready to unlock the door.