Fighting Sleep

I was able to get my painting from last September finished two days ago. It only took 5 months! Still, it was a productive time, the nap time my little one finally gave into. Why does she fight sleep so vehemently? Fed, changed, warm, and still not happy to drift off to dream land. Room darkening curtains drawn, soft music or no music...she fights it.

Still, the past two days I've tried to get her to nap, and after hours of frustration I gave her a bottle. First day was great! I got my painting done during the two hour nap. Second day, she kept fighting even after the bottle. I did eventually get her to sleep and had two hours to do a small study for a larger painting. However, last night's battle for bedtime was extremely depressing, and after 2 hours of trying all the things that used to work, including a bottle, she finally went to sleep.

So, no more bottles to try and get her to sleep longer! (she woke up at 4:30 anyways)

She would much rather just fall asleep feeding in my lap/arms and sleep on her side right there...in my lap. Whcih she is doing right now. My scent? Being on her side and not her back? The warmth? I know the time won't last forever, and one day it will be the last time she sleeps in my lap. I still remember the last time she slept on my chest <3 thankfully I took a photo!

Working towards the date I set for myself to get back to work, March 1st. I really must have a strategy figured out. So far, the 'work while she naps' idea isn't looking so good. I need to muster up so new strategies to get back into making art that are reliable!

Busy but Nothing got Done

Feeling down Today. I'm feeling like I should face the reality I won't get to do art anymore. I don't want to, but am I just kidding myself? How do I keep the baby entertained if my face, thoughts, and attention are towards a canvas or a screen?

I've tried having her beside me in a bassinet, beside me with an activity arch on the floor. Beside me in a bouncy seat and even just in my lap. She cries or gets bored or something! Not wanting to take naps just adds to my frustration of having no breaks during the day to potentially make art. I've even tried the carrying harness to get chores done.

This is why people are not having kids anymore. Productivity is too valuable. Independence to do what you want, unless it's unproductive. How can you possibly do any thing of value in life if you are too busy caring for a child?

I love my little girl and I don't regret being given her from God. I do wonder if she will be an only child though.

Ready? I Think?

Good Evening,
  I'm a new mom. I am an artist. This will be a process blog on how to get through this, and thrive in this new adventure.
  So far I've managed to paint about 2 hours in the last 3 months. I've slowly been setting up my computers and paints so everything is ready and waiting for me to just sit and work. Along with doing art, I need to keep the house clean, make meals, and get in better shape.

Ah, the little one is awake again.
Welcome to being a Mom Illustrator!