Nothing brings yourself into sharper focus than having a baby. In the past three months, amidst the inevitable fatigue and the millionth nappy change, I've learned a lot! So, in no particular order, here are my revelations.
About Writing:
- I need to write. Even if I'm tired or covered in spit-up, writing has become a part of me.
- Sadly, I am not one of those cool, multi-tasking writerly types who can pen their tomes from the comfort of their sofa. Nope, I need a desk, a chair, and no telly within easy reach! Hence, my new makeshift office.
 |
| I think the word is 'basic'! |
- Crying babies do not enhance the creative process (surprising, I know!).
- Despite my more limited writing time, I'm still capable of wasting as much time on the Internet. Sigh!
About Babies:
- Nappies never fully contain explosive poos. I believe this is a market gap and I shall soon be developing my duct-tape diaper design. Watch for it at a Tesco near you!
- You can fall asleep while still rocking the baby's basket. Looks like I possess the multi-tasking ability after all.
- There's nothing better than your baby's morning smile. Awwwwww!
And in other news, writer DJ Kirkby has a new book out called Special Deliveries. It's a lovely collection of stories from the maternity unit. If you enjoy Call the Midwife or One Born Every Minute, you'll definitely enjoy it, too.
What's something you've learned recently?
Have a great week, everyone!
You are learning to work with your new life!
ReplyDeleteAh yes, the explosive poos. I remember them well. My sons never got spinach until they were in control of their own toilet time. That was something I leaned straight away.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the nappie days. They do go away and become fond memories.
Love your new streamlined office!
ReplyDeleteSomething I've learned recently? That I'm getting old and can only do about 50% of what I could do 10 years ago! Maybe not even that much, now that I think about it....
I've learned to write anywhere and under all conditions. That's been tricky for me. I used to need pure silence.
ReplyDeleteLast week I learned that I can write even with my family cramped into the vehicle (I also used to need space) during a 15 hour drive through the mountains (look up every once in awhile or you get queasy!). I can also write through my 2-year-old's I-don't-want-to-nap tantrums although I do still get frazzled--I can't tune them out it seems.
Editing though? That's a while different kettle of fish involving silence and space and leave me alone!
P.S. Aren't those IKEA laptop tables great? (Just don't leave your laptop on them while they are tilted. Erm... don't ask how I know that.)
Enjoy Baby! They grow up so darned fast!!
Very cool space! Hey, I got my Masters Degree when my daughter was a toddler. I did all my studying during nap time.
ReplyDeleteI too need to sit at a desk and without distractions :-)
ReplyDeleteI've learned recently that I'm much more of an introvert than I thought and that writing is the best de-stresser ever!
Congrats on your new baby :-)
I get distracted from my writing NOW (reading blogs and writing this comment, case in point, ha ha!)so wonder what I might be like with a kiddie in tow. Aaah, so much to look forward to. Your little one is so cute!! Hope you are enjoying being a mum, it sounds like you're embracing it all x
ReplyDeleteGreat post Talli! The last 5 years have been a blur for me too and I am still exhausted ha ha! Enjoy every minute because they grow so fast xxx
ReplyDeleteI think having a young baby is the biggest learning curve and those sleepness nights....
ReplyDeleteLike the desk- very minimalist!
ReplyDeleteLx
Becoming a mum is all about change and adapting! Sounds like you are starting to find a way that works for you and the little one.
ReplyDeleteChildren are worth it.
ReplyDeleteAwwwwwwww Baby TR aka the Mighty Lobster Baby and his amazing explosive poo!! How adorable!! Yay!!
ReplyDeleteLoving your minimalist office space!! And no cushion in sight! LOL! Excellent!
Hoorah for DJ too!! Take care
x
Enjoyed reading about your lessons! Cool writing space and it looks portable. I've learned to finish things I start (at least I'm still learning) - funny how that makes a difference to getting them published!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have your office space, it makes a difference! Enjoy the little babbie, awww, I so miss mine being little! x
ReplyDeleteA new baby is definitely a learning curve. I'm sure you'll figure it out, though :D
ReplyDeleteHey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article.
ReplyDeleteI'll be sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I'll definitely return.
Visit my website: exercises to jump higher
The Internet's definitely distracting; I find myself reading random news articles, like the one about how a guy dressed up as Cookie Monster was arrested for shoving a toddler (he was mad because the toddler's mom didn't tip him for posing for a photo). I would get a lot more writing done if I didn't have the Internet. I suppose I could just not log on when I sit down to write, but the only way I can do that is if I'm writing in a notebook, not on a laptop.
ReplyDeleteYou're little lessons really make me smile. You can fall asleep while breastfeeding too. I used to read while breastfeeding in the middle of the night just so I could stay awake.
ReplyDeleteAnd husbands never hear the baby cry at night.
Fifteen years down the line, he'll be asking, "You wrote THAT about me?"
ReplyDeleteI found it absolutely impossible to write with a baby. Once the little one got to be about 2 I was able to think creatively again. I think all my creative juices were spent by pregnancy and breastfeeding. Glad it's not happening that way with you!
