This Coming Tuesday 8/26/2012It’s hard to believe six months has already passed since Matthew’s birth. He is doing so well, just about sitting up unsupported, rolling all over the floor, and finding joy in learning new ways to be in the world. His heart is running great and he has already sprouted two teeth which he puts to good use. He is a champion eater – at his 6 month checkup he measured 29 inches and 19.5 pounds – he’s either going to be a hockey player or big time swimmer (I’m still suffering from Olympics on the brain). We could not be happier with how he is doing or more relieved. |
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This week will usher in a change for him and for me as well as I return to work on Tuesday. In the beginning it was imperative to be home with him to navigate all the appointments and follow-up necessary to monitor his wellbeing. But eventually as the equipment left the house and the appointments slowed, it became a normal mommy and baby routine. I know the high cry is for tired and the low, angry sounding one is for food (not surprising). But mostly he laughs. He is such a happy baby and is really into people. I asked another mother I know whose son also spent the first two weeks in the hospital if he is more easygoing with others as well and she has the same result. Maybe we should petition hospitals to keep all babies for two weeks to
let them be more “people persons”, well maybe not –but it is an interesting theory.
let them be more “people persons”, well maybe not –but it is an interesting theory.
Happy Matty
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It has been lovely to be home with him and enjoy some normal baby time. Reality being what it is, starting Tuesday, I will see him off to day care (we call it school in the house) and watch him evolve without me. It’s sad for sure, and surprisingly sadder than it was with my first. I’ve thought hard about why I feel more strongly now and my hypothesis is the rough beginning (and knowing how we could have lost him) has made me more appreciative of my time with him. I feel like, although we have had a longer leave time than most, we have has less of the "normal time” so I am guarding it more closely.
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Last Friday I had a glimpse of who he would be at school. While at the library he encountered a mobile “older woman” (13 months) who found him equally interesting. As she scooted back and forth to him, they both laughed with delight, even trying to reach for each other’s faces.It was fascinating to watch and I realized he hasn’t really experienced ample face time with his peers and he was totally over joyed with the experience.The other possibility is he is already a total flirt…. I hope he learns from this time and experience with other children as much as his older brother did at the same program. I love to watch William with his friends at school and know about their projects and adventures which are much cooler than anything I'd come up with at home.The younger brother of one of William's closest friends will even be starting with Matthew, yeah!
So I look at this upcoming week with mixed emotions. I am thrilled his horizon will expand and am confident the foundation of love laid for him will continue to support his growing awareness and exploration. Sure, it would be great if I could continue to collect a pay check and benefits while remaining at home with him but I just don’t see that happening.We have made the choice that works for us, and happily has worked so well for our older son. I have only positive thoughts for Matty’s success there, but I might still be carrying a few tissues come Tuesday.
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Matthew enjoying a boat ride in
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