Friday, August 1, 2014

Random Thoughts - The New Baby Edition

I was the only one who didn't nap today.

Flapjilly has her days and nights reversed, if the plural can be used for a person who's been on the planet as a self-sustaining individual for thirty some hours.  Though I didn't hear a peep from across the hall, the bleary eyed parents knocked on my door before dawn, begging me to take Thomas the Wonder Dog away from them.  The baby was awake ... had been awake ... screaming ... all night, and the four legged creature was occupying too much space.

Whether that space was physical or emotional, I was glad to help.  He whimpered for a few hours, sniffling at the door, before he jumped on the bed and made himself comfortable against my hip.  I didn't have the heart to move him, even though he was pressed against my healing hip.  When I awoke, he was standing over my head, two feet on either side of my cranium.  It's a startling way to begin the day.
*****
The baby went to the pediatrician, to reassure the parents that she was still the healthy little one they brought home the evening before.  They returned home with instructions for both mother and baby to eat more ... and more regularly.  They've both been snacking all day.
*****
While they were gone, Thomas the Wonder Dog and I walked on the leash and sat on the porch, watching the world go by.  The mail carrier was delighted to meet the sender of packages, and to pass on her best wishes to the new baby.  Boy Scouts and their parents dropped envelopes in a plastic tub on the doorstep across the street.  Lawn care professionals and delivery trucks and little boys on bicycles kept us occupied until the car arrived in the driveway; it was all I could do to hold Thomas in check.

He loves his mommy and daddy almost as much as I do.
*****
It's fascinating to watch the baby turn bright red - sometimes from crying, sometimes from gastrointestinal distress.  All these sensations are brand new to her; she's not altogether pleased with how they make her feel.  Being a member of our family, she has no compunctions about sharing her displeasure.  The new parents are remarkably calm ... on the outside, at least.
*****
There are so many accoutrements strewn around the house.  There's a Boppy and a Breast Friend and a variety of new pillows in a variety of configurations.  Flapjilly rested in one of them for an hour or so, before she awoke with a scowl.

All the fancy, new, stuffed items went unused.  An old throw pillow under her elbow, and Little Cuter was all set.
*****
I have to admit that she was right and I was wrong.

My granddaughter is a tiny little bit of softness who fits quite comfortably in 0-3 month onesies.  My imprecations, my dire predictions, my certainty that she would never wear them have all been proven wrong. Unless she has an incredible growth spurt, they all may actually be worn more than once.

So much for my original plan - a day of "put that on, take a picture, change garment, repeat."  The gift givers will be rewarded with photographs of their presents being worn in real life, instead of in a faux photo shoot.
*****
If there is a happier woman on the planet, I'd like to meet her and share notes.

2 comments:

  1. Been at a conference the past three days at NIH, but I've been thinking about you. Can I tell you how happy I am for you?! I'm envious too. I LOVE babies. Wish I could have more, but my dr said I shouldn't due to me almost hemorrhaging with my third. So I will have to live vicariously through others.

    Little Cuter and SIR will get into a groove. The first few weeks are the hardest, but they will get the hang of it. And they have you there to help out. I'm sure they are extremely grateful you are there.

    Conference is getting ready to start, so have to run. Have lots of fun!


    Megan xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. The groove is forming... the baby is sleeping and eating well ... and all kinds of documentation is being collected. I really hope the doctor asks the right questions, b/c we have all the answers!
    a/b

    ReplyDelete

Talk back to me! Word Verification is gone!