First Cold & Sensory Fun

Nora is at the tail end of her first cold.  She had sniffles months ago and one horrible six-hour stomach bug at 4 months old...but nothing like this.  She fights to breath through her stuffed nose.  Moans in her crib - half-asleep - but irritated at the obstructions.  And she's teething...or maybe it is all just teething-related and not a cold at all.  I haven't found anyone who can tell me for sure which is which.  And, I suppose, it doesn't even matter.

Since Monday morning, she is my super-shadow.  Choosing 10+ nursing sessions a day and night, in lieu of food.  Signing "nurse" over and over with glazed eyes, dripping red nose, and crusty eyes.  It's a sight to be seen.  My heart breaks that she's not feeling well...and my own body is starting to feel the drag of caring for her throughout the night...but the extra cuddling time from my typical non-cuddler has been a nice side-effect. Sleep training is out the window now that she's sick.

And it's a lonely road.  Makes me realize just how much we both get out of our social outings.  Monday was to be a bike ride along the beach, yesterday was painting with pudding at the park, and today was to be a playdate...instead, we bundle up and take walks in the fresh air around the neighborhood. Dipping into the coffee shop for a hot tea to-go.  Strolling through the neighborhood, pointing out the falling leaves, and trying not to interact with anyone and spread her germs.

Oh, and the construction continues.  The 2.5 week adventure of construction crews and landscapers being in our back yard for hours each day is coming to an end.  The hammers, buzz saws, door slamming, the contractor's terrier, Minnie, constant yipping, the deck sealing fumes, the chain saws, the crew men yelling back and forth, the blocked parking space, the interruption of 75% of ALL NAPS for TWO AND A HALF weeks is almost finished. 

For instance, right now, the truck doors are slamming, the dog is barking, and Nora has started to moan. She's been asleep for only 10 minutes!  Grrrrr...says the Mama Bear.

Nevertheless, we have managed to have a good time.  I set out my first "sensory invitation."  Three bowls filled with things to touch, scoop, dump, and mix.  Bow-tie pasta, penne pasta, and brown rice.  Nora loved it.  

For three days now, she's reached for the bowls on the counter and we set them all down on the floor and she goes to town.  Always putting some treasures in my shoes, mixing them all together, and her favorite activity -- dumping.

 

 

I had to take a deep breath before letting her play.  I knew there would be a mess.  I knew I would find rice grains and pasta crunched between my toes for weeks to come...but childhood should be a bit messy.  And if we had a fenced yard (which we SOON will), I would do this type of thing outside.  It occupies her for 20 minutes...which is spectacular!  She wants me near but can do her own thing for a few minutes before needing some interaction. 

This website has inspired me in incredible ways.  Each day I visit them to:

 A. feel a twinge of laziness and guilt

B. get inspired to find something simple to spark Nora's mind for the day

 

***And they've done it...AGAIN.  For the 88th time, the contractor has slammed his door and his menacing slime-dog is barking... waking Nora from her nap.  Awesome!

This is the type of day when I fantasize about my nanny who shows up at my door right at 4:30pm and says, "Even though Nora has a cold, let me take her on an afternoon stroll and give you a little break.  I've poured you a glass of chilled sweet wine and placed it by your book on the nightstand.  We'll be back in an hour to tidy up the house and prepare dinner. "  

 

Oh, Daniel's arrival at 6pm and 30 minutes of help before bedtime is a long, long, long way off.  

And editing this post is not going to happen. Grammar and spelling be damned...

 

Comments

[Courtney]

I'm fairly certain that she has just about the sweetest little voice ever. And those curls around her ears are so adorable=) Sorry she's sick and that you guys are lonely for your friends....wish we were closer. I wish I could come at 4:30 and take your sick baby for a walk...give you a much needed break. I love you!

[Zora]

Oh, Courtney, to see you and your boys on our doorstep...walking down the block with Nora in the stroller would melt my heart. Then, I'd promptly drink a bottle of wine! Love to you all.