I have learned a few things about maintaining my sanity in the last 6 weeks. The first one is that if I don't get out at least once a day, I am not as happy. So as I plan my day, I make sure I get in the car and go somewhere at least once where I can see other adult people. It's not that I don't love my child, I do, but really, he doesn't say anything at all to me, ALL DAY. I have finally had enough of TLC's What NOT to Wear, so sorry Stacy and Clinton, but I get the fashion rules. As soon as none of my maternity clothes fit, I'll get right on that. So for now, I leave the house once a day and everyone is happier for it.
It also adds to my level of contentment when Andy watches Carson and I can leave by myself. He did this for the first time when I went to the dentist yesterday. I have never been so excited for a dentist appointment in all my life. I actually hoped they found something wrong just so I could stay a little longer. Guess who got an extra fluoride treatment?!? Andy waived me off with strict instructions to leave my cell phone on in case of emergency. The entire appointment went by and I don't hear from him and finally I break down and call. I was secretly positive that all hell would break loose and he would meet me at the door in praises of how he doesn't know how I do it all day. No such luck, the baby slept almost the entire time I was gone. Wouldn't you know it! I guess I'll have to try again.
It was recommended to me by Kristen that I join a Mom's group for emotional support and after looking around on line a bit, I found Stroller Strides. These are the mom's I used to laugh at down at Mission Bay who would walk, quite literally, in a herd of strollers. Now, however, I see this in a different light. This is a group who can accomplish all of my needs in one hour. This group meets every day, with an instructor that leads you through and hour of walking, using exercise bands, your babies as resistance weight and utilizes the exercise equipment along the bike path at Mission Bay. I signed up for one free class and will see if this group can help me get back into all of my "normal" clothes, meet other mothers who I can relate to and possibly make a few new friends. They also meet once a week after class for a playgroup and one other time for a "Mom's Night Out" which is an adult only time for us to socialize- babble free. I hope this turns out to be the group for me so I can see you all "lighter."
