Knock on wood, but life with four little ones is pretty great. Loud and a whole lotta crazy, but still great. I feel like I’ve said all pregnancy: Once you’re outnumbered, why not add one more to the mix?! Good thing she’s such a natural fit. She’s already proven to sleep through anything (which is a must with three big brothers!), is a natural nurser (such a blessing!) and has every male in her family wrapped around her finger.
The transition to four has gone relatively smoothly for us, so I’d like to share my humble tips for newborn survival. Let me know if you have any others to add!
1. Keep your expectations LOW.
For my first day solo at home, I had one goal for the day: survive! Other than feeding myself and the kids, I had very low expectations. No long to-do lists taunting me. Nope, if I could keep us all fed and happy by the time my husband got home, I declared the day a success. Anything else accomplished was just icing on the cake. So when I managed to fit in a few loads of laundry, bill paying and some bedroom organization…well I just entered rockstar category.
2. Do one thing for yourself everyday.
I think Mammas can get overwhelmed in the newborn stage easily without this step. Find that one thing that makes you feel beautiful/sane, and make sure you do that everyday. Some Mammas may need to get dressed everyday. Some may feel better with a little makeup on or the ability to blow-dry their hair. For me, if I can get a shower in, no matter how short, it does wonders for my day. I feel clean and ready to conquer anything.
3. Don’t be too proud to ask for help.
With the births of my older two boys, I think I felt like I had to prove myself as a mother. So I tried to do it all, asking for very little help. Ironically, these were the times where I struggled the most with the Baby Blues. With baby number four, I’ve finally learned my own limitations and I try to call out for help before I reach my breaking point.
4. Step back and see with new eyes.
Sometimes with the exhaustion that the newborn phase brings, it’s hard to see past the feeding and diaper changing and the older children watching, etc etc. But if I could offer any advice, it would be to make sure you take the time to step back and see the good. When I really take the time to see, I see three big brothers who just adore their sister. I see a healthy baby girl who is so sweet, it makes my heart hurt. I see a family that is so, so blessed.
