Progressive Pedicure.

So, I've been waiting for the "perfect" subject before writing my first post. A subject both earth-shattering and entertaining, both thought-provoking and inspiring. Well - that earth-shattering, entertaining, thought-provoking, and inspiring blog post subject is still floating out in no man's land with my as-yet-to-be-had truly original thought. And new motherhood has helped me realize that "perfect" might not even exist anymore (at least in its definitive sense...) - and that is absolutely OK. So perfect or not, here it goes.

On December 15, 2011, the Lord blessed John and me with the most amazing little lady on the planet. After 41 hours of labor (birth story post will happen one of these days), our sweet Lucie was born and our lives were changed forever. Of course, no one can every truly prepare a new parent, through good advice or otherwise, for how a baby changes things. New parents just have to experience the cluelessness, tears, sleeplessness, and absolute joys themselves to truly understand all the ways in which their lives have been hi-jacked and upended!

For me, this lesson in parenthood did not instantly arrive in an epiphany-sized package. Rather, it has been (and will continue to be, I suspect) gradual...like small blocks of wisdom being placed on one top of the other, as I ascend this mountain with sweet Lucie clinging to me (literally). The past few days provided a tangible example of a little lesson in womanly resourcefulness.

Progressive pedicure. No, this isn't a fun "girl's night" idea, nor is it the latest trend in pampering. It is the new metaphor for my life. All I've wanted to do in these past couple of days is give myself a decent pedicure. Take one look at my feet and you'd understand (I'll spare you the pain of looking at a photo). Well, this relatively simple pre-baby task has proven quite difficult because of the beautiful little Parasite who now clings to me. Now...don't get me wrong - I LOVE it that she clings to me. There is nothing so tiring and rewarding as a baby that NEEDS you. I fully realize that she will believe she does NOT need me one day... (my heart already aches at the thought of teenage years...) ...so I will soak up EVERY minute the Lord gives me now. But sentiments aside - is it too much to want her to sleep long enough to give my feet some decent attention!?

OK honestly, Lucie is such a good baby. And overall, she actually isn't even that clingy. The past few days, for whatever reason, she has just needed some extra loving - and as a mama, I am A-OK with that! But what happens when a mom's feet need some extra loving?! I know what you're already thinking - and the answer is: I'm too tired by the time my husband gets home to do anything productive - pampering included - so it had to happen during the daytime. Enter: progressive pedicure. If a "how to" existed, here's what it would look like...

Things you'll need:

-Desperation

-Determination

-A clingy baby

-Nail clippers/file

-Nail polish

-Yoga pants w/ fold-over tops

How to proceed:

Hold your sweet little Clinger. Look at your feet. Sigh in desperation. Decide that today is the day you'll make a change. Determined, pull on your favorite fold-over yoga pants. With Clinger in tow, head to the bathroom cabinet. Take out polish, nail clippers, and a nail file. Shove items into the waistband portion of your yoga pants and fold-over to keep them in place and handy throughout your day. Remind yourself that only God can judge you. Continue with the day's usual tasks. Whenever your baby lets you put him/her down or takes a nap, un-holster the necessary tools and clip/file a nail. If you're feeling adventurous, pull out that polish and get to work. Don't feel discouraged if you can only get to one or two toes before your loving Little One demands your attention again. The key here is determination. Repeat above steps (clipping/filing/painting) until all toes are complete. This process may take up to three days, as in my case, but the end result (and feeling of accomplishment!) is WELL worth it (your husband will agree)!

Weird? Absolutely. Normal? No way. But, what is "normal" anyway? Sure. Days are more complicated, odd and exhausting. Previously simple tasks become strangely overwhelming with a baby. But, I have learned to be thankful for the lessons and proud of myself for the small triumphs (i.e. actually doing my hair in the morning - I didn't today...in case you were wondering). Most importantly, through the joys, tears, perceived failures and triumphs - I am absolutely, completely and utterly LOVING every single millisecond of being Lucie's mama. And if I my gnarly feet must suffer a little longer as a result, well...I'm just fine with that. :)

Figuring it out - one unpolished toe at a time,

P.S. Happy Valentine's Day! 1 John 4:19