cure-alls

that necklace is still pretty cute whether or not it works

Now in our ninth month as parents, we can look back and say we successfully survived the newborn nights, the sleep regressions, the ridiculous hospital pacifiers, and at least the first round of teeth. Sometimes only just barely (I still have nightmares about that 4-month sleep regression), but we made it. It was nothing short of a miracle.

Because while I had such high hopes for the Wubbanub, and the Sleep Sheep, and the amber necklace, ultimately I've come to realize there is no magic cure for the "inconveniences" of babyhood. The Wubbanub won't always stop Clay from spitting out his pacifier, the Sleep Sheep won't address every bad dream, the amber necklace won't halt the pain that comes with teething. Development is a process and one that won't be cheated by a gadget - a lesson (however brutal) I'm still learning.

-Scott

Note From Eleanor: I'm too scared to take off that necklace to see if it's actually working or not. So we're just sticking with it.

three is the loneliest number

roommationships change over time 

I’m the first of my groomsmen to have a kid. Some of my friends are married, some are single, but we are the only ones who have broken into the realm of parenthood as of yet.

And while being a dad has been one of the single greatest joys of my life, it can also be incredibly lonely. As my priorities have changed, it’s become more difficult for me to relate to those friends I was once closest with. It’s hard to accurately relay the joys of a Wubbanub to those who haven’t had to fish a pacifier from the ground 10 times in the last minute. And it’s toughest of all to actually be honest, to admit to my friends who haven’t had babies how hard it is sometimes to be a father.

But I'm leaning on the idea of grace and humility, forcing myself to be honest and let people in to understand how different, and difficult, and wonderul life now is. And sometimes I’m actually even growing closer with them as a result.

-Scott

Note from Eleanor: I understand you, hon. The Wubbanub is a totally brilliant invention.