We made it through the first week!
On Wednesday, I was feeling like this day would never come. I don't know why, but I had it in my head that I'd be okay if I could just make it to the one week mark. This stuff is hard, y'all. Sleep deprivation is no joke. But early yesterday morning when I was nursing my sweet boy before the sun came up, I was thinking about how at that time last week I was in a hospital bed, preparing to meet him. And I couldn't believe how much my life has changed in just one week. (And I was right. Things feel much more manageable now.)
We're still trying to figure each other out, but it's going well. Jack is such an amazing baby, rarely crying unless it's because he's really hungry and I'm trying to do something silly like change his diaper or the onesie he just peed through.
We've almost gotten the whole sleep thing stabilized, thanks to a last-ditch attempt when we put him in his car seat by our bed. We think there may be some reflux issues going on that are keeping him from being comfortable when he's flat on his back. He never would fully settle down and I wasn't getting more than 45 minutes of sleep at a time. But since we moved him to the car seat, he's been going down around 9 or 10 and waking up every 2-3 hours. And those few hours of solid sleep make such a huge difference, amen?
Every day - honestly, every hour - he changes and we're seeing more of his personality. He's awake and alert more during the day, which I love. He gets the hiccups about as much as he did when he was inside me. He makes these crazy mouse-like noises when he sleeps that just crack us up. He pumps his right leg when he gets really worked up. He doesn't mind Rudy's kisses. He loves his pacifier and the swing. He doesn't like to be naked.
And when he breaks out into a sleepy, milky little smile when he's nursing? I melt.
We do love that boy.
"Milk drunk" was one of my absolute favorite things...you just can't underestimate the satisfaction of fulfilling your sons needs to the point that he's in bliss... Keep up the good work. I can vouch for the fact that it gets more and more fun everyday until at least 2 1/2...beyond that, I don't know yet!
ReplyDeleteI'm so excited for this post...I've been stalking my google reader waiting for a post from you to pop up.
ReplyDeleteI want to meet him so bad! He's so precious!
"And when he breaks out into a sleepy, milky little smile when he's nursing? I melt."
ReplyDeleteGirl, that is like heaven isn't it? I think this must be a favorite moment of mothers everywhere. Treasure this time with him, filling his every need with your time, nutrition, voice, smell, and touch.
He's so adorable! Those first few months are pretty rough, but I promise you will make it through :) Sleeping 2-3 hours at a time is great! I remember thinking, if I could just get 4 solid hours of sleep I would feel like a new woman. But it's so true. Those few hours of sleep in a row are key to keeping your sanity. So glad he's letting you get a little rest.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness. Love. This phase is hard, but so, so good. my favorite. soak it all up sister. praying for you in this special time.
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