Let's Talk About Adjustment

You know, I was reading another blog the other day and it got me thinking. The blogger was saying how hard the adjustment is and how anyone that says it isn't is just not honest. Okay. Let's talk about that. Is being positive considered denial? I wondered, hmmm, do people think that of me? That I am just painting a rosy picture? When I look back on the last 6 months, what sticks out? Is it the tired mornings, arguments with my husband after Ruby was in bed, or the disorganization in my home and life that I will remember? Surely I have complained about my house being a mess and my being tired. But, no. That isn't what sticks out. It's the morning cuddles, the big smiles, the random hugs and kisses, a million laughs, the family weekends, the little accomplishments and the big ones. Those are the things that have colored the last 6 months of my life. And they have been incredible.

In my "6 Months As A Family" post I said our adjustment was easy. In many ways it was. Far easier than I ever imagined. But that was probably because I read so many horror stories that I was expecting it to be a hell of a lot worse! Yea, there was adjustment. Times she didn't want to listen and many times she didn't want to sleep. I often posted about the complications but I didn't view them as a horrible adjustment. It was just an adjustment. I didn't talk about my husband and I bickering, because, quite frankly, I was embarrassed. We have a happy and strong marriage and I couldn't believe we could be arguing during the happiest time of our life. But it was stressful at times. I'd say that was our biggest adjustment. Being Ruby's parents was the easy part! Trying to juggle working in the home with our beautiful new child home was a challenge for Jeff. He was so torn and stressed. I also leaned on him a lot in the beginning and as much as he wanted to be with us, he needed to get some work done, too. As new parents do (and I have asked around) there is not only an adjustment but also a power play. Who is doing more, needing more help, etc. Sprinkled throughout those first few months, though, were also some of the happiest and most amazing times of our lives. I choose to blog about the positive and happy times because that is what is important and what sticks around in the long haul. Jeff and I are stronger for it and we have learned and grown much these last few months.

Ruby was pretty easy. I didn't exaggerate. And yes I know how rare this is and how lucky I am. Sure she has her moments and tests my patience. All kids do. But we were blessed that she attached to us right away and hasn't had many issues. I am well aware that lightening probably won't strike twice and #2 may give us a run for our money! Our main issues were health and giardia and striking a balance between work and family, sleep and play, spoiling but not spoiling too much, teaching but not pushing too much. There were days that were exhausting and days of sheer bliss. Days (even now) when she will challenge and days were she is so good I just have to pinch myself that I get to be her mother. But in case you were wondering if life really is THAT rosy around here, well, I'm gonna have to say YES. Being around Ruby just brings it out in you, no matter what else is going on. Kids make you slow down and appreciate things more. The simple things. The rainy days and the sunny days. Cause after all, isn't every day sunny when you stop to appreciate how truly blessed you are?