Ever since the first day Sara came home we have had regular Cuddle Time as a family. The way Cuddle Time works is at any moment, at anytime during the day, Chad, Sara, or I can yell "Cuddle Time"; everyone must immediately stop what they are doing (within reason of course), race and jump into our bed. Cuddle Time can be as quick as a minute or ten or longer. We cuddle, giggle, chat, or sometimes play tent. Sara is ALWAYS in the middle - with Mommy on her left and Daddy on her right.
The other night Sara called "Cuuuuddle Tiiiiiiime", and while we were chatting, I asked Sara "Where is our baby going to go for cuddle time?" Sara thought for a minute and then hopped out of bed and came back 10 seconds later with her big teddy bear (aka new baby). She hopped right back into the middle - she placed the bear between Daddy and her, then moved him between her and I, then back between Daddy and her, then finally, moved the bear onto the other side of Daddy at the edge of the bed - then she grabbed both our hands and smiled...
I predict that cuddle time will only be the first of many times that our new baby cramps Sara's style...after 6 years of having Mommy and Daddy all to herself, who can blame her??? Any suggestions on how to soften the blow for when her sibling arrives, would be much appreciated.
BTW, as we laid there we explained to Sara that "the baby cannot be on the edge of the bed and that children have to be in the middle of Mommy and Daddy for Cuddle Time." So she moved the bear between Daddy and her, then smooshed her little bum and back against me with a little shuffle to get as close to me as she could - I love that feeling, when all she wants is mommy...
5 comments:
You're right that a new child will probably cramp Sara's style for a bit. She's much older than Kellan was when we brought Ember home. Kellan was REALLY put out about Ember and pretty much hated her with a passion. He was always trying to push her away. I think just talking about the new child, maybe reading books about siblings and making sure each of you spend some time with just her will help the transition. Hopefully your new child will nap and you can spend that time just with Sara. I have a feeling that she'll be pretty excited to have a new sibling to help care for and that may help the transition too. I'm really excited that things are getting closer for you guys!
Funny we just had a moment like that with our daughter who is 6. She was cuddling with her dad, and he said, soon there will be Nev who will need some cuddles too.
She thought and said, does that mean that I won't get cuddles anymore??
and her facial expression was quite concerned.
So we had a chat and hope that helped her, but Nev will cramp J's style for awhile too.!
Cuddle time is the cutest thing I've ever heard.
I just tried it at my house. Alex ignored me and kept playing videogames and Roary looked up and gave me the stink eye.
;)
love the idea of cuddle time as well...sounds very cute (-:
That's a super cute story. I think the fact that you're talking about the new baby all the time (especially in specific situations like cuddle time) is the best preparation there is. She's going to have a hard time adjusting regardless and she'll never be completely ready for the big change. Sounds like she'll be a great big sister though . . . once she gets over the initial shock! :) In the meantime, enjoy those cuddle times!
k
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