2 Weeks: Learning

Well another week has flown by and we are all still alive!  We continue to work hard to adjust to life with a baby.  Things like running to the grocery store or taking a nice long shower are no longer as simple.  We have to work on planning things out more and knowing who is going to watch her while the other gets stuff done.  Yes, she still sleeps a lot, and although everyone says to sleep when she sleeps, we find this is the best time to clean up and work around the house.  Speaking of that, I look around my house right now and it is in a standard state of disarray!  There is baby stuff everywhere!  We have not quite figure out the flow of where to keep things and how to organize things, so that it lasts for more than 4 or 5 hours.

The baby, as I'm sure your wondering, is doing great!  We were at the doctor on Thursday for a weight check and she weighed about 7 lbs 4 oz, which means she has already passed her birth weight.  (She ought to based on how much she eats!)  She is eating really well, taking a bottle of breast milk every three hours during the day and then going longer stretches at night.  Yes, I did say bottle.  I am exclusively pumping now and it has made life so much less stressful!  It allows me to relax while getting milk out, allows me to measure and be sure of how much baby girl is getting, and allows Dad to be a huge part of feeding and bonding with Millie.  We love it!  She is starting to spend more time awake during the day and is more alert to things that are going on around her, looking at toys, etc.  She experienced her first Steeler's game, but slept through the whole thing, and also got to meet her cousin Callen (my Brother's son who will be 2 in October).  He was very curious and liked to rock her while she was in her cradle, but wasn't too fond of the idea of sharing his Ba (grandma).

Go Steeler's!!!

Cousin Callen rocking Millie.

I continue to feel a little more like myself everyday, but still struggle with not getting enough sleep at night.  I am learning so much everyday, about myself and about being a mom.  Here are a few snapshots of my most recent lessons.

1. Taking a bubble bath is a hot commodity, close your eyes and enjoy it instead of trying to read another chapter in your book.
2. A trip to Giant by yourself is like a vacation.
3. Driving your car after not driving for 2.5 weeks is a little weird. 
4. The bottle warmer simply does not warm it fast enough when you have a screaming baby.
5. Finding time to take a long enough shower to shave your legs, just doesn't happen.
6. Baby will scream as soon as you leave to go to the bathroom.
7. Minnie Mouse, chirping birds, and a nuk are a magical combination. 
8. Letting your house get messy is OK!
9. After you finish laundry you are likely to be pulling clean clothes out of the dryer for a few days, because you just don't have time to put them away.
10. Grunting and a red face is usually the sign that a really full diaper is in the near future.
11. You just don't do your hair after your shower, thank God for pony tail holders.
12. Taking my own newborn pictures is going to be more of a challenge than I had planned.
13. Nothing calms a fussy baby like snuggling on mom's chest.
14.  It really boosts your self-confidence when you pick up your crying baby and she stops crying just because you are holding her.
15. They don't make diaper bags big enough for all the stuff you need to take with you when you leave the house.
16. I still could just stare at her all day long!  Love Love Love!
17. My husband is the best!  Not only does he take care of things around the house, he makes sure that I'm fed, helps so much with Millie (diapers and feedings especially), deals with my mood swings, takes care of the dogs, cuddles in bed with me and baby girl while watching lifetime movies, and of course is the best pillow... We love you Daddy!  <3

 

Snuggle time with Daddy!