Dayton ~ 3 Weeks

 Everyone always told me that time flies when you have kids. Well...it's already flying. We've hit 3 weeks and our little man is growing - fast! I feel like every time that I wake up and pick up my little bundle of love he's bigger. I know, I know that's a good thing and that's what he's supposed to do. Gone are the days of my little 6 pound muchkin. Sigh.

I have to say, I am loving every second of being a Momma. I love the snuggles, his little faces, his smell, when he holds my fingers, nursing, and even the cries, the diaper changes, and the late night eating times. I do. I love it all. Having our little bug makes me want like 10 more babies. Okay, maybe not 10 but I could definitely be that lady that has 5 or 6 kids. I'm sure we'll settle somewhere around 3. If all my babies are as good as Dayton, it will be hard to stop!

Week 3 is still going very well - I think. We had a few "rough days" when our schedule got a little off which was totally my fault. I say "rough days" because all that means is that he cried a tiny bit more when he was hungry. Little bug is also more alert and ready to "talk" and play this week. He still eats and sleeps...a ton, which is fine by us!

My parents left on Saturday morning, which was hard. I did pretty well not crying until the door shut. Then I cried. Good thing my mom left quick and walked straight to the van where I couldn't see her. I know if she had teared up in front of me, I really would have lost it. Thank you Momma. I know we were both a mess, even though both of us will barely admit it. Neither of us are good at the crying thing. After my parents left, I went to Sister Beth's work baby shower. I had worked at Beth's office last summer, so it was fun to see everyone while we celebrated Baby P! Can't wait till Dayton's cousin gets here!!

The weather stunk this week, so we didn't get out too much. We were able to go on a few walks at the beginning of the week and then the end of the week. It rained a ton and was cold. Come on Iowa! This Momma needs some warm weather so that Dayton and I can get started on our runs! I can't really complain though, because when it rains it means that it's not snowing. Hallelujah! One notable thing however, one day when my mom and I were out on a walk with Dayton and Abe, we ran into one of my neighbors and former co-workers. We stopped to talk and another neighbor came up with her dog (a golden retriever). Abe barked his big head off while I was trying to hold him back. It's weird because Abe almost never barks, especially at other dogs. I told our neighbor that he was super friendly and just wanted to play. She said the same so we let the dogs near sniff each other. All of a sudden, Abe started growling and actually nipped at the dog. I could not believe it!! The only thing I can come up with is that Abe was being protective of Dayton. Abe is really protective of Dayton at the house - finding him, making sure he's okay, laying next to him on the floor, and laying in the room while I nurse. I guess Abe is the baby guard dog!

Look at that little grin!!

Mommy: I'm doing fabulous. Honestly. My incision doesn't hurt, I've lost a ton of baby weight, I am getting enough sleep to keep me going, and I'm just itching to get back into the gym (duh). Don't worry, I'm waiting at least another week when we introduce bottles (of breast milk). I haven't had any emotional days. Of course, my lack or non-existing hormones probably have something to so with that. I never experienced the "hormonal roller coaster" that all of our friends warned us about. I did get a little "teary" when my milk came in, but that's been about it. The hubs even commented about my lack of hormonal ups and downs. Whew.

Nursing/Eating:Nursing is still going great. Little man has officially got the hang of the "latch." Now he gets on, eats, gets off, switches, and repeats. Proud Momma! We didn't have a ton of problems before, but it's just easier now. Which is great for both of us. Dayton was eating every 2 hours throughout the day, and by mid-week we were able to stretch it to a 3 hour schedule. Since he is latching so easily, he is eating more during each feeding and is able to go 3 longer between each feeding. Yay! I am still pumping at least 3-4 times in a 24 hour time period. I am getting about 3 or 4 6 oz. bags to freeze each day. My supply is getting pretty large. Thankfully, we have a deep freeze and can store the milk for 6-12 months. Woohoo! If I can keep this rate up, I will have a months supply in no time.

