Even before my son was born I had become rather attached to my iPhone. I’d always used it for appointments, calendar notes, and so many different apps that I think my husband worried.
Then we became parents.
Having moved from CA to VA just over a year before giving birth, all my family and friends were 2700 miles away and unable to be part of the big day. Especially my mother who was getting her first grandson after 3 granddaughters from my siblings.
My iPhone was by my side the entire stay at the hospital, being used for pictures to text to people and updates to my sister about her new nephew. We had packed a laptop, but that never came out of the bag. There was no room for that and me and the baby in the bed, and forget about trying to deal with that thing with only one free hand. With my iPhone, I was able to check my Yahoo mail, update everyone on FaceBook and Twitter, and also call people long distance and continue to answer questions about the baby.
After coming home I became even more dependent on the smartphone and kept it with me all the time. I used the Kindle app to read books during feedings, listened to music, and continued to take pictures and videos every chance I got.
My father-in-law joked about my attachment to the little device. I explained it kept me able to function during the hours I was awake without interfering with my time with my son. Sadly (or maybe funniest), if the news wasn’t Tweeted or mentioned on FaceBook then I missed it during those first three weeks. There was no time for television during waking hours, but again I could hold the little screen and watch things on Netflix to entertain me while my son ate.
There are some days where I wonder if I really need the smartphone. The monthly bill is no joking matter. But then I realize I will never be able to give up being able to get directions with the Maps program, checking movie times or store business hours, while also being able to talk on the phone with family and send them instant updates on my son.
Even almost four months later, I don’t sit down to feed him without my iPhone within arms reach. It’s become the quickest way to get and send information to everyone.