Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
A little girl's room
Evelyn's "little girl room" (because she's still not quite a big girl in my book-- she's still my little girl!) is finally beginning to take shape. I haven't yet decided on a paint color or settled on a duvet cover, but her bed frame is up and she is thrilled!
She has been sleeping in this bed (minus the frame) and in this room since January, so hopefully the frame won't throw her off too much.
"Up in new bed!" Evelyn couldn't wait to test out the big bed and make sure it was still cozy (and still just as fun to bounce on). Fortunately, it passed the test.
She has been sleeping in this bed (minus the frame) and in this room since January, so hopefully the frame won't throw her off too much.
"Up in new bed!" Evelyn couldn't wait to test out the big bed and make sure it was still cozy (and still just as fun to bounce on). Fortunately, it passed the test.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Snapshot: A winter day at the park!
Up the steps!
Wee!
In addition to bouncing on the T Rex, Evelyn enjoyed discussing its features-- eyes, teeth, two ears (she pointed to where they would be, if this dinosaur had ears).
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Olympic Games: Evelyn-style
In honor of the winter Olympics, I thought I'd mention a few of Evelyn's current main events.
Pine Cone Collecting:
This is a year-round sport requiring both physical coordination (athlete must be able to walk and squat while carrying a full pal) and a discerning a eye (twigs and leaves must not enter the pal). Armed with only a small metal pal and her bare hands, the athlete aims to collect all of the pine cones from her front yard. This is an especially challenging event in the fall, when freshly dropped pine cones abound. The athlete competes against herself in this event, aiming to fill her bucket with greater speed and accuracy each time. The athlete may receive assistance from a grown-up at any time, particularly when she needs to empty her pal in the large yard-waste bin.
Car Seat Wrestling:
This is a relatively new sport in our home. Here, the athlete uses the full, sheer force of her will. She must engage both body and voice as she arches her back and vehemently refuses to sit in the car seat. The opponent will attempt to coax the athlete into the seat, gently at first and eventually applying slight pressure and pleading after five minutes have passed. A "win" is characterized by a full retreat by the opponent and play time in the yard. Some points will be awarded if a negotiation between the athlete and the opponent results in some kind of treat or prize for the seated athlete.
The Leg Cling:
This event primarily takes place in the evenings when the athlete has grown tired. The athlete's main objective is to get the opponent's attention by clinging to her legs while she is attempting to stand or walk independently. The athlete must not, under any circumstances, support her own weight. Bonus points if the opponent loses her balance in some way. The athlete is considered victorious when the opponent completes the task at hand and directs all attention to the athlete.
Pine Cone Collecting:
This is a year-round sport requiring both physical coordination (athlete must be able to walk and squat while carrying a full pal) and a discerning a eye (twigs and leaves must not enter the pal). Armed with only a small metal pal and her bare hands, the athlete aims to collect all of the pine cones from her front yard. This is an especially challenging event in the fall, when freshly dropped pine cones abound. The athlete competes against herself in this event, aiming to fill her bucket with greater speed and accuracy each time. The athlete may receive assistance from a grown-up at any time, particularly when she needs to empty her pal in the large yard-waste bin.
Car Seat Wrestling:
This is a relatively new sport in our home. Here, the athlete uses the full, sheer force of her will. She must engage both body and voice as she arches her back and vehemently refuses to sit in the car seat. The opponent will attempt to coax the athlete into the seat, gently at first and eventually applying slight pressure and pleading after five minutes have passed. A "win" is characterized by a full retreat by the opponent and play time in the yard. Some points will be awarded if a negotiation between the athlete and the opponent results in some kind of treat or prize for the seated athlete.
The Leg Cling:
This event primarily takes place in the evenings when the athlete has grown tired. The athlete's main objective is to get the opponent's attention by clinging to her legs while she is attempting to stand or walk independently. The athlete must not, under any circumstances, support her own weight. Bonus points if the opponent loses her balance in some way. The athlete is considered victorious when the opponent completes the task at hand and directs all attention to the athlete.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Snapshot: I've got my hands full
One:
I have everything I need: a kitty and a hippo. I will carry them everywhere and I do not need help.
Two:
Oh look, a duck! I could really use an extra hand.
And, scene.
I have everything I need: a kitty and a hippo. I will carry them everywhere and I do not need help.
Two:
Oh look, a duck! I could really use an extra hand.
And, scene.
