“Go do your job!” my husband told me. For once, the thought behind these words was not mean or derogatory. I had been trying to take the dogs out and our new baby, Leigh, needed attention. Eric had simply pointed out that what I really needed to do was be with Leigh. Nothing else. I didn’t need to take the dogs out. I didn’t need to sweep the floors or clean up the couch. I didn’t need to make us lunch. I didn’t need to do anything other than tend to our baby. He would take care of everything else.

Since coming home from the hospital, life has changed in every way possible. My c-section was unexpected and rough on my body. At first, I was unable to bend over to pick up anything. I get stronger every day. I still can’t drive or pick up the loaded car seat and my belly is super achy. Eric has had to do so much more than we thought after bringing the baby home. And he’s done it all without complaint. He’s an awesome husband and an even better dad. I didn’t think it was possible, but I love him more because of this experience. There’s just something hot about a man who’s wants to help you so badly, he’ll give you a new pair of his socks because your feet are still so swollen they don’t fit in your own.

Needless to say, things have slowed down in our household. Nothing is rushed. This includes walking around the house. The pain from the surgery slowed my walking to a crawl. And let me tell you, walking slowly isn’t something to complain about. It’s refreshing to slow down.

I focus on only one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is overrated. The most important thing I have to do is take care of little Leigh. Nothing else matters. Not the dog hair gathering on the ground or the dirty dishes piling up in the sink. It will all still be there when I find time to get to it.

This change has made life more enjoyable. I live in the minute, not thinking about what needs to be done next. It takes a lot of the stress out of life. Since both my husband and I are on baby leave from work for the first three weeks of Leigh’s life, we have all the time in the world to do whatever we want. Some days we go to the grocery store or hop in the car to rent a movie. Other days we stay home in our pajamas. Eric said that he hopes retirement feels like this. Me, too.

My advice to new parents like us: slow it down if you can. Enjoy every moment because these days don’t last forever. Leigh is growing before our eyes. Literally. He gained another pound last week! He won’t be this small for long and I’m looking to enjoy every minute of his newborn days.