ReplyDeleteExploding writers, makeshift nappies and tired offices? Yup, sounds like new-mommyhood to me. And no, crying babies do not enhance creativity as a rule - but having kids *does*, in the long run. I'm so glad you've already learned that writing is something you've got to do, regardless! I think you'll be a better mommy for it.
ReplyDeleteI too have learned that I need an office WITHOUT wifi! I am looking into the cost of a shed in the garden purpose built for writing...which is really quite exciting. I'm hoping my husband will buy me one for my birthday, please drop hints when you see us next! Thank you so much for the mention on your post - you are exceedingly lovely and generous - I'm so glad you enjoyed my book.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that I CAN work without a proper desk! I still have one, but for some reason I do most of my writing on the sofa or in bed with my laptop now. Weird and SO not good for my back but it works...
ReplyDeleteAh, the crying-baby-does-not-a-productive-writer-make lesson. It hurt to learn that one.
You're doing a great job, Talli.
ReplyDeleteI didn't start functioning normally until my babies were at least 2 so you're doing beyond fantastic in my books.
ReplyDeleteToday, of course, has to take care of them. This is where the phone ultimately shows
ReplyDeleteits true colors, and where to go from somebody
who's writing whenever they feel up to it, to try and get back into the news? While I'm
normally an even-keeled person, that is growing at a rate of
22 percent December 2009 vs.
My webpage: sex cam
Awe babies are wonderful.. .and this is just the beginning... let the life lessons begin! Enjoy. xx
ReplyDeleteIf you can still get a few minutes to yourself with a small baby, you're doing great at muti-tasking! And that designer diapers with extra tapes would make you millions, go for it!
ReplyDeleteBut yes, the first smile in the morning from baby? Priceless!
Nas
Duct tape diapers-- I love it. Babies are young. Their skin will grow back.
ReplyDeleteWe had many exploding diapers! Duct tape might just be the answer. :) I love your desk, sometimes the simpler the better.
ReplyDeleteHa ha. And still you write. I like quiet too when I pen my stories.
ReplyDeleteWell done Talli! No need to tell you to keep writing, I'm glad to see. I've learnt to enjoy a day of sunshine (well, two in fact) and savour them, pack them full of lovely things.
ReplyDeleteHi Talli .. that you're loving life .. and that lobsterbaby TR is pretty special - as he should be ..
ReplyDeleteGood on you for writing - though that is pretty sparse I have to agree ... but you'll get there ... cheers for now - Hilary
Yay for babies!!! And i love your new little desk
ReplyDeletecute desk! and your baby is way adorable.:) i imagine it must be hard balancing mothering and writing, but you seem to be doing a great job at it:)
ReplyDeleteNutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
When a pupil ѕelесts thе Lοose Online Gameѕ
ReplyDeleteаre cοmрlеtеly up to
engagеment. Thе bіz is can both Groω co-bгandеd mеrchanԁіse fеaturing а combіnіng of both Hasbro and Zуnga brаnԁs.
mаfiа Warѕѕlipρеd depressed tо 19 jіllion players, аnd thіs оnlinе anԁ the mоther
ԁoeѕ not Grant them; ωith theѕе gamеs,
they haѵe the οpportunіty to run the baѕic leѕsοns in thе culinагy lіbеral аrtѕ.
Also visit my blog: game
Like you, I need to be cloistered somewhere, it can be cramped and simple but it has to be private. I can tune out all noise except my child crying, which is handy, because they need you if they're crying! You get good at grabbing the moment when they're sleeping and hurrying into it. I wasn't writing when my children were young, but I was studying and writing creative music projects, and that was slighly similar! I think you sound to be doing brilliantly. Baby TR won't stop you writing, even my teenager doesn't stop me; you just get crafty with your time! Good Luck with it all, especially the nappy design! xx
ReplyDeleteExcellent items from you, man. I've have in mind your stuff previous to and you're just extremely fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI actually like what you have acquired right here, certainly like what you're saying and the way wherein you are saying it. You're making it enjoyable and you continue to care for to keep
it smart. I can not wait to read much more from you.
This is really a wonderful site.
my blog - cheats on dragonvale without jailbreak
I've learned a lot in the last few months as well, though for different reasons.
ReplyDeleteLike you, I realise that writing is a huge part of what makes me me, and the company of other writers is a balm to my soul.
I love you office space. I've learned that I wrote far more when I didn't have WiFi!
ReplyDeleteLovely things to learn. I only had the chance to be the stepmother of teens so I didn't get the baby fun.
ReplyDeleteKnowing how your life has changed in the last three months via facebook, I was intersted in reading this. Life is grand isn't it. There is nothing more precious! Enjoy and embrace every second because it passes way too quickly!
ReplyDeleteI've learned I don't like prolonged spells of freezing cold weather! Love your makeshift office - I can't write just anywhere either, I have to feel like I'm 'going to work' :o)
ReplyDelete