This past week has been basically settling into the routine of caring for a newborn. Keira likes to sleep, only cries when she is really hungry and so far the biggest hassle has been for me keeping my energy up while getting up every three hours or so each night. Keira gives me at least one stint of four hours between a feed, otherwise it is every three hours like an alarm clock. She does the same during the day, and pretty much goes back to sleep within 15 minutes or so of being awake. Her biggest awake time is now between 6-9pm, where she will usually be unsettled and want to be cuddled. This is right when Alesia is tired and cranky and needs to go to bed, so evenings have suddenly become a lot more noisy and tiring.
Alesia has been pretty good and loves to give Keira cuddles. She told me the other night that she liked Keira but wanted her to be "more like me, so we can play." Chris has now gone back to work, so today (Monday) is my first day at home alone with both the girls. Alesia has picked up a cold and her nose is running like a tap. So I have spent all day trying to wipe her nose and then wash my hands before picking up Keira. I think I am fighting a losing battle, but Keira has slept most of the day away so has not been too close to Alesia that often.
Last Thursday Alesia was at Family Day Care so Chris and I decided to see a movie. Some of the cinema's in Sydney have cry rooms that families can use. We went to see "Casino Royale" (we figured something not to deep was best if we had a crying Keira to deal with). The cinema was basically empty and the cryroom was all ours. It was like having a private booth and the sound quality was excellent. Keira slept the entire movie, despite the explosions, car chases etc.
I decided I wanted to sent a family photo out for a Christmas card, so on Friday morning we all managed to be up and reasonably dressed before Alesia went to daycare. I reminded myself of my mother trying to get family photos when I was pushing Alesia to get dressed and have her hair done. The happy snaps Chris took before the "official" photo show how tired we all were, but the actual photo itself has turned out well. I will stick it on this site in a few weeks, as most people who read this will get their own copy in the mail so you can wait to see the photo!
We had our "Sydney Christmas" on Sunday with Aunty Sallymae, Uncle Mat and Aunty Rontania. This time we went out for breakfast to one of the local cafes. We gave Alesia her presents and she had fun opening them. She has been happily playing doctor with the play medical kit Sallymae gave her, and travelling to the airport with the pink suitcase that we gave her (she saw it herself in Target so I went back to get it - it is not something that I would willingly buy otherwise!). We will be driving to Melbourne on Friday, so Alesia was also given lots of books that will keep her busy in the car.
Its time for Keira to wake up and for Alesia to watch PlaySchool. So I think I will grab a drink while I still have a few moments to myself!
