Inlaws going home

Early October, Magnus 3 months old.

After the birth I have a admit that I have been somewhat depressed, to a varying degree. How big a part it has played that the inlaws has been visiting for 3 months is hard to say, but it was clear that I was very much looking forward to their departure while Muna was not. In fact, she was panicking, because she did not feel we would be able to take care of Magnus by ourselves. I guess most mothers get this panic when they first go home from the hospital, but we got it now instead, when Magnus is just about 3 months old.



They were departing from Gardermoen Airport on a Friday afternoon, we took them there. I was driving Magnus around the airport in a baggage stroller carrying his car seat, and everybody looked at us. Magnus loved the new surroundings, and was looking bigeyed around at everything going on, all the people.

After checking in, it was feeding time and we found a quiet corner. It was clear that grandma and grandpa did absolutely not want to leave Magnus, they kept holding him and kissing him and taking pictures, and only reluctantly chose to pass through security to go to their gate.

We had decided to establish new daily routines right away after they left, and we had the weekend plus two more days before I was going away with work for 2 days. By then we had to get Muna comfortable.

The night time routine was established, consisting of washing or bathing starting at approximately the same time everyday - 6.30, then eating, then a nighty-nighty-song, and then go to sleep at 7, and eventhough there would be a little crying, this was sleep-time. Magnus caught on right away and fell asleep beautifully the first day without any problem.

We spent Saturday at my sisters place, and Sunday we were home and tended to our garden before the winter. We learned a couple of things, such as that Magnus would be perfectly happy lying on a blanket in the middle of the room looking at whatever was going on, and he did not need to be carried around all the time. Also he could come along outside when we were there, and as long as he was given occational attention, he was happy! And what we have previously been interpreting as "he is fussing" or "just grumpy and unhappy" or "he just wants to be held" is in many cases tired, and if he's allowed to be quiet by himself a bit at these times he will most likely fall asleep.

Already by Monday it was not scary that daddy went to work and mommy would be home alone with Magnus, and when Tuesday night came and I was leaving for Grimstad, Muna was great and enjoying her time alone with the baby.

It is great to have helpers around, but it sure is great to find out we can do well on our own as well! Although Muna misses her parents around, fortunately panic is cancelled for now, and we're a happy threesome for the first time.