Dec 20th, 2004 

Just got time to download some more pictures from the camera while Eli is peacefully sleeping in the crib. He is 10 lbs 8 ounces now.

I did have a lot of time reading while nursing. Lately, I have been reading a lot about different philosophies for parenting. One school of thought is "attachment parenting" where parents respond to babys' needs immediately, so that babies can establish a sense of security. An example of this approach is the book called "No cry solution for sleeping through the night". Another opposing view argues that having a good marital relationship and a sensible schedule for the parents is good for the baby in the long run. In addition, babies need to learn delayed gratification and not to use cry as a way to get what s/he wants. An example of this approach is the book called "On becoming baby wise". This book is controversial and under severe attack from attachment parenting folks. Dr. Spock's approach (from the 60's) is also similar. A more neutral view is presented in the book called "Happy sleep habits, happy baby", though this book is leaning more towards the latter view. Our pediatrician also takes a more combined approach. He instructed me to let the baby sleep even if he makes some noises at night, and only responde (by feeding) if Eli is crying. He said that it is perfactly normal if baby sleeps through the night even at this young age. He believes that babies should be responsible. During the day, I was told that, I can feed Eli as often as he wants and hold him as often as I can to signal the difference between the day and night. It is fascinating to read all these books. All these help me get out of the postpartum blues - they all say it will get better every day. And one day, your baby will respond to you with an innocent smile which will make all this worthwhile.

Eli sleeps and eats a lot during the first few weeks. At the first check up with the pediatrician, we found out that he gained nearly 11 ounces in the first two weeks. My days are broken down to chunks of two to three hours, based on his feeding schedule. Eli is a very sweet boy, he seldom cries and has a very nice temperament. He doesn't even cry very often when we change his diaper.

This picture was taken a few days after we got home. Amnon was playing with his computer while Eli slept on his legs. You can call this picture "Eli Lily" because it resembles the lily flower. I had wanted to have a girl, but that too also changed after Eli was born. Now he is the precious thing in the whole world for me, and I would not trade him for anything else.

Eli is our son. He was born on November 18, 2004, 7 lbs 13 ounces and 21 inches tall.

These pictures were taken on the first day when he was born. I never thought I would be so attached to this baby - I enjoy my life, my marriage, my career and everything else and had thought that baby is just going to take away all these. During the delivery, at one point, the baby's heart beat dropped to 80 (from 140), the doctor worked hard to get it back to normal, and I suddently felt the closeness to this little creature that is inside me for 9 months. The moment when he was born, I immediately fell in love with him, much to my own surprise. I asked for room-in with him so I can feed him whenever he is hungry, so for two days, Amnon and I barely slept in the hospital. Amnon got up many times to change diapers for Eli. It is amazing that Amnon could even get up in the middle of the night. He normally can sleep so well at night and nothing can wake him up.