Parenting 101 - Lessons from Laney

Over the past 3 weeks, I've been busy teaching my mom and dad all about parenting.  So far, they're doing pretty well.  Here are a couple of the important lessons that they have learned so far:

1.  I am going to need ALL your attention when I'm awake.  Don't go thinking that you can check your cell phone while burping me or check your email while bouncing me on the couch because I'm onto you!

2.  If your legs are tired or you just can't rock me anymore, I would recommend using an exercise ball. (Dad - I appreciate you spending countless hours in a daze bouncing me to sleep at 2 am)

3.  If I'm grunting, I'm going to be needing a diaper change very soon.  (Let's hope I outgrow that by middle school...)

4.  I love to be close to you! You can hold me close or use one of those great carriers so you can do other things...but what is better than cuddling me!

5.  That Harvey Karp from The Happiest Baby on the Block really knows what he's talking about!  If I'm a little fussy (which is to be expected when you consider all I've been through), just try the 5 S's.

6. When you get up in the morning, you won't have any time to yourself.  When I wake up, I'm ready to play...and by play I mean stare at you and blink and if you're lucky make silly faces. If you really want excitement, stick out your tongue and I'll stick mine out right back at you!

 I have many more lessons to teach my parents, but so far they're doing great! Thanks especially to their wonderful friends and family for all their help! Apparently, having me at home can be pretty overwhelming and they wouldn't be able to do it without all the support.  (Plus, they have LOVED the tasty meals!!)

 Keep it up, Mom and Dad!

 Love, Laney