Adjustments...

Moving is hard.  I knew it would be.  And, add a preschooler to the mix who very much misses her friends and sometimes the days become a bit more lonely and long.  I know before long we will have plenty of friends and play dates galore, but for the time being the adjustment is big and sometimes a tad bit overwhelming.

Now, some people would say: Don't you live near family?  Yes, we do.  It is a blessing living near family, but it doesn't change the fact that this is a HUGE, hard adjustment for all of us.  We not only need to get established in our community, but figuring out where we fit into the family dynamics is a new challenge.  Before, we visited and spent time with people then left. We weren't around for birthdays, father's day, mother's day and everything in between (we were around for Christmas and sometimes Thanksgiving).  It's all new navigating these family relationships and it's not easy. Some people are respectful of boundaries and some are not. These boundaries are set in the best interest of my little family (my daughter, my husband and myself).

I love all of our extended family.  However, my first priority is being a wife and mother.  I no longer bend over backwards to try to fit everyone in like I used to when I was a new mom and visiting everyone.  That isn't fair to my myself, or my daughter because I was too exhausted to be a good mom.  Which is my 24/7 job, being the best mom I can be to my little monkey.  So, right now, if someone wants to spend time with me, my daughter and I are a package deal (and maybe my hubby if he's off work).

Isn't it amazing how life changes so drastically once you become a parent?  Before I was so willing to deal with staying up into the wee hours of the morning to get time with family members, but that just no longer works and hasn't worked for quite a few years now.   All the lack of sleep with a newborn and I realized just how precious sleep is (I constantly prayed for more sleep).  I haven't taken that for granted since my little monkey started sleeping through the night.

What have you changed in your life since you became a parent?  Or, what do you think you'll change once you become a parent?