Mothering Two
I am learning how to balance the sometimes competing needs of my children.
Mostly I do okay.
Sleep vs Puke
You know you are a mother of a newborn when the number of times you have been puked on is greater than the number of hours you get to sleep.
The Birth - Part 3 (Conclusion)
Like you guys, everyone, most of all myself, want to know exactly what happened.
There are four facts that are irrefutable and that may shed light on what could have taken place:
The Birth - Part Two (The Nasty Bit)
After they finished the surgery, they took out all of the equipment they hooked me into including the epidural catheter from which I was told painkillers will be given for forty eight hours post delivery.
The 11th Hour
Hubby: Do you know what song is in my head?
Me: No.
Hubby: "REM's 'It's the End of the World as We Know It'."
I laugh.
Playing Dress Up
Playing with Buchela has become almost impossible.
I am way too big to get down on the floor like I used to.
But I still try.
The Buchela knows it is hard for me to get up.
So, he tries his best to help me.
Transitions: Breastfeeding - Ending an Era
As my pregnancy progressed, I decided I'd implement a don't offer, don't refuse breastfeeding policy at my house.
I wanted Buchela to take his time and wean himself when he was ready.
I crossed my fingers it would happen before our new little one arrived but I knew there were no guarantees.
Continue Reading "Transitions: Breastfeeding - Ending an Era"
A Beautiful Weekend
Imagine being invited to come and have coffee on a Saturday morning with a couple of friends.
Imagine you accept gleefully because, not only do you like the people who invited you, but you have also been cooped up in the house all week as a result of being hugely pregnant and on "light bed rest".
On Saturday morning you wake up in a crappy mood. You hadn't slept well and your back is hurting.
You think about canceling and staying at home for the morning. You had plans to go shopping in the afternoon and a birthday party in the evening. You think it is probably wise to pace your self.
Then you talk yourself into going because you know getting out will cheer you up.
Your husband offers to walk you over.
That was me Saturday.
My Parenting Reflected at Buchela's Second Play Group
When he is not with this play group, he is usually with the group below.
Some of his babies are not under this particular blanket when I took this picture but rest assured, all ten/eleven of them (I have lost track) are well taken care of at various point of the day by him.
Continue Reading "My Parenting Reflected at Buchela's Second Play Group"
Saturday without Going Out
Then at least during one of the evenings, we leave Buchela with my cousin and go out for dinner with friends.
What did I do today?
Nothing, nada, zip, zilch!
Buchela and his daddy followed our regular routine and went out for some adventure.
They blew bubbles, walked around in a different neighborhood, and ate street food.
In the afternoon, they went on a little hike on hill behind our apartment and visited people's veggie gardens.
I stayed home.
Ouch!
But we all ate dinner at home.
I am Mama!
Buchela had this tentative, "I just discovered something look" as he approached me.
I braced myself to find out what new toddler, undoubtedly naughty, trick he might have thought up.
I Want to Know
What turns a perfectly happy 22 month old toddler into a sleep resistant whiny monster in a matter of a week?
It now takes me three times longer to put him down to sleep.
He whines, asks for food, asks for something to drink, wants more books, his two blankets, his stuffed animals.
Fine.
I patiently supply everything which he then intern refuses.
He stands, gets mad, sits, gets mad, lies down, gets mad, gives me a hug, gets mad... on and on.
And then all of a sudden, he falls asleep exhausted.
This is the first time I have found myself totally and completely stumped by parenthood!
What could possibly be going on with him? I am worried something is bothering him. It is so out of character.
OR
It maybe an early sign that the terrible twos are here (Oh the horror!).
Special Child
Me: "Isn't he cute? I have never met a child like him. I think he is very smart. I think he is pretty special... I mean it."
Hubby: Yeah. He is very very special. But you know, every parent thinks their child is special. So, you know, we are no different.
Me: Yeah, but Buchela IS really special. I mean, for real! He is pretty amazing... objectively speaking.
His Hands
Touch my face.
Pull my hair.
Grab my legs.
Squeeze my hands.
Poke my belly button.
Hold on to my neck.
They leave their prints everywhere.
Sometimes visible.
Most times imperceptible.
