Today is a pretty momentous day in my journey of motherhood. My daughter, Mae, just finished her last Wonder Weeks leap. I'm both elated and terrified. The Wonder Weeks has been my road map for all my kid's craziness. Is she refusing to nap?- must be a leap. Is she throwing more tantrums than normal?- must be a leap. Is she screaming "no!" at strangers?- actually, that's just normal Mae. Seriously, this information was key to my survival during these first 18 months. But now I feel like I am starting the next part of my journey without a road map.
Does anyone else feel like raising a baby might as well be astrophysics? How did women survive before they could perform late-night googles? How else would I have solved the mysteries of overstimulation, swim diapers, teething cough, and neck roll hygiene? I know there are women who intuitively know how to care for their growing infant- I'm just not one of them. I needed resources to reassure me that I wasn't totally screwing up.
So in honor of my step into leapless territory, I am listing a few more of the resources that helped me survive so far. Disclaimer: This is what worked for me and my family; I know it won't be helpful for everyone and that is perfectly ok :)
How it helped me:
I've mentioned before that Mae was colicky. Getting Mae on a routine helped me decipher her colicky screams/cries and her needs cries. She still led the daily schedule but I knew what she needed and when to expect it. I also followed Tracy Hogg's sleep training method. Because we started a routine so early, we were basically able to sleep train without having to cry-it-out (monumental in the survival of this postpartum depression and frayed nerves mama).
How it helped me:
It's one thing to read about the 5 S's and a whole other thing to see them in practice. These techniques really do help calm infants, even colicky ones!!
How it helped me:
I can’t say enough about how helpful this website was to me! There are tons of great recipes and trustworthy recommendations for introducing foods.
And of course Ladies with Babies!
How it helped me:
Do I even need to explain? Local community and an army of mamas to answer questions... I wouldn’t have survived without you!
I wish you the best of luck and blessing during your baby’s first 18 months. And I would appreciate your prayers for our continuing journey!
Amanda Hays
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