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By Cheryl Bac
E-mail Cheryl Bac
About this blog: I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, home cook, marathon runner, and PhD. I recently moved to the Silicon Valley after completing my PhD in Social Psychology and becoming a mother one month apart. Before that, I ran seven marathons incl...
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About this blog: I'm a wife, stay-at-home mom, home cook, marathon runner, and PhD. I recently moved to the Silicon Valley after completing my PhD in Social Psychology and becoming a mother one month apart. Before that, I ran seven marathons including Chicago and Boston. Exercise is an integral part of my life. I hope to one day go back to long distance running and tackle the New York City Marathon. Right now I run after my one year old son. Although I am a stay-at-home mom, we are rarely "at home." My mom also stayed at home with my brother and me. She warned me that, although rewarding, it can be isolating. So, with her help, I learned the importance of getting out into the community and meeting other mothers. On the rare occasion when I am at home and have a hand or two free, I squeeze in time to scrapbook. As a new mom, many challenges are thrown my way. I hope my opinions, triumphs, and struggles help experienced parents reminisce, new parents cope, and parents-to-be get an honest glimpse of what the first years of motherhood can entail.
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Please Stand Back
Uploaded: Oct 4, 2014
In September, we were thrilled to welcome a little girl into our family. Transitioning from a family of three to a family of four is quite an experience. We are still figuring out how juggle a newborn and a toddler in the comforts of our own home, let alone out in public.
Most places we go, we get stopped by at least one stranger. Newborn babies draw people in like magnets. I enjoy telling them how many days/weeks old our daughter is and hearing congratulations. And most of the time these quick adult interactions are quite welcomed after a day spent inside with little ones. I'm so grateful when they hold a door open for us or just give me an understanding smile.
Only once did this interaction leave me uneasy. While at our daughter's doctor appointment, we were approached by a teenager. I'm sure his intentions were good, but he repeatedly tried to get way too close to me and my newborn - asking to hold her, touch her and even feed her. I felt so uncomfortable that I ended up leaving the waiting room. When I returned, I saw the same teenager approach our son (who was being watched by my husband) and another brand new baby.
For those readers with older children, when/how did you teach your children how to behave around newborns and babies? With all the nasty colds and viruses going around, it's important for them to stand back. Please let the new parent bring the baby to them (not the other way around). And if they get too excited (which is understandable...newborns are cute!), please step in. New parents have a lot to juggle already, please don't allow the situation to escalate such that they must also juggle your child.
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