Sunday, September 14, 2008

Oh Baby, baby, baby

Sorry it's taken me so long to update everyone, but this has been a huge adjustment for all of us. We've never had a baby in the house so we're still new to a lot of things. All the days and nights I spent caring for my goddaughter were only a small glimpse into what it's like being a parent. Plus we're dealing with a baby that's been moved from the only home he's known to a new home in 1 day. But I think we're doing good so far. For the most part R is a good baby, but I was not prepared for how needy he is. It's so hard to get him to let you put him down without lots and lots of crying. He can't stand the sling/carrier at all. I've tried a couple of times with no success. I will probably try so more in the future because that would really help us by freeing our hands, but still having him close to us since he needs that. We made the rounds to see everyone from my co-workers to my parents, Rob's parents, and our church family. Everyone just loves him.

The first night he was here bedtime was horrible. He cried and screamed and cried some more. It took over an hour to get him to lay in the crib for a few minutes without crying. He slept for about 3 hours that night. I stayed home with him on Thursday and Friday, and we made it through without too many rough spots. He slept much better those nights. Friday I went to check out the daycare he will be going to next week. The place looks great and all the kids seem very happy. It's about a mile from our house and my office so that's a huge plus. R and I did some shopping after we dropped Rob off at work. We went and wandered around Target and Best Buy for a couple of hours. R slept the whole time!Saturday, we went to the company picnic for a while. It was OK. We got there too late to play bingo, and that's my main reason to go. They give awesome prizes like huge gift cards and nice electronics. The first time I went to the picnic I won a DVD/VCR player so I've been hooked ever since. But this year I was too tired to get up early enough to make it there. Since it's difficult to get him to sit by himself awake we have to take turns getting ready. I got dressed first, then I dressed R, and then Rob was able to get dressed. Then there's making sure I have everything packed. I feel like a pack mule now a days. We did some shopping after the picnic and went out to the cemetery to visit our Princess. I got emotional because there is still a part of me that feels like I'm betraying her. I'm doing so much for this child that may not stay with us, and I didn't get a chance to do any of this for her. I know I'm not replacing her or betraying her. But it did bother me that I didn't wake up and remember that today was her monthly visit day. It did make me smile that as we were leaving the house for the picnic, a big monarch butterfly fly up to us and circled around the car seat. It was like she was coming to check out the new addition to the family.

Well, I've got to be at church early in the morning so I need to get to bed. So here's a picture of our new addition.

7 comments:

Mrs. JDM3 said...

He is so sweet!!!!!!!!!!

Amy said...

He is SO CUTE!! !(((HUGE HUGS))) I know there must be a multitude of emotions going on right now. This little guy is so lucky to have you!!! Rest assured, the no sleep, crazy packing to leave the house, being late all the time, etc gets better LOL and is always worth it! XOXO

mesa said...

oh Ashley he is PRECIOUS!! I'm so glad you were able to give us an update I've been thinking of you guys so much!
Please don't ever feel like you are betraying Madison she knows as good as you are to R is how you would have been with her. That love will never go away. Let me know if you ever need to talk.
I'm so happy for you guys to have little R in your life!

Lisa said...

We got a baby girl a month after we lost Princess exactly 4 days older than Princess. There was times I felt like I was betraying her, but I knew she wouldn't want me to stop helping babies just because she was gone. She's not with us anymore, but I can't explain how, but it helped SO much coping with the loss. Maybe just because she was a welcome distraction from the pain. I think of Princess as the guardian angel of the new kids that come to me.

Btw, I'm so happy for ya'll. I can't wait to hear more, when he lets you type, that is.

Greg & Maria Voss said...

So very happy for you guys! The sleepless nights are all soooo worth it! XXOO

Patty said...

Big huge ((HUGS)) and love. The exhaustion is all-consuming, isn't it? I'm so thrilled for you. Much love.

Anonymous said...

So happy for you! He is adorable! Love the butterfly story...I think it's definitely symbolic!