Welcome to Parenthood!

I know that all new parents are sleep deprived, but our tiredness is not because Owen doesn’t snooze – in fact he’s doing great; out like a light by 9:00 and sleeping until 8:00 with only one early morning call for action. No, Bob and I are awake most of the night listening to each squeak of the ancient metal “death trap” crib (part of it swings and one leg is broken), each breath Owen takes, each sigh, each squirm. Sitting up in bed and asking over and over, “Was that him; is he ok”? Plus I just plain miss seeing him and holding him! As Bob said at about 3:30 am the first night, “Welcome to Parenthood”.

We’ve spent the last few days trying to get Owen (and us) settled into a schedule. This is the most physical activity he’s ever had, and as a result he’s eating far more than the four bottles (two each of cereal and formula) he got at the hospital. We’ve introduced carrots and cherry juice (he doesn’t like apple), and plan to try yogurt and pears soon. It’s been interesting trying to figure out amounts of food and naps; but he’s pretty good at making his wishes known! Of course we play and talk with him a lot; his newest favorite toy is a blow up ball (thanks Alison, Jeff and Jack) and he also enjoys just hanging out with his dad in the chair or with me in the hip carrier.

Bob and I can already see how this last part of the trip gets really long – it feels like, ok, we’ve done what we came to do, why can’t we go home now?! Since Owen has been with us we have lost water and electricity (O and I watched from the window as the big old falling-apart service truck pulled up to the corner and a man in a fur hat climbed the pole). Thankfully both services were restored before causing any real inconvenience but it sure does make you appreciate how good we have it at home.

We have been strongly discouraged from taking Owen out in public and to stores, restaurants, etc., so at least one of us is housebound all or part of the day. Bob goes to the Internet Café to post and check email; and I’ve walked to the pick-up store with some of our fellow travelers. It’s important to take a little break and get outside and get some fresh air (although this weekend the fresh air is supposed to get extremely cold again) so we try to take turns. Sean/Maureen and Darryl/Jenny had court on Tuesday and now have their boys with them too (yeah!), so once they are a bit settled we’ll try to get together with them as well. Bill/Jill also had court and were granted their request to adopt (twins) but their babies are in a city that does not allow custody after court so they have to continue making visits, which of course is rough. We are very thankful that the judge in Kokshetau allows immediate custody.

I have to admit that there was a moment the other day when I looked at Owen and thought, “hmm, now what do I do with you”? Every moment with him is a new learning experience for me and although it’s thrilling it’s a little scary too. Luckily, he’s a good baby and of course Bob is a pro at this. I think I’m getting the hang of this Mom thing!

You’ve all accused me many times of making you tear up with my words … well now you’ve turned the tables on me. In the brief moments of connection we have in the apartment we always try to read your comments and we cherish each and every one. Thank you so much for sharing in our joy. And Shannon S … your email really had me crying. And you are so right, we thank God for the broken road that led us right to Owen. I can’t imagine any other way, or any other child.

Enjoy the pictures of the prince of our apartment!