My parents are visiting, so I'm having fun with them rather than spending time on the computer. However, I couldn't wait another moment to share some of my favourite photos so far. I think it's safe to say that Vi is smitten with Grandma. And vice versa.
They've done it again, visiting Western Australia for a week while Vi is brand new. Loni happily scooped up some of those first cuddles in the process.
They were also in demand with Nikki and Michael, who requested that they read aloud all the books they brought as gifts.
We took a walk along the Swan river before they had leave. It was a fun visit!
Now that I've tasted the freedom, I can't believe I never tried a back carry with a newborn before. A whole new world of possibilities has opened up - things I just can't do with a baby on my front.
For instance, Vi slept on my back this evening as I gave Ben a haircut. This was risky since I knew that once I started, I would have to finish the job, even if she woke up unhappy for some reason.
Fortunately she snoozed the entire time, so Ben won't have to answer any questions from his colleagues about what happened to his hair.
My older children are peacefully slumbering in their room during naptime, and I settle in to nurse Vi, only to have her scream incessantly. I try a diaper change, burping, walking around in circles, attempting to latch her on while walking around in circles, laying her down... still screaming!
Fortunately, I have one more trick in my bag - babywearing! I studied the secured high back carry (SHBC) for a newborn yesterday via Paulus' tutorial on YouTube, and I tried it immediately. My first attempt was a bit dodgy - Vi ended up laying across my back horizontally. My second attempt last night worked much better, but I hadn't tied it tight enough, so Vi was leaning out a bit.
Then came the real test this afternoon. Would babywearing save the day? Had my wrapping technique improved enough to give Vi a comfortable place to rest?
Third time a charm. My wrap was firm and secure, and Vi settled right in, falling asleep quickly and peacefully!
Hands free, a happy baby, and the sweet sound of snoring on my back as I type up this post to tell you all about our triumph.
One month old today, Vi has gained half a kilo in the last two weeks! Also, my body is recovering its pre-pregnancy state more quickly than it did with the previous pregnancies. Could it be because I'm nursing three children?
In addition to weight transfer, the other miracle rocking my world is this: Nikki and Michael are on a consistent nap schedule. Both of them sleep for an hour and a half each afternoon. If he needs it, Michael will take a morning nap as well. They both continue to sleep well at night.
I caught this picture today of Vi taking the floor during a sibling conference.
Time to put my feet up and just enjoy Vi each afternoon is an unexpected blessing. I notice I'm singing a lot more during the day, which is a good sign that, despite being well outnumbered, I'm still feeling pretty blissful.
We received an unexpected blessing in the post - all the way from South Africa!
Many thanks to Jen, who thoughtfully included gifts for the older siblings when sending a "welcome baby" gift for Vi. Aren't these booties adorable?
Vi is working hard to grow into them. Look - here she is now!
Nikki loves her Sassy Frass Hair Band, which many of you, my wonderful readers, have noticed her wearing recently. Hair bands are the only hair accessory Nikki tolerates, and this one is gorgeous, soft, and adjustable! (If you would like to make your own, Jen has posted her original design free for personal use.)
And Michael, well he's never met a ball he didn't like, and the set of three Jen knitted have a super-special squish factor that means he can hold more than one in his hand - at the same time!
I can see how these knitted balls will be perfect for traveling, too. They take up little space yet provide instant entertainment, as you can see in this video of Michael-in-action.
Aileen:
Simply beautiful - I have never heard this song before but it is so touchingly beautiful, all the more so at the image of Ben with two of his children
Poppa & Grammie:
Happy Father's Day to you, Ben. So grateful that you are following your heavenly Father's leading in love with your children!
Jen:
Happy Father's Day, Ben! The video is great and you are amazing for multi-tasking so well!
