Shah, on Transformation. Sling Diaries, Vol VII.
The Sling Diaries, Volume VII. A photo-documentary chronicling the art of baby wearing in the lives of families around the world. Over the course of six months, Sling Diarists will create their own Sling Diary though a series of diary entries interpreting a unique theme given to them each month.
Meet all of our Sling Diarists here.
ON TRANSFORMATION
Almost 3 months in as a mother of 4 and my world has transformed again! As a matter of fact, all kinds of things are transforming within my family dynamic. New baby, new school, and my toddler started daycare!. After homeschooling for a year & deciding not to continue once baby #4 was on the way, we are adjusting back to the early morning hustle and bustle!
My husband leaves early before the children wake, I’m up by 6-6:30 to prepare myself & breakfast before I wake the children. On a good morning the baby stays asleep while the rest of us are getting ready. If not, I usually can nurse him to happiness and he’ll relax in the “rocka-roo” until it’s time to leave. Out of the door by 8 am, daycare drop off is first and then the big kids are off next, which is graciously right around the corner from daycare. Then it’s just me and my new baby boy until pick up time at 3:30.
Having a newborn in the home has encouraged a necessary shift in the way we spend our time together as a family. After school and daycare pickup we’re usually back home by 4:30, my husband is home by 6 and this is what I like to call SHOWTIME! This is when the clock begins between family time and bedtime. Bedtime is critical for many reasons...with 4 children awake after a certain hour things just get ridiculous! My 9 and 6 year old begin to find any and everything to fight about, my two year old will go on a wild rampage around the house and then the baby is completely disturbed. Chaos I tell you! We’ve been sticking to a bedtime and it truly makes a difference. It keeps me on track with dinner, homework and chores. We collectively tackle these things as a family in order for things to flow. This doesn’t mean each day goes as planned but for the most part, having an order in place to follow keeps us focused.
When I think about the transformations taking place just within a years time, I’m reminded of how swiftly things change. Especially with children, the newborn phase is fleeting and before I know it he’ll be sitting up and starting to crawl. No one understands transformation the way we mothers do! From the moment a baby begins to develop in our womb the transformation begins for mother and child. Then after delivery a new level of transformation begins to take shape, from the changes in our bodies to our moods and the new relationship we’re cultivating with our child. I will continue to be changed and transformed through my journey as a mother, and I’m hopeful that the seeds I’m planting through loving my family will flourish beyond all that I envision.
