Things are going pretty well here at our house. (photos in the 'more')
Mom is leaving today, and Gary is taking off Thursday and Friday this week and three days next week, so it will be a while before I have to deal with Spencer and Ginger on my own. Which is probably a good thing; yesterday I had some major cramping that left me in tears and prompted Mom to call the midwife. It's passed, but I wonder if it isn't a sign that I need to slow down, although it doesn't feel like I've been doing too much to begin with.
Ginger is amazing. A baby who sleeps? What a novel idea! Seriously, though, it's like we went from one end of the baby spectrum to the other. She sleeps well (sometimes too well, and I have to wake her up before my boobs explode), doesn't fuss, and hasn't cried since we've been home (knock on wood for all of that). Gary and I both said that we feel a little guilty at being able to sit her in the carseat while she sleeps peacefully, like we're not doing enough for her. I have to admit that it is nice to hold her by choice and not because I have to, although I'd hold her every second of the day if that's what she needed.
Spencer is having a rough time of it. I'd expected it to be difficult, although maybe not this difficult. He's whiny and clingy and has taken to coping with things he doesn't like by emitting a short, high-pitched scream. I know he's having a very hard time adjusting, I'm torn between letting him vent his frustration and reprimanding him for screeching in the house, as it's hard on our jangled nerves and not surprisingly, tends to wake the baby. Our second night home from the hospital, he woke up sobbing and cried for half an hour in Mom's bed. I think the reality of the situation finally hit him. Fortunately he's not taking it out on the baby, he already seems protective of her and is always asking where she is and if she's ok and if he can hold her.
I'm ravenous. Time for breakfast, but first here's a photo of baby Ginger and I in the hospital (scary Amy!) and one of her in her coming-home outfit (click to enlarge).
Awww, how sweet!
Poor Spencer; I can't imagine how hard it must be to suddenly have the realization that your whole life just changed and may never go back. :-(
I'm worried about the spectrum switch thing; Sam was a pretty easy baby... =:-0
Posted by: Carrie | September 15, 2004 at 11:56 AM
She is so precious! Not everyone would agree I'm sure, but from me and all my friends opinions, girls can be so different while their babies. After having 2 boys, my girl was so different, so quiet, so calm and easy to care for. As for the 2nd baby coming along, it wasn't my first that had to get used to it, it was me. I cried all the time because I had lost all the special time with just me and him and had to get used to the change!
Posted by: Karen | September 15, 2004 at 12:06 PM
I'm SO glad that Ginger is a good sleeper for you...it makes all the difference in the world. :)
Poor Spencer...his world changed in a day and he's trying to figure it all out.
Hugs to all of you and Ginger is gorgeous. Thanks for sharing the pictures!
Posted by: Steph | September 15, 2004 at 02:22 PM
I am so happy that Ginger is a more easygoing baby! I love that picture of her in her coming home outfit, she is just so sweet!! Congrats again!
Posted by: Melissa | September 15, 2004 at 03:35 PM
Glad to hear everything is going so well. We went through a similar rough patch with Ethan. For him, once everything returned to normal - same schedule, routines, not so many people hanging around - he adjusted quickly. Maybe 3 weeks tops.
Let me know if you want to talk -
ellen
Posted by: ellen | September 16, 2004 at 12:19 AM
This is how I heard bringing home a second baby put once - imagine your husband comes home one day and says he is bringing another wife home to live with you all. He'll love her just as much as you and he wants you to love and accept her too! That being said, I can totally understand how a kid can flip out at the thought of a new baby in the house, no matter how much they love them!
Posted by: Merrilee | September 16, 2004 at 03:28 AM