With my two boys on the couch... Topher likes to be as close as possible to his new brother. Not a moment of jealousy ever.
Naptime....
Becoming a bit more alert each day. Currently a huge fan of lights. Hair styled by Clara.
Jan 22: This is unlikely to be a long or particularly well-worded posting. I am taking a rare opportunity to sit down at my computer as Giovanni is taking a rather long nap- he is finally sleeping for longer periods now. I know it has been a very very long while since I last wrote, but as those of you parents out there know, a newborn consumes 200% of your day. The idea of sitting down to update this blog was just a laughable one for the last several weeks.
Giovanni continues to thrive and gain weight steadily. He is a voracious eater and lets us know every few hours that mealtime is NOW. He has developed an adorable little dimple on his chin and his belly and thighs are full of folds- fun to squeeze and kiss. He is becoming much more alert now and loves his activity gym and crib mobile. He is fascinated by lights and is beginning to smile at familiar faces, including Sebastian and Victoria who have been, as always, invaluable help for us.
I recently had to spend two nights in the hospital with (sorry for the grim details ahead...) a breast abscess that required surgery. Needless to say I have had a nightmarish time trying to nurse and have had to give it up after a monumental struggle. I have had 5 different infections but this last one ended things for good. This is the main reason I have been so out of touch with all of you and with this blog as I have been in horrible pain for the last 6 weeks. It has been such a blow to have to switch to formula but I am making peace with it now. I am certainly learning to accept curves in the road these days (such as assuming I would deliver Giovanni naturally and then ending up in the OR enduring an emergency c-section!). Needless to say, these changes are hard to accept but I am constantly reminding myself that I am grateful for such a healthy child and these other troubles will soon be forgotten. For those of you who have had to live through all of this with me, thank you for all of your support and caring. I feel like my old self is finally returning now that the pain is finally fading. I had no idea how devastating chronic pain could be.
My wonderful brother Andrew was here for 12 days this month. He lived through a lot of my troubles with me and knows more about breastfeeding than any single man should. He was a rock for me as the time he was here was when I was at my worst. In fact, I went to the emergency room right after he left for the airport. Andrew helped me with errands, bathtime, and kept me company when Paolo was at work. He carried Giovanni in the Bjorn all over Delhi and did some coaching in the fine art of belching. I miss him terribly but do have my parents' visit to look forward to- they arrive Feb 5th! I cannot wait for them to finally meet their first grandchild. Dad ("Nono" has even been studying Italian to prepare for his first visit with his grandson!).
Delhi is lovely this time of year with blue skies and crisp temperatures Everything will start blooming soon and the heat will begin to build by the beginning of March so we are enjoying the chance to wear sweaters now! Topher is in heaven in this weather and even has his full coat of hair. We will have to shave him again soon but for now he is hairy and happy. He loves that I am home more now and never leaves my side. He has his favorite dog bed in Giovanni's room and spends hours in there with us. There seems not to be a jealous bone in his body. The only thing that seems to upset him is when his brother has a real crying fit (fortunately rare!). At these times Tophs grabs one of his toys in his mouth and gnaws away- his own pacifier!
That's all for now. I hear stirrings on the monitor. A big hug to all. I will try to write again before another month passes. Love, Clara
