Friday, October 31, 2008

Duplos

Recently I have found myself many times per day replaying something I just did and wondering how I will do it with a newborn and a toddler in tow. For example, when I have to haul a screaming, kicking toddler throwing a tantrum up the stairs (already somewhat of a dangerous proposition in my wobbly, eight-months-pregnant condition), how would I do that while caring for a newborn? When I come home with groceries and unload John into the kitchen, then do all my tricks to keep him from coming back into the garage while I make my trips to unload groceries, how will I do that with a newborn also? I know I will figure out these things, but I feel like I'm only just now becoming stable on my feet, having figured out how to function in life with a toddler by my side!

In preparation for the newborn, I bought John some new toys to reserve for times when I'm nursing the new baby. I figure John will be jealous and will take advantage of my time trapped sitting down to get into attention-getting mischief. So I took the tip from some mom friends to buy some new, enticing toys (not necessarily expensive, just exciting) that John is allowed to play with only when I'm busy with the newborn. This is needed anyway because I really haven't bought John toys since he turned one year old, so his toys are "boring" and young for his development. I know he'll get an influx of toys for birthday and Christmas in about a month, but the baby will be arriving before then! One thrilling new toy we bought him to play with now is a set of Duplo blocks. In these final weeks of pregnancy, I am so very tired, and rather than always plunk John in front of the television so I can lay down for a few minutes, these Duplo blocks should "buy me" a lot of more wholesome time.
John was so enthralled that I could not get him to look at me.

Other specialty add-on sets of Duplo blocks are definitely on John's birthday and Christmas lists, for anyone who is interested. This most basic set we bought him is just the beginning!

6 comments:

  1. you'll do and be just fine. it's overwhelming to think about, but you'll handle it just fine.

    a saving grace is that newborns 'stay put' so to speak. but oh, how quickly 18mo or so goes by!

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  2. Yup, it is a constant priority reassessment around here. Like a trauma center. "OK you just moved from a Level 3 to a Level 1 when you started leaking poop!" "Red tag over there!" "You can wait... you're not bleeding too badly. Just stay off the carpet."

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  3. I was worried too, but you'll do just fine! You'll probably be surprised at how well John adjusts! Those times you'll need to sit and nurse are also prime times for special attention for John. He can cuddle next to you on the couch and read or pray together! Before long you'll be able to sit on the floor and nurse and play with John with your free hand. Honestly, the transition hasn't been as hard as I expected. We have our days, but mostly things flow very well!

    Since you babywear too, I think you'll find that a lifesaver! It's a great way to give two babies your undivided attention. ;-)

    Wish I'd known you were thinking Duplos for John...I've been trying to get rid of ours and we have the same starter set and several building plates!

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  4. Oh, and maybe a baby doll would be a help to John too. Our son's baby brother brought him a present...a baby of his own to care for! We had ours custom made bt Joy's Waldorf Dolls to look like DS1, but she is selling her business and isn't taking orders now. There are lots of options ou there, though. Corolle makes dolls that can wear 0-3 mo. clothes!

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  5. Sarah: I know this is melodramatic, but I have anxiety that I'll suddenly be forced to make "Sophie's choice" all day long. Until now, I always just choose John (which has negatives to it as well, I can see!). Going forward, I'll have to choose one child over the other in any given moment and I'm sad and worried about that!

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  6. Courtney: Oh, thanks for thinking of us with the Duplos. Those are such hot items, you should be able to consign them at any Once Upon a Child or similar store.

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