Aaaaaaaaah! In the past week it feels like I have gotten a total of 8, maybe 10 hours of sleep. My eyes are burning, my mind is numb, yet corny as it sounds, my heart is full. My beautiful and healthy baby daughter Ayla was born after a very difficult labour (an episiotomy, forceps and a vacuum were needed). As a first-time mommy, exhaustion is clinging to my shoulders like a backpack bursting of boulders.

Aside from taking care of my baby, there has been a non-stop barrage of visitors. While my husband and I appreciate the good wishes, I wish we could post a sign on our door which says, “Closed until further notice.” The steady stream of friends and family coming has been wonderful and also wonderfully overwhelming.