Instructions

Recently I keep thinking of the flight aviation instructions about children. I think it's a bit odd that my main parenting directive is coming from the pocket of an airplane seat instead of a well researched parenting book. Still, the advice seems effective: in case of emergency, first attend to yourself then help your child. My initial response a lot of times is to answer Reuben's need but I think we both do better when I follow the airline instruction.

For example, in the middle of the night Reuben will wake me up because he knows he wants to eat NOW. I have to go to the bathroom. I'm sure I could probably hold it in uncomfortable desperation. But using the airline guidelines I instead let him cry for a minute while I answer the call of nature. Then while he eats I enjoy myself instead of single mindedly imploring him to eat as fast as possible. It changes the feeding from a torture scenario to bonding time.

Also, instead of just obsessing about Reuben's breathing and hiccups, I'm doing my best to enjoy myself. I figure a happy me makes for kinder, more patient care. So here are a few things that I've been enjoying.



French Milk

Aaron picked this up for me and it is the perfect book to read when you have to hold the book one nursing baby distance away from yourself. It's a graphic novel so the print is large and a lot of the story comes through the pictures. The book is the sketch diary of 22 year old Lucy Kinsley's six month visit to Paris. Reading it takes me away from my calm little apartment and into the joy of exploring Paris. It also reminds me of all the glory of being an angsty art student - which alternately makes me feel depressed that I didn't manage to publish a graphic novel by the age of 23 and inspired to get to work and have as much fun as I know making her diary would be.



Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln ( I found this picture of President Elect Obama posing with the book and it is just too cool to pass up)
This is the book that is worth straining my eyes for. I've been plowing through it while I feed Reuben. I was enjoying this book so much while I was pregnant that Reuben was almost named Abraham. I'm grateful that I've still got another 300 of the 800 pages to enjoy so I feel well stocked with reading material.



Protein Pumpkin Oddwalla

This is pumpkin pie in sweet creamy nutritious liquid form. It's wonderfully easy to consume one handed and is the nectar of the autumnal gods. It also makes me feel like I'm Harry Potter where the pumpkin juice ran freely and always sounded delicious to me.



Dan's apple pie
Speaking of pie, Dan Cummings made us the most beautiful and delicious apple pie. I think he's ready for the state fair. That or he needs to open a bakery. I'm considering more children just to get another.


Gerber Onsies
Some brilliant genius designed a onsie with just two snaps at the bottom instead of the annoying three.



Moby Wrap
I strap Reuben in and I'm hands free. And he's so cute and happy cuddled up against me. I'm also proud of myself for figuring it out on my own and not dropping Reuben when I tried to put him in it.




Reuben himself
Who is possibly the most laid back kid ever.



Help - (This picture shows Reuben before he got rid of his jaundice. He was looking nice and seasonally orange for a day or two)
I don't think I'd be in such a good position to enjoy myself if it wasn't for all the help I've had. Aaron has been making breakfast each morning before going to work and it's so nice to have the time together and start the day of energized. My mom did a TON of work on our apartment and helped me settle in and I owe a lot if not most of my comfort to her. And Merilee Cummings brought me a delicious lunch and dinner and has been keeping me company the last two days which has been really enjoyable. Also thanks to everyone for the congratulations and welcome you've given to Reuben. It's been fun to hear from all of you!