Charlotte: dag 11

Update from Dad 

It's Saturday, and we had our first real 'kraamvisite'. First our Dutch friends Martin, Mandy, Femke and Bart came by to meet Charlotte, and after that our Canadian friends Sarah, Glenn, Dara and Joshua. Both visits were very pleasant, and both Charlotte and Noor got presents.

The last few days have seen their ups and downs; the breastfeeding wasn't always sufficient, and feeding sometimes took more time and energy (especially at night) than was good for Inge and Charlotte. Noor's coping to the new situation has seen its troughts as well; on Friday she was super grumpy, and this was only resolved when I took her out for some fresh air, and to pickup Lexie from daycare.

I have started working again on Wednesday, and although Wednesday was fine (partially because Noor's in daycare), Thursday was quite the challenge already for Inge with two ladies to entertain, but Friday was a little too much.

Charlotte is growing again, and doing very well. She mostly drinks well, and in between feeds she sleeps like a baby (oh wait..). The weekend brings distractions for Noor, and some time for reflexion and relaxation for Inge.

Coming Wednesday is Noor's birthday, and she's very excited about it, and it's a good way to tell her that we haven't lost all our love and care for her now the new baby has arrived, because for her it must certainly feel like that sometimes.

Bij Papa op schoot: video

Charlotte: dag 6

Update from Dad

Tuesday, the day after Thanksgiving, is again a wonderful and warm Summerish October day. Noor and Lexie (Noor's BFF) are off to daycare, while Dad, Mum and Charlotte stay at home. Noor is still not fully recovered from her flu, and looks quite pale in pictures (as you can see), but is getting better. Her energy level is at 50% of normal, which is convenient in these busy times. Charlotte is doing very well, drinks every 3-4 hours, but still doesn't always wake up for feedings herself. She just got her second bath today, which she enjoyed. The Tummytub Noor used is however much missed; that was a much more pleasant experience for Noor than this classic baby tub; it mimics the whomb, and feels much more intimate for the baby.

Another doctor's appointment today (nr 4) for a weight check. Charlotte looks a little jaundiced, but the pictures make it worse than it really is. The augmentation of the pictures is to make the rest of the family look less pale, but has its sideeffects. :-)

Charlotte: dag 4

Update from Dad

Sunday October 9, 2011. Breastfeeding is going very well, and Charlotte sleeps a lot in between feedings. Noor is very proud of her baby sister, although the change in her ability to claim her Mum exclusively is getting harder now. Because she had the flu for the last 5 days she hasn't been her best anyway. Inge enjoys renewed motherhood, and loves being a little more mobile again. We left the house to enjoy the fall sunshine (20 dg) with Charlotte in a sling. The ease of breastfeeding, and the relative easy nights (she comes once or twice) clearly help her to get through the tough post-partum days.

De hik: video

Charlotte: the first few days

Update from Dad

Charlotte has been a charm, ever since she's born. She looks a lot like Noor in appearance and behavior, except that she's easy to breastfeed, and that makes a big difference. Inge is enjoying the breastfeeding as well. Days are filled with feedings, sleeps, and the occasional half hour of looking around, and enjoying the familiar voices she's been hearing for the last few months - but a lot less muffled I presume. Her weight is not yet catching up, so that's monitored by the physicians at the hospital she was born in. For the family, days are occupied with skype meetings with (mostly) family, and the normal post-partum business.