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Overwhelmed
June 3rd, 2010
Sam has entered the official “crying like a mofo” stage. For the first two and a half weeks of his life, he barely cried. He fussed and grumbled, but really only cried during sponge baths. Two days ago, that all changed.
And not for the better.
Now he cries when he’s hungry. And when he’s tired. And when he’s getting a diaper change. And when he’s not being held. Nighttime is the worst. I put him down for bed last night at 9:30 and at 1:30 am I was still trying to calm him down and get him to sleep. The only thing that calms him is to be in the Moby Wrap with a pacifier, and it’s physically impossible for him to be in there 24/7. I mean, I have to poop sometime, right?
Anyhow, I had completely forgotten how much I HATE the newborn cry. It makes my internal organs shrivel up and I get all panicky. I also HATE the feeling of helplessness that overwhelms me when I can’t comfort him.
I seem to spend the majority of my time feeling overwhelmed these days. I spend most of the night dealing with Sam’s issues and then I wake up and it feels like everyone needs me for something. The animals need to be fed. Maddie’s smothering me for attention. Sam needs to be fed again. Today, I didn’t eat “breakfast” until 2:30 in the afternoon. I come in dead last when it comes to time allotments. I know that’s normal for mothers, but DAYUM, you know?
So, that’s how it stands now. I’m overwhelmed. My baby cries. My preschooler is stalking me. My husband is frustrated and grumpy. Feel free to stay far, far away from our house.
test Filed under complaining, family | Comments (10)10 Responses to “Overwhelmed”
((hugs)) mama. If you were closer I so would come over and hold that baby for you so you could eat some breakfast and use the bathroom in peace.
xo
Ugh. So sorry you’re dealing with this. Not that it helps right now, but I think this is the low point. It will only get better from here. Sam will settle into a routine and cry less, and Maddie will adjust, and you’ll get some more sleep and feel a little better, and you’ll be so proud of yourself for getting through this part.
In the meantime, good luck!
I had forgotten about that stuff, too. That’s the stuff I need to read about when my ovaries start wanting to produce. I remember my body’s auto reaction to the newborn cry was to sweat profusely. As if I weren’t already feeling crappy enough.
I wish I were closer so I could take the screamer, the girls could play and you could shower (alone with no one saying MAMA??), poop (with no one banging on the door), then nap.
MWAH!
Oh yeah. If I hear a newborn anywhere crying, one that is not in any way related to me and is being tended to by a STRANGER, I still get all sweaty and panic until it stops. And it’s very hard to balance that will the classic advise that you should tend your toddler first, because they’re more aware and will actually have their feelings hurt if they always get ignored, whereas the baby won’t know or remember. BUT it feel so WRONG to ignore or even put off tending to a screaming baby! And I’m still not sure what happens in infancy doesn’t somehow effect us, however subconsciously. So I think you end up screwing both your kids a little- it’s just inevitable.
And yourself? Is ALWAYS screwed!
Sending you warm wishes for a hot shower and a meal eaten at the appropriate time of day!
Hang in there!!!!
Get that boy some reflux meds. I swear. He arrive early, and he is now old enough to notice that he’s in pain. Get thee some prevacid for him so you can enjoy the new baby.
Just take it minute by minute and take lots of deep breaths. You got through this once and you can get through it again. Every day you are closer to the end of the suck phase. Any chance you can get some more help from in laws or your parents?
I know it’s a ways away but I’ll be there on the 11th and can take whichever kid is driving you craziest at that moment. Or both while you nap!
Mantra for this stage: THIS TOO HAD BETTER GODDAMNED PASS, GODDAMN IT.
aaaaaaand this is right on time, unfortunately. You will make it through, sistah. You will. Feel free to bring the whining right here. We’ve been there.
The newborn cry makes my husband all wringy of the hands whereas it is the Toddler cry (and the dramatics!) that make me lose my shit.
As for the newborn not settling down at night? JESUS. It makes me want to start the car up and drive off. Except that I’m not usually wearing my contacts and I am so very blind.