A sweet ritual
After Evelyn's nightly bath, which is typically a "Daddy activity," I scoop her up in a soft towel and we hug tightly for a few moments while she dries off a bit before leaving the warm bathroom. Lately, Evelyn loves to pause and look at the three of us in the mirror. "Family!" she says. "Evie, Mama, Dada. Family!" If that doesn't melt your heart, I don't know what will.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
23 weeks
Angles make all the difference, don't they? (And, let's pretend that I am practicing good posture in that first picture, shall we?) All in one day, I received comments ranging from "Wow! You must be due any day!" to "I didn't realize you were expecting!"
As a side note, while I was attempting to clean the office, I came across my personal statement for graduate school. On a scale of one to insane, how realistic would it be to enroll full-time and go for the next degree whilst caring for a newborn and a very energetic toddler? Yes, I agree. Nuts-o. Nevertheless, it's there if and when I decide to pursue the shining beacon of the almighty PhD and the underworld of musty library basements filled with rare manuscripts and squinting, exhausted students. Doesn't it sound glorious? Some days, I swear that it does.
P.S. I did end up cutting a couple of inches from my hair-- just two-- and I asked for some slightly brighter blonde highlights. My stylist also texturized my layers a bit to help lose the boring "my hair hangs like straight curtains" feeling I sometimes got. Here is a decent, updated photo of that. And thanks for weighing in!
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
The Dentist and the "Princess Push"
Today, Evelyn went to the dentist for the first time. She has twelve teeth and I am a big believer in keeping those precious chompers healthy. To prepare her for the visit, I told her that we would be meeting some new people and we were to going to show off her big-girl teeth. I mentioned that the nice, new people would tickle her teeth a little with a brush. She seemed to understand, still, I was nervous when we headed into the office. Evelyn doesn't always love it when I brush her teeth, so I wasn't sure how she would feel about a stranger doing it.
Fortunately, everyone we encountered in the office was incredibly friendly and upbeat. Evelyn warmed up within seconds because even the receptionist gave us an almost over-the-top warm welcome. The dental hygienist was very patient, gentle, and wonderful with Evelyn. She even suggested that Evie "taste" her pink gloved finger tip-- a great trick actually, because Evelyn thought it sounded silly but fun and she opened right up. The dentist was also patient and incredibly upbeat. They also showered Evelyn with praise and stickers. We will definitely stick with this dentist because I am thrilled with the way the staff interacted with my daughter.
There were a couple of minor blips though. I cringed a little as the dentist called the paste "princess candy" and praised Evelyn for her beautiful "princess smile." I know, I know, it is not a big deal. Not at all really, but the hygienist had already selected a Disney Cinderella sticker for Evelyn-- who was enamored with the fish sticker, actually (she later got to take the fish sticker as well, so she was thrilled). The generous sprinkling of "princess" triggered some thinking on my part though, because the dentist's office is hardly alone in the assumption that little girls from birth onward must yearn to be princesses-- and Disney ones, at that.
Why are we pushing princesses onto little girls? I'm not sure if it is our own romanticized memories of childhood or not, but it seems that adults are convinced that certain consumer items and characters are the epitome of fun. Fortunately, because Evelyn is still a young toddler (and probably because of my choice of social circle), we haven't encountered too much Disney princess paraphernalia. As we broaden our horizons and meet more parents and tots, however, I find that if I respond honestly to questions like "Who is her favorite princess?" I am met with a raised eyebrow or worse. I hate to be on the receiving end of the look that implies that I am denying my daughter some innocent pleasure because I haven't heavily marketed the Disney brand in our house. Seriously, it's the same look some parents give when they find out that Evelyn doesn't know the Sesame Street characters.
Honestly, I don't walk around with a "boycott your TV" shirt. Lord knows I enjoy a good episode of 30 Rock now and again. I simply fail to see any value in teaching brand loyalty to a toddler. I absolutely love the Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood. My intention is not to say that a parent who allows her child to watch a cartoon is inherently wrong. I just wish parents-- and all adults really-- would realize that babies, toddlers, and even older kids are not hardwired with a need to plop in front of flashing screen for hours a day.
The absence of a favorite TV or movie character does not automatically mean the absence of fun. Evelyn has so many favorite things right now and most of them are little games she has invented.* So please, save your pity. My daughter is not suffering for lack of Elmo or Cinderella.
*For instance, Evelyn's train set has a bridge with bars that raise and lower and she has endless fun driving one of the train engines (with her own sound effects of course) up to the first bar and exclaiming "Excuse me! Excuse me!" before letting the train pass through. Repeat fifteen times and you've got yourself an amazing game.
