A Few Random Observations

Sorry to inundate you with yet another post about the boys, but let’s face it, I’m not getting out much right now. So here are just a few random things that have happened or I’ve thought about over the past few days…

First, adding a third child into the mix has not been as difficult as going from one to two (knock on wood). I’m not sure why this is. It seems to work against all logic. But there it is, as I’ve experienced it in the last two and a half weeks anyway.

Second, I mentioned a few posts ago about Dylan’s incredible bathroom aim, but Nicholas definitely has him beat. This weekend while changing Cole’s diaper, I realized I was being “sprayed” and jumped out of the way in surprise. Without me in the way, he shot a perfect arc into the toilet. Yes, you read that right. Into the toilet. So while Alexander was placing bets on Dylan being the first one potty trained (since Lij is still showing no interest in the subject), it looks as though we might have a dark horse contender in the form of our two week old.

Third, drink water after having a baby. Lots and lots of water. Although it makes you feel a bit like a waterlogged Titanic survivor, it helps with a multitude of post-partum “recovery” problems.

Fourth, never move a red-headed sixteen-month-old into a “big boy” bed. Even if there’s a baby coming in a few months and you need the crib. Even if the aforementioned carrot-top can scale his way out of the aforementioned crib. Chaos and sleepless nights will ensue. For months to come. With. no. end. in. sight.

Fifth, children seem born to prove their parents wrong. After spending the past fortnight worried that Nicholas wasn’t getting enough to eat (he only nurses about 15 minutes total every three hours – five hours at night – not to mention his expert urping abilities), we went in for his two week check-up on Friday. He went from 7 lbs 2 oz at birth to 8 lbs 4 oz at his two-week (so much for only gaining back his birth weight). And he’s added 2 ½ inches to his length/height. So much for that ulcer.

And finally, family’s important. There’s nothing like the smell of a newborn’s head. Watching a massive smile spread across Dylan’s face as he spots Nicholas first thing in the morning and says hello melts my heart. I can’t express the joy I feel when Lij lies down next to Cole on the floor to protect him and keep him company. What a little man, my three-year-old! You’re never too old to need your mommy (or, for that matter, to miss the rest of your family desperately). Mine comes in just over a week. And a husband who gets up at every nighttime cry so you (who have a horrible time falling back asleep) don’t have to deserves all the praise in the world.