An Early Morning Playdate

Riley woke me (and Bean) around 3:30 this morning with a piercing scream. I shot up out of bed and went towards his room where I saw he'd already turned on the light. Usually, and per doctor's orders, when he wakes, I wait a few minutes before checking on him and he falls back asleep after just a couple minutes. When I saw his light on, though, I knew I had to go in right away. He was sitting up in his crib with big tears streaming down his baby face and he just looked so pitiful, so of course I broke ranks with the pediatrician.

As soon as I rescued him from his crib, his tears stopped. We rocked for a couple minutes and I thought he'd fallen back asleep but then saw by his nightlight that his eyes were open. I turned on his very dim baby lamp and changed his diaper while he looked at me with sleepy - but open - eyes. He stretched and yawned and talked to me.

After he was dry again, I sat back in my rocker with Riley facing me and watched his heavy eyes close, then flutter back closed, then open again as we swayed back and forth. I knew my pediatrician would totally disagree with my actions, but then my son gave me the sweetest little smile and I really didn't care about "doctor's orders."

Don't get me wrong, I don't want Riley to grow up being spoiled. I want him and Bean to be able to work things out on their own and be able to rely on their own strengths. Tonight, though, I think my little guy just needed to be cuddled, and there's a big difference between being cuddled and being coddled. When his eyes had almost closed again, I put him back in his crib and he did protest - for about a minute before falling back into a deep sleep. And I know that 98% of the time, I will do what the doctor says and check on him without picking him up, but tonight - or this morning rather - I was very happy to spend those moments with my son.

I know with Bean coming in just over 14 weeks, I'll miss out on some precious moments with Riley. Just as I'll miss out on some precious moments with Bean while tending to her big brother. But the time with the two of them together will make up for any lost moments.

She's awake now and in full swing. Memaw felt her movements for the first time today while we carved Riley's pumpkin. I wonder if there are kick boxing classes for newborns. I think Bean's already a pro! It's just 104 days until I get to see the sweet face of tiniest Kung Fu Master I know. Ryan is trying to teach Riley where his baby sister is. He'll point at my belly and tell Riley that's where his sister is. Today he asked, "Where's your sister?" Riley pointed to the pumpkin. But then again, they ARE the same shape and size...

We're still discussing names. The poll is helping! (And yes, I know Ryan's name is misspelled. I noticed that I'd made that typo after I published the poll and someone voted. After a vote is cast, you can't alter the poll in any way. So, that being said, it's going remain erred.) I have a feeling we may not know what her name is until we meet her for the first time.

She's still awake, but I'm going to try to go back to sleep now. Hopefully Riley will sleep in a little after our early morning playdate!