FTMs: no free time but we’re not busy

With a baby attached to me (quite literally this week as we’re in the middle of separation anxiety), nothing is quite so simple anymore. My schedule revolves around nap time, making dinner takes twice as long, and we don’t leave the house together past 6 because bedtime is at 7. Most hours of the day (and night) my time is not my own. “Me time”, when it happens, has a whole new meaning.

At the same time I'm not super busy. When a mom friend wants a play date the answer is “YES PLEASE WE HAVE NO PLANS!” There’s always the weekly grocery trip or library run, we try to keep up on laundry and sometimes vacuum, but other than that I sit on the floor while my baby explores the living room and I message my husband at work. Also I can’t be the only one who makes up errands for something to do. 

No I am not yet chasing a toddler, or helping kids with homework, or acting as taxi driver. My to do list has a few things on it, but it’s not a struggle to keep up with. I have no deadlines, due dates, or appointments. We love our daily routine and I’m a big fan of having lots of independent free play, but the reality is sometimes I want more. 

We think of new moms as busy - they’ve got their hands full so why bother them? And while it’s true our hands are full of wiggly baby, we want to be bothered. We want plans, friends, and things to do. We will work around nap time but we have plenty of time otherwise.

Are you home with a little one? Let's have a play date! Try to take the initiative to set up get togethers (or even a regular play group) in your area. Maybe others will follow. 

*Note: written 11/30, FTM = first time mom