As a matter of fact, I am still alive.

Holy cats. I didn't realize how long it had been since I've written. Of course, by now I have probably lost most of, if not my entire, reading audience, but hopefully with some wit and wiles I can lure a few of you back. With any luck though, I'll run you all off by moving back to PA sometime in the next year, when you'll all see me in person and have no desire to listen to further ramblings online when I put you through enough of them in person.

So, apparently having a baby is hard work and keeps you incredibly busy. Who knew? I have to say I was not prepared for this. I used to read those blogs and books by mothers of infants and toddlers, and I would scoff at their claims of it being a "good day" if they got a shower by the time their husband came home. "What are these women doing all day?" I would ask. "There is no way it's impossible to get a shower before 5:00 pm. They've got to be making excuses or something." Ha. My first day home alone with Schuyler, I figured out what they do: They nurse. Then they change a diaper, only to have the baby immediately drop a second deuce (If I had a nickel for every time this has happened to me, I could open a slot machine in Vegas). They nurse again. The baby finally falls asleep, and they foolishly opt to load the dishwasher before getting in the shower. As they are reaching for their robe, the baby starts to scream again. They nurse some more. They change another (two) diaper(s) and entertain the baby for an hour or so. They nurse once more, change some more diapers, and the next thing they know their husband is walking in the door. Most days, my goal is to get out of the shower by 3:00. Usually, I'm successful.

With every day that passes this motherhood thing gets easier and more enjoyable. Today, Schuyler decided to get up at 5:30. We lay there in the dark, both of us wide-eyed, as I tried desperately to get her to nurse quietly and go back to sleep so that her father could get another half hour of shut-eye before his alarm went off. After about ten minutes of fighting with her, during which she became very loud and chatty, I gave up and moved with her to the living room so B could get his last 20 minutes of sleep in peace. Because we got up before the sun this morning, I was able to pack Brendan's lunch, eat breakfast with him, and make coffee (and even enjoy a cup myself!) all before 7:00am. When Skye went back to sleep at about 7:00, I got to watch part of the Today show and do half of my Pilates video before she wanted to eat again. This is the first day since she was born that I have been able to even attempt to work out (not counting a few walks in the park or around the neighborhood). I even got a shower and did dishes and laundry before getting online this morning. It's amazing. Herein lies the secret: If we get out of bed when Skye first wakes up at the butt-crack of dawn, I can nurse her for a while, and then she spends the majority of the rest of the morning asleep, leaving me available for chores, a workout, and (most importantly) personal hygiene. Amazing. And to think it only took me 38 days to figure it out. At this rate, I may be able to update this blog a few times a week. Imagine how glorious that could be!