Well, we made it through apparently one of the tough ones - we came home one week ago today. In some ways it feels like yesterday and it others it feels like a month! Looking back I probably would not have kept Alexander home from preschool the whole week. The weather was awful so we didn't get out very much and it was hard for him to see all the attention Lucas was receiving. Of course he will see it but it was a bit much for him to take in all at once. Also, I was feeling pretty darn awful until Thursday and not into doing all the things Alexander enjoys (e.g., board games, cards, baseball, etc). And finally he doesn't quite grasp the unfairness of him being able to play in Lucas' room with his toys yet not wanting to let Lucas into his room. So it was no surprise that for the first time today (and I'm sure NOT the last) Alexander uttered the famous words "I wish Lucas wasn't here - I wish there was only one kid in this house". Oy..poor kiddo. We've tried to reassure him through words and actions that he is loved and special but it will just take time. We're planning on scheduling 'special time' with Alexander with each of us once things settle down just a bit.
Lucas seems to be doing OK...as soon as we figure him out he changes again. He's eating OK...his appetite is still big and he whines whenever he sees us preparing food but he is more playful during meals so hopefully he's starting to understand we'll feed him until he's full. We've actually seen him refuse food now! Woohoo. And did I mention before that he's now at least 21lbs?? He was 19 on 5/28 - so 2 lbs in 2 weeks!
He's sleeping very well - a nap from about 10:30-1 or 1:30 and then from about 7:30 or so until 6:30 or so. At naps he's usually falling asleep in the Ergo on our daily walks and transferring easily to the crib but at night I'm still trying to figure out a good routine that doesn't result in crying and frustration.
Regarding his disposition, it's been a little hard to gauge. For the past several days he would get very fussy and cranky starting around 4p or so and wasn't sure if it was due to his lunch, teething, remnants of jetlag, being too tired, etc. Today he was in a MUCH better mood and happy for most of the afternoon! He is very playful and attempts to mimic everything we say and do...we think he has learned to say 'bye-bye' though doubtful he understands what it means and definitely mimics all the raspberries and other silly sounds we make. He's also initiating this tickle game by wiggling his fingers and saying something like 'kookloo' and we come chasing after him for tickles. He definitely comes over to us when he wants to be picked up and did a LOT of that yesterday afternoon when he was so cranky. But I am sure his little mind is wondering what else is coming...after a week in Russia with Kali and I we upped and threw him into a marathon of travel and then another environment with different people. It's going to be a long while before he settles into realizing this is home. But we'll just take it one day and one tickle at a time.
More pictures will come soon... I promise...but falling asleep right now :(
4 comments:
Most toddlers get a newborn brought home who can't touch their stuff! Poor Alexander!!! It must be difficult to all of a sudden have some "competition"! I'm sure you are doing everything right and things will fall into place. It's sounds like such a huge adjustment for everyone. Good luck and have fun!
Ah yes, the wisdom of experience. Unfortunately we have to have the experience before we get the wisdom...and then the wisdom may not actually totally apply to the next experience. :-) I am sure each week will get a little easier for all of you as you all adjust and learn new roles and strategies. It is good that Alexander can talk about his feelings, and that you can, too. And Lucas has his raspberries. :-)Hugs to all.
Love, Kali
thank you for the update, and congrats on the grace withwhich you ALL are running the race of change and challenge. your heart is vast and your ability to adjust and expand is awesome to see, hear and know is happening.
as always i am sending love and grace and laughter
love mom aka yaya
2 pounds in 2 weeks-- wow, strong work! Love to hear the games he's learned-- it's really fun, isn't it? With Alexander, it sounds about normal for 10 days into having a new sibling. Hang in there.
So fun to follow with you.
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