Sometimes I feel like my older boys are considered chopped liver to other people around us. Now granted, if you were to ask these people if they felt that way, they would assure you up and down that depiction is inaccurate; however, actions speak louder than words. Just be grateful James and Sam are not old enough (although they may be getting there) to understand the whole measure of affection and love poured out on baby David and how little they are getting in terms of attention. I am well aware there are times when David requires more assistance (feeding a bottle, changing a diaper, etc.), and sure, most people love to hold an adorable little baby who smiles, coos, giggles and snuggles you. There is nothing wrong with that. I am not asking you to stop loving on David...of course not! I am asking for you to create more of a balance between the affection you pour out so willing to baby David and the attention you begrudgingly (or so it seems to me) give to my sweet older boys.
It is okay to put the baby down and spend some time with the older boys. David enjoys watching his brothers play from the bouncer or swing, and he also enjoys spending time on his tummy watching the world and rolling over. If nothing else, hold David while interacting with the older boys...take the baby outside to watch James and Sam dig in the dirt. Show them you do care about them...I know you do, but I also know sometimes you get too wrapped up in the newness of a precious baby and you forget about the two whom you have already formed bonds with. If David falls asleep on you, hold him for awhile and then set him down, so you can love on James and Sam. They also desire your attention. They ask for you to play with them. They ask you to give the baby to Mommy or to put him down and play. They ask because they care and they want to spend time with you.
If you always turn them down, eventually they will stop asking, and there will come a time you truly regret that. I honestly believe so.
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