Fortunately, everyone we encountered in the office was incredibly friendly and upbeat. Evelyn warmed up within seconds because even the receptionist gave us an almost over-the-top warm welcome. The dental hygienist was very patient, gentle, and wonderful with Evelyn. She even suggested that Evie "taste" her pink gloved finger tip-- a great trick actually, because Evelyn thought it sounded silly but fun and she opened right up. The dentist was also patient and incredibly upbeat. They also showered Evelyn with praise and stickers. We will definitely stick with this dentist because I am thrilled with the way the staff interacted with my daughter.
There were a couple of minor blips though. I cringed a little as the dentist called the paste "princess candy" and praised Evelyn for her beautiful "princess smile." I know, I know, it is not a big deal. Not at all really, but the hygienist had already selected a Disney Cinderella sticker for Evelyn-- who was enamored with the fish sticker, actually (she later got to take the fish sticker as well, so she was thrilled). The generous sprinkling of "princess" triggered some thinking on my part though, because the dentist's office is hardly alone in the assumption that little girls from birth onward must yearn to be princesses-- and Disney ones, at that.
Why are we pushing princesses onto little girls? I'm not sure if it is our own romanticized memories of childhood or not, but it seems that adults are convinced that certain consumer items and characters are the epitome of fun. Fortunately, because Evelyn is still a young toddler (and probably because of my choice of social circle), we haven't encountered too much Disney princess paraphernalia. As we broaden our horizons and meet more parents and tots, however, I find that if I respond honestly to questions like "Who is her favorite princess?" I am met with a raised eyebrow or worse. I hate to be on the receiving end of the look that implies that I am denying my daughter some innocent pleasure because I haven't heavily marketed the Disney brand in our house. Seriously, it's the same look some parents give when they find out that Evelyn doesn't know the Sesame Street characters.
Honestly, I don't walk around with a "boycott your TV" shirt. Lord knows I enjoy a good episode of 30 Rock now and again. I simply fail to see any value in teaching brand loyalty to a toddler. I absolutely love the Campaign for a Commercial-free Childhood. My intention is not to say that a parent who allows her child to watch a cartoon is inherently wrong. I just wish parents-- and all adults really-- would realize that babies, toddlers, and even older kids are not hardwired with a need to plop in front of flashing screen for hours a day.
The absence of a favorite TV or movie character does not automatically mean the absence of fun. Evelyn has so many favorite things right now and most of them are little games she has invented.* So please, save your pity. My daughter is not suffering for lack of Elmo or Cinderella.
*For instance, Evelyn's train set has a bridge with bars that raise and lower and she has endless fun driving one of the train engines (with her own sound effects of course) up to the first bar and exclaiming "Excuse me! Excuse me!" before letting the train pass through. Repeat fifteen times and you've got yourself an amazing game.
Friday, February 12, 2010
Stock Photo?
At least one person has wondered whether my header features a generic "pretty" picture. Well, nothing against stock photos (OK, I hate stock photos), but it is absolutely not a random image. It's one of my favorites. I took the photo while in Sintra, Portugal and it reminds me of a great adventure with my husband.
I love to look back at photos like this. Even on days speckled with mundane chores, life is still a great adventure, filled with little out-of-the-way nooks and hidden beauty.
I love to look back at photos like this. Even on days speckled with mundane chores, life is still a great adventure, filled with little out-of-the-way nooks and hidden beauty.
I hear music in the air!
Thanks to a recent live jazz performance at Daddy's work place, Evelyn is more interested than ever in instrumental music. She's become quite good at picking out the distinct sounds of drums, saxophone, trumpet, and sometimes piano. There are few sounds as lovely to the ear after a hectic morning of running errands as an excited toddler proudly announcing what she hears: "Sax-o-phone! Trumpet!"
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thinking in Public: Style Edition
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare,
And beauty draws us with a single hair.
-Alexander Pope
Let's take a giant step back from baby name debacle '10 for a moment.* Today, it is all about hair. It's recently occurred to me that I've had the same hair style for almost a year, give or take some low-lights, and that is probably a record for me. For about the past ten years I've made at least one or two major changes to my hair each year.
I've been a redhead-- a fun idea because red does make blue eyes pop, but not the right color for my skin tone. I've been dark brunette, again, unless the shade is just right, my skin tone completely washes out. I've been very blonde, blonde, dark blonde, and light brown. I've had layered and textured styles, shoulder-length hair with side-swept bangs, and one very pricey chin-length cut which was a monster to grow out: goodbye awkward in-between stage!
