That same google search brought up a page where the period of 40 in the Bible is described as pointing to probation, trial, testing... It's interesting, because in some traditions a newborn and the mother have a 40-day period of confinement where they don't go out or do any extra work besides resting and healing and caring for the baby. I read about a Kazakh tradition of having a 40-day coming out party for the baby where he meets the family and receives blessings from them and a lock of his hair is cut and tucked away in an envelope. Somewhere else I heard about families sharing photos of the baby after 40 days. I like these celebrations. And it feels like an achievement to think we are now through a sort of probation period, even though we didn't exactly stay confined or throw a party.
In honor of Hendrik's 40 days, here are pictures of how he's grown.
This 6 week photo from yesterday is unfortunately par for the course these last few days. Poor Hendrik has suddenly had a few days of being super fussy and sleep resistant. After his usual night of 2-3 awakenings (depends on how you count it) and long feedings, he slept one time today for an hour or two. He seemed really drowsy a few more times but just would not sleep, despite all sorts of soothing and feeding and whatnot. Dr. Weissbluth says baby fussiness peaks around 6-8 weeks, so hopefully we're normal. It's been a long few days, and it'll probably get worse before it gets better, but I keep reminding myself that we are so blessed. The sleep deprivation is worth it a million times over to have the gift of this little boy.
So Hendrik, a 40-day blessing for you: May our Lord Jesus Christ keep you from falling and present you before God's glorious presence without fault and with great joy!