For example, a diaper supply is a renewable resource -- we can buy more. Clean onesies are also a renewable resource.
The non-renewable resources are pretty few. In point of fact, I can't think of any. Everything can be replenished given time.
It's the finite resources that'll bite you on the ass. Like cuddling or arm strength. Cuddling? Arm strength? You say. Cuddling. Arm strength. Yes. Arm strength. Babies gain about an ounce a day in body weight. Your arm strength will continue to keep up with your baby's weight gain for a while, but it will suddenly and dramatically fail depending upon gender, heredity and workout habits in some month of your kid's first year or so. Plan on it. As for cuddling, there are 24 hours in a day. You have to spend some of those eating, showering, and doing dishes. Combined with the arm strength problem, this makes for a definite limit on cuddling.
In short, you cannot carry your kid around 24/7. Getting your sprocket used to the idea of not physicaly touching your person every waking hour is a good idea. Independent play is GOOD. Wanting mommy is also good, but being able to spend a waking hour (or at least a 1/2 hour) in a crib with an entertaining mobile means mommy gets to shower and feed herself. And a mommy who showers and feeds herself without listening to screams is a happy mommy. Babies like it when mommy is happy. Really they do.
This PSA has been brought to you by Mothers For Showering and Eating. Also by the letter M.
Posted by karen at December 13, 2002 12:00 AM