We have finally arrived in our new home. Of course we’ve already been here for more than two weeks now, but after the busy months we had it took a while to sink in: we can slow down now. And rest, too, if it weren’t for the canines.

Settling in

Our new home is much bigger than our old one. Roughly 30 square meters, in fact. It comes with two balconies, a bedroom, an office, and a massive living room/kitchen combo. There are two bathrooms and a small storage space. Right now though the new place is mostly one thing: an utter mess.

It probably does not help that we do not possess any furniture. Our previous flats were always furnished. In Germany, however, most people who rent move their furniture and sometimes even kitchens around with them. Thus, most apartments come unfurnished. No furniture means that we cannot unpack the boxes we packed. We still live out of our suitcases. Toys are all over the place. You get the picture.

We would of course get furniture. In fact we are in the middle of acquiring some. Since the weekend we even own a bed. How fancy is that? Still we have much to go and limited funds due to all the deposit we had to pay upfront. Add to that delivery and building time, I estimate we will only feel completely settled by the end of the year or so.

Our newly build bed – super cozy!

Canines

Now that we have a bed and a more predictable routine for Bubsi, I was hoping for a little more rest at night. I desperately need some time to recover from the busy summer we had. Hell, I still didn’t get to telling you all about the wedding (which is nearly two months ago, but I didn’t manage to even toil through the pictures). Resting at night is not to be though, it seems.

For the past week and a half, I have not slept more than 1.5 hours in one go. At first I was confused that Bubsi wanted to nurse so often. I put it down to the many recent changes in her life, and that could well be part of it. This past Sunday a more potent explanation has revealed itself instead. Bubsi is teething.

Not just one tooth is making its way out, but three. All at once, three canines seek to break through, hurting Bubsi a lot. And stealing my sleep in the process. Supposedly I should be happy they come all at once, so I do not have to experience this restless phase for each of them. Timing is a bit off though, what with post-stress relaxing.

Sleeping is for non-teethers

Overall, Bubsi is a decent teether. She doesn’t need medication and is not overly whiny or clingy. Teething just results in a rash over the butt and back (thankfully non-itchy!) and a refusal to sleep. You get it, the latter part is a killer ;). Bubsi takes on average 2 hours to put down right now, even when she is so tired she stumbles over her own feet. For both nap and bedtime.

This alone is trying my patience, but due to the teething pain she also asks to nurse more frequently. During the day that is not an issue as I now have more flexibility to accommodate Bubsi’s needs (I wonder how mothers with two or more kids fare in this situation). At night it’s terrible. I feel as if I’ve barely closed my eyes when I hear her voice asking for “Bubu” yet again. Papa comments that now at least she asks instead of simply crying. Her language is advancing marvelously. Let’s just hope that her canines come quick – one is out already – and that this phase too shall pass.

To many restful nights to come