Evening update

The psychologist called me back and, when he asked what was going on, didn’t seem at all taken aback by the post-partum bit, so hopefully he’ll be comfortable dealing with it. And he was able to give me an appointment for Wednesday morning, which is really quick.

After we hung up I realized who he is. He’s the father of one of the kids from the youth group I used to volunteer with at the church we used to go to. Hmmm… I wonder if he’ll remember me. I hope it isn’t awkward. Even if it is, I would guess he’d be able to refer me to someone else.

It’s been a sad, somewhat weepy day. I’ve done lots of just sitting around.

I did interact with Amy for a while — talked to her and stroked her head while Mark changed her, then held her while Mark got a bottle ready, then I fed her that bottle and some of another (she was pretty hungry). I could hear big gurgles in her belly, and strong sucking noises on the bottle — what a guzzler. She could probably place well in a belching or farting contest, too. (That’s my girl!) I had a bit of a hard time burping her in the forward position, because she kept trying to lean backwards — she’s getting stronger. She’s even got more neck control now.

I confess I was glad when the doctor’s phone call interrupted and I had to hand the baby over to Mark to finish the feeding. Mark says he feels the same way when he hands her over to his mom. Was it the midwives or someone else reminding us that our culture is disadvantaged in this regard — other places the whole extended family lives together and the baby gets passed around for everyone to nurture. I’m sure there are disadvantages to that arrangement, too, but it sounds a lot easier for new parents. I suppose the three of us should be glad we have each other to pass the baby to, and not feel bad about it. There’s no reason any one of us should feel the need to do it all.

Kate brought us dinner tonight (Ann F last night; thank you both!), and we plan to eat soon and then watch last week’s episode of House (which we taped since we couldn’t watch it then). My hosts are out until 9:30, so I am going to try to stay home longer this evening. I wonder what it’s like in the evenings here, and I wonder how they work out the nighttime part.