1. HE'S HERE!! Simon Earl Kemper made his arrival on the scene two Fridays ago. He's beautiful. He really is. He's got the cutest, funniest little face and we are in love. Well, Mommy and Daddy unequivocally are. Eliza has her doubts. Birth stats: born Friday, April 8th, 11:56 pm. Weighed in at 8lbs 4oz, and measured 21.25 inches long, though the doctor's office didn't agree at his check up a few days later. Go figure.
2. The postpartum period, I have to say, is definitely not my favorite time of life. Simon is, and Eliza was, the sweetest little thing to ever hold and it's so nice to when they cuddle on your chest. But I really hate the lack of sleep, the pain and discomfort residual from labor, the emotional roller coaster as your hormones fight to return to a normal stasis, and the mountain we like to call the "adjustment period". I never feel more at a loss than at this time of life. I am grateful for the way it makes me pray harder and love on my family harder, but really, I count down the days until it's done. I know someone will try to tell me to "enjoy this time, because it will soon be gone," and believe me, I am loving cuddling with my little man and my baby girl just as they are now. But that does not mean I will be grateful when he's a little older, a little heftier, and can go longer between feedings, especially at night.
3. Eliza is definitely going through the transition period. There are times she really likes this new little creature, and times she really wants him to leave. We've been home [two weeks] now and I can see the reality that he's not temporary beginning to hit her. She's more likely to act out and has thrown her first few real tantrums. She is much more possessive of a lap once she gains it. But at other times she likes to hand Brother his binky, give him kisses, and at times hold him on her lap. She loves it when she finds him laying in accessible places, and tries to sit as close to him as possible (which often translates to on him) so she can hold his hand, touch his feet, and pat his head. It's a constant effort to make sure I don't leave them unattended together in case she might hurt him accidentally.
4. Simon, though, is proving to be a baby who likes human contact. He does not like to be left to lay on his own to stare at something interesting for any length of time. He doesn't like to lay in his cradle. He'd rather be laying on the couch next to a warm leg or in bed at night with Mama and Daddy. (Neither Mama or Daddy are proponents of co-sleeping, but in the middle of a sleep-deprived night, they're willing to make exceptions). It's something we're going to have to work on with him, as we don't want him to expect to be held constantly. It makes getting anything around here done very, very hard. *Simon is currently learning to like his cradle now. He'll sleep in it all day without fuss. It's nighttime we're struggling with.
5. Which brings me to my last post. After months of whipping myself into shape and working hard to get this place looking good.... it takes just a few postpartum days for that to crash down around my head. The place is a disaster. Things are piled everywhere. The clean laundry is still in baskets. The bathroom could use a wipe-down, dishes are all over the kitchen, and the floor... I don't want to talk about it. I've discovered that having things picked up is very nice, having most surfaces clear is lovely, but the floor has got to be clean. Thank you to my loving husband, who really is the most amazing man ever, otherwise this place would be far, far worse than it is. Far, far worse. He did a great deal of picking up and cleaning during his week at home. And I love him for that. Now that he's at work... I miss him tremendously and wish I could have him back home again. Here's looking forward to retirement some day, right?
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