First Play Date

Yesterday I watched a friend's baby for a few hours - the first time I've babysat an infant since I was 13 years old! - and Tallis got his first taste of having a buddy over to play. (Rinaldo is 10 days younger than Tallis and we met his parents in our childbirth class.)

I was fascinated watching Tallis take in this new person in his space. I had the Goldilocks story going through my head most of the morning: "Who's been sleeping in my bed? Who's been playing on my blanket? Who's been snuggled with my Mommy?" He seemed intrigued by the sounds Rinaldo made, how high he could push himself up with his arms, and was particularly tempted by his pacifier (which he eventually stole right out of his mouth and stuck promptly in his own, nipple side out - no fake nipples for my picky boy!) They were only together for a few hours, but both of us had a fun time having a visitor over.

The biggest thing I learned about having Rinaldo at our house is just how difficult Tallis is in comparison! Sad, but true. Rinaldo did AMAZING things like fall asleep for a nap with almost no prompting! I didn't know babies could do that! Tallis is the most stubborn napper I know. I'll take the blame where it's due, but that kid does not know how to rest during the day, even when he's so tired that he's miserable. That is the #1 battle at our house right now. (Remind me to count my blessings that he is a PHENOMENAL night sleeper, please. That's a characteristic I don't want to take for granted, but sometimes I want my cake and to eat it, too!) I'm inspired by Rinaldo's easy napping personality to encourage some of the same in my boy. Say lots of prayers for us as we try to figure this out - he's determined to not miss a waking moment away from me and/or all the interesting things in the world, even when he's cranky doing it. Aauugghh!!

The other thing I admire about Rinaldo is how he takes a bottle like a champ. Tallis has only successfully eaten from a bottle two times. Count it - 1, 2. Period. Admittedly, he hasn't had much practice. We could probably get him to learn if we really worked on it. But for now it's tough to leave him with anyone for more than a short period, with the great uncertainly as to whether he will do the hungry/unhappy thing for them the whole time. Hmmm.... I will take my blame for this where it's due, too. I happen to really LIKE Tallis' company and I LIKE breastfeeding. But come on, Mom needs a break sometimes! A bottle can be a good thing when it's needed! We're gonna work on that, too. Thanks for the inspiration, Rinaldo.

Overall, the morning was a great success. Two happy babies, a happy Mommy, and two new goals for Tallis!