The Summerlin Family: Grandma's Visit & Some Random Pictures, Plus an Update

I think that's my longest title yet :)

Okay, so the blog hasn't been quite as organized or as up to date as I would like. I spoke with a lot of people who had two children close together and just about every one of them said the beginning was very hard, but after the first few months things got better and after the first couple of years, things got great. We're entering the better phase now, which is a huge relief! The first 2 months were very difficult and this past month has definitely been getting better. Within this past week I've noticed a shift in our home as Larry and I (and the boys) have settled into a routine. Not a schedule by any means, but at least there is a predictable pattern.

I'd like to mention something else as well. I know some of my fellow "mommy friends" read the blog and I think it's important to bring this up. After Jared was born I dealt with some postpartum depression until I spoke with my doctor when Jared was 2 or 3 months old. After speaking with some friends that have kids I was shocked at how common it is. The statistics that say 5-15% of women deal with this are not accurate. It is far more common. Thankfully, all it took for me to "snap out of it" was talking to my doctor who said some things that clicked for me and helped me get back to myself. At this point, I'm just thankful I got to the doctor when I did and didn't waste any more time. I think so many of us hear postpartum depression and think of women like Yates. I never wanted to hurt my boys, but I also couldn't see past a fog that kept me from being the best Mom I could be. So, for anyone reading this, if you have a friend that doesn't seem herself after she has a baby, be up front and ask how she's doing. Point out that she hasn't seemed herself. The hardest part for me was bringing it up, even after I recognized it for what it was. Also, if you have a baby, be honest with your husband. Men are more understanding than we give them credit for a lot of times. And of course, go see a doctor. Meds are good, therapy is good, and sometimes just talking to your doctor who has seen this over and over again is all it takes.

Now for the fun part :)

Little Jared