Hibernation

Hibernation
to withdraw or be in seclusion; retire
(Dictionary.com)

Even though there is nothing dormant or inactive about raising a second baby, I feel like this word describes my attitude towards the Post-partum period at the moment. All schedules are currently out the window, time has slowed down, and the world seems to be happening somewhere else. Baby Jonah (as Layna likes to call him) arrived a week ago 4 days over due. He came to this world screaming and wanting nothing more then to eat. This last week has been as one friend put it one long day with naps in between. I feel like this phase which was so much more difficult for me with Layna has turned out to be much more of a blessing this time.

I'm allowing myself the freedom to do nothing, to sleep when I need to, to leave the dishes, the household, even the care of Layna in the very capable hands of my parents and my husband. Jonah is a delight. I feel much more appreciative of these moments then I ever felt with Layna. You forget this stage so quickly. You forget the incredible rainbow of emotions that you can feel on any given day from extreme thankfulness to pure frustration.

However, this time around I feel like I am able to bond more readily. When I think back to Layna's post partum period I was in crisis/survival mode. Her first three months of life for me are a blur in which I was trying so hard to hold on to my own/old life while functioning on no sleep. I refused to nap, I was scared to death of SIDS and I could not find a place of peace. I still get those same feelings but realize that they will pass, realize that this is a stage and realize that sleep will find me one of these days. I am able to let things slide without needing to be in control all the time. I am able to try and rest.

All that to say...Welcome baby Jonah. We are so happy that you have made us a family of four!