Chris

Have I mentioned what a great father he is? He takes a 50% role in this parenting thing, which is exactly how it should be, in a 2 working-parent home. But you'd be surprised at how rare that is.

The funniest story I've heard recently was from one of Chris's co-workers. She has a friend who's husband is so uninvolved that the one night of the week that she goes out to do something for herself, he frequently gets a babysitter for the kids. He can't take care of the kids for ONE night?!

Anyhow... back to Chris. We work well as a family. We pass her back and forth, trying to ensure that her needs are met and that she doesn't spend TOO much time in various pieces of equipment to keep her occupied. We like to be hands on with her so she know that she can depend on us, and hopefully develop some new skills with our assistance.

And we BOTH get up for overnight wakings. We're both asked frequently why we don't trade off? Well, for now at least, Amelia is still primarily breastfeeding, so I'm up regardless. And we're both light sleepers, and would be awakened by the noises and such anyway. Chris reasons that by him getting up to help, it makes it more efficient and (usually) ensures a successful back to sleep for Amelia.

This is our routine:
Amelia cries. Chris gets her and unswaddles and changes her diaper. He brings her to me and I nurse for about 10 minutes. I burp her and hand her back for him to swaddle. He gives her back and I nurse for another 10 minutes or so. She goes to sleep and I signal to him that she's ready. He takes her and puts her down. That's our no-fail (except these few times - knock on wood!) night time routine.

Amelia loves her Daddy, and I have to admit, I love him too!

**One quick clarification... last night through all the drama, I gave him several opportunities to go back to bed. No point in both of us suffering, right? But he stayed up.