Marietjie says:
It has been 3 weeks since Roelf and I have officially become parents of a tiny baby boy called Benjamin. In a way it feels like so much more than 21 odd days – probably because one fits in such a degree of intense emotion in so little time. From utter ecstasy and a deep sense of recognition at seeing that little face at last, to an overwhelming sense of love and an almost instinctive feeling of anxiety to protect this small life granted to you. But for me, maybe the most surprising and unexpected feeling was one of being so connected to the rest of humanity. It still moves me deeply that even the slightest and most casual acquaintance has taken such an interest in this brand new little life. Our friends, family and even those we know only because of the functional role they play in our daily lives: the shop attendant, waitress, client, colleague – all has welcomed Benjamin so warmly in our world and all, without exception has showered him with love and good wishes. I open his cupboard and look at all the gifts he has received, all the gift tags, cards from bouquets of flowers. I close my eyes fleetingly and think of the excitement with which his being has been greeted right from the beginning when he was just a tiny blip on the sonar screen. And I think … lucky boy !!!
Meeting the Family
Everyone that knows us realize that the term “domestic animal” does not apply in our household. We were a family long before the arrival of Benjamin. Our cats and dog have always been a source of delight to us and it was with some trepidation that we watched them meeting the new member of the family. No worries. As you can see, he has been given the “stamp of approval”!
Bath Time
True to the tradition of being a little boy, I did not favour baths. And I mean I hated them – right from the start. My aunt taught my mom a little trick with the towel. She swaddles me and then puts me and the towel in the bath. Now it’s not so bad any more. I think I can get used to this….
Sleeping
Sleeping is one of my favourite things to do. Well for the moment anyway. I could publish a book on 101 sleeping positions for babies.
Feeding
I love my bottle. And the breast. And the dummy. Come to think of it, anything that resembles a teat. My dad is quite good at feeding. We both like having quiet time together. We stare at each other. We don’t talk much. I burp. It’s a man thing.
