Ohmygod, it's lonely being at home with a newborn. What I miss the most are the interactions of daily life, like chatting with coworkers and patients or having lunch with friends. My girl is a great snuggler, but the conversations leave something to be desired.
I make a point of getting out of the house most days, even if just for a quick trip to the store. And some weeks I'm lucky enough to meet a friend for lunch or have a visit with one of the other stay at home moms I know. But honestly, most days the only interaction I have with friends and acquaintances is online. In the evenings when Luis and I are discussing our days, I find that often my contributions to the conversation begin with "So-and-so's status said..."
I love the cuddles and the play time, and even watching her sleep, but the pace is unlike anything I have ever experienced. As a formerly busy person, this is an unnerving situation for me. I sit on the couch with a beautiful baby asleep in my arms, and I look around me - stacks of mail to go through, dishes to do, projects lying untouched. I feel busy all the time, but I don't seem to do much - change seven or eight diapers, nurse every other hour or so, supervise a little tummy time, take a shower if I'm lucky. These days accomplishing even the smallest household chore feels like a huge feat.
What keeps me sane (and loving my life) is remembering that this time with just the two of us is so limited, so precious. In a few short years I'll be wishing I could get her to hold still and just sit on my lap and snuggle. A few more years down the road she'll be at school, and me at work, and our time together will be even less. Fast forward a few more, and she'll be asking me to drop her off at the mall. These thoughts are what keep me from feeling too lonely, and what keep me happily planted on the couch day after day, snuggling my sweet baby girl.