And she speaks. Lucy talks more and more each day. For some reason, I didn’t anticipate my squishy newborn daughter would verbally communicate with us for quite some time (at least a year). Despite these low expectations, Lucy had other plans. She says: mama, papa, dog, cat, chicken, and book. She recognizes that dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and she cries, “dog, dog, dog!” each time we walk around the neighborhood and spot a new canine friend.
She’s grown even more attached to us (and I thought it wasn’t possible!). Separation anxiety has been at an all-time high, which, to be honest, is exhausting. On the days and nights where she only wants to be held by me, I remind myself: this season is so very brief and you’ll never be as “wanted” again. And so I find a tired but true contentment in letting her rest in my arms.
We go to Mom and Me Yoga every week now. I love meeting and stretching and talking with a group of other new moms. I only wish I had discovered it sooner. We’ll “graduate” as soon as Lucy walks….which could be any day now. If I could give any advice to parents to be it would be this: find a way to connect to a community of parents. It makes a huge difference in your mental health.
I wear Lucy everywhere. She loves to snuggle up close to my chest and fall asleep as we walk through our neighborhood or even through the house. Despite the fact that she is now VERY mobile (crawling and climbing and pulling herself up on everything) she still seems happiest pressed against my chest. It is a beautiful and simple habit of our days.
Speaking of habits, we still get a cappuccino together everyday. I sip on my caffeine while Lucy enjoys an apple. She’s growing up in that coffee shop, and I love that the bakers and baristas know her by name. Again: community. It’s essential.
And finally sleep. No, we aren’t sleeping through the night yet. Not even close. But you know, I’m okay with it. Our sleep arrangement is working now. I would love a full night’s sleep, but because Lucy sleeps in the same room as us…nursing her isn’t an inconvenience. Yes, her stomach might be find without milk for eight plus hours…but emotionally, she’s not ready to sleep on her own. And so instead of trying to force her, we’re accepting sleep for what it is now: a series of short naps.
We love you, sweet girl. Happy 10 months!
And she speaks. Lucy talks more and more each day. For some reason, I didn’t anticipate my squishy newborn daughter would verbally communicate with us for quite some time (at least a year). Despite these low expectations, Lucy had other plans. She says: mama, papa, dog, cat, chicken, and book. She recognizes that dogs come in all different shapes and sizes, and she cries, “dog, dog, dog!” each time we walk around the neighborhood and spot a new canine friend.
