Adjusting to Baby

So, you might wonder, how have the big brother and big sister been doing with the new baby?

I won’t lie and say that everything has been a bed of roses as Charlotte and Elijah adjust to their new baby brother, but I can say that they have enjoyed him more than they have not.  In a wonderful example of God’s perfect timing, Jeremy was born on Good Friday.  Jeff was off work for the long Easter weekend, and it was also the first day of Spring Break for the local schools.

This means that, for the first week of Jeremy’s life, the kids also took a Spring Break and had all of the neighborhood kids home as playmates.  The weather was gorgeous, and the kids spent hours outside.  Because they were on vacation anyway, the fact that the routine got suddenly thrown out the window affected me a lot more than it affected them.

Charlotte will tell you that she had no idea the baby would require as much time and attention as he does, especially from me.  She will also tell you that she doesn’t much like it, although Jeff has been here to pick up the slack with everything, especially school this week as we resumed our studies.  On the bright side, Charlotte almost never turns down an invitation to take a walk with me, so we’re getting some time in that way.  Charlotte, however, is one for action.  She’s already pretty proficient at changing wet diapers (she’s not much interested in changing the dirty ones!) and holding her brother when I need both hands.  Jeremy hardly fusses anymore when I turn him over to his big sister!

 

Elijah’s actions tend to speak more loudly than his words, as usual.  He will tell us that he likes the baby and is doing OK adjusting to the arrival, but his behavior has taken a few hits.  We’re really having to reign him back in to meet his responsibilities.  At first, he spent a lot of time playing alone downstairs, when he wasn’t outside escaping.  But soon his natural desire for company overcame his desire to be alone, and he’s gotten social again.  After the first week, he started expressing a lot more interest in holding Jeremy, and he really likes to pat him on the back when I am burping the baby.  Elijah is also very affectionate with baby, as is also his nature.  He hardly comes by Jeremy without stopping to kiss him.  I have a feeling we’re in for a rough little bit here, but we shall see.

 

Have a good one!