Today, and for the next 7 weeks, I am babysitting my friend's 8 month old baby. The day I told her I'd do it, I was thinking it would be fun for Trey to have another baby a month younger than him to be around. I was thinking it will improve their social skills and will keep them occupied most of the time. Well I was right about those things. But due to my nature as it is, I only think about the good things. I don't usually think about the bad things that could happen. It is not so bad really. I knew I was expecting the worse in the back of my mind but I thought to myself, "how hard can it be?" It will probably be like having twins plus a dog.
Today started out great. I got Xander (my friend's baby) to nap for a half hour without Trey disturbing him. I also get Trey to nap for an hour without Xander disturbing him. They played together which was the highlight of the day. They were having fun until the things that I knew might happen, of course, did happen. Trey would get jealous whenever I put Xander on my lap to feed him and would climb up to me and want to sit on my lap too. Being curious and use to rough housing with his big brother and the dog, Trey would poke Xander's face. Xander in turn (being shy because he is new to his environment) would just sit there and take it. Then the afternoon came when Xander just woke up from his nap and was hungry at the same time Trey was just getting fussy and sleepy. Trey, of course, can't take a nap without being rocked in the rocker (the result of his father's spoiling). So I found myself with 2 crying babies at the same time; one hungry and wide awake, the other sleepy and tired. What to do?! How did I get myself into this?? This is my first time. Is there a manual out there on how to do it? This is the time when I need an octupus hand or some magic powers like those super moms or superheroes.
My first thought was to feed Xander first and put Trey to sleep afterwards. But it didn't work out. Xander wouldn't drink the bottle I gave him and Trey wouldn't let go holding onto me so tightly. So I gave up and just rocked them both in the rocker. Trey on my right arm already halfway asleep and Xander on my left trying to climb up out of the rocker. Eventually I had to stand to feed Xander which, of course, woke Trey. But Xander seemed to be upset too. I think he was just looking for his Mommy. He wouldn't stop crying. His diaper was dry. He wouldn't drink his milk. Everytime one would cry, the other would cry louder. This is Xander's first time to be with me and to be away for long from his Mom. While rocking them again, trying to calm them down, I thought to myself how lucky I am to be able to stay at home with my baby for 5 days and only have to work part time for the 2 weekend nights. I wish I didn't have to work at all but I promised myself not to complain again about my situation.
Hopefully, the babies and I will survive the next 7 weeks.
Any super moms out there who can lend me some super powers?
8 comments:
A 9 moth old and an 8 month old … sorry I’m laughing, but laughter helps at times like you are describing :-)
I remember days like this very well.
The kids will adjust over the 7 week period of time … this is a major upheaval period on both their lives at the moment, but as they get used to each other things WILL get easier – trust me. There are books written that may talk about situations like this, but honesty you just have to ride it out: it can get a rough ride at times, but each bounce gets a little easier take. Your child will naturally be jealous of another child taking your attention, but if you had two children of your own, what would you do? Just think of these 7 weeks as a training ground for the time you do add to your family if you plan to do that …
(1) Did Xander’s mother leave some of his toys from home with you? If so, try to occupy his awake time with these while you tend to your child.
(2) Try to put the kids down for naps at the same time if possible – AND DON’T LET THEM POWER NAP between the naps times. You would be amazed at how much energy those 5 minute power naps can infuse a child with!! Oy.
(3) Do the kids like music? Try soothing them with kiddie tunes :-) Music can tame the beast in just about anyone. MPO
(4) Do you have a highchair? If so, feed the kids at the same time with one child in the chair and one on your lap; switch these positions off and on so both kids get to sit in your lap; at this time kids need close contact with Moms and mother figures.
(5) Treat the situation as one would with twins: rock them together – one on each knee; diaper one while the other lays nearby waiting his turn.
(6) When babies are tired and in new surroundings they will fight the bottle because they know they will fall asleep and they are frightened … they want their mom and their house. Keep bottles in line of the baby’s eyes and soon they’ll reach for it on their own. After a day or so they will start feeling more comfortable.
(7) Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and let the wrinkles irons themselves out. If you know they have been fed, their bottles are available, they are in clean diapers, they are rested after naps, and toys are at the ready, just reach for some aspirin and let the boys get used to each other. By the end of the first week they will think they are blood brothers and will kick up a fuss at being separated when Xander’s mommy comes to whisk him away!
Hope this helps.
~Val
New follower from GFJC,hope you'll follow me back, thanks!
Thank you very much Val for your comment. You don't know how much it helped me a lot. I really appreciate it. I did what you said. They had breakfast together and now they are napping at the same time. What a relief! Now I hope they will stay asleep for awhile so I can do some stuff in the house. I am just so happy to read your comment. Thank you for your help. :)
New follower. When you get the chance please follow me back.. http://realadventuresfromamomof3.blogspot.com/
It gets easier as kids adjust, the first week or two will be rough though.
Oh wow you've got your hands full! You got some great advice already, good luck!!
I am now following from GFJC! Hope you come to visit me and return the favour!
callistasramblings.blogspot.com
WOW! You are busy and BRAVE!!!! Good luck!!
I'm a new follower, come follow back @ ModernMomRedefined.blogspot.com when you get a chance (aka aren't changing diapers, catching up on sleep, etc.)
hahaha! When you find those super powers, please share! I need some too!
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