A 2-hour and a 3-hour segment of sleep last night made for a long day today.
Going to bed early is something quite “new” for me and one of the things that will continue to take some “getting used to” as this whole Fatherhood thing continues on.
When I got home today it was a beautiful thing to enjoy burping Ella as she released her last few gulps of “dinner” onto my clean shirt! I spent a few hours with Jess and Ella before heading back to my weekly Bible Study group where I had to confess my being nearly a MONTH behind in our weekly readings! A MONTH! They were shocked. I had to buy the sodas around the table (a “punishment” we set up early in our founding). It was good to be back with the guys again enjoying their fellowship and God’s Word together with like-minded brothers.
Tonight Ella decided to “vocalize” her dislike of going to bed before Mommy and Daddy.
This is NOT the first time, of course, but it brings into question this thought – Will the feeling of needing to “make things better” for my daughter when she is screaming her tiny little head off, suddenly or gradually go away? Obviously, if her little hand was in a door-jam or she was being fed something too hot, etc., the instant reaction is AND SHOULD be to help her quickly, but the “I’m vocalizing my dislike of this thing” (tonight it is sleeping – tomorrow, who knows) – when will that get easier to “ignore”? Will it ever?
Some have said it will. Some have said that they knew those who DIDN’T “get over” those useless cries and kept themselves only 2-inches from their baby at all times.
Have I mentioned lately just how life-chaning fatherhood has been thus far?
3-weeks and already my life is COMPLETELY different than it was even that morning of Ella’s birth!
I need some sleep and some time to talk about the day with my wife. She is a beautiful woman, ya know.
(this is the first post in a while without a picture of Ella – but as always, you can see a daily-updated photo of our darling daughter at www.ellasheets.com!)
It never gets easy to hear your child cry. Kayden has times when he, for what seems like no reason to us, just cries and cries. Those are the times I find the hardest. Those are the times that I try to hold him or get down on his level and just love him and let him know that I am there to love & protect him.
Then there are those times when he cries because he wants something that he should not have or wants more of something he should not have more of or does not want to sleep when sleep is what he desperately needs.
Those times aren’t easy but it is better for him if we are strong and do not give in to his “demands.”
I think the hardest thing is to learn the difference between the two. You will – if you let God lead you. And in those times when she is crying and the crying is what she needs God will comfort you.
It is hard to believe at this point in your 4th week of parenting, but “this too shall pass”. It’s difficult for me to remember those times of “bringing a newborn home and the adjusting phases”. I think that is because, you truely adjust along the way and so will Ella. Just keep reminding yourself, that you both are doing a wonderful job. God knew long before Ella was concieved that she would be loved and cared for by two very special people who love each other and would love and care for her like no other. You both are really doing a great job as parents.
Love you all three,
Mom/Grandma Garrett
I love seeing pictures of Ella! So many friends are having babies, almost daily I get kid pictures emailed, posted or pulled out of wallets. So I had to laugh when I saw the TLC Life Lessons figurines. :)
Have a great day!
Hey Stev…..your comments and questions are so dear! Everyone’s experience is different. I can only say that…for me, for us, for many others I know…it does get better and better. It is as if you are now ‘connected’ with a sort of imaginary ‘umblilical cord’ to the baby’s whole being. For the first few weeks it is all about setting up the ‘network’ of wiring and impulse management. I found that it is unbelievable how – if you are stressed or upset, the baby knows; the baby picks it up from their own ‘network’ of impulses.
So many opinions out there about letting baby cry after 3-4 weeks to help better manage their supply and demand impulses. As for me, I believe much of what is said…it is all mostly trial and error. Let’s not forget….pray, pray, pray for Divine Intervention.
I just love when you talk about how you feel.
I hope to buy Billy Crystal’s books, which he authored in regards to the wonder of children. Men, far too seldom, express themselves about the moments, the process of growing, the changes, the feelings and the depth of understanding, about soft issues. It is so beautiful, how you have shared already some of what is going on in your heart and head. YOU ARE GOING TO BE OOHHH SO MORE THAN FINE!!! You and Jess are already wonderful. From your website, sounds like a lot of people agree.
Praying for you as you continue this most awesome journey…….just another leg of your life-time career.
Love and hugs,
Aunt Bonnie
Thanks guys for sharing so much with everyone about how the last few weeks have been for the three of you….it’s really helping Eddie and I prepare for our soon-to-arrive baby….we know life is about to change drastically for sure! Anyway, thanks for the “Stevan Sheets workshops”….they’ve been great and we’re learning a lot! :-)
Praying for ya! ~Martha Marie and Eddie
Stevan and Jessie,
It is so good to follow your new lives on this website. Jodi, the girls and I are so happy for you two. Grandpa Garrett (Scottie) keeps us posted each Sunday at mom and dad’s house. Ella sounds like a real “keeper”. I must say that based on your information and Gpa’s accounts, she really adds a lot of “life” to your family! Praise the Lord!!!! Maggie was a real quiet, “easy” baby, and you know, that she has a real “lively” personality. The lesson here: you never know exactly what type of personality your child will have based on the early days of their life.
My advice: enjoy every minute. You will turn around and your baby will be heading to the 8th grade dinner dance and then on to high school (Frannie) or just turning 12 (Maggie) and going to seventh grade. Jodi and I can’t wait to see our newest family member. Our life should slow down soon in a few weeks or so and we would love to visit with you three.
Much love,
Uncle Brett