Time flies when you're having fun!

Time flies......I can't believe I have not blogged since before I left for California! I had a wonderful time out there! Kate and Mark, thank you so much for the plane tickets and the vacation! I really needed it, and had a blast! It was wonderful to see you both and of course, the little Miss Mina! She's so wonderful and it's hard to believe how fast she's growing! Yeah, yeah......I had three kids, but funny how I don't remember any of you growing THAT fast! I suppose you did, but when you're with a baby every day, maybe you don't notice it as much.
Everything about a first baby is an education. Some things are by trial and error......well, many things are. Or maybe we should call it "trial by fire". Anyway, it's a time of extremes. On the one side, it's all about this intense feeling of love for this little creature........and on the other side, it's the pains of knowing your nice, quiet, comfortable life has been changed forever!
For any of you who might be in THAT situation (and you know who you are!) I have one viewpoint for you to consider! Everything in a child's life seems to go in stages, and if you are in one that is not the easiest.....FEAR NOT.....it's only a stage, and you WILL get through it! The secret is to read as much as you can, and self educate yourself about your options for parenting. The second most important thing is to communicate, especially when things are the hardest. Parenting, and raising kids works best when it's a team activity. That's not to say that it will be easy because of that...but it will be easier than if each parent tries to go it alone. Don't be afraid to admit you need help....do not be afraid to admit that you're crawling up the walls! Sometimes all it takes is a free afternoon off.....a trip to a friend's house.....a spa......the movies.......out for coffee....or a nap (not all in one afternoon, though. That would be too much to pray for!)
And finally, staying home with a screaming baby is NOT EASY and will shake anyone's nerves after a while! Just take a deep breath. And if none of this works, it would not hurt to have a conversation with your doctor for some new suggestions.