I have enjoyed my (almost) natural color and a nice, long length (mid-chest) for a while now. It's time for a change, and I have an appointment with my stylist (she owns a local Aveda salon). I found a stylist I love-- which isn't nearly as easy a task as one would think. I usually just ask for a trim and for some slight shaping of the layers near my face. This week, however, I'm wondering if it might be fun to really make a change. There comes a point where long hair starts to feel style-less. So, what do you think?
Brief walk down memory lane:
Short hair at Mt Rainier in 2007
Hair grazing shoulders (and lighter) just after Evelyn was born.
Current length and style (unfortunately featured in a poorly lit photo)
I think best when I'm writing or talking through an issue, but nothing is coming to me yet. Perhaps I'll submit to this blog for suggestions? I imagine she won't get back to me before tomorrow evening though!
*The baby name security breach has really been a bit of a blessing in disguise. I realized, in my heightened defensiveness of the name in question, just how much I love it.
And beauty draws us with a single hair.
-Alexander Pope
Let's take a giant step back from baby name debacle '10 for a moment.* Today, it is all about hair. It's recently occurred to me that I've had the same hair style for almost a year, give or take some low-lights, and that is probably a record for me. For about the past ten years I've made at least one or two major changes to my hair each year.
I've been a redhead-- a fun idea because red does make blue eyes pop, but not the right color for my skin tone. I've been dark brunette, again, unless the shade is just right, my skin tone completely washes out. I've been very blonde, blonde, dark blonde, and light brown. I've had layered and textured styles, shoulder-length hair with side-swept bangs, and one very pricey chin-length cut which was a monster to grow out: goodbye awkward in-between stage!
I have enjoyed my (almost) natural color and a nice, long length (mid-chest) for a while now. It's time for a change, and I have an appointment with my stylist (she owns a local Aveda salon). I found a stylist I love-- which isn't nearly as easy a task as one would think. I usually just ask for a trim and for some slight shaping of the layers near my face. This week, however, I'm wondering if it might be fun to really make a change. There comes a point where long hair starts to feel style-less. So, what do you think?
Brief walk down memory lane:
Short hair at Mt Rainier in 2007
Hair grazing shoulders (and lighter) just after Evelyn was born.
Current length and style (unfortunately featured in a poorly lit photo)
I think best when I'm writing or talking through an issue, but nothing is coming to me yet. Perhaps I'll submit to this blog for suggestions? I imagine she won't get back to me before tomorrow evening though!
*The baby name security breach has really been a bit of a blessing in disguise. I realized, in my heightened defensiveness of the name in question, just how much I love it.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
There's been a breach in security!
Sound the alarms! Well, not really. I might be slightly escalating the level of drama appropriate to the situation. But, given my recent thoughts on keeping baby names on the down-low until birth, I am certainly a bit frustrated with myself. What am I talking about, you wonder?
It all begins with excitement and an innate desire to trust one's confidante. Several months ago, I was chatting with a close family member and mentioned a couple of boy names that I really like. I purposely tossed a couple of names out so that she couldn't say for certain what the name would ultimately be if baby was a boy. Well, baby is a boy and anything remotely resembling priviledged information zooms around my family as though the President's life depended on it. Seriously, I love my family to pieces but secrets, good news, bad news, gossip . . . there is just no such thing as keeping it to oneself.
Of course, in my excitement, I had temporarily lost my senses and forgotten this crucial information. I did ask Mystery Family Member to keep it to herself because we weren't settled on a name and we wanted it to be a surprise. I'm sure that she thought she was keeping it to herself by only telling one other person. Anyway, I blame myself for the fact that, yesterday as we chatted on the phone and I wished him a "Happy Birthday," my Dad was teasing me about naming our son X. I immediately got defensive but let him know that the name was really just one out of a couple of names. The frustrating part for me, though, is that I love that name and now if we incorporate it I'll have my Dad's voice in my head telling me "not to do that to his grandson" (because apparently this name is a punishment). The moral of the story? Never share information with members of my family that you wouldn't want the entire family to know. Lesson learned. Again.
And, for the record, I still love the name X (and no, it isn't really "X").
