Coming home for the holidays is probably the best part of my year. Living so far away from my family has made me appreciate every minute I get to spend with them.
This year was extra special as I got to bring home my one-year-old daughter, Audrey. I was so excited to see people’s reactions to how big she has gotten, and how much time she will get to spend with her cousins.
In reality, I should have better prepared for the situation instead of daydreaming about matching cousin outfits.
Home For The Holidays
Audrey did NOT like anyone! She wasn’t used to her new surroundings. She clung to me the entire time and freaked out when I would go to pick up her cousins.
I have never seen her so needy and unsure of the situation. Talk about the WORST time to introduce my child to her relatives.
After a few meltdowns, hers and mine, she finally understood that these people were her family.
What started off as hesitation turned into Audrey waking up every morning asking for her cousins. Talk about heartbreaking when we had to leave.
What helped her adjust was simple, but not so obvious in the beginning. She needed her own things. A little bit of home in this strange new place. I put her favorite blanket in bed with her and played her favorite shows that we watch at home. The more I added familiar things, the more comfortable she became.
I sometimes forget that she doesn’t adjust as fast as we do, and I need to be patient with her. For babies, a new environment can be overwhelming. The people, the scenery, even the smell is different. It’s a lot to try and take it all in.
I’m still learning as a mom and need to realize that. Being patient and helping her to adjust was all she needed in the end.
Stacie – Mom of Audrey
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