The First Week Home

Leaving the hospital is always consumed with happiness, fear and a little "what did I get myself into". I had been very nervous about taking home Madeline with Abigail at home. We had such a good rhythm going that I didn't really want to rock it. Abby has been very good on the potty and we truly were enjoying having a two year old at home. While there are always a few bumps in the road with a toddler, Abby is a joy to have. Fairly predictable and we always have fun with her. However, we were throwing a wrench into the mix. How would Abigail take to having Madeline at home? Especially when I was nursing and not able to lift more than Maddy.

Abigail:

In the hospital, Abby was not thrilled the first day that we were staying in the hospital but she had to go home. The second day was better and we were on our way home by the third day. The first thing she wanted was "Mama, up!" (About two weeks ago before Maddy's arrival, she started calling me Mama instead of the usual Mommy. It is very cute so I am sticking with it.) Unfortunately I could not pick up Abby because of my c-section. Even pregnant I wasn't really supposed to be picking her up but it wasn't like I was carrying her around everywhere. So the first real test was sitting down to feed Madeline. At that moment, Abigail decided she would have a meltdown and wanted to snuggle with Mama. I had one hand holding Maddy and the other holding Abby. It sort of worked and Abigail soon figured that she could have the two arms of Daddy. As the week went on, it got better. She understands that I have to feed Madeline and she can "help". As soon as I start breastfeeding, Abby gives me a quick poke in the chest to help. I have also started to get her to help me wipe Madeline down and help with a bath. I figured if she helps with everything then she will realize she is not being put aside, which I fear is what she feels. Except when Daddy arrives on the scene. Then they go play in their own little world. It is very cute to see and I am sure when Madeline gets bigger then she will be invited to play. What has really been a relief is that day care started back up again. It gives Abby some play time with her friends and gives me some time to just concentrate on catching up on sleep between feedings. I know there are women out there who stay at home with more than one baby but I don't know if I could do it sanely.

Madeline:

We were always thankful that even though we had a few crying moments with Abigail when she was a baby, she was pretty easy. We didn't think lightening struck twice so we were prepared that Maddy may be a terror. Thankfully we could not be more wrong. So far, she has been such a mellow baby. She is quite a sleeper and is very mellow. She does not cry a lot and is quite content in her swing or being bounced. The only "problem" we have is that she is a gassy baby who does not burp very well. Hence why she likes to be in her swing. She takes a good nap in the morning and is right now sleeping every 3-3 1/2 hours at night. Of course we are about to go into the three week growth spurt so I am not expecting for that to continue. But that, after all, is what I am here for. Thank goodness for maternity leave.