Hand-in-hand with a newborn come frequent diaper changes, regular feedings, tiny cries, and, the real kicker, sleep deprivation. With your first child, the sleep disruption comes as a shock more than anything else. No matter how much someone tells you about it, you're still not prepared for the ever-interrupted REM sleep. With subsequent children, you're more mentally prepared, and the focus becomes how on Earth do I cope with this loss of sleep while caring for (insert # of children here) children.
Not only is the lack of sleep difficult, but I find myself struggling with one of life's most basic functions when I'm lacking my normal slumber: social pleasantries. I just can't seem to hold regular conversation or act as a person usually would. I keep talking when someone else is trying to get a word in. I don't answer when someone asks a question. I ignore people I know just because I can't think of something to say to them. I stare into space when people are talking to me--not hearing a word their saying.
Of course, when the person finally recognizes my failure as a receptive listener or conversationalist, they bid me adieu. During this time, I take the opportunity to profusely apologize for my lack of social skills and promptly blame it on my newborn bundle. I'm not sure that this is always a good enough excuse, but it's my excuse nonetheless.
And so, in proving my point, I'm now finished this post. I've said something. I've now awkwardly ended, probably a little too soon, and now I'm off to care for a newborn between sleeping spells....
