The joys, the struggles

I once read that parenting is the hardest job you'll ever love.  It is amazing how many challenging moments one has followed by moments that take your breath away. (In an amazing way- not from the diaper.... :))

I was reminded today that little girls, like little boys, should have the new diaper in place as soon as the old one is taken away.  It was a soaking experience to be certain.  And a great learning experience. I just wonder how a child that small could have a bladder that can hold that much liquid....

Poor little thing was miserable this morning.  After her nap, she was like a new person.  Laughing with us, giggling and looking at us with smiles.  She is quite feisty, living up to her red-haired reputation very nicely.  When she doesn't get something she wants immediately, it is a full blown temper tantrum.  Wow.  We didn't quite prepare for that:)  Lael throws herself on the floor and smacks her hands and feet on the floor.  It is hard to know if this is common for this age group or a thing specific for our child.

I can't imagine how hard it is for a baby to try to comprehend why the kind lady that has been caring for her and loving her and taking care of her for the last few months is no longer here.  And there are no other kids to play with! And these 2 people keep giving her tons of attention- I'm sure she is not accustomed to having undivided attention of 1 adult, let alone 2!!

Lunch was such fun.  She really seemed like a different person after a little Tylenol and a nap.  We played for a while- she has been pulling herself up and walking around holding onto the furniture all around the apartment.  We would swoop down and kiss her, or I would swoop in while Tim was holding her and make kissing sounds.  The giggle gets into your heart quickly!!

We finally had our first Ahah... Kaka, etc.  We were beginning to wonder when it would happen... Yeah!! The things one celebrates as a new parent:)

After clean up operation, we went for a stroll outside using the new carrier.  It is a backpack style carrier, with a wide padded belt that snaps around our hips and then goes over the child and fastens the straps behind the back. It was so much nicer than trying to walk holding the baby!  Thank you to Jen Dale's friend for letting us use it.

We are finding laying down for a nap/sleep is becoming more challenging each time.  This is where the old questions rear their ugly heads.  Do you lay the child down and walk out, letting them cry themselves out so they learn to self-soothe and put themselves to sleep, like you would do with a child you had been rocking since before birth, or do you hold and cuddle and console this precious baby who has just had her world turned upside down?? Trying to find the right combination is challenging to say the least.

So, the apartment is quiet now.  There is a sign in the elevator that tells us that the cold water will be back on Sunday evening at 11pm.  Yeah!! There is an end in sight!!

Thoughts for the day...

I LOVE watching Tim be a Daddy.  Even with his sciatic pain from lifting a generator 2 weeks ago, he has been on the floor playing with Lael, walking around holding her close, whispering in her ear, tickling, patting and even speaking several phrases in Russian to her.  She seems to warm up so much more quickly to us when we talk in a familiar tongue with her.  What a special man God has placed as head over our family.  We are all so very thankful!

Thank you, God, for giving Tim a heart for you.  May you continue to fill and lead and direct us as we face the challenges and joys of parenting head on, and thank you for a special measure of grace and knowledge in how to handle our 12 month old baby girl so she can fulfill what you have planned for her life.