those papers in my hand means that we are official Natalie's Ma ma and Ba ba. Yes, it is surreal.
so, day 2 has not been as great as day one. she didn't sleep much last night. this is understandable given the changes she is experiencing, but it doesn't make it great either. she also had a bit of a fever today as well. so, not sleeping and having a fever make for a fussy baby. we have consulted both Chinese and American Drs. on the fever and are hoping it is nothing serious. She seemed to make some strides towards better behavior later tonight before she went down to bed. we are hoping for a bit more sleep tonight.
sadly, a sick Natalie wants Ma ma a lot more than Ba ba. actually, she wants very little to do with me right now. i am capable of realizing that she is used to female caretakers and will reasonably seek one out in time of distress, but that doesn't make it hurt any less when she pushes me away or turns away from me. i'll survive though as I know that better days will come. it wasn't like this all day, but i will say that Amy's arms are VERY tired.
thank you all for your well wishes and comments. we love reading every one of them.
She is just beautiful, Amy looks a bit weathered. All this will pass and come again. It;s all worth it. Just be patient. I love all three of you. Love Mamaw Cave
ReplyDeleteSleep will get better with time. You're all going through a whirlwind of emotions right now, and I'm sure that she'll sleep better once things settle down (as will you and Amy - although I cannot promise you'll EVER sleep like you did before this experience). And I know it's hard playing second fiddle, but preferring one parent over the other is pretty typical and it switches quite regularly (at least in our household - this week I'm chop liver). It's awesome that she already knows who her 'ma ma' and 'ba ba' are - that's gotta make you both smile! Hopefully you get good advice on the fever and it is gone quickly! Thanks for the pics/updates, keep them coming!
ReplyDeleteCongrats! It's officially official :-) Great news and great photos.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with Jamie. He hit the nail on the head. Sleep will never be the same--I think we just adjust to the "blur" of it all after awhile. Favoring one parent over the other goes in waves and it is pretty typical. Fevers are always a bit scary, especially when they are so little and can't verbally express their feelings. I would imagine in your case there is an extra layer of stress because you and Amy are just getting to know Natalie. And you're not in the comfort of your own home and surroundings so I'd imagine that's just one more layer. Hope the fevers subsides soon and you get some much needed sleep (and that Amy's arms get some rest).
The updates are great. I bet your families are excited for the homecoming. Congratulations!
Nicholle R.
First, congrats on officially becoming her parents. Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe sleep/fever/fuss/differential parent preference combo...that's just really hard. I may have dealt with all 4 but not in a foreign country with a baby I am just getting to know while only having what fits in carry on luggage at my disposal and living out of a hotel room. The good news is if you can weather this (which you will) you'll weather other challenges that come your way. I hope the fever subsides and is not a cause for concern and that you see small steps each day toward improvement on all fronts. Jamie and I are thinking of you constantly (you're the hot topic of our adult conversation these days!). I look forward to more updates (but make rest a priority!!). Sending hugs your way, Chris
Get used to it bro. She'll have mysterious fevers for years to come. It's probably something as simple as teething or an ear infection.
ReplyDeleteForget about sleeping regularly for a long time to come.
Natalie will take turns on her favorite parent. Raegan was like that alot. It comes and goes.
Congrats. I know you've both been really looking forward to this.
David & Karen
Yay for all of you! She is beautiful. I think that once she gets used to you she will love coming to you. I know it doesn't make it any easier on you, but like you said she is used to being cared for by females. Yeah your sleep schedule will NEVER be the same lol, mine still isn't and they are 8 and 5. It will get better though and at least she will sleep through the night. Fevers come along with all of it too, but they are treatable. Her little body is just having to deal with everything going on and she is trying to get used to it all.
ReplyDeleteI know you will both be great parents and I am so super stoked for you both! I can't wait to see/meet her in person when you all get home! Hang in there, things will get better and she will love coming to her ba'ba' cause I know you will be making her laugh all the time and loving on her. Be safe! Love the updates!
Julia and Brent
Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl....there is nothing like the feeling and the LOVE of being a parent...May the Good LORD watch over you as you travel home with your newest addition. Congrats on becoming a - ~Forever Family~
ReplyDeleteLooks like everything is going well! She is beautiful and can't wait to meet her. Be safe and hope to see all of you soon...
ReplyDeleteLandon
Thanks for the updates. I am glad you have the official papers. Hope fever is better in the morning. Welcome to parenthood.
ReplyDelete