Why I feel bad for Kate Middleton

So there is a new royal in the mix. Sweet Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. I am not shy about my obsession with all things Royal and am so excited for this new babe to come into the world. But, the more I started thinking, the more I realized I feel so bad for Kate.

Now, this didn't hit me as hard when she had George because I hadn't had Caroline yet so while I knew what childbirth entailed, I didn't KNOW what childbirth entailed! Luckily (or unluckily) after close to 48 hours of labor, I ended up with a beautiful baby girl via c-section. I also ended up with practically no sleep for two days, being cut open and incredibly sore, and barely being able to stand up straight or lay straight for a couple of weeks while I healed. So there are downsides to either having a baby the "regular" way or via c-section. I don't think one is better than the other.

So, why do I feel bad for Kate?

1. Kate went into the hospital around 6:30 am. She had the baby around 8:30 am and then went home at 6:30 pm. This timeline only gives about 12 hours to start nursing the baby (if she chose to do so), get some rest, bond (which isn't a lot of time) with the baby, and have her team come in and make her look fabulous. I feel bad for her because all I wanted to do after having Caroline was be with her and Adam. I was too excited to sleep and was completely obsessed with her. I wasn't going anywhere and neither was she!

2. This next part is may be TMI for some of you so I apologize in advance and you have been warned. Most vaginal deliveries involve some tearing and some repairing after. Every delivery involves a lot of bleeding and a lot of soreness for a LONG TIME. The idea of walking out of a hospital two days, let alone 10 HOURS, after having a baby does not appeal to me. The idea of walking out of a hospital wearing heals and yellow/white dress while holding a newborn COMPLETELY TERRIFIES me! Do you know how easily white shows blood?

3. The biggest reason I feel bad for her is because of the pressure. She is pressured to look amazing 100% of the time. Regardless if she just delivered a baby or not. I feel bad that she can't just be a normal person. I don't think any normal person (especially mothers who understand) would blame her for wanting to wear sweats and tennis shoes out of that joint.

As appealing as being a royal is, I will take my normal life over it any day of the week!

P. S. Do you think Will had a similar outfit on when the princess was born?!?!

Today, I cried

No one said being a parent was easy. In fact, I have heard that being a parent is "The toughest, but most rewarding job."

Today, I broke down. In church.

There are several adjectives to describe Caroline-Bright, spirited, energetic, curious, talkative, happy, and the list goes on. Sometimes, though, the only word I can use to describe her is "difficult." It may be the age and it may be her personality and it be may a combination of both.

For a while, when we have attended mass, one of us usually sits in the cry room with her. Today, both of us did with my dad while he was visiting. She was being particularly "energetic" and did not want to listen. Finally, after receiving Communion (and for those unfamiliar with the Catholic faith and the Mass, this is a time to reflect) Caroline wouldn't sit still or be quiet and I just broke down. I couldn't help but cry and to pray for patience and understanding with her.

One of my faults is comparing and envy/jealousy. This has always been a fault of mine. I struggle with looking at other children who are Caroline's age and am jealous of how well-behaved they are in church or how well they listen. But, why am I jealous? I have a daughter who is perfectly healthy, incredibly intelligent, and full of personality.

Every day, I am so grateful that I was chosen to be her mother and there is a reason she is mine. Every day I am so grateful that she is a bright, spirited, energetic, curious, talkative, and happy.

But, there are days when I get overwhelmed and just need a "break" and I think that is perfectly alright.