What a wonderful thanksgiving weekend we spent as our family of three. I think each of us sensed that this time is coming to an end, and of course is coping in our own way, but having the time to just be and to spend together was magical.
Isaac has noticed something is going on for a long while now. How could he not? There is a new nursery next to his room, baby toys and swings have moved in, mommy's belly is becoming 'enormous' and there is lots of talk about baby. He typically doesn't want to engage in discussion about the baby unless we ask him what he wants to show her, or teach her. He is very interested in showing her his trucks and toys, and all of the things he likes to play with. He is not so interested in discussing her needs or her behaviors.
I have noticed in the past two weeks that he has become extremely clingy to me. This is very unusual as he normally gravitates to David... but there has been A LOT of 'mama, mama, mama' being shouted around the house. He has not wanted to spend his afternoons with Natalia, and if he knows that 'mama' is in the house' he just wants me. He is giving a ton of hugs, and kisses, and wants to be physically close which is a big shift for our fiercely independent little guy. When he wakes up from his naps he wants to cuddle and be close. He tells David and I 'I love you' hundreds of times a day, randomly and intentionally. It is so incredibly sweet that I dont want it to end. He is crying instantaneously over everything and anything. He is very on edge, and very much wants things laid out for him, and predictably so. He wants to know what is happening every hour of every day, where we are going, what we are doing. Perhaps this helps him feel in control of the unknown. I know that he doesn't have a great sense of time, so I am sure that he feels that the impending 'baby bomb' could happen at any minute.
It will be very interesting to see how he reacts to the baby once she is home. My guess is there will be a fair share of ignoring her, lots of acting out, some regression, and perhaps even anger and sadness.
As each member of our family is coping in different ways we have all been there to support each other as we transition through this time of change. I think we all believe it is OK to marinade in whatever emotion is striking us that day, and for the most part we have given each other leeway and space to just be. It is in this support and love that I know that our new number four will make more rich what we have already created. Her presence can only weave in more lovely layers to our tight knit little family unit. To her I say we are ready for you. Welcome baby girl... and I am sure with time Isaac will say, 'I love you'.
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