Bonding with my Daughter

May 19, 2016

This is a sponsored post, focused on bonding with my daughter written by me on behalf of Disney Baby. All opinions are 100% mine.

Bonding with my Daughter

I can’t help but think about how Noelle’s first few years of life will be different than her brother’s. As a first born, Landon had my complete attention. I would be lying if I said I don’t occasionally miss those days (although I wouldn’t change a thing); I miss being able to give myself fully to one child instead of having this constant inner battle of how to divide my attention. There are many days both are crying at once and I’m ready to break down into tears myself because I’m only one person and both need me in that moment.

I feel the mama guilt that Landon now has to share my attention and that they both rarely receive one on one time. But I realize that this is just what it is to have multiple children. I do try my best to give each of them individual attention, and I know it’s been beneficial by their behavior changes when I do. Landon throws fewer tantrums and is a better listener, and Noelle is more content. This is a balance I’m still learning, but I do think one on one time with each parent is definitely important as they grow.

I try to take full advantage of Landon’s nap time because it’s my only moment alone with Noelle (aside from her late night nursing sessions). Here are some ways I make sure we have that special one on one time at her young age.

Breastfeeding. This is a given, but I do love the quiet nursing sessions I have with Noelle. Usually, this is during Landon’s nap time or when I get her ready for bed. We have cuddle time as well, and it’s just a really lovely moment between the two of us. There are many times she falls asleep and I just hold her because I don’t want to let go. I can get really emotional over this because my husband has been pretty against having a third baby, and I’m not quite ready to say I’m done. I don’t know what will happen in the future, but I hate to think this is the last baby of mine I’ll get to do this with. I also didn’t get to breastfeed Landon, so I cherish these moments!

Playtime. If Noelle’s nap isn’t coinciding with Landon’s that day, we’ll have some playtime together while big brother sleeps. Noelle still loves her tummy time mat and really enjoys rolling around. I play with her feet and sing her some songs, which she’s been loving. She’s also really loving when we read to Landon, so I have a couple of sweet girly books I’ll read to her as well.

Bath time. I don’t usually give baths to the kids (my husband prefers to) but once Noelle had a blow out during a time when Landon was at “school” and I had to bathe her (it was one of those!). It was SO relaxing! We played in the tub a bit and then I nursed her to sleep afterward. It was one of those mommy-daughter moments that was really special. I’ll often use that time to clip or file her nails as well because those things are like claws when they’re too long! I’ve found doing it during a time when she’s relaxed is best for both of us. I recently picked up this cute Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Health & Grooming Kit from Disney Baby at Walmart (I’m obsessed with pink, what can I say), and Noelle enjoys playing with the comb and brush during the process.

I really can’t wait for Noelle to be older so we can have mommy-daughter dates. I know they’ll involve shopping and a mani/pedi (hopefully she takes after me and likes those!). But in the meantime, I am bonding with my daughter in more important ways.