Honestly, this is a huge relief for me. I really want to exclusively breast feed for a year - if I can stand it that long. Realistically, that's a huge commitment. If I can get to 8 months (December), I would be really happy with that. I worried so much about my milk supply while I was pregnant. I know it would be okay if it didn't work out, but I would be incredibly disappointed if breast feeding hadn't or doesn't work out. I am eating plenty of calories, drinking a ton of water, and eating breast feeding boosting foods. I've done my research. Also, pumping has been a huge help. If I take it out, my body replaces it so I have been really good about making sure I pump after certain feedings for 10-15 minutes. It's working great!

Sleeping: Dayton sleeps about 1 1/2 to 2 hours between feedings and is still sleeping 4-5 hour blocks of time at night. Woohoo! We stopped swaddling Dayton during the day, but we still swaddle him at night. We want him to learn the difference between day and night schedules and sleep. So far, so good.He does sleep really well when he's swaddled! He is still sleeping in the co-sleeper in our room. I'm not sure when we will switch him to his crib. There are major advantages to having him in our room, but I know Brad would sleep a lot better (without waking up) if Dayton was in his room. It definitely is easier on me to have little man right next to me. I'm not going to lie, one of my favorite times of day is when he wakes up in the morning and we get to snuggle and nurse in our bed. Comfy Mommy Dayton time.

Size: Little man is definitely gaining weight. I wish I knew how much. He is still in newborn clothes and newborn diapers. We're about to run out of newborn diapers and then he'll start wearing size 1 diapers. I'm sure they won't swallow him since he's steadily growing!

Development: This week Dayton has been more alert. One morning, we got up and just my dad was awake. I handed over the babe and my dad sat on the couch with him. Dayton was awake for an hour and a half. He was making faces, looking at us, wiggling, kicking, and making little baby noises. It was adorable. We started tummy time this week too. Dayton didn't mind it too much! He is pretty good at lifting up his head. He even pulled his legs and arms under him and lifted up his head. It looked like he was about to crawl. Noooo! Haha, yes I know that won't happen for many more months. Thankfully! I think he's going to be a strong little man though.

Temperament: Still a happy baby! My mom kept commenting that he is such a content baby. It's true, he's such a good boy.

Likes: Dayton still likes to be swaddled, he likes looking at his Momma, making a kissy face, and laying on Daddy's chest and Momma's shoulder.

Dislikes: Being hungry? and getting his diaper changed before he eats.

Small Moments: This week, my favorite thing is to watch my baby look at me. I love that as soon as I pick him up, he settles down. He knows his Momma. I can't tell you how happy that makes my heart. Melts me!

 Top: Nanny / Poppy / sleepy boy

Middle: lovin' our walk / mustache cuteness / snuggling with Momma

Bottom: snuggling Daddy / guard pup / "Mom...it's time to eat."

He's Not Ours, Lord...He's Yours

This photo was taken by Karen, at Moxie Design. When I saw the photo, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it - add this verse. It was something we prayed and still pray for our son.

C-Section Blues

It's no secret that I really wanted to have a natural birth - non-medicated. I've always felt like having a natural birth was kind of a right of passage into motherhood. I was looking forward to it and preparing for it and so was my husband. We both agreed it would be a kind of "spiritual" experience and were excited about the birth of our son.

All of that changed when I went to my 37 week appointment and found out that we would have to have a kind of emergency c-section due to the fact that my amniotic fluid was dangerously low and the baby was breech. I had noticed a decrease in movement, so my Doctors were very concerned about our baby. Long story short...I had a c-section. (If you want to read Dayton's full birth story, click here.)

I remember sitting in the triage room and trying to process what my Doctor had just told me. I was going to have to have a c-section. Thankfully, I had a good relationship with this doctor and she knew I had really wanted a non-medicated natural birth. She told me that she knew that and she could try to flip the baby, but didn't think she would be successful. She also promised to make my incision as small as possible and make it so that my 2nd baby could be a natural birth. I just sat there with a blank look on my face - my thoughts were blank as well - and just stared at her. No! I didn't want a c-section...I wanted a natural birth. I wanted to experience everything. But that didn't matter...the health and safety of our baby mattered. I said, "Okay" and then everything happened so quickly.