It all begins with excitement and an innate desire to trust one's confidante. Several months ago, I was chatting with a close family member and mentioned a couple of boy names that I really like. I purposely tossed a couple of names out so that she couldn't say for certain what the name would ultimately be if baby was a boy. Well, baby is a boy and anything remotely resembling priviledged information zooms around my family as though the President's life depended on it. Seriously, I love my family to pieces but secrets, good news, bad news, gossip . . . there is just no such thing as keeping it to oneself.
Of course, in my excitement, I had temporarily lost my senses and forgotten this crucial information. I did ask Mystery Family Member to keep it to herself because we weren't settled on a name and we wanted it to be a surprise. I'm sure that she thought she was keeping it to herself by only telling one other person. Anyway, I blame myself for the fact that, yesterday as we chatted on the phone and I wished him a "Happy Birthday," my Dad was teasing me about naming our son X. I immediately got defensive but let him know that the name was really just one out of a couple of names. The frustrating part for me, though, is that I love that name and now if we incorporate it I'll have my Dad's voice in my head telling me "not to do that to his grandson" (because apparently this name is a punishment). The moral of the story? Never share information with members of my family that you wouldn't want the entire family to know. Lesson learned. Again.
And, for the record, I still love the name X (and no, it isn't really "X").
Monday, February 8, 2010
Snapshot: Evelyn, a few days old
Evelyn was so itty bitty (although at the time, she always seemed big!) It's surreal to think that in a few months, she will be a big sister.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Why, hello baby!
I had an ultrasound scan today (roughly 21.5 weeks along now) at the birth suite in my midwife's office. While Evelyn clomped around in the very room she took her first breath, Chris and I got to peek in on the baby. Baby-on-board is a boy! We are thrilled. We would have been thrilled with another daughter, for the record (I have two sisters and a brother and think that sisters have a really special bond but I also love my younger brother to absolute pieces). It was just exciting to find out a little bit more about this human being who has taken up residence in my body. We can't wait to meet him.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Simple ways to support a new mother
Do you have a new mother in your life?
1. Do not expect an audience with the new mother and baby duo right away. Feel free to drop off a meal, but be understanding if New Daddy greets you at the door and says that the duo is resting.
2. If you are very close to the new mother (ie: family, close friends), take care of daily tasks so that New Mama and New Baby can snuggle up together, nurse, and get to know each other in comfort. These chores include meal preparation, basic household cleaning, laundry, and possibly cleaning a litter box or filling a water dish. The one "non-newborn" task I would leave to the mother is bathing. Please offer her the time to shower or take a nice bath (especially if it is a Sitz herbal bath!)
3. Support New Mama as she and New Baby learn to nurse. (*This is especially important for partners or very close family members who will be spending a lot of time with the new mother and baby) If you are unfamiliar with breastfeeding or if you're just a bit rusty, do some light reading and familiarize yourself with local resources. The early days (and sometimes weeks) of breastfeeding can pose some challenges. This is not the time for passive aggressive "jokes," criticism, or comments about how "easy" it would be offer the baby a bottle of artificial formula-- actually, I'd like to suggest that there is never a good time for any of these things! And, while we're on the topic, please do not pressure New Mama to pump her milk and then hand New Baby over to you for a feeding. Again, the early weeks are precious and mother and baby need to bond and establish a good nursing relationship. Once they have it down, it will be smooth sailing-- nothing to sterilize, nothing to mix, and always the perfect temperature.
4. Encourage New Mama to drink plenty of water. Offer her some nutritious snacks. Labor is a marathon and she will need to replenish her body.
5. Admire that beautiful new baby! Ooh and aah over the tiny hands and precious little toes.
6. If New Mama would like to nap, by all means, help make it happen (use the opportunity to cuddle up with the little one and be prepared to bring him to his mother if he starts "rooting around" for milk).
And let's not leave out the little "icing on the cake" gestures:
7. Put clean, warm sheets on her bed.
8. Bring a bouquet of her favorite flavors to set next her rocker or on the table.
9. Offer to care for New Baby in a few months when things have settled down so that New Mama and New Daddy can go out! (My Mother-In-Law wins the prize for having flown cross-country to visit for a long weekend when Evelyn was about four months old. We were finally ready to step out for a company party. We didn't trust anyone but family and we didn't have any family in the area!)
10. Know that tears are a normal part of the postpartum experience, but gently speak up if you notice that New Mama exhibits signs of PPD.
1. Do not expect an audience with the new mother and baby duo right away. Feel free to drop off a meal, but be understanding if New Daddy greets you at the door and says that the duo is resting.
