"People often ask me, "What's the difference between couplehood and babyhood?" In a word? Moisture. Everything in my life is now more moist. Between your spittle, your diapers, your spit-up and drool, you got your baby food, your wipes, your formula, your leaky bottles, sweaty baby backs, and numerous other untraceable sources--all creating an ever-present moistness in my life, which heretofore was mainly dry."
--Paul Reiser, Babyhood
Back long, long ago when I took my first trip across the big pond to visit France, BFF Sara made me a care package for the long flight. Included, among yummy treats, cute little notes, photos & assorted items, there was a book by Paul Reiser called Couplehood. I finished it before the flight was over & nearly peed my pants about three times. The sequel, Babyhood, wittily tells just how having a baby changes everything.
I don't know that I've hit the "things that drive me crazy" stage yet, unless you count sheer lack of sleep. OK - I may be fibbing a little. The constant toddler repeating, repeating, repeating, repeating, repeating until you acknowledge what she's said does get to me on occasion.
I did not expect the transition from zero to one to be easier than from one to two. Before Kalea, I guess I figured that we did it so recently with Cassidy that it would come easily to add another one to the mix. I don't know if it's getting less sleep or chasing toddler while balancing infant or what, but it has been a longer adjustment period this time around. Although it isn't a surprise to anyone, including me, the hours of the day seem to have shortened & there seems to always be something that needs done. I also did not expect, or have even the slightest notion of how much you could love these little people. It's totally cliché, I know. But they are amazing.
I also didn't expect the transition from couplehood to babyhood to change how Michael & I relate to each other. Truthfully, I don't think I even thought about it. I always knew that Michael would be a wonderful dad & he lives up to that expectation every day. Cassidy adores her Daddy; according to her he can fix anything in the world. Kalea coos when he walks in the door. I couldn't ask for anything more. But I do think we have to keep remembering that we are more than just Mommy & Daddy. Believe it or not, we're married. And, once upon a time we had more to talk about than poo, potties, diapers & Dora. Paul Reiser is right, having a baby does change everything. We must continue to adapt & grow our selves & marriage just as we nurture & parent our girls.
I also didn't expect the transition from couplehood to babyhood to change how Michael & I relate to each other. Truthfully, I don't think I even thought about it. I always knew that Michael would be a wonderful dad & he lives up to that expectation every day. Cassidy adores her Daddy; according to her he can fix anything in the world. Kalea coos when he walks in the door. I couldn't ask for anything more. But I do think we have to keep remembering that we are more than just Mommy & Daddy. Believe it or not, we're married. And, once upon a time we had more to talk about than poo, potties, diapers & Dora. Paul Reiser is right, having a baby does change everything. We must continue to adapt & grow our selves & marriage just as we nurture & parent our girls.
