Dear Self: Maternity Leave is Not About Getting Stuff Done!

Dear Self,

Maternity leave is not about getting stuff done! I know it feels like you've had that sweet and precious baby for a long time now, but you really just pushed him out of your body a short 5 weeks ago. So don't feel bad if you don't accomplish anything in a day other than a load of laundry and making the bed. Maternity leave is not designed for you to run errands or do chores or really do anything at all other than hold your baby and change diapers. Oh! And there is this crazy idea about sleeping when the baby sleeps.

And listen -- you are a rock star just because you shower every day. I mean, every single day! That's impressive! Don't feel guilty that you haven't worked out yet other than the occasional walk up and down the street, or when you decide it's just too dang hot to leave the house. It's okay that you can only fit into your bigger pre-pregnancy pants or that you're currently wearing a maternity shirt. 5 weeks. FIVE WEEKS! You have plenty of time to shed those last 10 pounds and tighten up the midsection. Now is not that time. Now is the time for sleeping in and taking naps and binge watching Gilmore Girls while you care for your tiny, squishy newborn. And if you need to eat every couple hours, do it without shame! Breastfeeding burns a lot of calories!

Also, I know you miss your mornings with Scott and Grayson, and I know you feel guilty that Scott does the whole morning routine with Grayson, including setting up your coffee and making your smoothie, but in just a few weeks that will fly by way too quickly, you'll have those mornings back whether you want them or not! You'll be helping Grayson go potty as he throws a tantrum about it, and chugging coffee like your life depends on it because some days it will feel that way. Let Scott be the outstanding daddy that he is and take full advantage of any extra sleep you can get right now. You won't get these days back. Soon you'll be taking personal days just to sleep past 5:45 am and watch something that isn't animated.

And consider this--you really won't have a chance to watch Gilmore Girls once you go back to work. So you kind of owe it to yourself and the Gilmore clan to watch as many episodes as you can now. And sure, you've seen them all before...twice...but it's a really good show!

So, self, cherish every moment of your last days of leave. They really are fleeting! Your to-do list will be there when you go back to work, but resting and undivided snuggle time with your littlest will not. Just remember, this is what maternity leave is for!

Love,
Me