April 29, 2011
attached
I remember saying something to Bethany when I was pregnant about how ironically funny it would be if I had the kind of baby who needed to be held all the time. I’m the kind of person who needs a lot of personal space and the thought of having someone attached to me 24/7 made me want to run away screaming.
Nobody told Preston about my large personal bubble. I don’t think I’ve put him down in about three days.
When he cries, my anxiety goes into overdrive. Whether I put him to bed awake or in a deep sleep, he cries almost right away when he’s put down. He’s way too little to do any sort of crying himself to sleep, so he’s had all his naps this week in my arms or in the wrap.
I’ve felt myself going a little crazy a couple times in the last couple days, but otherwise I’ve been surprisingly okay with Preston’s snuggly neediness. I love the newborn days and I really enjoy looking down at his sleeping face. But, I feel guilty that the girls have been fending for themselves most of the week. We’ve been to the park a couple days and they’ve played in the back yard and on the trampoline, but today was dark and rainy. I kept them away from the TV all week, but today they may or may not have watched five movies in their blanket fort.
I texted Noah today to let him know that his girls would need some extra attention this weekend. And I may need a couple extra naps.
I always felt that way too, about the space thing…but you are taking the right approach, it is over so damn fast…enjoy it and his sleepy little face. Precious!
It’s funny how babies can push through that need for space, just a little bit. I’m someone who loves to cuddle, when I want to, then when I don’t – back the heck off because I’m going to throw up. When speaking to someone they need to be at, at least an arms length away. If I can smell your breath, feel it on my face or our arms brush, you are in my space and I’m not down with that. Hence my reluctance to attend a concert with people touching you! All the time! My husband on the other hand is intensely cuddly all the time, I’ve had to learn to deep breath and he’s had to learn when I say I need my space, sit on the other couch. Our kids however, I love to snuggle and both of them have comfort zones that allow me to have my space.
So glad you’ve found that space where you can enjoy his snuggles, because as you already know in the blink of an eye these kids will be too cool to even give us a kiss on the cheek in the school yard. But let’s not go there…sigh.
I get this. Oh, I SO get this, right down to the not-really-minding thing. I was surprised at myself, when Annalie was teeny, and how little I minded that I rarely had five minutes to myself. I’m glad it’s not bugging you as much as you feared it would. :-)
Oh, and HOORAY for wraps and slings, eh!?
oh, he’s so precious!! Tucker is really snuggly, too. And eats a lot. I got no sleep last night :( BUT, at least they’re cute. How are your nights going?
Hugs, friend. This time is short, which you know, but it can be wearisome.
Just soak in his cuteness, for it abounds. :)
I’m glad it’s not driving you (too) crazy. And the occasional movie days will not hurt them ;)
I’m about to give you advice, so please choose to stop reading if you like. My Bella would wake up every single time we put her in the crib or bassinet. We finally figured out that she hated the cold sheets. A little heating blanket action for five minutes before we placed her on the bed, and she would snuggle down and sleep. Might be worth a try if you get to the point it’s making you crazy. Otherwise, enjoy :)
Ah, friend. Your girls are not being neglected, I know it. They are both old enough to not need Mama for everything, and they know you still love them.
And Fronan is going to be a big boy before you know it, so enjoy all those snuzzles (you know, until you need to pass him over to Daddy to have a break, which is also totally understandable!)