I recently gave birth to my second son, and before he was born I thought I was ready to handle the challenge. Although I still believe that, it is much more of a challenge than I thought it would be! Our very active two-and-a-half-year-old keeps us busy all weekend long, but we have a schedule (at least something of a schedule). We plan things out during the day, starting at 6 a.m. (sometimes before that, when he‘s up early enough to watch the sun rise), and we know when he’s going to need down time during the afternoon and when he will go to bed at night. Now with two, it’s a whole different ball game.
Today is the first day I’ve had some quiet time at home with just the newborn. My husband went back to work and my older son went to day care, and I expected to have all this time to get things done since the baby is sleeping so much. What I didn’t take into consideration is the amount of time my hands would be occupied. From frequent feedings, to cleaning up, folding, making meals, etc., there is no time—ever—to sit down and pick up a book or catch up on the news. But this morning, when everyone left and it was just me and Ryan, and it was time for his feeding, I realized how much time I have for listening. I began to think about all the podcasts I want to catch up on and all the books on my TBR list that I can listen to instead of read. I went from dreading the long day of being busy but getting nothing done to hoping there are several hours before someone comes home so I have more time to listen. Now I’ll look forward to the days home alone with the baby so much more!
Here’s what I personally plan to listen to in the next few months while I am on maternity leave:
I figured this is a good one to give a try, given all the hormonal changes and mood swings I will be encountering in the next few weeks. It should also get me through these first few weeks of lost sleep and new routines.
Listen to an excerpt You Can Master Meditation
This is another one I have heard so much about and just haven’t been able to pick up. The humor and romance are sure to keep me awake when baby calls for a snack during the dark hours of the night.
Listen to an excerpt Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Now that I have two, this is a good one for me to tune into as well. When all hell breaks loose with the two boys, I’ll find some harmony from the lessons in this book.
Listen to an excerpt Peaceful Parents, Happy Siblings
I recently started listening to Chris Guillebeau’s podcast The Side Hustle Show and have become very inspired. His new book about taking an entrepreneurial idea and making it happen, without giving up your day job, goes on sale in just a few weeks and should be very helpful.
Listen to an excerpt Side Hustle