I got that Tim McGraw song in my head…
But I realize that is the way I am parenting Hannah now. She can have as many naps on mommy as she wants, she can have as many cuddles and kisses, and I’m not even going to worry about her getting too attached to me right now. I do admit, I am spoiling her. 9 times out of 10, she has to fall asleep on me before she will continue sleeping in her bed. At least now, she is in her pack N play downstairs with me taking a good nap. Little late, as we were at Little Girl A’s preschool holiday party. I’m not a co-sleeper, but there have been times when I have taken a little nap downstairs with her on my chest.
You parent a child differently if you fear that you may only have a couple of years with them. The old rules don’t apply right now. She can have whatever she wants when she wants it. She is the most mellow and happy baby as it is, so it doesn’t take much to keep her happy. Everyone we meet can’t believe how smiley and curious she is — always looking around, happy to be involved in the party, etc.
I told my husband, if we find out that she is healthy and (with or without treatment) is going to live a long and happy life, then she is going to be in for a bit of a change!
Guess who is awake now!
Just out of curiosity, why would it change if you knew she is healthy/treatable? Most people agree it is pretty hard (if not impossible) to spoil a child as young as Hannah. No matter her diagnosis, you only have her once, and only have her at any particular age for a short time. On top of that, you never know when you could lose a person (to illness or accident). Life is fragile, for everyone. Stress hormones are not good for babies (or anyone) and from what I’ve seen/read (in primates they have shown that even after the stress is relieved there continues to be long term negative consequences), stress hormones are released when upset. I held my first son whenever he cried, and he was nursed/held/rocked to sleep every night for a long time. My second occasionally will put himself to sleep, but if he prefers to be nursed/held/rocked that is fine too. Most days he is a permanent attachment to someone’s arms. Both rolled late (but sat up early) I’m guessing because the majority of their time is spent being held. DH and I don’t regret it, and both feel that time goes quickly. Our older one is well adjusted (for 2.5 years old), although does love his hugs. People comment on how social and how well he shares for his age. Just something to think about.