FAAQ: Frequently Asked Abi Questions

Q: Are we getting any sleep?
A: Yes, but nothing continuous. We all nap in the afternoon. Ben’s suddenly found himself with an earlier bed time so that mommy and daddy can get a break. We make it to bed around 11:00, then are up around 1:00 for an hour and a half to two hours — she has a lot of trouble with this feeding. Nic’s up again at around 4, and then we usually sleep until 8. Ben’s getting a bit neglected because he’s used to getting a bottle around 7, then going back down until 8. Now he gets it at 7:45, and we get him out around 8:30, when I’ve done my stretches and we’ve both had time to go to the bathroom in peace.
Q: How is Ben adjusting to Abi?
A:
He’s doing much better. Most of the time he ignores her, but occasionally he tries to help out or give her a hug. He’s really a very good little boy, but he has tried to hit her at least twice, which obviously we’re not cool with. We’re augmenting swats on the butt with time-outs, and will eventually move to those as the main form of reprimand — once he understands that its a punishment.
Q: Is Jon helping out around the house?
A:
Shut up, I do like everything! Nic isn’t allowed to lift 20 pounds or more, which means I do all of the Benjamin stuff since he’s over that amount. She’s still sore when she stands for awhile, which means I do all the kitchen stuff. Pretty much I’m a whirlwind of activity all day long, and the ladies are living in luxory. So there.
Q: When does Jon go back to work?
A:
I’ll go back on Friday, but Nic’s parents are arriving on Wednesday to help out for around a week, so Nic’s well taken care of. She’s been keeping busy with the constant feedings and changings of Abi. Fortunately one great advantage to a newborn is that they stay where you put them, so if we need a few minutes to get something done while Benjamin is napping, we can just put her in her crib, or swing, and not worry that she’s going to toddle off and put a plastic toy through our new TV.
Q: Do you need anything?
A:
Brooke has organized a whole gang of wonderful gals who have signed up for dinners for us through to next week. We have enough Ziti from our friend Sarah to last us until the move, last night we had a delicious and entirely microwavable meal from Brian and Libby, and Leah brought us the best home-made Chicken Noodle soup I’ve ever tasted. And the meals are still coming!
As far as “things” go, Abi has enough clothes that if we wanted we could just throw out each outfit as it gets dirty and not have to worry about ever running out. And between Ben and Abi we have more noisy, singing, colorful plastic toys than you can imagine. In short, no, but best wishes are much appreciated.
Q: Is two kids more than double the work of one?
A:
Yes. Very much so.
Here’s a little video of Ben trying to help Abi with her hat to keep you entertained while Nic and I have a nap…
http://video.google.com/googleplayer.swf?docId=6273495647174784779&hl=en

10 thoughts on “FAAQ: Frequently Asked Abi Questions

  1. Ooooooohh, he is so helpfull. What a nice boy. But those hats are tough. The head rub was a nice touch. What a good boy he is. Too cute!

  2. that is so funny. i love how he just sets the hat on top of her head. and i like the way he waves his little hand while petting her head!!! LOL. so cute
    .. oh.. and i have his yellow blanket here….
    ttyl

  3. Hi Jon,
    I changed to a newer computer (from a Dell with (don’t laugh!) Windows 98) to an emachine with Windows XP. I always was able to see your videos…now there is just an empty white box. Also, your banner at the top is showing backwards…like a mirror image.
    I’ve always enjoyed your videos and would like to see this one….any suggestions as to what might be wrong? Hope all is going well with Abi.
    Where will you be house hunting?

  4. Thank you so much for the link to install the Flash. The tears are still rolling down my face as I watched both videos. The miracle of your daughter’s arrival and the documentation of it are amazing! She is beautiful, and Ben seems to adore her! Thank you for sharing this with us all!

  5. ahh so cute! love the head rub and of course him trying to pick her up!!
    can’t wait to see you guys and remember we’re always willing to babysit one or 2 wise babies at anytime needed!!!! love you guys

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