Max - The Owner's Manual

I am sure those of you out there who have children would agree that it would have been wonderful if an 'owner's manual' had promptly been delivered moments after the baby.  This would eliminate so much of the guess work that tired, bleary eyed, new parents have to sort through.  At 6 weeks I think we are starting to understand Max - but I sure wish we had had a manual from the start!  I think it would have looked something like this:

   

1. During the day Max will eat every 1.5 to 2 hours

2. During the night Max will wake up 3 times to eat

3. Max is not keen on daytime napping and if he does go down it is for 30 minutes maximum UNLESS he is in his stroller, carrier or car seat - where you may get away with a full hour!  

4. Max does not like shopping malls 

5. Max will like his baths if you place a wash cloth on his tummy to keep him warm

6. When Max is fussy he tends to calm down when he is swaddled, sang to, patted on the bum and rocked while walking (Note: all of this must be done simultaneously)  

7. Max prefers Dad's finger to suck on over his pacifier

8. Spitting up occurs often and in large volume so be prepared!

9. Explosive diapers usually erupt while out of the house and on a brand new outfit

10. Car trips are OK but keep them short

11. Max enjoys getting his diaper changed and will lie happily on his change table making a funny purring noise like a raccoon (I am not kidding)

12. Max is a noisy sleeper and will toss and turn all night - keep him swaddled and he is much quieter

13. Max has a different cry when he is hungry, tired or just plain fussy - it will take you 6 weeks to decipher the 3 - good luck!

...well it may sound like we have got it all figured out - I can assure you that this baby continues to keep us on our toes!