It took me a few days to process what had happened. I was so disappointed. Of course I was happy and so thankful that our baby was healthy and safe. Of course. This was just another way that God was teaching me that I am not in control. He is. He had his hands of protection on me and our baby and for that I am so thankful. However, I found that having a c-section was disappointing for me and it was something I kind of had to grieve over. I had pictured the birth of our son so differently and our birth plan went basically opposite of "the plan." Like I said, God was yet again teaching me to trust Him and His plan...not ours.

Tuesday night, before the surgery I was texting my cousin-in-law Amy. I had let her and her husband know that we were having Dayton that night. I felt free to discuss my feelings with Amy because we had spoken often about having a natural birth as well as the fact that her birth plan did not go as planned as well - her sweet baby boy was born at 24 weeks. While I was talking to Amy before my surgery, she told me that is was okay to be disappointed. It was okay to be upset. She told me that that night I had to focus on my baby and I could grieve over the change in plans later. It was the perfect thing to say at the perfect time. She knew exactly how I was feeling and she knew exactly what to say. Thank you Amy!!

Friday morning, I finally broke down. I was sitting at the kitchen table, holding our beautiful baby, and was talking to Brad. I had been holding in all of those emotions (pretty typical for me) and finally let them out. Thank the Lord my husband is who he is. He also understood how I felt and walked me though my "grieving" process. I love that man. He knew how I felt and in his own way, felt the same way. We processed those emotions and feelings together. After I talked to him, I felt much better and moved on with loving my little man and enjoying every second of the extra 19 days we got with him.

All that being said...10 things you shouldn't say to a mom who just had a c-section. Some are kind of funny and some are serious. A few are my own and a few are borrowed. I understand some people are just trying to make you feel better...but it would be better if you just left some things unsaid!

1. "C-section babies are prettier." ~ Maybe, but all babies are a miracle and that doesn't make me/us feel any better.
2.  "Your body will bounce back so much faster." ~ My stomach was cut open and a baby was pulled out of it. Yes, downstairs did not sustain any trauma, but my stomach was still sliced open. Try coughing, sneezing, or laughing after that. Eek!
3. "At least he doesn't have a cone head." ~ Again...still doesn't make me feel better!
4. "You're so lucky. I tore, but I would rather have a c-section." ~ Please refer to #2.
5. "At least you and baby are happy and healthy." ~ Yes, we are happy and healthy, but it still hurts I didn't get to have a natural birth.
6. "Just get over it already." ~ Blank stare.
7. " I hope I have a c-section." ~ There is nothing glamorous about having your stomach sliced open.
8. "I had a c-section and I loved it." ~ That's nice.
9. "You got the easy way out." ~ No comment. This is when I picture punching something...maybe you...in the face. Just sayin'.
10. "Don't you regret not having a natural birth?" ~ Really people? Really. That is just a dumb question.

Honestly, at this point I am doing just fine and have come to terms with having a c-section. I am so thankful that my baby is happy, safe, and healthy and I honestly am doing just fine healing. In fact, I am planning on getting back into the gym this week! I don't dwell on anything too long, but these were and are my real feelings. I hope and pray that Baby #2 will not have any complications and I can experience a natural birth!

Belly Pictures

It was fun finally putting this post together and looking back at how much my belly grew over the 9 months. The crazy thing I remember feeling like the beginning of my pregnancy took forever to get through and then once I hit the 2nd trimester, it flew by. I remember finding out we were pregnant on August 16th and the next thing you know...I'm holding my little man in my arms. Heaven.

Dayton ~ 2 Weeks

 Week 2 has been fairly quiet. The hubs has been off work since Dayton was born and we have been loving staying at home with our family of 3. It has kind of felt like an in-home vacation! Most of the week we just enjoyed being at home with our little man and working out nursing and an eating/sleeping schedule. The hubs finished up his first Master's class and took his final on Wednesday (he got an A in the class - of course). He was planing to go back to work on Wednesday, but after talking to his boss they both agreed that he was in need of some comp days for the previous 60-70 hour weeks he had put in. Woohoo!

