Ok. These last few days have been insane. It's 7 in the morning and I am making use of a quiet moment to update. This is literally the first time I have been able to sit down and just take a second. I don't know how mamas of more than one kid do it. Jesus. You are my heros.
The Little Guy has been here since Sunday, and suddenly having both a ten-year-old and a newborn demanding attention is really time-consuming. Granted, it would probably be easier if said ten-year-old was my own, or if we shared a common language, or if he had a room with his own toys to retreat to, but... details, details. Basically, my previous recuperating technique - of sleeping very little at night and making up for it whenever possible during the day - has been thrown out the window, and that has lead to one incredibly sleep-deprived soul. Today, The Little Guy and The Boy are heading out for a variety of tasks, and I am going to capitalize on that and sleep, sleep, sleep. It's been fun having him around, and he is a super well-behaved and polite kid, but man! Ten-year-old boys have lots of energy to burn. I also think his energy level is inversely related to my own.
But there is plenty of other random good news.
First and foremost, I have been the benefactor (well, Mister Mateo has been more so, in a way) of two very generous people's love. Last weekend, MissChris stopped by and handed over bags and bags of her son's clothing up to age two. So great! And they delivered the stuff right to my door! Incredible. It always amazed me how the internet can bring people together, especially when it does so in a context of generosity. She and her husband were both such sweethearts, and I am so excited for them and their upcoming move to Mexico and -- further down the line -- the new addition to their family.
And as if THAT wasn't enough, Alison popped in on Sunday and delivered a swing to the house. I've heard that in many cases the swing either doesn't work at all or the kid really likes it, and let me just say that Mateo is a huge fan. It's been pretty awesome for me, as he seems to need two things when not sleeping or eating: 1) to be sitting upright and 2) to be moving around. This swing has both elements and it gives me a break from the constant holding and moving. He still starts squawking after a certain point because he wants to be in someone's arms, but I have been able to put him in the swing and do basic things like unload groceries, start a meal, do the dishes, etc. in peace. He seems perfectly happy as long as if he can see me, and twice now the rocking has put him to sleep. AWESOME.
The next piece of news almost deserves its own post, but maybe only in my Teo-obsessed mind. Yesterday, he had his one-month check-up at the pediatrician's. The doctor was super nice and he is only a block away, so I am happy to continue seeing him. T-man apparently weighs 5,170 kg now, which the doctor could hardly believe. That's not abnormally heavy or anything, but he has gained roughly 70 grams per day whereas the average is more like 30-somethin'. The doctor was so surprised he kept whistling and woo-hooing after every measurement. Teo is now 4 cms bigger than he was at birth, and his head is 3 cms wider. In other words, the boy is growing and with gusto! He passed all the one-month tests and got the a-ok from the doctor, so if he's a big pig at least he's a healthy pig.
I also stopped by work the other day to introduce Mateo to everyone, and that was a good feeling. I snagged the camera we use at work -- it's a fancypants machine -- so get ready for photos galore. My crappy litlte point-and-shoot from 2003 was starting to drive me batty, and I realized that I would really like to have some good pics of these early days. Clearly, given how quickly this chubster is growing, he's not going to be this tiny for long. Gotta get it on "film" before it's gone. I've only got the camera for just over a week, so I am going to have to make the most of it.
And I am going to have to find the time to upload the pictures eventually, too.
So great to read the update! And what wonderful gifts... I agree with you, this Internet thing -- and this blogging world -- is such a wonderful way to bring people together... I'm so happy to have met some great people so far, and I'm looking forward to meeting more in the future!
The swing sounds so great: the perfect thing for both of you! Relief for mom, and pleasure for Mateo.
I can't wait to see the pics with the fantsypants camera... I wish I had one of those myself -- but the truth of the matter is I wouldn't even know how to use it!
He is so indescribably beautiful, Lee.
Have you tried the game "Connect Four"? The universal language of I Got You Sucka!
It was so fun meeting you guys! After we left I found that Seb had stuck a few things in his own suitcase because we'd run out of room (including the RL outfit eek) I'll see if I can mail them before we go.
Swings are a godsend! I have to get one for the next baby.
Do you mean 5,170g? Isn't 5,170kg like the size of a horse?
Glad to hear Teo likes his swing! (and that the swing still works!)
Awww, he looks great! Nice digs little guy. the internet is soooo cool. I am glad that i got to meet you too. I am trying to figure out a way for me to come to Paris and meet "teo!
Swings rock, literally and figuratively. Glad that you have one for him. Nice job Alison and Misschris!