It's now been exactly four weeks since Giles was born, and we're attempting to return to some sort of normality in our lives. Tom has finished work for the six week summer holiday, so having two pairs of hands around the house means that we both get a bit of time to do things that aren't baby related. Whilst I've still been reading, I've missed blogging and I'm looking forward to doing something that's just for me again.
The past four weeks have been so strange. It's true that you can never truly be prepared for having a baby. At first, I couldn't see how I could ever do anything apart from change nappies, feed him, hold him, rock him and try to stop him from crying ever again. Even simple things like taking a shower or grabbing lunch aren't simple when you are on baby-schedule. I've done a lot of eating one handed. And of course sleep has gone out of the window - if he manages three hours in the night, we count ourselves lucky! Earlier this week it seemed as though he was getting into a schedule at night and sleeping for about five hours at a time, but then we had a heatwave and that has completely ruined it - hot babies are grumpy ones that fight sleep and keep you up all night. Having a newborn is hard work and exhausting too.
But I think we're both adjusting to the change now and of course the past four weeks have been full of so many wonderful moments. I have changed a lot, and for the better. Giles is doing really well and has grown so much already, he was a big baby when he was born and he's growing at a rapid rate - already he doesn't fit into his newborn clothes any more. He's starting to be interested in the world around him now, and you can see him trying to respond when you interact with him. He is a wriggler and hardly ever stays still.
I've had to wipe my feed reader blank as I had hundred of unread posts, but I'm hoping to be able to keep up more now that Tom is home and I'm able to have a bit of time for myself. I'm looking forward to getting into blogging again :)
Awwww, baby post! I'm so glad that things are going well and that Giles is growing and that you've got support at home, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad Tom is home for a bit now, it's hard work on your own!
DeleteSo happy to hear you are doing well and have Tom home for the next few weeks -- it sounds like a quite an adventure this having a baby thing :)
ReplyDeleteYes, it's definitely an adventure :)
DeleteIt's great that you're getting in to the swing of things now - life is so much easier when things settle down and start to feel normal. Two pairs of hands is always better than one!
ReplyDeleteGiles looks like he is growing nicely! What's interesting is Alexander was kind of a small baby - 6lb 7oz - and now he is a big baby! Example, I've just had to start buying him his 'new wardrobe' in age 12-18 months - for my 8 month old! But he is all fine and dandy according to our monthly health visitor checks so I can't complain!
I hope you and your little family enjoy all the time you have together during the summer holidays!
:-)
Yes, those first few weeks were a major shock to the system!
DeleteWe only have big babies in my family - my nephew was 10lb 7oz and was in 3-6 month clothes almost immediately. It's ironic as both me & my sister are tiny in height! Glad Alexander is growing so well too, we must be doing something right :)
Oh, so handsome! I appreciate your post -- in November I'll be in the same place. My wife doesn't get parental leave so we're saving up in hopes she can at least be around for a week -- otherwise, I don't know what I'll do! I'm trying to get my reading in now -- as well as my long showers -- while I can!
ReplyDeleteAmerican parental leave is just awful. Tom was entitled to two weeks paternity leave, but only one was paid. I can take up to a year in maternity, and if I don't take it all, he can take the excess. It should be the same in America!
DeleteFingers crossed your wife gets to take some time off for you all to enjoy being a family :)
This was one of the most shocking discoveries about parenthood for me - all this TIME, time you always considered your property to be managed as you deem reasonable suddenly is under control of a 3.5 kg crying bundle (of joy of course, but also frustration in equal measure). It does get better with time, though :) So I wish you lots of luck and sleep :)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, this was shocking for me too! I was expecting the lack of sleep but the loss of control over my own time was hard to come to terms with at first.
DeleteEnjoy the time adjusting to the new life! Your baby is precious and hopefully you get more free time for yourself like you said :)
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteI'm so glad to see you nicely settling into a routine. It's amazing how fast babies grow. We went this past weekend to meet our best friends' 4mo and already he has become so big!
ReplyDeleteIt is amazing - he has changed so much already and he's only a month old.
DeleteIt goes by so fast, enjoy it!
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how quickly they change when they're this little.
DeleteI am so impressed he's already sleeping five hours at a time sometimes! My sisters and I were evidently the worst babies in the entire world?, so whenever my cousins have these babies that sleep five hours at a stretch only a few weeks in, I am cartoonishly shocked. I fear that is not what karma has in store for me. :p
ReplyDeleteSometimes is the key word here, other nights he won't sleep at all! He's a pretty calm baby though, I'm lucky. And don't worry, I was an awful baby, I would cry if my Mum put me down at all for months.
DeleteWhat a cutie pie, Sam! Look at his mouth!
ReplyDeleteI am glad you're returning to some normality again. We love to have you back as soon as you feel like it rather than sleeping those much-deserved hours. I hope you and Tom keep taking such good care of each other.
Oh and I'm 25 and get grumpy when there's a heatwave, so I wouldn't blame little Giles for crying out. Sometimes I feel like it too.
It sounds like you are all doing great! It seems so overwhelming at first but before you know it, it will seem like he's always been a part of your family. :)
ReplyDeleteHe's gorgeous! I did the same thing with my feed reader after my kids were born. I just had to start from scratch and crossed my fingers that I didn't miss anything important (like cute baby pics). I totally remember all those feelings. Savour every moment, they grow too fast. (My babies are 5 and 3 now!)
ReplyDeleteLook at his content little face :) I love the name you picked out for him as well.
ReplyDeleteI guess people always tell you how parenthood changes everything, you don't get any sleep and you don't have any time for yourself, but it's different when it's actually you experiencing it!
Congratulations to you all :)
Oh, congratulations! I just read all your baby-posts. He is just lovely! Enjoy all your time with him and this wonderful experience of life! I am so thrilled for you! :-)
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