Monday was Dayton's Newborn Assessment appointment at the hospital. Little man passed all of his tests and check ups, but he is still a little jaundiced. The nurse practitioner told us that continuing breast feeding would be the best way to clear that up. On Tuesday, Matt, Karen, Abby, and Jax visited and Karen took some Newborn Photos of Dayton. That was fun! Wednesday morning, I was up early with Dayton to feed him and get him ready for his 9:00 am Newborn Photos appointment with Stricker Photography. Michelle had taken our Baby Announcement photos and we had previously booked her for Dayton's newborn, 6 month, and 1 year old photos. This little man was probably already feeling like a celebrity! The photos went really well and I did great driving my little man around for the first time. I drove fairly normal, but I did leave extra space between me and all other cars.

Wednesday and Thursday were fairly normal. We took Dayton with us on a few errands to places like Target or the grocery store. We always said we would not be those parents who shut themselves in their house and never left. We didn't want having a baby to stop our lives. We still plan to live mostly normally...just bringing our baby with us! Obviously, we have taken some precautions to keep him safe from germs. I mean, he was 3 weeks early and we're not quite out of flu season and other airborne viruses are always a concern for an infant. We keep him away from people (definitely no touching) and keep the car seat canopy over him when needed. We've also been taking walks each day that the weather is nice enough. It's so nice to get out and feel like I'm doing some type of exercise. I miss it!

Saturday we drove down to Cedar Rapids to spend an early Easter with the family at Beth and Gene's house. Grandma and Grandpa Bishop brought lunch with them and we ate, talked, and enjoyed some baby time. We ran to Babies R Us quickly to get a few things after we left the fam and the hubs had to tear me away from all of the baby things. It's more fun now that he's here! We got back home around 6 pm and both Dayton and I were pooped. I had to pump 2 extra times that night because I stupidly hadn't taken my pump with us - I'm still in that excess stage! which I am not complaining about.

Sunday my parents arrived later at night and Monday was filled with Nanny and Poppy time. I'm pretty sure my mom was in heaven and I told her to hold Dayton as much as she wanted - even if she spoiled him. Being 15 hours away is pretty hard on Nanny Brunner. It was so nice to have my parents here. I missed them so much and I was so excited for them to meet their first Grandson!

Tuesday, when Dayton turned exactly 2 weeks old he had his 2 week appointment. The hubs met us at the pediatrician's office and we enjoyed hearing how well little man was doing. Dayton weighed 6 lbs 11 oz when we left the hospital and the nurses told us that they would like him to get back to his birth weight by his 2 week appointment. Well, little man weighed 7 lbs 4 oz at his appointment, which is 1 oz over his birth weight! See?? Piggie. The Doctor said little man looked great and he was happy to see he had gained his lost weight back. We talked for a while, asked a few questions, got a little advice, and left feeling very good about our choice in pediatricians. The rents and I went to Panera for lunch and then headed home.

Mommy: I'm really doing very well. I have dropped most of the baby weight already. The hubs keeps commenting that I am smaller every night that he comes home and my mom told me it's ridiculous that I'm already back to being tiny. What a relief. I feel like it's pretty normal to worry about losing the baby weight and I had prepared myself to be "thicker" for a while. I feel pretty good about where I am at though and have even started fitting into some of my pre-prego clothes! I'm trying to eat plenty of healthy calories to keep up my milk supply, but I am looking forward to getting back into the gym next week.

My incision doesn't hurt at all anymore. It's just itchy sometimes. The uterus contracting cramps have stopped completely and I am feeling more and more back to normal. All of the swelling from the IV's is gone - whew! No more sausage feet! I am moving around, coughing, sneezing, getting in and out of bed, and I'm back to cleaning and cooking. Now I can enjoy my maternity leave completely!

Nursing/Eating: Nursing is still going well, but Dayton was having some trouble latching on this week. He had been doing just fine, but then this week he started getting frantic and rooting around for a while before he could finally latch on. It was getting a little frustrating. I usually nurse with skin to skin contact, but Dayton was not being soothed. One day I was nursing on the couch and Brad said, "Move him down a little. His chin is tipped down. The breastfeeding class said his chin needs to be tipped up." Bingo. That's what the problem was! Thanks hunny. That's why I'm glad he went to the classes with me. I can't remember everything! Now all is well again and little man latches quickly, eats, switches, and eats some more. Boom.

