Honor the Living Parts of Your Household

Those first couple of weeks and months of motherhood are challenging. You went from one routine with a certain number of people to adding a whole other person in the mix. In our house, we were 2 people and 3 gorgeous greyhounds. Now I say 3 gorgeous greyhounds but I might as well tell you now, they are considered as people in our home. Their needs are more important than my own. If we were ever in a situation where we could only afford either their food or ours, they would be the ones left eating. The following is pretty much how our home run

Throughout my pregnancy, I contemplated how a baby would impact the hounds. I wanted to make sure they always felt my love for them and that it was unchanging. I really resented people that said “Once the baby comes, you won’t love them the same way.” The truth is I love them just as much as I did before I had our daughter. But in order to make myself feel better and keep the bond I had with them, my husband and I decided that before we worry or take care of anything else, we take care of the living beings in our house. So that meant the dogs and our daughter came first. Nothing else really matters. Laundry can sit in the basket unfolded. Emails will be unanswered. Mail will be in the mailbox. Dishes can pile in the sink for a time. We may not vacuum or dust, but our daughter and dogs will be loved on.

If you know me, you know I like a clean house. I can’t sleep if anything is too messy. Remember that episode of Friends where they challenge Monica to try and sleep with the shoes still in the living room… that’s me. I may as well change my name to Monica Geller because I could not sleep with my shoes in the living room. They need to be in their bed at night… my shoe rack.

With making the agreement to care and tend for our living house, at first I was bending over backwards to get the dishes in the dishwasher while everyone else napped. Then I wised up, I was a living part of our household. It was just as important to care for myself. It meant instead of putting the dishes in the dishwasher, I needed to find a clean dish and make myself something to eat. Instead of answering emails, I needed to get a good snuggle in with my boy Rock.

If motherhood is overwhelming you, take time. Identify what needs the most care and provide for them and yourself first. If you are like me find paper plates (made from recycled products) and use them and chuck ‘em. Find those easy solutions for your “big” problems.

 

Proud mama show off! Meet my hounds!

Aren't they beautiful?!?!?!



Peggy

Rock



Ginger