WIWS: When Baby out-dresses Mommy

So I may have slipped up a bit in the dressing up for Mass last night. We have started going to 5:00 pm Saturday mass with Elena because it is less crowded. Our usual mass is the 10:30 Latin novus ordo, which I love (even though I'm still learning all the latin), but it's packed. Standing room only packed. And, I figured if we got stuck in the middle of the pew, it'll be just that much harder to climb over everyone with a baby carrier. Of course, we haven't even had to get up once in the last two weeks. Elena has been PERFECT! Well, she sleeps the whole time, so there isn't a lot of room for error on her part if she's actually sleeping. I feed her, pop her in her car seat, and by the time she arrives wherever we are going, she is fast asleep.

Of course, last night, I was running a little behind in the feeding department. We got to mass during the opening hymn, so it could have been worse. But, I didn't feel quite as put together as last week, and I didn't get to the whole putting on jewelry goal, but at least I was out of sweatpants (Don't worry, I would never wear sweatpants to mass)!

Top: Express

Cardigan: New York and Company

Black dress pants: New York and Company

Elena: Adorable Carter's outfit

I actually did get to the make-up, but obviously, my hair kind of flopped. It was in a much better put together pony-tail when I left the house (Or that's what I told myself). I had Elena beat in the shoe department, but she totally wins for cuteness. 

Mass was wonderful. I'd say I was a bit less distracted than last week, but Jeremy sat next to Elena, so that probably had something to do with it. The readings were about not worrying about the next day; God has everything in control, and He will always take care of us. I really needed that reminder. I've been worrying about Elena, about being on my own and not accomplishing "anything" (see previous post), and the house we are in the process of buying. Obviously, I still need to care for myself, home, and family, but I need to worry less. God will always care for us. 

I also felt pretty humbled when I found this post after writing my last one. I was hoping my complaints came across slightly amusing despite my desperate tone, but I kind of missed a major point that I have observed about motherhood. It's already been the most rewarding thing I've ever done. It's the most important job I'll ever have. Even though I'm tired, and sometimes it's not "fun", I'm so grateful for the gift God has bestowed upon our little family. I just pray that I can be the best steward of this little soul God has granted us. 

Happy Sunday, and please head over to Fine Linen and Purple for more WIWS. 

7 Quick Takes: Entering Motherhood

Some honest reflections on first time motherhood.

--- 1 ---

You don't have time to do anything. At least in the beginning. If you do, I consider you superwoman. I'm starting this post on Wednesday and typing with one hand while holding the sleeping infant in the other. I consider this a great feat in the world of multitasking. However, the amount of time it took to type this paragraph probably disqualifies my post from being a "quick take".

--- 2 ---

If my beautiful girl ever becomes a terrifying teen, who says I don't love her after not letting her wear a mini skirt in public, I'll retort, "Oh darling, of course I love you. I breastfed you." You definitely don't breastfeed people you don't love...Oh, and I'd love to throw "The Baby Book", which is larger than the Bible, at the author who stated that breastfeeding is relaxing. Ok, I've heard it gets easier.

--- 3 ---

Enough cynicism (which really wasn't my intention). I really love being a mom. Even the sleep deprivation is worth every tiny, sleepy smile (I keep telling myself it's not gas- she's really just content), every little finger grab, and each stretch, coo, and gurgle. Even the crying really isn't that bad- because she stops when I pick her up, feed her, or snuggle on the couch, and I feel like she looks at me with such adoration.

--- 4 ---

Naptimes are worth a million dollars. However, you  have to choose to use them wisely. Best move is probably to go down for a nap yourself. Although, if all you're doing is lying there and thinking about the million other things you need to do, I've found it's better to just get them done. Or feed yourself. Food is good too.

--- 5 ---

I thought I'd have a lot of prayer time, but sometimes I find it hard to finish even a single Hail Mary before she poops, wants to be fed, or I just fall asleep. My sister told me it's ok, that just saying "help" is enough. God will still hear me and know what I need. I've since cried "help" frequently and urgently. It really is effective. 

--- 6 ---

A quick story about baby lotion. I first got some Aveeno Baby lotion because I was conned by the word "natural" on the bottle. Elena got a glob on her hand and instantly went for her mouth. I wiped it off in the nick of time before she started smacking her lips. Curious, I checked the bottle and was horrified by a big warning to call poison control if ingested. Isn't this stuff for a baby's BODY? They suck on everything, including themselves. I then got a Burts Bees lotion, which did not have fatal warnings all over, but found it didn't absorb very well. Finally decided to try coconut oil since everyone raves about it. They do for a reason! It's amazing and even works on cradle cap.

--- 7 ---

My final confession: I've had a ton of help through all this. Not only has my husband been amazing, but my mom stayed here for the first two weeks and now my sister is still with me. I'm a big wimp that I'm still finding adjusting kind of, well, difficult. I know it's all stemming from the lack of sleep, but gosh, I was able to deliver her without a bit of medication and I have cried more since being home than I did in the hospital. Actually I didn't even cry in the hospital... I just screamed. No screaming at home yet. I know it will all get easier, but I'm feeling a little daunted by being left alone. How do I feed myself? Will I ever take a shower again? These are the silly questions I ask myself when I've had two hours of sleep and feeling panicked. However, after receiving so many delicious meals from friends who almost each have at least two kids, my sister smiles and says, "See Rachel, there's hope!"

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!