Posts Tagged ‘infants’

Hurry Up/Slow Down

Monday, October 13th, 2014

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
I am so much more at ease in caring for Hudson through his newborn days than I was with Haley. Most likely the biggest reason for this is my experience and facility with breastfeeding. The first time around, I didn’t know what I was doing, what was normal, and how to tell if my baby was thriving. This time, I’m sure the baby is doing fine and I’m much more laid back about it. In fact, I’m much more laid back about everything. I’m not trying to interpret the contents of every diaper for some hidden meaning about wellness. I’m not always checking to make sure the baby is breathing at night. (Well… I check, but not constantly!) I’m not worried about every little mark that appears or noise he makes. He’s doing great, and I’m grateful.

Yet newborns aren’t always the most exciting bunch. I find myself looking wistfully forward to when he’ll give me a smile (that isn’t a reflex) and start to interact a bit more. Then again, he’s such a precious little bundle, and I know that I will never, ever get this time back. I simultaneously want him to grow and not change one bit!

The most important thing to me, as I look to the future, is just being open to who Hudson is, and being thoughtful about how to be his best parent. I remember how much it irritated me when well-meaning relatives would ascribe personality traits to a very young Haley. I have the same protective instinct with Hudson. It’s nice that they are amazed by how wonderfully “alert” he is or that he somehow seems “smart” (Okay…). I just want him to be who he is and I think it’s my job to encourage him. And I vow to myself to be patient with his development, and appreciate every step of the way.

New Cousin!

Wednesday, February 13th, 2013

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
There is no bigger event in our family than a new member. The boys already have four boy cousins on my side of the family but now they have their first on their father’s side. The healthy baby boy was born last month, far away, in Washington, DC. We have not met him yet, but we are planning a trip to meet him in a couple months. For now, video chat is the only way we can welcome our new family member.  We’re thankful we have the technology to keep in touch until our next visit.

Jack and Tate both love babies.  We have several friends with infants whom we see often.  Anytime they see a baby they love to go look at them and talk to the baby, especially Tate.  Tate tells them it’s OK if they’re upset and asks if they want to play on the playground.  I love his humor, although at times it can be a bit overwhelming in public. The boys are regularly exposed to babies and I’m anxious to see what they’ll do when they meet their new cousin for the first time.  Jack is aware infants want to love and cuddle, but Tate expects them to be running around, which pretty much sums up their personalities.

My husband and I are also excited to meet the new little guy.  I already have baby fever just seeing pictures of him.  I love newborns. I love their smell, their coos, their cries and their faces when they dream.  It brings back sweet memories when my children were newborns.  I look forward to holding my new nephew and I’m delighted to call him my godson.

 

 

 

 

Doctor’s Visit

Monday, June 6th, 2011

From Monday Mom – Neetika:
Last week I took Haley to the doctor for her 2-month checkup. I cannot believe how old and big she’s getting! Her personality is really starting to emerge, as are her looks. I’m pretty much done wondering if she looks like my husband or me. Haley just looks like Haley!

Haley cooperated when the nurse took her height and weight. I was relieved when I heard the stats because I knew they were on target, and we’re still in that “is she getting enough milk?” phase. She did well during the doctor’s exam. The doctor said she was holding her head up like a 4 month old and is very strong. I’m so proud!

Then it came time for the shot! The doctor was smart not to tell me right when it was going in. It would have raised my anxiety level and perhaps Haley would have been able to pick up on it. She was lying there happily and I was by her head, holding her down lightly. I knew the needle went in because her face changed into a bright red complete panic, and she shrieked and cried. Luckily she calmed down soon after when I picked her up. For some reason, she screamed bloody murder in the waiting room on the way out, though.

The days following the doctor’s visit were a little dicey. Haley did not develop a fever like the doctor said was possible, thank goodness. But she was more fussy than usual and her thigh became a little swollen at the site of the injection. So she had her first experience with Children’s Tylenol. She seems to like the grape flavor more than the cherry flavor of her iron supplement. I was nervous to give her actual medication, but like most parenting firsts, it was completely fine. She seemed to be soothed and slept better.

The doctor said that most babies get upset when walking through the door after they turn 5 months old. That sounds pretty young to be so aware of what’s going on, but as I’m learning, infants are quite remarkable. It’s so nice to go to the doctor and hear that the baby is thriving. I hope it continues to be enjoyable for me, even when for Haley it may not be!