>Though it hasn’t been that long, it’s amazing how much I’ve already forgotten about life with an infant. We were fortunate to get a reminder and a preview a few weekends ago when our friends came to visit with their adorable three-month-old son.
First, I remembered that those very young infants don’t do much yet. This is difficult in many ways, but it was also wonderful! Baby L was content to mostly smile and hang out. Parental jobs: change diapers, give milk, provide some tummy time and a new view now and then, ooh and ahh over cute expressions. Can you believe that? No manners to teach, meals to prepare, tantrums to ignore, or outings to plan. Don’t get me wrong: I LOVE having a toddler in so many ways. I think being able to have a conversation or read a book together is one of the major joys of my parenting life. But I will confess that having a baby that is not yet mobile has its own satisfaction.
Then again, there is the lack of sleep factor. In the two nights they were here, L woke twice a night, reminding me just how heroic is the parent who can then do a busy day of sightseeing on only a few hours of sleep! Oh, the sleep deprivation. I am not looking forward to that. Those semidark hours of snuggling with Sebastian are fond memories, but leaving them in the past doesn’t sound too bad.
What you’re all wondering, though, is how Sebastian reacted to this little visitor. To be honest, mostly he ignored the baby. He was most fascinated when it was time for L to get his bottle, because milk is something my hungry hippo understands! Of course he was convinced that Baby L was getting chocolate milk in his bottle (projection of his own wishful thinking), but otherwise he knew just what was going on. He even understood that it was L’s turn first, then his to get his milk in the few moments when I was alone with both boys. His understanding and interest waned within about 5 minutes, however, and then I had to try to defuse the refrain of “Mama, move peez,” that ensued.
Then there was the regressing. Sebastian hasn’t played with his playmat in many, many months, but seeing Baby L enjoying its fabulous rainforest friends, he just HAD to join in. I was sure Sebastian was going to roll over on him at any minute. Yikes! We have pictures somewhere of the two boys crowded in together, but my nap minutes are winding down. The lessons I learned for July: Sebastian is going to want to try out pretty much all the infant toys again, and the two kids are not to be left alone together for a minute!
And so I was left being both excited about the prospect of having a new snuggle buddy and also a little anxious as I imagined my life as a mother of two. So for the next 4 months, I am going to try to enjoy every bit of time I have left before there’s a new Rasler in town.
>Woo Hoo for sneak previews! You KNOW I like to know how things end and SP complied (taking sympathy on his Gramma!). Parental units will get as much of a head start as Boppa & I can give, including first shift duties so you can sleep when the littlest Rasler does. Now, what names are you considering again? I've forgotten 😉
>Hey! Every time I log on to read your wonderful posts, I first check the Team Roster, hoping to see that you've added the newest Rasler to the listing. She IS part of the team already, isn't she??? Put her name up in brights lights (or at least "Baby Rasler" if the name is a surprise)!I love reading your posts. Just like you took a trip back to recall what it was like when SP was a newborn, you always take me back to the days of old when Jenna and Mathew were little. It's fun reliving things through your family!Thanks for sharing and for bringing back the memories I so quickly forget.xoxoxo Aunt Julie