The last few weeks were really trying for our little family. My wife has to spend most of her time studying as she approaches the exam week, so it was mutually agreed between us that I’ll do my best and make sure our little daughter is happy enough not to cry or demand her mother to come and help.
It was so much easier said than done though! What we had found out in just few days was that I’m absolutely incapable of keeping the little one busy for much longer than half-an-hour or so.
I’m totally in love with our little daughter, I absolutely adore her, but after we have:
- smiled at each other and even tried to laugh (she’s yet to master her laughs)
- played together and waved hands
- made few photos of her (luckily she’s not old enough yet to tell me she doesn’t like me taking photos. Or maybe she simply does like it)
- had a very intelligent conversation or two (she’s very talkative and it’s amazing how quickly she learns the intonation. She can go on for hours “talking” to us – so it’s a real pity she does not say any words just yet, we’re so eager to find out what it is she’s trying to say all the time)
- rocked the cradle (a desperate attempt on my part to kill some time and please the girl at the same time)
- played hide and seek (it’s almost as if she feels when one of us is in the room or not, she does not have to see you to know you’re somewhere around)
- drank some water
- spit the soother out few times and made it absolutely clear it was urgent and important for me to go and get the replacement one right away
… and, finally, started crying, I just couldn’t take it anymore. I got really irritated.Funny enough, it’s always an irritation with myself. Somehow I can never blame the little one for her crying. I always know there must be something else we can do to help her, and it’s annoying when various ideas pop up in your mind but none of them work. So I get irritated for being helpless, and just wish I knew better what to do.
I usually admit myself to be a coward and retire. I give up and run for help, so my wife comes along and comforts the little angel and in no time it’s all back to normal again. There’s nothing better for a child than a mother’s hug, I guess.
It can get very trying these early months, and Mom is central. Your daughter is working out her developmental matrix. Her frustration is exactly what she needs to do right now, even though it is hard to live through.
Your time will come. At almost 13, I can’t even look at my daughter without provoking her wrath, but DAD can do no wrong.
I can’t believe you’re still reading me, Diane! Thanks so much for leaving your comments!
I’m not sure our little Elizabeth knows that she’s working on her developmental matrix, but she sure is up to something ;)
I had a chat with her mother yesterday, and we both agreed my time will come. It’s just when our girl is happy, I’m happy too. But once she’s not, I can’t bear this for much longer than few minutes. Practice makes perfect, they say? I’m sure it does :)
Thanks for giving me hope! 13 is rather far away, but we’ll live to see how I manage :)
It’s important to realize that you are genetically, physically hard wired to react to your daughters cries. Humans heart rate increases when children cry, amongst other phsyiological/emotional reactions. Being aware of that might help a little? Don’t give up!
Thanks for the info, Jeremy!
And yes, I’m not even considering giving up :) The girl is an angel, and I’m sure I’ll figure all the things out, sooner or later! :)