Baby Friends

Recently, we had some friends with babies come to visit. Aiden, Kirsten’s son, is 3 months younger than Ethan - and Cason, Holly’s son is 3 months younger than Aiden.

It was fascinating to see the different stages together all in one room.

Cason is still brand new, and wanting to nurse and be held non-stop. His cry is weak and strained and purposed for his mother. Life is about eating, sleeping, pooping and some cuddles. When he nurses, sweet little sighs squeak out of him quietly with every gulp. During his awakenings his eyes open and close slowly as if to slow down all of the activity and stimulation going on around him.

Aiden is in the midst of his permanent awakening from infancy at three months. Conscious more, he is quick to smile and has some giggles. He is very aware that there is a lot going on around him! He is studying his surroundings and gesturing towards people and objects with his hands ready to join in the fun and games. He has learned that his cry can be purposed or a protest - but so has his mom!

Ethan is a happy, playful, jumpy monkey now that his limbs are becoming so coordinated and strong. He is ready to get going, frustrated that his parts are not working together smoothly yet, and voicing agitation that he has to rely on adult hands to move him place to place. Cuddling runs second to independence for him at this stage - which is positive as independence is the ultimate goal eventually.

I say eventually because a pang of sadness and sweetness hit me I sat and watched the two younger babies fall asleep on their mothers after nursing. Ethan is all protesting arms and legs right now and he has a hard time falling asleep in anyone’s presence anymore as he is so social and will play and play and play and play until he crashes into a miserable writhing spastic heap from exhaustion unless you take him away from the action. Whew!

Today as we were hanging out, Ethan woke up early from his nap, probably from all of the extra noise and commotion in the house. He had had enough of a rest to be in good spirits and ready to play with all of the company. He was full of beans and in awe of Chloe (Holly’s energetic and entertaining five year old). Later on as people were packing up and exiting - the effects of the short nap were starting to appear in Ethan’s behavior.

I found myself prematurely dreading the hours between now and bedtime - when Ethan is tired he is no fun and constantly needs to be entertained and appeased - hmmm when will your daddy be home to help entertain you….

I cozied up with him on the couch with some Treehouse on to distract him swaying back and forth to the background music on the show. Then something amazing happened! His eyes got heavy, and he nestled into my armpit. I slowly laid back, and turned off the TV and hummed him a little lullaby. He hummed a little along with me finally closing his eyes with a blink that lasted a little too long. Heaven!

Dad came home shortly after finding us cuddled up on the couch. He looked longingly at Ethan peacefully burrowed between me and the couch and simply said “lucky you”. Don’t I know it.