Chaos Theory

I'll freely admit it... any complaints I make about lack of sleep does not compare to what my wife is going through. While I could, if I wanted to, complain about how fussy little Z is when I'm watching him, or that he won't settle, or keeps me up late... I'm not the one who is with him at 4am or 6am or on a weekday, anything involving "a.m". This is why I try to keep my mouth shut (which I haven't perfected) at whatever resultant mood or behaviour stems from his activities during the day may bring.

The learn-as-you-go reactionary approach is fun at times... really perplexing at others. For example, my little guy had a 'hygenic male procedure' last week as it seems the right thing to do these days. He was given something called Tempra beforehand to dull any pain. Afterwards, we were told to give him some every 4-6 hours "as needed".

Here's the funny thing about saying "as needed" to new parents. How the hell are we supposed to know?? When he cries, we're sorting through a multitude of things it could be from basic hunger, gas (a big one), diaper change, diaper rash, dissatisfaction with the service he's receiving.. it could be anything! He was ok the first day, but then was very fussy all-day long for the next couple. We thought it was gas and a rash. We probably should've been giving the Tempra some more. It lead to the realization of a common male axiom... If you get a knife to the bells & whistles (particularly the bell), it'll hurt for a while.

Yesterday we sampled a living example of chaos theory, otherwise known as a family dinner at the in-laws with all their grandchildren (current) involved. A month ago, my in-laws had two grandchildren... now 2 and 1. Now... they have 4 (Little Z being number 3) and number 5 will join the clan in just over a month or so. This was really my first experience with multiple small children, one of which I was responsible for. There's shrieking, yelling, things going 'bang', adults suddenly saying "No!".. and then everyone was in the door. I tip my hat to them, they're brave people hosting a family dinner where chaos is inevitable.

We also travel with more 'stuff' now in our attempts to make the little guy peaceful. Still love the bouncy chair, it's a lifesaver. I thought my Santa Fe was a decent size... a pick-up truck or cube truck seems more realistic.

I have no clue how single parents do this. I'm having trouble envisioning more than one child and managing, but apparently it's done.

When experiencing chaos, at times it's difficult to remember the positives... but then he falls asleep on you (literally) and you realize that the peaceful sounds of silence (and that he's capable of it) is the positive.. and the new goal in life.