Dear Alixe,
I'm a little late with your one month letter. You'll have to excuse me because I've been up very late every night for the past month partying with you. Yes, you... The baby who does not sleep. The baby we call Grunty McGrumpyPants. Or Vomita when you eat too much. You've had a very productive first month of life considering your lack of sleep. You met your brother, Maximilien, who is completely smitten with you. And you seem to be fascinated by your brother. You seems to really enjoy his stories he tells you after his long day at the creche. Often you are wearing your GrumpyPants and when he comes into the room and says, "Bonjour, Alixe!!!" your eyes open wide and stop eveything you are doing.
In all honestly, my biggest fear was that Maximilien wouldn't be prepared for your arrival. But in all reality, it was your Mama who wasn't prepared for your arrivial. I had in set in my silly Mama mind that you were going to be just like your brother. Big eater, big sleeper. You are a modest eater and do not sleep at all. Modest eater meaning that you don't pig out when I feed you like Max did. Though somehow you managed to gain 1.8 kgs and 4 cm in height. The doctor was shocked when I told her you were only a month old. Looking at you, you look like a four month old. But you act like a one month old in every way. Especially, when it comes to sleeping. But I'm learning to deal. I have come to terms that I won't get any sleep and not to count on getting any sleep if you are awake which is like most of the day. I try to busy myself by cleaning the apt and doing the endless laundry that you are happily contributing to. But sometimes I need sleep and these are the moments that are the hardest for me because this is when you want to be awake. We are trying a combination of co-sleeping, the five S's and lots of contact with Mama. And sometimes we get lucky (like right now!) you decide to sleep for a while. Everyone keeps telling me that this is a phase... let's just hope that is really is.
I am thrilled to say that you look a lot like me! I would hope so since you're my daughter and if you looked like your dad you'd be very, very hairy and I'm not sure that you'd be so happy about that. Your eyes are brown and you have a darker complexion than your brother. You have attributes that are very much yours but you also look a lot like your brother. Don't worry, your brother is a good looking kid...
Maximilien (2007) and Alixe (2009), both 4 days old.
I am looking forward to the coming months of your development, Alixe. I am anxiously awaiting for your first REAL smile. Though, we've had a few smiles lately but they always precede a nice big fart so we can't officially say that you are smiling yet. But since you're so big for your age, you can easily hold your head up for several moments at a time. I put you on your stomach and you pick up your head with such ease. And often when when we hold you, you push up with your legs and stand a few moments with all your weight on your legs. One thing is for sure, you are one strong little girl.
So, lack of sleep aside... I'm so happy that you are here. I feel like our family is complete and know there are many beautiful (sleep filled) days ahead of us.
That's just lovely.
I'm sure both Alixe and Max will appreciate these notes when they're older.
Posted by: Maddy | January 07, 2010 at 23:03
I'm probably going to paraphrase this the wrong way, but I seem to remember hearing somewhere that when you have kids, the kids you get are there as your teachers. Sometimes they'll be easy and/or like you, sometimes they'll be the opposite and make you nuts. But either way, they've got lots to teach their parents (as much if not more than the parents will teach the kids over the years). Sounds to me like you've decided to just relax about the not sleeping (as best you can, anyway) and see what Alixe has to teach you. Kudos!
P.S. I suspect my theory, above, applies also to people like me who have "inherited" some step-kids. Wow, are they ever teaching me things about myself. I thought I was a pretty patient person before, but there are moments my patience is being tested to the limits. :)
Posted by: The Bold Soul | January 08, 2010 at 08:51
She is so beautiful. Your proud-mamaness seeps through your words.
Enjoy. Soak it all up.
Posted by: MereMortal | January 08, 2010 at 18:29
You have a such a great attitude. My second was a bad sleeper too and I remember feeling so miserable at first. I never had the attitude you have though. I felt really, really sorry for myself instead. You are so right to find the bright side and work to discover what works for her and you. Good for you.
She is absolutely beautiful and so is your son. And so are you! I love the self-portrait on your flickr page.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 08, 2010 at 21:05
Bonne fête Alixe !
Posted by: Fée-ronique | January 09, 2010 at 09:59
Have you tried babywearing? And I mean with a sling or a wrap, not a babybjorn. My very colicky baby would only sleep in one. I did end up wearing her A LOT, but at least it kept her quiet. Let me know if you want to know more!
Posted by: shakesrear | January 11, 2010 at 10:18