Day 44:
I’ve always been intrigued with birth order and have been thinking a lot about the dynamics and differences in my three kids. I’m pretty much representative of first borns: reliable, conscientious, structured, achiever. #1 is my mini me and I can just say ditto to the above. #2 is fairness obsessed, the peacemaker but with her own rebellious streak. She was a middle child, even before she was a middle child. So far baby has also proven to be the most-easy going- but is it because of his nature or because of my temperament and attitude gained from experience (and also lets be honest here- exhaustion and convenience). Here are some differences between this baby and the girls.
- Activities: Life doesn’t stop since having a baby. With two older sisters this guy has had to attend his share of birthday parties, work related coffees/lunches, and countless family gatherings. I used to dread going out with baby in tow, but he’s so easy. I just pop him in the carrier and usually don’t have to worry about him at all as long as he’s fed !
- Eating: Breastfeeding with this guy has been the easiest so far. Which is funny because he is the hungriest and biggest of all ( weighing in at 13.5 lbs at his dr appt today). Although I have been open to supplementing as needed with formula or when I’m not around, he is primary breastfed just like the girls were at this age.
- Diapers: not sure if this is a gender thing, but both girls hated a dirty diaper. With #3, I don’t even know if he has dirty diaper because it’s typically not a cause for him to cry.
- Sleep: With the girls, I obsessed with trying to establish a sleep schedule and getting them to sleep through the night. I am pretty sure we didn’t get our first real full night’s rest until #2 was 2.5 YEARS old. That means we pretty much went 4 years without good sleep. Baby has been “sleeping through the night” since 3 weeks ( KNOCK ON WOOD). He is a great sleeper and napper- probably because of all the activity mentioned above.
What I’ve learned from this baby is that you can prepare and overthink it all, but every baby is different. It’s some nature and some nurture, but I believe having an open mind and being adaptable are key in parenting.
Positive Thought of the Day: A healthy and happy baby who sleeps from 9 until 5am almost every night!