Miracle Blanket + Breast Milk = Good night's sleep for Papa

I just titled it that because it amused Larry, Jr. I've already written about milk, but I will add that this child is voracious. I don't think we'll have to worry that she'll be underweight at her next checkup. She wanted to eat about every 90 minutes last night. Lisa has been good humored about it. No doubt it helps that her strength is coming back now. As she says, at least we know why she's crying.

What I really aim to write about is the subject of visitors, helpers and callers. First off, you can tell who has had young children lately, because they generally comment that they won't stay too long. Excellent advice for those who those who haven't been there. It's a very good idea to phone ahead, too, to make sure the present domestic scene has deteriorated into a series of soiled diapers. I mean that literally and metaphorically. When a friend called this morning and left a message about stopping by, I had no way of knowing that Lisa would spend all morning and into the afternoon trying to knock dear daughter out with some 'white gold' (breast milk). When he phoned again from the neighborhood, I had to tell him that since Lisa was napping and Anna was just asleep, today wouldn't be great.

Even with all that feeding, I still had to give her a little formula to finally get her from 'dozy' to 'snoozy'. With dozy, they play being asleep for a few minutes before wailing for more Mama's blend.

It's great to have people who want to visit. Sometimes visitors become helpers when they drop some food. So far, we've only had Lisa's cousin Julie bring some food. Of course I can and have made lunches and dinners, but it sure is great to enjoy the kindness that comes from someone who's been particularly thoughtful. Kay and Larry took us for gelato and demonstrated enormous patience while they waited for us poky new parents. Nani and Laurel are coming by with some Chinese food tonight, and I think Jenny is bringing pot pie. My sister Pamela's family treated to Rocky's. Perhaps Ellen was a bit premature when she commented that bringing food is a lost art. As Ellen also said, "This is a huge change for you." It's great to know that friends and family are helping to smooth that change, calorically or otherwise.

Speaking of Ellen, she's been a huge help. Generous of time and spirit, she has managed to help give Lisa rest and uplift over the last week. Of course, she'd be here either way if we needed a hand, but it doesn't hurt to have a cute baby in the house. My sister Pamela's family also pitched in at a critical time and spent most of the day Saturday with us. Certainly, food is great and stuffed animals are cute, but I've been so thankful that I can get help helping Lisa to rest.

We've had other offers of help, but sometimes they become so vague that we don't know what to make of them: "If you need any help, let us know!" Probably better to offer something specific, because it's hard to take someone up on such a generic offer. Next time I suppose I'll just say yes and show them the lawn mower. No doubt people are sinceer, but it's just not particularly practical.

We've even had help from Lisa's sister Sara, who gave birth less than 48 hours after Lisa did. Wow! All of the women in Lisa's family are amazing ladies! No doubt we should expect great things from Little Ms. Anna.