Sometimes this parenting thing is hard. For a while, Kailyn had been adhering to a pretty consistent schedule, falling asleep at the same time, feeding at the same time, etc. But recently that's not been the case.
At first I thought it might have something to do with her two month shots, which she got a few days ago. We were told after getting them she might either be super-fussy or lethargic, as the shots are similar to a flu shot where you get some of the 'virus' put into you to build up immunity to it. So maybe that was the reason.
But other friends (and the internet baby sites we read) have told us that at about nine weeks, babies tend to alter their schedules re: sleeping and eating. The same friends also said, 'Parenting is a humbling experience - just when you think you've got a good routine going or think you know what you're doing with the baby, things change.'
It got me thinking that there will ALWAYS be an adjustment period for Helen and me when it comes to the baby, since our little one will always be growing and evolving (hopefully.) I guess we better get used to being flexible for the rest of our lives.
Shelby's entire first year has pretty much been one of constant change. She will do one thing for about a week and we think - yay! - schedule! but then it changes again. Just deciding to roll with it is the best thing you can do and saves you a lot of unneeded stress. Car nap? Fine! Bedtime an hour later? Big deal! Refusing to feed? You'll get over it! The best advice I ever got was to repeat to yourself "this too shall pass" and parenting with humility ie you have a lot less control than you think you do!
ReplyDeleteVery humbling to be a parent for sure, Meimi. And for as much as I can appreciate the 'git r done' approach and being flexibile when it comes to baby, wouldn't you say that keeping them on a schedule is important too? (not arguing with you, just thinking out loud.) How does one successfully stradle the line between the two?
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