this time a year ago ...

[percival]

... I was getting all excited about my upcoming trip to the States. About seeing murasaki99, dr_c, and, best of all, piperx, my twin. Incidentally, I was with piperx just a month before her little Princess announced her impending arrival.

I still think very, very fondly of that trip and all we saw. I love the Pacific North West, and hope to come back there some time - flat, money, and jobs permitting.

We spent Easter with some dear friends of ours who'd come over to Scotland. They have a little girl, four, and I now think that were I to start motherhood with a four-year-old, it would be ... difficult. Even though she was an absolute darling, and obviously very well cared for, polite and considerate, she demanded relentless action. Phew. At least, with babies, you grow into it ...

Comments

[katinka31.livejournal.com]

They have a little girl, four, and I now think that were I to start motherhood with a four-year-old, it would be ... difficult.

I can certainly understand that! Caring for a newborn is challenging enough, but at least they stay in one place (for a bit, anyway) while you're traveling the parenting learning curve. It does get more intuitive over time, though -- I was honestly surprised at how much easier everything felt the second time around. I just wish I knew now what to do with my headstrong 3 year-old.

*sends thoughts of happiness and fertility your way*

[perceval.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I was surprised at how well our friends coped. They were setting clear boundaries and her mother was also scrupulous about modelling the behaviour she expected from her daughter.

Nevertheless, there was the odd volcanic eruption of motherly dissatisfaction ... and the HUGE hug the little girl gave my husband. He visibly enjoyed her, which was a pleasant surprise given that he's not too keen on babies.

[janeylou.livejournal.com]

At least, with babies, you grow into it ...

Well ... that is the theory. But ... the actuality is far from that. I have personally never grown into my two little horrors. Personally, I blame the parents ... er ... wait a minute ... that's me! Heh!

One day, one way or another, you are going to make a fine parent. Your attitude is one to emulate. xxx

[piperx.livejournal.com]

Have to agree with the above poster. Newborns are incredibly needy, at least mine is, and I didn't feel eased into it at all. As much as I knew my life would change, it's impossible to completely prepare yourself for the reality of it.

I think having a child at any age brings about its own set of unique challenges. Remembering what a hard time I had the first couple weeks (and to a certain extent, am still having), it's hard to imagine that it only gets more difficult. I think perhaps it will be just as difficult when she gets older but in different ways. Time will tell...

*sigh* I wish I could say we'll be planning a trip to Scotland soon but I don't think it's in the cards for us this year. Not unless Psycho Sheep becomes a cult hit. ;-)