So… before Lucy’s arrival I think we did a pretty good job preparing Joel and Livi for her arrival. We read books about being a big brother and sister, we read books that showed picturess of the baby\’s development, we talked about it all the time. I warned them of the crying. I gave them the “Big Bro and Sis Orientation” by showing them where the diapers, wipes, burp cloths, blankets, binkies and onesies were. I told them the baby wouold need A LOT of attention. However, I missed something…
Breast feeding. At first Joel reacted by saying, “Gross!!” Livi asked, “Why is the baby eating your boo-boo?” The kids are used to it now, and it is no longer “gross”. Joel eventually needed a few more details though. One day, as I set down my glass of water, Joel inquired, “Is that (water) for that one (you know)?” I asked, “What do you mean?” He answered, “Is that (water) for that one and milk for that (the other) one?” I pried, “What do you mean?” He replied, “I just thought….” His voice trailed and body language indicated that he thought Lucy got two kinds of beverages from Mommy:) She needed water too… right???
At a MOPS meeting I went to recently, the women at my table were discussing struggles. We often do. It\’s a time we can encourage and be encouraged. One lady shared how moths NEED to struggle out of their cocoons in order to strengthen their wings. Likewise, OUR times of struggling can be a time of our own strengthening. This isn\’t a new concept, but I like the analogy.
The kids and I headed to Target. Joel was VERY motivated to obey, I promised him a toy as a reward for doing a \”good job\”. With my son, he does most things with all his heart - be it good or be it bad. He was dead-set on getting a toy that day!
We were strolling past the aisle of detergents when he sing-songed, \”Livi, you\’re doing a good job!\” He was working hard to be helpful to mom by encouraging his little sis. He\’s good. He knows what damage she is capable of, and she was doing a pretty good job.
Inevitably, we have to make a trip to the bathroom, despite more shopping to do. There is something about a child\’s bladder and Target. Maybe some scientists should do a study on that phenomenon… I digress… We returned to our cart after we finished in the bathroom. Joel has a defeated look on his face and his hunched-over shoulders caused me to pry.
What\’s wrong??
It\’s just hard.
What\’s hard?
Being good and doing all this grown up shopping.
He got a blaster-gun thing that makes Star Wars-type noises. He deserved it!
\”Spring Break\” in my area began Monday, April 4th. It was my first REAL day on my own at home with all 3 munchkins (no preschool, no playdates, husband at work…). I planned some creative activities for the 2 older ones ![\"\"](\"http://www.jennyonthespot.com/images/onmy)
and I carried Lucy around in the front pack much of the day. ![\"\"](\"http://www.jennyonthespot.com/images/frontpacklucy.jpg\")
All in all, it was a great day, and a good start in this new season of motherhood… Then April 5th came along. No room for arrogance in my home! Spring Break! HA! Spring Fever perhaps! Chaos!
One thing is certain, I don\’t think I will ever be able to get too self-important when it comes to motherhood. It has a special way of keeping my ego in check. Oh, and Spring Break will never be quite the same either:)
I reached into the refrigerator and grabbed the yogurt. In mindless, post-partum fashion, I scooped yogurt onto a spoon and poured the granules of medicine out of the capsule onto the yogurt. I turned and said, \”Open up\”. She did just as I said…
In a flash I realized my error… I gave my daughter my SON\’s seizure medication!!! I quickly ordered Olivia to NOT swallow and swept out a slimy mess of yogurt and granules. Between my panic and my husband\’s, we manged to get her to swish out as much as we could. We were able to get most of it out, though it is impossible to know exactly how much she actually ingested.
I called poison control. Good news. Even if she had taken the full dose, the worst that would happen would have been extreme sleepiness. The woman I spoke with was very comforting. She said I wasn\’t the only one who has done that! Whew…
Lucy has been smiling for nearly a week! Some say it\’s gas when babies smile at this age, but a mommy knows. I know that when Lucy has a smile due to gas — her mouth stays closed and her face gets red! Her REAL smiles are wide mouthed and full. Her most smiley times are in the morning, but that is beginning to change! She had some smiles tonight too! AND in the past day she has started cooing!
I can\’t believe she is already 5 weeks old! it just goes so fast!
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