New Baby Resolutions

The demands of a newborn seem overwhelming to me. I like a clean house and time to chat on the phone with friends. I like being able to read while the older two kids play at the park and I enjoy sleeping through the night. I want to prioritize “school time” and reading to my older two children. I now find myself grinding my teeth through seemingly unending nursing sessions while I scowl furiously at the dirty kitchen counter. I find myself skipping my son’s math lessons so I can clean the upstairs bathrooms. I growl ungratefully at my husband when he suggests an evening walk rather than offering to vacuum the living room floor.

It’s time that I think through my priorities. I’ve come up with my list of

New Baby Resolutions.

I resolve to….

Not skip my daily Bible reading.

Take time to enjoy my newest family member and marvel at the miracle of life.  They are only this small for such a short amount of time.

Continue fixing healthy meals, even though chopping vegetables takes more time than throwing chicken nuggets in the microwave.

Shower.

Eat meals with my kids instead of using that time to wash the windows.

Spend time with my husband, even if it means the baby has to cry in her crib for a few minutes.

Realize that the blessings of a new sibling will do more good for my kindergartner than finishing his math book before June will.

Sleep. I’m a much nicer person when I’m not sleep deprived.

Exercise.

Carry the baby in the sling if it makes her happy. Even if it makes doing the dishes more challenging.

Do fun things. My kids will remember those more than a spotless house.

Focus on the things I did accomplish during the day, rather than stress about the undone items on my to-do list.

Keep in touch with good friends. They aren’t easy to come by.

Realize that I won’t “get it all done” for the next couple of years. In fact, if I can accomplish this list of resolutions, I’ll be doing pretty well!