Top Ten Reasons to Have Mom Help After Having a Baby

Since February when I had Ogglet #2 I have wished that my mom and mother-in-law would come back for good.  It was so helpful having them for the first two weeks being a mommy of two that I really can't recommend it more but, if you're on the fence about this just read on...

10. Take some pressure off your husband 

especially if he has to go back to work.

9. Someone to run to the store in a pinch.

8. Toys magically picked up....

...and the dog fed and let out (even if you forget).

7. No dirty dishes in the sink.

6. Clean laundry.

5. Home cooked meals.

(ok, maybe not exactly like this but, you will be so grateful

 that it will feel like a Norman Rockwell painting)

4. The invaluable emotional support of 

someone who has been there/done that.

(Unless you're already best friends with Bonnie Hunt....)

3. Give your toddler(s) 

much-needed adult care and attention.

"Just Leave the children to me, dearie."

2. Be more thankful and appreciative than ever

 that you have a mom/mother-in-law who cares 

so much for you AND your children.

PS - She will be more appreciative of you as well.

1. SLEEP...she can and will watch your kids 

so you can take a much needed nap.

So, after having baby (first or fifth) 

if you would rather feel like this....

and less like this...

Than read my tips for making it happen:

Just ask...ahead of time and make your expectations clear.  I told my mom I would mainly want help with care for my 2 year old so she would have the attention she needs without me feeling pulled away from what I needed to do for the baby.  She may end up doing much, much more but, be upfront with your expectations to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Set a clear time frame and make it a tad shorter than what you are thinking.  At first I thought an entire week but, then I realized that is a long time to have anyone visit for any reason.  So, I asked my mom for 5 days and she ended up staying 6...perfect for everybody.  I think it is easier to ask for an extra day than to ask your mom or mother-in-law to leave if she is driving you crazy.  If she lives in the same town as you it's even easier. Have her come for a set amount of hours each day like, when your hubby leaves for work until after dinner.  That is what we arranged with my mom for an entire week after having Ogglet #1 and it worked great.

Make it fun!  Think about little ways she can help that will add fun to your week.  Maybe ask your mom to take your child to a special outing or even her regular playgroup to break up the routine of being at home.  In my case I also asked my mom and mother-in-law to bring some of our favorite recipes from my and my husband's childhood.  I supplied the groceries and they cooked these favorite meals for us.  I also planned to make a special dessert for them.  These little things just made the week that much more enjoyable.

I'm soooo blessed to have two amazing moms in my life.  My irreplaceable and amazing mom who has loved me in spite of my faults for 29 years and counting.  And of course my mother-in-law who I am so blessed to get to share as a result of marrying DrOgg. 
They are both the best; I am so lucky!

-Mamaw (Grandma)                                         Mammie(Grammie) 

Ogglet also calls her Grandpas Mampaw.  hehehe  And she remembers them in her prayers almost every night.  I didn't include it on my list but, I think that sharing your kids is one of the best ways to bless them and enrich your children's lives at the same time. For me it makes me more appreciative of my girls when I get to have them 100% to myself again.

So, Did you have your mom or mother-in-law help after having one or more of your babies?  Please share your experiences good and bad.  I'd love to hear what you think!

Happy mothers day to moms everywhere because, every day is mother's day!

Due Date Passed: What I'm Thankful For

I've been trying to come to terms with the fact that my due date has come and gone with no labor or delivery.  I really thought I was content with our new Ogglet coming "on time" and not early as it seemed many are hoping for in the last few weeks.  A lot of the reasons I was ok with it had to do with last minute little things I wanted to get done before her arrival.  It was the same with Ogglett #1.  In fact, with her I was hoping she would come a day or so after my due date because I had a Mary Kay retreat scheduled where I was going to receive a ton of awards and just didn't want to miss it.  I was blessed with receiving recognition for my hard work and having a fabulous baby girl two days later...perfect.

Talking to my midwife this time around I gather that this mindset is pretty uncommon.  She said that not only do moms not want to go over but, most don't even want to go to their due date!  Everyone is in a hurry.  Now is the time though that I must confess...I have become impatient.  Especially this weekend when DrOgg was home and I thought, why won't she come now so he'll have even more time to be with us??  But, she held out on us and here I am still pregnant.  So what's a girl to do?  I've decided to reflect on some of the reasons I am thankful that we've gotten this far.  Though, I will admit to feeling anxious I also will be mindful in the coming day(s) of all the things I have to be thankful for...

...a healthy pregnancy.
...that I have been able to carry both girls full-term.
...that I can still fit into my "cute" shoes.
...the extra time to prepare in a myriad of big and small ways.
...the precious time I have with Ogglet #1.
...that I can still stand long enough to make a home-cooked meal.
...seeing how excited DrOgg is for his new girl...he's definitely going to be outnumbered. ;-)
...my amazingly supportive family and friends.

Me in all my past due glory (bloatedness haha) trying to take some prego pics while I am still prego. 
Ogglette wanted to be a part of it all and I think it's pretty cute.  She is kissing my belly in this one. :-)

Update....2 days past due:  DrOgg is just getting over a cold/sinus infection and it looks now like the Ogglet and I might be finally getting it.  I'm thinking the delay might be due to him being on nights and how little contact we've had with him this month.  But, I was just thinking how this reminds me of how God's grace is truly active in every aspect of our lives.  If we are going to be sick I'm thinking I would rather wait a few more days for Ogglet #2.