When Graham was born I was Prepared, with a capital P. I read many, many books to prepare for his arrival and to answer questions I had about his development. Books about “what to expect”, books about being “baby wise”, books about sleeping.
I still had no clue as to what I was doing, or so I thought. I phoned friends with kids all of the time to ask about things like introducing solids, etc. Those books were out on my counter at all times so that I could refer to them. Despite my paranoia, he turned out to be a pretty great kid.
When Nathan came along, I was a little more relaxed. The books were still handy, but I did not read them on a daily (or hourly!) basis to gauge what was “normal” and to check his weekly development “milestones”. And you know what? He, too, is pretty great.
This time around, I don’t even know where those books are. I have a general idea, but haven’t gone looking for them.
Matthew asked me if I remembered at what point in time Emily would be able to see beyond a few inches/feet. I didn’t remember, and told him it should be in one of those books. Neither of us made a move to go find them, whereas with Graham I would have made a beeline to them to look it up.
I think I have come to understand that each and every child is unique. While there are good guidelines to help me as I navigate these parenting waters, each and every child is different. There is no such thing as a “textbook” child. All I can do is love them, pray for them, and pray that I don’t mess up too badly.
So far, so good.
So funny, Donovan and I were JUST talking about the exact same thing. Especially about the books. We joked about how when we went out with Meg, the diaper bag was the size of a carry-on suitcase and we packed everything but the kitchen sink. Including toys, pack ‘n play…you name it. With Kayla, the bag was consderably smaller and i was much more conservative in what I packed (a couple diapers, wipes, receiving blanket). With Lauren, I have yet to get a bag. I have been out and even forgotten a single diaper. It’s a blog all on its own!
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AMEN! I found the books made me more paranoid with Jack so I didn’t even look at them once with Kamo
You are doing a GREAT job!
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Sweet pictures! I love seeing pictures of older siblings gettin a little snuggle from their new Baby.
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Ohh third babys, what happens with the 4,5,6 ?? Love the photos
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It’s nice that you’re able to just relax and take things is stride, being confident in your mommying skills.
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aaaaaawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
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That is a great picture(s)! and being a first time mom I totally I can empathise..I always wonder if that’s ‘normal’ and here in Alberta we have a health link line we can call with any questions and there is a nurse available 24 hours..while I was pregnant I was like who needs that..I’ve called it twice LOL..
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You are absolutely right.
I have NO idea where my books are now that Lucas is a toddler, almost preschooler and yet I read them every month as to “what to expect” with Zachary…and they are both great kids.
Mother by instinct. And you seem to have great instinct.
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When I had my 1st. born I read those advice manuals pretty faithfully, by the time I had my 2nd. & 3rd. I had passed them on – who had time to read anyway?? Now that I have young adults & a teenager I’m wondering where are those manuals??? But then again, do I really need all that paranoia?
Such sweet pics of your precious children. Loving & praying…great combination.
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Hey Ange! You probably dont know me, but Im a cousin to Christy and Becky and my name is Alex. I’ve been reading your blog for a while now, and I love it! Congrats on your gorgeous baby girl.
I’ve also started my own blog, if you’d like to take a look……:)
Take Care!
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Well said…and completely agreed! I hope that I’m ALOT less paranoid this time around! I need too just r-e-l-a-x a bit=)
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Great photo of Graham and Emly! Nathan is such a sweetie.
Its funny how different things are the second time around – I don’t know if I’ll get a shot at a third time!
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