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They're Coming to Take us Away!
Yeah, I know, lack of updates. Most parents out there probably think this is because we're too busy with the baby. You're wrong. We're too damned busy with the relatives right now. There are tons of people with advice for dealing with baby, but where were you people with advice for dealing with grandma?
Updates will follow as soon as we get everyone out of our freaking house!
P.S. If any of said in-laws and/or relatives are reading this, please note that we sincerely appreciate all your efforts. Now would someone please wake up Richie... my Mother, Mother-in-Law, Aunt-in-Law, Sister-in-law, wife, and baby need to sit down.
You don't deal with Grandma, you survive grandma.
Seriously, let them help, let them hold the baby, rock the baby, cleanup after the baby, etc. You sleep. Don't worry about bonding time, you and your precious little poop machine will have plenty of time to bond after everyone else gets bored and leaves.
When they start telling you what you need to be doing, listen - believe it or not they might know what they are talking about. You don't have to do it all though, they are aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. While they mean well, their idea on what is good for the baby is not always what is best for your family. Your job as parents is to work out a system where you and the child can survive life together. Your relatives job is to make sure the baby is happy. Your happiness no longer matters.....
Smiling and nodding is good. Yelling is bad. Someday you are going to want that person you are yelling at to take the kid for a weekend so you can reaquaint yourself with the stranger you are sharing parenting duties with. Don't piss them off now. Smile, nod, and do what your instincts tell you is best. (hint: your instinct to let the screaming baby sleep in the garage is a reaction based on lack of sleep, not an instinct).
Good Luck, BTY Cute kid!!
Posted by: David on June 30, 2003 01:48 PM