Yesterday, during her second feeding she cried when she tasted the milk from the bottle. It was a cycle of crying, drinking, sobbing over and over until the bottle was drained. My first thought was: “Strange, maybe the milk is too cold.” It turns out that just the taste of milk reminded her of Mom. Of course, I can never replace that feeling.
Today she woke up from her nap and she was just crying uncontrollably. I usually can get her to stop crying by using a little misdirection. If you every have seen Derren Brown, you will know what I speak of. However, today I could not show her some cool toy or read her a book or dangle something shiny in front of her. She was upset that Mom wasn’t there.
I gave up on trying to dress her and took her in my arms and went into the kitchen to prepare her bottle. I showed her how to boil the water, and how to get the bottle ready. She grabbed the rubber nipple that goes on the end up bottle and that was it, she was in love or at least coping again.
I know it took a while, but at least I found out that the rubber nipple is penultimate object for misdirection involving a nine-month-old.
Natalie has skills. She is nine months-old but she is getting more skilled in the art of furniture cruising. As I was drinking my coffee she stood with hands firmly clasped on my legs, then took a step sideways and transitioned on to the next available dining chair. She looked back beaming at me.
To do this simple action she had to let go of my knees and freely move to the chair. It was a giant leap of faith on her part. Very happy for her triumph. Of course I set up a whole bunch of chairs beside one another so she could practice her new skill. It ended up with mixed results as you can see from the video.
I think I am tired. I don’t know, at this point I am just in a near catatonic state. This felt like a real workday, but there wasn’t any time to goof off on the internet.
Things I am proud of today:
She drank nearly a whole bottle of formula (she never drinks the stuff).
We went out shopping and she stayed in the stroller for most of the trip (saving my back from much pain).
I remembered to change her diaper and keep her somewhat clean.
I cleaned the kitchen.
Things I am not as proud of today:
The rest of the house (excluding the kitchen) was a mess.
I had a poop stain on my t-shirt which I only noticed at 4pm.
She slept only one hour total for her naps which is pretty much half of what it should be.
I forgot to drink water and felt dehydrated all day.
All in all, it was a good first day with only minimal crying. She cried when I put Mama on speakerphone. I think they were sympathy tears because we had such fun!
I do not think I am the only man in Vancouver doing the parental leave thing. But, I feel special for doing it, and feel grateful for having this chance.
I said goodbye to work today for the next six months I am taking off my communications hat and putting on my dad hat. How cool!
I am not sure if I am completely ready to be alone with a nine-month-old, but I will just do like I did in university and read-up last minute, get on some message boards, call my parents and pray that I don’t get Natalie all upset within the first five minutes after Mom leaves. This is my plan.
