Monday, 11/3/25: Talking about being a parent for a month
Guess who turned a month old Saturday?
Which means Matt and I have been parents for over a month – wow. It somehow feels like the longest month ever and like it’s passed in the blink of an eye.
On a walk yesterday, I said to Matt, “I’m starting to feel like I’m in a good groove.” And that’s exactly how I’d describe my mindset right now: emerging from the haze of the first couple weeks, cautiously optimistic that I’m finding my footing, and above all, head over heels in love with our little guy.
There’s so much I want to write about these last four weeks, but I’m not sure anything would sound especially coherent just yet. So instead, I’m jotting down a few of the thoughts floating around currently in my head… + WOW are the first two weeks with a baby something else. So much change, so much transition, so many new things to think about all at once. I felt like my brain was in overdrive. I remember wondering if living minute to minute was my new normal. For those first two weeks, it was. Happy to report: it’s not anymore. I can now think almost a day ahead of time! 😉
+ I knew newborns needed to eat every 2-3 hours, but I didn’t comprehend what that actually meant until Ben was here. It’s hard – and such a strange time warp – to live (and try to sleep) in 2-3 hour increments.
+ Breastfeeding is harder than I thought it would be – and also more rewarding. Ben and I are in a good groove now and really enjoying it, but it was a rocky start. I’m so grateful for friends who were open about their own experiences, and equally grateful to know that formula was always an option (and still could be).
+ I feel my best / most like myself in the morning (shocker, right?), and then get weepy or irritable in the evening (to the point where I don’t even recognize the things coming out of my mouth! Ugh!). It’s been better this week, but evenings still bring a bit of a letdown from the day that’s passed and anxiety about the night ahead.
+ One thing that’s reframing my perspectives on long, sleepless nights: one day, a cuddle from mom won’t solve the problem. But tonight, it does.
+ Another mindset that helps with hard days: I have the rest of my life to get to know Ben – but only a few short months to know him as a newborn. That reminder helps me slow down, follow his cues and lean into what he needs.
+ The absolute best feeling in the world = a baby sleeping on your chest. There’s nothing else like it.
+ I’ve leaned into the lack of structure, but I can tell I’m starting to feel like myself again because I’m craving a bit of routine. Excited to slowly get there.
+ I miss reading! Books are not holding my attention right now (see: brain in overdrive), but I look forward to picking back up the habit eventually. I think a few cozy, holiday-themed books will do just the trick. 🙂
+ I’m so thankful for the support Matt and I have around us. From my mom staying with us for the first four weeks, to his mom making sure we were stocked with food and other provisions to friends who text to check in, we’re so lucky.
+ And finally: I know I am biased, but I think Ben is just the best baby. I feel so lucky to be his mom. 🙂
Thank you for reading! I’d love to hear how your November is going. I always think of November as the “in-between month” as it’s between the excitement of fall and the festivity of Christmas. Are you team “holiday season starts now” or team“soaking up some quiet before the chaos”? Regardless, I love that November can be whatever you want it to be. Hoping it’s a great month for you!
That’s all for today! I hope you found something in today’s newsletter that sparked motivation, made you smile or inspired a positive Monday thought. Don’t underestimate the power of starting small… a fulfilling week starts with just one fulfilling day. You’ve got this!
Let’s make it a great Monday!
Megan