Tough Lovin'

We have always been of the view that a good way to raise kids is with some tough lovin'. I understand that you want the best for your kids, and that you really want them to like you as a parent, but I also know that kids get majorly screwed up when parents are too relaxed and let the kids control their lives. So, since today is Harrison's 1 month birthday, Devynn and I decided to start letting him cry himself to sleep at night. Last night, after the feeding around 3:00, we let him cry himself to sleep. He would cry for about 10 minutes, then whimper and the sounds would die off. Then, a few minutes later, I think he would realize that he was asleep and that he did it himself, and wake up and cry again. We let him do this for about an hour, and he was actually asleep (or not making sounds, at least) for about 10 minutes at one point. However, after an hour, Dev and I decided that he probably wouldn't do it that night. But, have no fear, we aren't giving up that easily. We are going to keep trying this until he gets the idea. We'll see how it goes.

In other news, I have been taking this juice recently (Devynn can't because of the effects on Harrison). It is a Himalayan berry-derived juice that has a special chemical makeup that makes your blood alkaline, rather than acid. Having an acidic pH in your body is linked to cancer, Lupus, and a host of other maladies. Aside from the health benefits, it also gives you TONS of energy. Anyways, I think that a lot of people could benefit from it. Obviously, I have not seen for myself that it helps in cancer treatment and other ailments, but I have noticed increased energy, and I seem to not get sick as much. The reason I am telling you this is because I don't recommend products to people that I do not believe in myself, and would not use myself. This is one product that is worth it, to me. I think everyone should try it. If you are interested in more information on this, please let me know, and I will gladly let you know.

"Normal" Life

SO, I guess this is "normal" life. The family have all left, I am back to work, the house is messy and needs cleaned, and no one has come to claim this baby that appeared at our house a few weeks ago. I guess we will just have to keep him.
It is still exciting being a new dad. It's hard sometimes, but Devynn is good, and it was nice to have my family here to help out. I feel bad, though, because I don't know if my parents got to hold him as much as they wanted. There were just so many people around. I should have been more forward and told people that since my parents aren't able to be around as much, that they should have had priority on snuggles. Oh well, I guess they will just have to come and visit more often.

I'm really a dad

So I'm really a daddy. It's hard to believe, but this child just isn't going away. The first week or so, you have this feeling that this kid's parents are coming back any minute to take him back home, and then it dawns on you....you ARE his parents! Honestly, we have been really enjoying it. We have enjoyed getting to know Harrison and getting to learn his personality and temperament and that he already has likes and dislikes: he likes mom, and dislikes baths (I don't think that's all that unique, though). The cats are starting to realize that this is one crying thing that isn't going to leave any time soon, either, so they are starting to try and make friendly with him. Inde sniffs him down good every morning to make sure it's the same kid and we aren't trying to pull a fast one on him and change babies. I think he does get a little confused when we give Harrison a bath; he must smell a little different. All in all, it's been a good experience, so far. I know it's no where near over, but we really enjoy being parents, especially when he's so cute.

In other news, we found out recently that Devynn won't have to go back to work so soon, because I got a promotion at work, and have been hired on full-time as a trainee in the Financial Services side at our branch. The training is 3 months, but it's a position I have been working for now for quite some time, and I am very excited to start. After the 3 months, I will get posted to a permanent branch in the city -- mine is just going to train me. It's been a good couple of weeks, to say the least.