Yesterday, I had one of those moments where I just needed to leave the premises. I wasn't angry, or upset; just tired and feeling like I needed to be alone for just an hour or so. I got the baby fed and down for his nap, and left him with Robert while I escaped for my pedicure. About 10 minutes into the pedicure, I got a phone call from Robert in which I could barely hear him due to the screaming baby in the background. Of course there was no breast milk thawed out in a bottle ready to go, why would I have thought of that? Needless to say, I felt guilty and terrible. Poor Robert was at home frantically trying to thaw out the milk and calm little Henry. Don't worry future babysitters, lesson learned.
Needless to say it was not one of my most enjoyable pedicures, but I've convinced myself that I shouldn't feel guilty about taking a little time out for myself. Nursing is hard work, and at times I do feel a little tethered down. On the other hand, it is one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I am lucky that I am able to do it. I am the only person who can give my sweet baby exactly what he needs. Every day is a new experience, and I am so lucky to have such an incredibly supportive and helpful husband. Maybe I had a crazy look in my eye or something before I left, because even in the midst of Scream-fest '11 Robert encouraged me to stay and finish my pedicure. Every day I thank God for him...and to quote Ben Folds, "I am the luckiest."
After talking with a few (okay a lot) of other mommies, I decided (and they told me) that it was time to get our little one on a schedule if we ever wanted to sleep through the night. I borrowed the book Baby Wise from a friend, and adapted it to our way of thinking. Basically, all we're doing is keeping Henry on a 3 hour cycle during the day. Eat, play, nap, repeat! After about 2 days, he has adapted to this routine. As soon as we put him in the crib for a nap he zonks out! Sometimes he wakes up early from a nap, but Robert and I aren't ready to let him cry it out...baby steps right? The last few nights he has slept for about 7 hours straight!!! AMEN!!! I don't know how I feel about such a strict routine in the first month (especially since I am nursing), but since he is 11 weeks and starting daycare in a month we felt it was time. We've only been doing this for a week, and already Robert and I feel more at ease (and more sane)! Even little Henry seems more alert and playful during his wake times!
Play time!
Henry got to meet Papa (Henry) and Nana, or Ba Noi (Tam). Ba Noi is "grandma" in Vietnamese! They arrived on Friday and headed to Brandon on Sunday. We had a great time! Papa cooked us a feast on Saturday night...we had crab legs, lobster, shrimp, steak....whew! Needless to say Robert and I are eating salad and watermelon on the 4th of July!
The Clark Men!
We're planning on doing some stuff around the house the next 2 weeks before Robert starts band camp. Yard work, organizing, cleaning...stuff that we'll never get to once the school year begins. While that stuff doesn't seem fun, we always feel so much better once we've accomplished it! To quote our favorite professor, Dr. Madsen: "You control the environment that in turn controls you!" Happy 4th of July everyone!!!
