Getting in the Blog groove

Though Jean and I were warned by just about everybody, we have still been overwhelmed at the devastation to one’s schedule that taking care of a newborn baby causes.  And it is not lost on us that we are two people (who are not working) taking care of one baby!

Anyway, we are adjusting, and we hope to be able to keep this blog more current with some normality to our schedule (and some sleep).  For starters, here is some general news of the last two weeks.

——————————

A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE BRIS

Both Jean and I were very nervous, and though it was very emotional, it was fulfilling.  My father Sidney (who was able to be here from Sydney) filled one of the most honorary roles of the ceremony, the “Sandek”.  (If you are interested in the traditions of brit milah and their meanings, I suggest a visit to “britmilah.com”).  It was particularly special for him because at the ceremony, Charlie was given his Hebrew name of “Yeshayahu”, after Sidney’s late father (also Charlie).  Jean and I were truly touched at the number of friends who attended, and their interest in the meaning of a strange (to them) ceremony.  Also, many of our friends took active roles, which was important to the overall spirit of the occasion.  Elisabeth shared some touching thoughts about the importance of family, which is especially appropriate since, as a social worker, she has devoted most of her adult life to that cause.  I relived some memories of my grandfather, Charlie’s namesake.  Our friend Matt read a prayer that wolrd peace might be realized in Charlie’s lifetime, and Jean managed to get through a blessing for Charlie without too much crying.  Jake and Chrissy lit the candles (candles are an important part of many Jewish rituals, including this one).  Dave and Jen honored us and Charlie by agreeing to be the “Kvatter” (Dave) and “Kvatterin” (Jen), which are analogous to “Godparents”.

It was a wonderful ceremony; thanks again to everybody who was able to share it with us, and to those who sent well wishes.

——————————

FEEDING FRENZY

Jean and I were caught off-guard (inexplicably; we feel stupid) at how demanding it is to have a child who eats every 2-3 hours and needs you to feed him.  For the first few days, we were doing breast-feeding (“we” being mostly Jean; I have my limitations) and it was just hell-ish.  We had both read and heard stories of the meaningful bonding between mother and child during actual feeding, and the convenience of being able to feed him anytime anywhere…  It didn’t pan out that way for us.  The short of it is that Jean and I were both very sleep deprived, and that was overshadowing the whole experience of having a new-born baby.

So we’ve switched to formula, and it is going very well.  Jean is able to sleep every night, and most nights, Charlie goes to sleep after I feed him, so I can get some rest during the night and take a nap in the morning when Jean wakes up.  Charlie is doing fine with formula, except for a ltitle gassiness, and Mommy and Daddy are much more sane.

——————————

CHARLIE’S HEALTH

Charlie had his 3 week check-up, and he’s doing great.  Since his last check-up, he has been gaining weight at about twice the average rate, but that put him in around the 50th percentile for height and weight, so it is a good thing.  He is pretty much fully recovered from the circumcision, and so he is much easier to change, and much happier between changes.  His hair is continuing to come in, and Jean says she can already notice a difference in his appearance since his first week.  He’s healthy and happy.