I'm glad I'm not doing this as a single parent!! I know people do, but I'm really not sure how. So many times I've been in the midde of doing something and realized I've forgotten something crucial--like, I take off a dirty diaper and realize I can't reach the wipes! Or I'm holding Esther and I need to do something that I can't easily do with a baby in my arms. It's so nice to have someone to tag-team with! Of course, once we get back home I'll have to get used to doing things myself, but I think it will be easier when I have set routines and places to put everything. One of the hardest things about traveling has been the physical disorganization. I feel like I spend so much time hunting through our three suitcases for that one thing that I need five minutes ago.
I'm glad Esther isn't twins! We're tired enough as it is; I can't imagine having two babies who aren't always on the same schedule.
I'm glad our schedule is becoming a little more relaxed. We only have two things left to do: our consulate appointment Monday morning, and our swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday afternoon. Other than that, we can focus on keeping fed and rested, and trying to get Esther on a somewhat regular sleeping schedule. She has been good at staying asleep from day one, but getting her to sleep in the first place has become more and more difficult. I don't know if all the changes in her life are adding up to a general feeling of insecurity, or if, as she becomes more attached to us, she's afraid of us disappearing if she doesn't keep tabs on us. I'm reasonably confident that she didn't have trouble falling asleep at the orphanage, and she didn't have too much trouble with us, either, until our first night in Guangzhou. But the last couple of nights we've had to resort to carrying her until she fell asleep. Sigh.
Linette
3 comments:
I get happily teary just thinking about the swearing in ceremony. Glad this time next week we will be able to talk on the phone and soon bring a meal and see the three of you! SBS Racewalker & Family
Linette, the physical contact with you (wearing as it is) may be the best thing for Esther right now. It's a major route for bonding - tactile, smell, the reassuring heartbeat rhythm. I encourage you to hold her as much as possible. A sling carrier is very handy in keeping a baby close to you, with some support, and having your hands more or less free.
You are having to make the transition to parenting with all the complications of traveling, language, food, shopping ifferences, and an older child, and that's really hard. Oh - and I forgot sleep deprivation, which can make you crazy! I remember being shocked how my entire life changed the minute I had a child - every decision, small or large, was affected by it (even to when - or whether - I took a shower, let alone read a book!) But it is all so worth it. Sounds like you will have a strong support network when you get back to Maryland, which will help.
Love you - Wanda
Linette,
When you guys make it home, you may want to hunt down a heartbeat bear. We used them in the infant classroom I worked in when I was teaching at a daycare center. The sound is similar to the mother's heartbeat and helps to soothe little ones as they drop off.
Diana
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