Living in a house with a new baby is a wonderful thing. She’s cute and cuddly and like a real live doll to dress-up. As wonderful as all that is, this new baby doesn’t sleep unless she’s held. So if you show up here you there is not question as to whether or not you can hold the baby. The answer is: YES!
Everyone here is basically on her schedule. No one is eating right, everyone’s tired and fuses are starting to get short.
Lunch-time I heard a knock at the door. I opened the door to see an ex with a care package consisting of delicious food, a new CD, and my favorite publications from Nunavut. I didn’t know what to say. I felt so grateful yet a bittersweet feeling wove it’s way in to my heart too.
We had a good relationship. Things were good but we went two separate paths, at my suggestion. I spent the afternoon agonizing about our relationship: maybe if I had of tried this, maybe if he had/ would of done this.
I spent a fair amount of time thinking about this and although bittersweet I choose to celebrate a new turn in our relationship – friendship.
Unless relationships grow, they die . . . and sometimes growth means change. Change makes things different. Different isn’t bad, it’s just . . . different. It’s brave of you both to embrace change so the relationship can grow past what is was into something different. There’s two less angry, resentful people in the world – how awesome is that?!
TRue true. Thank you so much for taking the time to comment here. You’re absolutely right – that is very awesome!
Lisa’s right – unless nurtured, relationships do die off. I’m a firm believer in the “on the same page” theory – people have certain times in their lives when they are meant to be in each other’s lives; they’re at similar points, or they understand each other and respect each other enough to continue to put in time and energy. I’ve had an on-off friendship for years with somebody who at certain points has not been on the same page at all, and months later, has come to some sort of realisation, and is back in again… it’s interesting to see. It is very brave to embrace this new level of relationship – and it IS awesome that there is more friendship now in the world as a result
What an absolutely sweet little bundle you have there! I had two kidlets who would not nap unless they were held as newborns (& one of them didn’t sleep longer than an hour, right next to me, as a newborn). So, I held them & didn’t sleep much. But, they both started sleeping through the night at three months and are both really good sleepers ever since. So, here’s to hoping you get some sleep soon!
I agree with Lisa about the change in relationship. Its wonderful that you can both appreciate each other enough to enjoy a friendship! :>
Thank you! She’s not mine, I’m just helping so the Mom ends up losing the most sleep. She is sleeping better though. You must wonder how you got through that deprivation! Friendships are so valuable.
So much cuteness! She’s adorable.
And I agree with Lisa and Karen that it’s brave and wonderful of both of you to invite friendship into a place where so many people let resentment, guilt and/or anger take over. And, he may be a sweet, wonderful guy, but that doesn’t mean he’s the right guy for you. Give yourself kudos for knowing what you didn’t want (that’s such a gift) and acting on it with what was surely compassion if he’s able to do such a nice thing for you and your friend.
Oh, my first born was the same way, ALWAYS wanting to be held. There were so many nights that we both fell asleep in the recliner holding her. The ironic thing is that now she is a better sleeper than my youngest who was not held as much as my oldest. In fact, my oldest has the BEST sleep habits in general. Enjoy holding your tiny baby while it is still here.
I really enjoyed this post. Very poignant.