So I guess I will not be able to write everyday. I underestimated how tired and cranky I would get at the end of the day. I guess this is the difference between best intentions versus reality of life.
Yesterday went a lot better, because my wonderful wife was there to diffuse. Sure, we had some tense moments, especially around naps but that is stuff I am used to dealing. For some reason, my kids do not want me to nap when they are awake! OK, don't call DSS/DCF (whatever their name is this week) because this is a joke. We did well in the morning, watching some shows and just hanging out as a family. After lunch, we went pumpkin picking...OK so we took 2 pumpkins from a bin and left because it was so windy. Catherine had some fun but was really looking forward to going to the car. We went to Lookout Farm, where we went 2 years ago and did not enjoy. I guess we now have to remind ourselves (again!) that we should not go there next year. Anyway, we went shopping to get some cookie cutters and stuff to bake cookies for the holiday.
When we got home, I got ready to go hang out with friends from work at a bar. It was nice to be able to be an adult with others and not worry so much about what is next, when the next feeding was, will I need a timeout, etc. The night out is a blur (OK, not that much) and it was fun.
Today went...well, let's see. I got up a little later (Thanks Cin) and we went to the gym. Catherine gets to be a little less manageable when there is two of us. So it was a battle to get there, and to get back. We then raked some leaves as a family, which was so much fun. We have great pictures of it. If you want to see any, let me know. Catherine got nice and tired and went for a sleep after lunch and Christina was fed before my wife had to go to work. I kind of fell asleep and got woken up by a scream out of horror movie. Christina was crying heavily. A check of the diaper revealed the poop from hell. I think it was 3 poops to be honest. I stopped counting how many wipes I needed after 5. She continued to cry uncontrollably and even after trying to feed her, she still cried...which woke up my other angel.
Catherine was helpful, tried to talk to her, suggested some stuff. I know this sounds a little out there, but Catherine knows her well. And when you are a desperate man, you will take advise from anyone! Catherine concluded: "She's being fussy". We went shopping and that went well. I will go on a tangent here: Why do people feel they have a right to look at my child when her shade is down? I mean, I understand she's cute, but what about she may be sleeping and needs that shade? Seriously, back off. OK, digression over. We then returned home. Cindy got back from work and we went out to eat. Again, plenty of people stopped to talk to her, which is fine when she is awake. Anyway, Catherine was tired and it was a challenge there too. Christina ate at the restaurant! She ate...a few of my fingers...Our guess is that she is teething.
It went well once we got home and here I am writing. It was a challenging week, filled with relearning a bunch of stuff of taking care of a newborn. I feel exhausted, but that may be the writing of this blog. Seriously, thanks a million for all the comments and advise, ideas, suggestions around what to do with my difficulties. It makes me feel good that people are reading. I want to encourage questions, ideas to blog about, etc. Most of posts have been peppered of things other people have told me and I like to incorporate them. I have a few more ideas to write about but please, feel free to contact me.
"...DSS/DCF or whatever they're called this week." LOL!
ReplyDeleteI think your blog is fun to read. Normally we only ever get to see our friends' smiling photos and it's easy to think, "Why are our kids such a handful?" But every family has its challenges so thank you for your sharing yours.
You're looking for suggestions and I think it might be fun if you spent a day keeping track of how long it takes to get little things done (like getting into the car, have lunch, getting ready for bed). I find things that used to not be such a big deal (pre-kids) are now quite long, drawn-out processes.
Keep on blogging!
I admire your willingness to face this challenge. It has been about 14 years since I stayed home with my daughter and I remember till today many of the things you talk about. It can be very traumatizing. Andrea did not nap at all, so I feel for you. I could say it gets better, but you have Catherine and I am not sure that would be an accurate statement, not to mention that for me never got better. She just never napped and the day I took her to day care was one of the joyous days of my life. And you know I adore Andrea. It is just the most difficult thing we will ever do, raise a child.
ReplyDeleteI am happy that you have the ability to disconnect and go out with friends. I think it is crucial to keep sane and doing this well.
More power to you, Steve!
Liliana