Motherhood Thoughts While The Wee One Sleeps.

Hi again.  Sometimes I get five minutes to do something on my own while Ellis is sleeping.  Many times that means showering, or folding laundry.  I already got my five minute shower in this morning and the laundry can wait right now.  He is asleep thanks to another food coma.  During the day, he often only goes down for about ten to fifteen minutes.  Luckily, he usually goes down for a few hours during the night.  I will be knocking on wood after mentioning that fact, because Honey Badger(another one of Ellis' nicknames) often does what he wants and changes things as soon as I get used to them.

So, here I am with Sportscenter in the background and typing a post.  We watch a lot of Sportscenter around here.  It is good background while I am feeding the wee one.  Sometimes it is Call the Midwife, or some other show on Netflix(it was Mr. Bean last week!).  I like this whole be at home and take care of the kiddo for my current job.  I actually would be pretty content doing this full time.  Unfortunately, our circumstances as a family call for me to go out and earn our benefits.  We could probably live on just one income but we must have insurance.  So, in two weeks, I will ball my eyes out and head back to work.  Luckily, Reuben has a job that will let him work different hours, so Ellis will not have to go to daycare, but will be able to be with his daddy.  Not that I judge anybody for their choice in childcare, we all have different situations and we all have to choose what is right for US!!!

So, motherhood.  It is quite amazing.  Here are a few things that I have learned about it since I have become one a short four weeks ago:

1.  Being a mother is SACRED.  It is a responsibility that makes you worry 24-7 that you are doing the right thing and that your kid(s) are okay.  God has entrusted me with Ellis.  I am to figure out what he needs and what will be best for him on every avenue of his life.  That is a huge responsibility and when I think about it, an awesome thing.
2.  Motherhood is tiring.  Luckily, I think I am hard wired(women are) to be up every few hours and only get sleep between feedings.  At least babies do grow up and start sleeping through the night, but for now I will be tired.  I am sure, even when Ellis sleeps through the night, I will still be tired out because kids suck the energy out of the adults around them.
3.  As a mother, you instantly love that little person.  I can't explain it, but I just loved him the first time I looked at him and those feelings have only grown as I've gotten to know him a bit better.  What a cool thing and it breaks my heart to think about the children of the world who did not receive this gift from their mom.  Even though he makes me tired and is sometimes screaming, I still love that little kiddo.
4.  There are a million voices out there telling you how to do things.  Funny thing about that is that you have to find out what is right for YOU and your KID.  What works for Sally's kids, may not work for my kid.  I bet things that work with Ellis may not even work on our future babies.  Each of us is different and have different needs.  Ignoring those voices is hard because you second guess yourself all the time.
5.  Being a mom is going to be the most important thing I ever do.  I get to help Ellis on his journey here on earth.  I get to teach him how to treat people with respect, how to deal with disappointment, how to keep positive, and how to judge what is right and wrong in a confusing world.  Sure other stuff is important, but not as important as this.  I think at work I will be much more organized this year because I will want to get to Ellis as soon as I can after my contract time is done at 3:20.  I will have to grade and plan quickly after school and during my prep hour.

There is lots more to say, but my mind is pretty scorched.  I am going to go and read a few pages in my book before Ellis awakes.  I hope you all have a fantastic day and that these pics will brighten your day like experiencing the moments with Ellis have done for me!  Cheers!

Church clothes.  Ellis and I went to Sacrament Meeting for the first time Sunday.

 He is much more alert and interactive this week:

 Isn't he just the cutest little angel.  I could stare at this face for hours!!!

10 Things About Ellis

Well, time is flying (Bugaboo will be 4 weeks on Friday) and we have gone from this baby in the hospital:



To this baby at home:



He seems to change every day and this week has started to get more alert and show a bit of his personality. Here are ten quick(he is sleeping but that could change quickly)things you should know about Ellis:

1. He is named after is Great Grandpa on Reuben's side, Ellis(who I share a birthday with), and after his grandpa, my dad, Daniel.

2. He hates being cold. Diaper changes and clothing changes are not his favorite.

3. He has a bazillion nicknames: Grumpy McGrumperson, Mr. E, Bugaboo, Bugs, Toad, Squirt, Little Man, and a few more I can't remember at this moment.

4. He is in control. I think I know what I'm doing and then he changes the game.

5. He lets you know when he is angry. He starts with grunts or little noises, then cries, and when he is really mad, he snorts. The snort is the cutest thing and I have to stop myself from letting him cry too much sometimes, just to hear it.

6. He is adored by his family. The Ficklins will often be caught gathered around his carseat just loving on him and my sister and mother need daily Facebook pictures or I am in trouble.

7. He likes the car after the transition to his transporter(carseat) is over.

8. He loves baths and his dad is awesome at giving him baths.

9. He must be rocked to sleep before putting him down. And if you think you have done it long enough, go five more minutes.

10. He laughs and smiles while falling asleep. It is the cutest thing ever and it makes rocking him five more minutes very worth it!!!

Maybe one day I will post about motherhood and what I have learned. But in the meantime, I must go check on the wee one and watch some Sportscenter. I actually was able to eat breakfast and shower this morning during his micro nap! Yea Ellis!!!!