Things have been a bit difficult over the last few days -- not for any one specific reason, just a combination of things that has made every day a bit more trying than usual. For one, I've had some issues with The Boy, with my job, and with money. All seperate issues, all deal-able, but also all at once. Three big, important aspects of my life that haven't been tip top lately.
Secondly, my knees feel like they might fall off. I'm not sure why I am having such severe knee pain, but I think it's from lifting myself out of a sitting position whenever Teo is sleeping in my arms. I don't use any other support and I am pretty sure the pressure of getting up is throwing my knees out. I keep hearing that Baz Luhrmann song ("The Sunscreen Song" or whatever) in my head that says, "Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone." I mean, I'm only 27 but I feel like I've got an old man's knees.
Third, I think Teo is going through a growth spurt because he is always, always hungry. Sometimes he asks for the boob once every hour or 90 minutes. This makes it hard to get things done, and it also makes leaving the house a little more daunting. Still, life moves on and you have to keep going, so there has been a lot of nursing in public. Fortunately, I feel the French are pretty laid-back about that (weirdly, one of the few aspects of life where I can honestly say they're more chill than Americans).
But. BUT! He is the cutest thing ever and he unquestionably makes up for his elevated fussiness these days by becoming more and more interactive and fun.
Tomorrow my brother and sister-in-law arrive in town to meet Mister M. My SIL is due with a baby girl in November (woo-hoo! Soooooo exciting!), so I am going to try to introduce Teo to his cousin through his mama's belly. We'll see how that goes. I am thrilled about their visit and hope the weather stays just as it has over the last day or two so that the 4.5 of us can go for nice strolls around town.
Also -- can we just talk about the shedding for a moment? I have lots of fine hair, that's my general 'do. While pregnant, I had even more fine hair. Now, however, it is my floor that has tons of fine hair. Not working for me, to be honest. Teo has also really taken a liking to my hair and he holds it when he's stressed or just waking up. He also likes to try to eat it. Not sure what that's about. Regardless, I find it in his clothes constantly. Dear Lord, when will this shedding end?
And finally, a serious bright spot: While pregnant, Alison convinced me to sign up for MESSAGE, an organization for anglophone parents in France. I was hesitant at first because I am not really the association-joining type, but she convinced me and I am so grateful to her for that. In April, I went to their mega garage sale type thingie and scored on cheap clothes in a major way. It was worth joining the organization for that alone. But, a few days ago, I saw on their web site that somebody was selling an activity gym for super cheap (they're like, 90 euros or something new -- IN. SANE.) and I contacted her about snagging it. She and I set a date and then she also asked me if I would be interested in some other things. She has two boys and I told her that Teo received lots of 6 month and a fair amount of newborn stuff, but now that he is in this middle stage I have realized he doesn't have very much 3 - 6 month clothing (I know, he's not 2 months yet but he is already wearing some 3-month clothes). She pulled out a huge bag of REALLY nice clothing and sold it to me for .50 cents a piece. We're talking Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Jacadi, etc. I had to hold back and only take half of it, because he doesn't need much more than that and I just don't have space for all the goods she had. But I was positively beaming when I walked out of there -- everything I bought is really nice and I spent at least an hour at home revisiting my purchases in a state of bliss. So far, Teo has managed to be spoiled rotten but I have hardly spent a dime. AWESOME.
The woman was also really nice and, were I the murdering type, I would totally kill her and steal her apartment. It was probably the second-nicest place I have ever seen in Paris (topped only by Beccarah's boss's place across the street from the Louvre). She is a former journalist who lived in Cairo for 8 years and speaks Arabic (and French, of course), so we had a fair amount to talk about. Except that she's this Big, Important Professional and I work in a bookshop. It was a very pleasant encounter and I am still a little bit in disbelief at my luck with the clothes and what not. I'm almost tempted to do a fashion show with Mister M and post the photos.
Oh Lee Ann, seriously -- do the fashion show! It will make you smile, and it will make all of us smile too... A win-win situation! ('Course, only if little Teo is up to it, though -- I imagine all that changing clothes could make him a bit fussy!)
But I'd love to see him in his new gear... He's just a doll and his photos cheer me up more than you can imagine.
Hang in there -- I'm having troubles with my boy right now too, but I know we'll make it through somehow. We have to, right?! The last week has been so tough, and I basically want to cry every day. But I'm trying to shrug it off. The best I can.
Take good care.
Sounds like a growth spurt to me. Max did the same thing. It should pass in a few days to a week. I was glad to have the sling and I made short trips out if I had to go out. We hung out in the park a lot and in bed together. :)
Kewl beans! I say totally go for the fashion show, it'll be like an episode of FNTBM(think ANTM and you'll get it!) Hehe.
um, fashion show please?
Well I hope everything works out! And your baby is just sugar! On a superficial note...wow what a find indeed! I love wonderfully interesting people who live in beautiful homes...and I laughed my head off that you said she was nice and you were the murdering type.
Lee!! jeez, sounds like you hit the jackpot. you are doing such an amazing job...i'm so impressed.