Needing Help

THE New Family Dad knows how well ignoring a problem makes it go away. Okay, so that had never worked for him and continued to not work for him this morning. He woke to the sound of the crying chorus and knew instantly he was needed. Mom had been on her own since 3:00 a.m. and was obviously overwhelmed. So despite his need and bargained for additional two hours of liberty, and really wanting to get back to that dream wherein he exacts revenge from everyone that has ever humiliated him, he rose to help.

When healthy kids are this young, their problems are small and solutions are easy. These two cry for only a few reasons. In order of magnitude, they are hunger, gas, attention, and dirty diapers. Merely addressing those problems methodically and in order is sure to quiet the raging screams. However, the impediment to doing so is fatigue. When the parent is tired, reasoning slows and the desire to proactively work the problem diminishes. In addition, when both are crying, even a well-rested parent finds it difficult to meet both kids needs simultaneously.

Both parents know this and have a plan in place to prevent becoming overwhelmed. It is simple; the on-duty parent will come and get the other when they need help. Ideally, this happens before things get out of control. However, sometimes the situation escalates too quickly for one to react. Also, the parent may underestimate the severity of the growing situation and may not ask for help before twin eruptions.

The consequences of not getting help when overwhelmed and fatigued could be severe. This morning they were not, but the potential was there. Parenting kids can push a new parent beyond their emotional and mental limits. Reaching out for help well before those limits are reached is far more preferable to dealing with the consequences of a moment’s indiscretion.

In other news, the kids are getting stronger. EJ is able to hold his head up while in a prone position for about a second. He is able to grasp Dad’s fingers with his hands and hold on while Dad lifts him a few inches off his back. Liesel is spending more time alert while awake. She recently appeared to focus on Dad’s face for a few seconds while he was talking to her. Not having anything interesting or new to hear, she already knows how pretty she is yada, yada, yada, she yawned and closed her eyes, but it was a beginning. 

Here are two videos of the kids using their swings. This is the first time they did anything other than scream while in them. The Graco is nice. It offers an easy pull off bouncer, a slower swing option compared to the Fischer Price, and an easy to secure food tray. The incline on the FP is closer to horizontal and its bedding is more plush, but Dad doesn’t think the kids care.