My Boys!

One Baby and a Slice of Humble Pie

So, about having a second baby...

After having one child, while I would have NEVER called myself an expert, I would've claimed to have some know-how about a baby's cues, needs, and solutions to said cues and needs. In fact, while I feel icky admitting it, I sometimes found myself wondering, "Why is that parent over there not doing X, Y, and Z to soothe that baby? After all, that's all that baby needs." This of course based on my experience as a parent.

*Cue second child. Enter proverbial waitress with a HONKIN' slice of humble pie.*

Newsflash!! Not all babies are the same. And man am I learning the hard way. I remember Caleb's first several months being rather relaxing. Sure, I lost some sleep but he was a pretty content little thing during the day. I was aware that having two would already set me back on the whole "relaxing" part of Gideon's itty bitty phase. But I hadn't really taken into consideration the notion that I might wind up with a baby who is *gasp* totally and completely different from my first born, leaving me totally and completely back at square one as a parent. Ok, maybe that's a slight exaggeration. I mean, there are some things that carry over like changing a diaper quickly enough not to get peed on (although that still happens too frequently) and being less unsure about nursing positions. Realistically though, that still only puts me at square one and a half.

Anyway, Gideon is not nearly as content as Caleb was during daylight hours. In fact, he cries. A lot. If you ever want to feel utterly helpless, spend an hour with a newborn who is unhappy for some reason that does not show up on the "why my baby might be unhappy" checklist. As a trade-off, he does sleep soundly during the night (which I definitely credit to co-sleeping). We're learning though. G hates a dirty diaper and loves being held while we bounce on the exercise ball for long periods of time (I don't know if I love or hate my friend for discovering this). When he starts sucking on his fist, he's not hungry as one may suspect; he's tired. And it's not all tears and screams. He's super-smiley first thing in the morning and every time he gets his diaper changed. He coos and makes sweet baby noises too. The things that worked to soothe Caleb don't work for Gideon. I guess that means the "X, Y, and Z" I thought those other parents should try probably wouldn't work for their kid after all.

Having a second baby has certainly been a humbling experience. It turns out while you might know how to raise a baby, it doesn't prepare you to raise this baby. Another life lesson learned.

*Politely wipes pie crumbs from lips.*

Crazy Mutant Baby Feet!