Monday, February 6, 2012
Cha..Cha..Cha...Changes
We have always been very vocal about the fact that we kind of look forward to hospital stays in the Sharpe household. They have always been a time when we can take a hiatus from the normal routine; spend time "camping" together; reconnect; etc. But this hospital stay with be the first of the NEW hospital stays - now that Mckenna is here. We don't quite know how it will look exactly, but being the planner I am, I've sure tried to predict what it'll be like and how it will all work. Mckenna and I will likely split our time between home and visiting Ronnie, but it will just be during the day, and at night I'll be staying at home or at Ronnie's parent's house. We don't know what nights we'll spend where quite yet, but we do know it wouldn't be in the hospital, as the hospital isn't quite the ideal place for a 3 month old to sleep. And I may be the only person on earth to say this, but I'm sad that I don't get to spend the nights there anymore. I loved sleeping on my little cot, tucked in the corner. I loved calling out, "goodnight. I love you," before bed and waking up to see my love zonked out. But I'm looking at the bright side, Mckenna's sweet face is a close second to wake up to :)
Not only will nights be different. But instead of unplugging a bit during hospital stays, now I'll be increasing my "work load." Becoming a single momma for several days a week, and 7 nights a week, on top of having to work will be very interesting, to say the least. I know I will figure it out, but it will be quite the adjustment to figure out how to navigate being the sole caregiver while working. I know I can manage, but it'll take a little to get the hang of. Luckily my workplace is AWESOME and truly practice what they preach when they say family first. So when I'm down with Ronnie (my office is down there), I can bring Mckenna to work with me, which will be a huge blessing. The real challenge will be sneaking work in during naps, and while she's playing independently. Everything besides Mckenna and work will fall by the way-side I'm afraid.
The nice thing is some of my favorite hospital traditions can still happen. We can still do Dunkin' on the mornings I'm there. We can still get in long, fun walks. We can't still snuggle in his tiny bed - and even better, we'll have a third there with us! We can still walk down and get freshly baked cookies from the cafeteria. We can still listen to John Jay and Rich radio show podcasts. We can still do tons of my favorite things. So I'm trying to focus on that, when I start to get bummed and scared about what this hospital stay will bring.
Anywhoo, there you have it. I'm scared, but a tiny bit excited to see just what I can do on my own (gulp - I'm not quite supermom yet). I think the fact that this post is a bit all over the place shows the chaos that is my brain trying to noodle through how it'll all work. Leave some suggestions if you've got 'em!
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Hospital Stays,
Mandi Monday
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Cha..Cha..Cha...Changes
2012-02-06T01:00:00-07:00
Mandi
Hospital Stays|Mandi Monday|
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Chrysi · 686 weeks ago
My suggestion is keeping extra baby supplies like clothing and diapers in your car just in case... Also let others help you. Whether my husband is in China for 4 weeks or just 3hr south of home for 5 days it turns me into a "single mom" I don't know how a real single mom does it but I do know I have to use my family and friends offers of help and I have to ask for extra help too.
Most of all don't get stressed. Things will be different and sometimes unpredictable and sometimes your time with Ronnie will seem to short and too distracted. Try not to worry about it.
Mandi · 686 weeks ago
david haas · 686 weeks ago
I have a question about your blog, could you email me?
David
Mandi · 686 weeks ago
Jennifer · 686 weeks ago
I have known Ronnie since High School. Being married to a former Marine I have become all to accustomed to being a single Mom- I used to do it for 6 months at a time. I didn't have family near by but did have a wonderful group of Christian girlfriends, who were in the same boat and could relate. 1st and foremost if you have family around-take any help they will give you. Be it, watching Mckenna or giving you company. The 2nd suggestions is like the previous one stated-take a backpack with extra clothes and a lot of extra diapers that way you can be out and about longer without fear of being unprepared. Finally, take the opportunities when Mckenna is sleeping to focus on yourself for a few minutes-taking a shower, eating or getting some work done.
It sounds like you and Ronnie are very close and this time apart is going to be harder for you all. I would suggest leaving him little notes that way it's like you are there even though you aren't. Hang in there, it's only a week and God knows what you are capable of-you just need to remember he won't give you more then he knows you can handle.
Sandy Hollin · 686 weeks ago
Erin · 686 weeks ago
Cathy · 686 weeks ago
Rebs · 686 weeks ago
Emilee · 686 weeks ago