Starting tomorrow, for a half day, and again tuesday afternoon, then all day on wednesday, Robyn will be be caring for Finn.
So an update is in order.
Robyn suggested a schedule, which I'm going to do here, after noting that this is pretty subject to change, daily. And that a visit to the park can trump staying home for a nap unless there are signs of sleepiness (eye rubbing, yawning, fussiness).
Daily Life with Finn:
(Between) 7-8am Finn wakes up, has breakfast
10-ISH One to two hour nap
12-ish Lunch
As early as 3, as late as 5: one to two hour nap in the afternoon: variable timing.
Often depends on quality of earlier nap.
6-ish: dinner
Diapers get changed every 1.5 to two hours (disposable can go a longer). The cloth diapers hit their limit and will leak. It happens. Throw wet diaper covers in the washing machine, or hamper.
Bottles are not timed, but on demand, so he'll have a full bottle (8 oz or more) every three to four hours. He doesn't cry when he's hungry, but tends to stay close and want to be held. Sometimes he uses the "milk" sign.
You can also give snacks anytime: fruit, dried mango, crackers.
Finn has a more or less uninterrupted routine since he's at home. He adapts easily to fitting his naps around or during other activities. He will fall asleep in the stroller, or yesterday, in my arms at a party for an hour or so. If he's really tired, he'll sleep. So I'd prioritize getting outside and seeing interesting things every day over naps. In fact, he will sleep better after a good time. Don't we all...
Get Arne to show you:
1. The carriers, and how the stroller works.2. the bottle warmer
3. the camera and the video camera :)
4. our internet password
5. the baby-signing dvd and book (the highlighted words are what we're going to start introducing)
6. a map of the neighbourhood including our regular spots: parks, shops, library etc.
We will leave some cash for you to pick up random things when you need them: food items, or bubbles, for example.
And I will right now draw up a list of phone numbers and put it on the fridge.
As you will see, he's an easygoing, fun loving, active little fellow. And he always lets us know what he needs, so you won't be second guessing.
And of course, we're easy to reach.
THANK YOU!!!
You're of course going to be giving Finn the constellation of virtues that you bring to everything, but I want to say the simple truth that more basic than this, it's a relief that he'll be cared by someone whose work IS to care for him. Arne has been at home with him, but always has work stuff on the back of his mind to attend to whenever he gets a spare moment. And when I was home with him, it was a bit the same since I wasn't sure what I was returning to. So nanny time is quality time. He knows this, and he loves it. He'll have moments of dispair for not seeing his ma/da. Overall he'll be your buddy.
