Today, Lucy is “two weeks years old” (that is how Jon likes to say it :). I think all three of us have learned a lot about each other over these past two weeks. Even with all the reading I’ve done, caring for a baby is definitely different from how I thought it would be.
Things we’ve used a lot since Lucy was born:
* a swaddling blanket, approximately 36×28" in size (different from regular receiving blankets)
* side-snap t-shirts
* diapers (not surprising)
* nursing bras and Soothies
Things I thought we would use, but haven’t used much:
* baby clothes (even the newborn ones are too big right now, and she is constantly swaddled anyway) — except for footie suits for road trips
* baby shampoo (we are still a bit intimidated about bathing her, and she seems pretty clean anyway — especially her butt)
* baby washcloths and towels (ditto)
* “my journal”:http://www.annagram.org/extras/journaling.html
There have been other noteworthy things too, like:
* how surprised I am that I’ve taken a shower every day since we’ve been home
* how much of Lucy’s day is taken up by eating and sleeping (and crying)
* how nervous I am about leaving the house — what if Lucy starts crying and we don’t know how to console her?
* how good it is to have Jon as a partner in caring for Lucy — he is the best Papa ever!
* how long it takes me to fold a single basket of laundry (five hours today, from start to finish)
* how easy it is to forget to eat (even though Jon is good at reminding me)
Caring for a newborn is really challenging and stretching, but in the process the whole family learns a lot about each other. The experience is certainly intense — kind of a cross between a picnic in the park and baby boot camp! I’m so glad to have had these 14 days of getting to know Lucy.
Hi Jon & Ann,
This is Kelli Lenz (Nathan’s wife). I love your blog! It’s so helpful and insightful! We are on the road to “baby-land”…just starting the journey. I’ve read some of a Supernanny book and some of What to Expect when you’re Expecting and the First year. Do you find that you sleep when Lucy is sleeping? I’ve read that you should take every opportunity to sleep when the baby is asleep. But I wondered about during the day. It seems like nothing else would get done but feeding, changing, & soothing the baby (although, regardless, I’m sure that’s what it feels like anyway).
Lucy is precious, btw! She really is one of the most beautiful babies I’ve ever seen! Your little family and the tremendous Love within is also so incredibly beautiful. Thank you for sharing all that you do. It is such a witness to us.
Hi Kelli,
thanks for reading our story and for your encouragement! I haven’t red the Supernanny book, how is it? I like the What to Expect books, but not everyone does — some people think that there are too many health problems, etc. described and it makes them nervous. But I always like to have more information, so I appreciate these books, especially for reference.
Yes, everyone says to sleep when the baby sleeps. Today I have done pretty well with that. But the challenge is that there are other, essential things to do when the baby is sleeping too — like showering and eating. I find that I get grumpy if I’m hungry when Lucy is sleeping because I just want to nap! And Lucy doesn’t always nap predictably. I think one of the most challenging things for me has been learning to be flexible with her, so I can rejoice and take a nap when she naps, but also to enjoy her awake time too (even if I wish she would nap so I could nap). Does that make sense?
thanks for thinking Lucy is beautiful! we think so too, but we aren’t very objective.
I tend to blush when I admit that I’ve read the Supernanny book. It is after-all a reality TV show…what kind of quack learns about their kids from a reality TV show?! ha ha! I am just really impressed with her skills and insight into the whole family dynamics. She can turn a family around 180 degrees (at least on TV). Her book is good but more of a snapshot into how kids process and develop as they grow – giving ideas on how to avoid too much drama as they push the boundaries and discipline needs to begin. I still have a couple chapters left that talk about older toddlers. I stopped reading because I know I’ll have to read it again when we actually have a kid.
I’m afraid I’m one of the scaredy-cats that wince as I read the What to Expect books. It’s good information, but the medical complications do make me nervous. I come from a long line of worriers. It also feels REALLY overwhelming as I’m not even pregnant yet. So many details that I can hardly relate to at this point. I expect I will drink in their wisdom when I’m actually in the moment.
Good to know about your experience with the napping. I’ve told Nathan that I look forward to being able to drop everything and sleep when the baby goes down. That’s an idealistic view I know but it sounds dreamy! (no pun intended).
I think the Supernanny book sounds interesting! no need to blush. Those TV shows are always fascinating, and most of the time they employ concepts that are in the more “traditional” baby books anyway.
If _What to Expect_ makes you feel nervous, then don’t feel like you need to read it! I am also a worrier, but for me it was helpful to read usually, as I thought, “Well, at least I don’t have [insert syndrome here].” I recommend that you read fun books about having babies for now! There is a really funny one called _How to Have a Baby and Still Live in the Real World_ — lots of good info, and really hilarious illustrations. Maybe one of these days I’ll write a real review of it.
I think your napping plan sounds great! I know that I get stressed when I don’t have the freedom to nap when Lucy is napping, so planning for it now sounds really good. :)