2. If you are very close to the new mother (ie: family, close friends), take care of daily tasks so that New Mama and New Baby can snuggle up together, nurse, and get to know each other in comfort. These chores include meal preparation, basic household cleaning, laundry, and possibly cleaning a litter box or filling a water dish. The one "non-newborn" task I would leave to the mother is bathing. Please offer her the time to shower or take a nice bath (especially if it is a Sitz herbal bath!)
3. Support New Mama as she and New Baby learn to nurse. (*This is especially important for partners or very close family members who will be spending a lot of time with the new mother and baby) If you are unfamiliar with breastfeeding or if you're just a bit rusty, do some light reading and familiarize yourself with local resources. The early days (and sometimes weeks) of breastfeeding can pose some challenges. This is not the time for passive aggressive "jokes," criticism, or comments about how "easy" it would be offer the baby a bottle of artificial formula-- actually, I'd like to suggest that there is never a good time for any of these things! And, while we're on the topic, please do not pressure New Mama to pump her milk and then hand New Baby over to you for a feeding. Again, the early weeks are precious and mother and baby need to bond and establish a good nursing relationship. Once they have it down, it will be smooth sailing-- nothing to sterilize, nothing to mix, and always the perfect temperature.
4. Encourage New Mama to drink plenty of water. Offer her some nutritious snacks. Labor is a marathon and she will need to replenish her body.
5. Admire that beautiful new baby! Ooh and aah over the tiny hands and precious little toes.
6. If New Mama would like to nap, by all means, help make it happen (use the opportunity to cuddle up with the little one and be prepared to bring him to his mother if he starts "rooting around" for milk).
And let's not leave out the little "icing on the cake" gestures:
7. Put clean, warm sheets on her bed.
8. Bring a bouquet of her favorite flavors to set next her rocker or on the table.
9. Offer to care for New Baby in a few months when things have settled down so that New Mama and New Daddy can go out! (My Mother-In-Law wins the prize for having flown cross-country to visit for a long weekend when Evelyn was about four months old. We were finally ready to step out for a company party. We didn't trust anyone but family and we didn't have any family in the area!)
10. Know that tears are a normal part of the postpartum experience, but gently speak up if you notice that New Mama exhibits signs of PPD.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Things I can't yet announce
Wonderful sleep news in our house. . . I can't say much for fear that we'll regress into sleepless zombies the minute I write about it. I am not superstitious, but I'm not risking a thing.
Our new baby's gender . . . I can't announce this because we don't know yet.
How soon post-baby we'll be ready for visitors . . . friends and family have wonderful intentions and we will be so grateful for help*, but I have no idea when exactly baby is coming (babies are rarely born on the exact "due date") and we will certainly want some calm, recovery time.
Name options for baby-on-board . . . we're not settled on a girl name and we're only partially settled on a boy name. Either way, we are holding off until birth to officially name the babe and we will happily announce the name at that time!
*"Post-baby help" is a topic I have been meaning to write about for a while now and I will get to it hopefully this week! One of the biggest misconceptions, I think, is that all new mothers find it helpful if someone takes the new baby and "lets Mama sleep." This was not very helpful when I had a brand new baby. I just laid in bed and worried about my newborn (or cried, because I was a hormonal new mother!). The real help is playing with the older sibling, cleaning the house, cooking a meal, etc. More on this later. Also, now that Evelyn is 1 1/2, I would GLADLY let someone take her while I sleep. . . wouldn't we all?
Our new baby's gender . . . I can't announce this because we don't know yet.
How soon post-baby we'll be ready for visitors . . . friends and family have wonderful intentions and we will be so grateful for help*, but I have no idea when exactly baby is coming (babies are rarely born on the exact "due date") and we will certainly want some calm, recovery time.
Name options for baby-on-board . . . we're not settled on a girl name and we're only partially settled on a boy name. Either way, we are holding off until birth to officially name the babe and we will happily announce the name at that time!
*"Post-baby help" is a topic I have been meaning to write about for a while now and I will get to it hopefully this week! One of the biggest misconceptions, I think, is that all new mothers find it helpful if someone takes the new baby and "lets Mama sleep." This was not very helpful when I had a brand new baby. I just laid in bed and worried about my newborn (or cried, because I was a hormonal new mother!). The real help is playing with the older sibling, cleaning the house, cooking a meal, etc. More on this later. Also, now that Evelyn is 1 1/2, I would GLADLY let someone take her while I sleep. . . wouldn't we all?
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