Since I am on maternity leave, my life right now completely revolves around Kes (I suppose that’s exactly how it should be). She just had her one-month check-up (she’s actually about 5 weeks old) and she’s gained 2 pounds 11 ounces and grown 2 inches. My baby has no problems eating. I continue to wonder and marvel that God gave her to us.
I’ve been experimenting with “wearing” Kes via carrying her using a wrap. We bought some muslin and using the information on wearyourbaby.com I’ve been wearing Kes using the Front Wrap Cross carry. It seems to work especially well when she’s sleepy as she just rests her head against my upper chest and I can support her head with the wrap. Kes likes to move her hands and feet a lot so I think she won’t mind the wrap as much when she can face out (once her neck proves useful) and be able to do her baby Tai Chi or whatever it is that she does with her hands and legs.
We also have a BabyBjörn Baby Carrier that our niece Cindy bought us but until now, Kes hasn’t been big enough to try it. Randy will be more comfortable wearing the BabyBjörn instead of a giant piece of cloth and I’m sure I’ll use it as well.
Still, there is something to be said about the ease and convenience of taking a piece of cloth, shawl or pareo, and being able to have one’s baby safe and, in my case, soothed by being close to a parent (Dad’s can wear babies too!). There are tons of resources on the internet and I hope baby-wearing becomes more widely done in the U.S. Instead of putting Kes in her battery-powered swing (called a “Neglect-O-Matic” by some) so I can get a few things done, she can be with me. In fact, she’s taking a little nap just below my clavicle as I’m typing. Fabulous!
We still use our sling with Ava. You can use a side carry as a toddler. I can even put her on my back. Slings are great to strap a baby into a shopping cart too!
Kes is beautiful. These pictures are amazing!!!
MISS YOU!