Days 3-4 without Dad: Carrier Dealer...

...Yogesh had accused me of being a 'stroller dealer' because we've already owned 6 strollers in Deven's short life. Well, he might as well change my nickname to 'baby-carrier-dealer' because we now have owned 3 soft carriers for Deven.

1. First, there was the New Native sling: a simple black piece of fabric that worked well when Deven was 1 week old and we walked to the pediatrician (1/2 block away). But...as Deven grew, he outgrew the sling - not physically, but he acted like a cat in a bathtub if we tried to put him in it after about 3 weeks old. So...
2. ...then we started using the Bjorn: a carrier I'd seen lots and heard good things about; so we got the Baby Bjorn Active (complete with lumbar support!) My sister bought it for us off our registry - it was great. Deven had recently switched to 'front-facing' carry and loved being able to see all the action. Until I realized that I was getting awfully tired carrying Deven's now-15-lb body around in it for anything more than 1/2 hour. And, I read an article (or was it an email posting to GGMG?) that said that the Bjorn can be bad for kids when used for extended periods, because the baby's weight is on their hips (not butt, as other carriers).
3. So now, we are the proud owners of a Ergo Baby carrier in cranberry (maroon) color - and I love it! It can be worn front, hip, or back (baby always facing inwards) - the weight is on the hips, not the shoulders or back, and hands are totally free to do the 1,001 things needed to be done 'round here. Fabulous. Deven's already spent more time in it, and seemed quite content. I'd take a photo of it if I could find our camera...

Deven has definitely found his toes - consistently grabs them when lying down. He also doesn't really like to be on his back now - cries/whimpers/screams after just a few seconds. He's consistently rolling to his side and occasionally all-the-way over if put down - making diaper changes fun - but he definitely LOVES his jumper now. Will spend upwards of 30 minutes in it, happily batting at the toys on it. He hasn't really figured out how to really jump in it yet, but I'm sure that will come.

He's sleeping at an earlier time - naps are sort of consistent (though still not long enough. After waking for the day @ ~ 7:00am, today's naps, for an example, were:

• 8:30am: 30 minutes in the crib (usually 9:15am, in the stroller)
• 11:00am: 1 hour in the stroller @ the Noe Valley Farmer's Market - where we get most of our vegetables and fruit - and our weekly fix of yummy pastries from the nice bread lady, Cindy (the vegetable family from Laos can't wait until Mama comes back - she's one of their favorite customers!)
• 2:00pm: ~ 45 minutes in bed next to me (ooh, why wasn't it longer?!?). Enjoyed the new Ergo.
• 5:00pm: Yawns...but no sleep. Played in the jumper - but wouldn't nod off.
• 6:00pm: More yawns...but no sleep. Fussiness.
• 7:00pm: Ate then was out in my arms by 7:15pm. 1-minute whimper for more food; which was accommodated (sp?) and has been out in his crib since ~ 8:00pm.

I am glad he's not too difficult to put down, but I wish he'd nap longer. I'm sure it'll change again as he grows and I go back to work and the nanny and his Daadi are here to care for him. We shall see!