Sleeping: Dayton is still sleeping really well too. We have gotten through the eat on demand feedings and established a pretty good schedule. This week Dayton is eating every 2 hours during the day and sleeping 4-5 hour blocks at night. Our schedule looks like this: 7 am, 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, 5 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm, 1 am, 5 am, and 7 am or sometimes 9 am. So far so good! I am one lucky Momma that my 2 weeks old is sleeping 4-5 hour blocks at night. Whew.

Size: At his 2 week appointment, little man weighed 7 lbs 4 oz and was 19 1/2 in. long. He looks bigger and feels bigger to me already. I was looking at his head this morning thinking...your head is bigger. Stop growing! Already I'm telling him to stop growing. Oh boy. Little man is still wearing Newborn clothes. They fit him very well, but I would not be surprised if he grows out of them soon!

Development: Dayton has had a few mornings where he is very awake and alert. It is absolutely adorable to watch him make faces, wiggle, raise his arms, kick his legs, and grab and hold onto my fingers with his hands. When I talk to him he is looking at me and he seems to look right into my eyes. Love! He also looks like he is trying to smile. Most of the time I see this when he is done eating and is falling asleep. My little bug is just so precious! I love all of the little faces he makes.

Temperament: Overall, Dayton is a very happy and content baby. I could not ask for more.

Likes: Dayton loves to be held - obviously. He does love to be swaddled, he loves skin-to-skin contact, and he likes to lay on Daddy's chest. The hubs will lay on the couch and lay Dayton on top of his chest on his stomach. It's amazing how quickly he settles down and just hangs out there. Melts my heart!

Dislikes: Little man doesn't cry much but he does not like to have his diaper changed with those cold wipes before he eats. If you change him after he eats...no problem. Before...expect some crying!

Small Moments: This week I loved watching my parents be grandparents. Dayton is their first grand baby and it was so sweet to watch my Mom and Dad hold our son. They're both such good grandparents. I am lucky to have them as parents and Dayton is lucky to have them as grandparents!

Moxie Design ~ Newborn Photos

I can't tell you how much we love having a photographer in the family! Our Sister-in-law, Karen, opened her photography business last fall. Since then, we have loved watching her business grow and I am still amazed at how she captures the emotion, sentiment, and details of our lives. Love her and her photog genius.

Visit her website here. I highly recommend her! Seriously. She's amazing.

Here are Karen's photos of our sweet Baby ~ Dayton Thomas. These photos were taken at 1 week old. I still tear up when I see some of them!! Sooo precious!

Easter 2014

Since Dayton was born 19 days early, we got to enjoy his first Easter this year! We were both a little hesitant about bring a less than 2 week old to a crowded church service, but it was important for us to be in church on Easter Sunday and we are both so glad that we went. Not only was our baby's birth announcement in the bulletin and I got to dress our little man in his Easter outfit, but the sermon was exactly what this Momma needed to hear.

The sermon was not a typical Easter service. (If you'd like to hear it, click here.) At the beginning of the service, everyone who walked through the door received a set of small keys. To sum the service up, Pastor John encouraged all of us to let it go - whatever we were holding on to - let it go. At the end of the service, Pastor John explained that there were tons of small locks on gates around the church and during a time of prayer and worship, we were encouraged to unlock one of the locks with our keys. He asked us to stop and pray and talk to God about what we were holding on to.

I knew exactly what I was holding on to. I was holding on to our baby. I was worrying, being anxious, and trying to control what happened to our baby. I needed to let my anxiety go and give it to God. I looked at Brad and said, "Our baby." He knew exactly what I was talking about. He'd seen me poke Dayton a few times a million times to make sure he was still breathing etc. I happened to be holding Dayton  to keep him quiet during the service, so we walked to the gate, unlocked our locks, and went to our seats to pray. It was a really powerful service and it made me a little emotional. So, this Momma let go and gave her baby to her Lord. Like I said, I'm really glad that we went!

Hope y'all had a memorable Easter. Although unexpected, we enjoyed our first Easter as a family of 3!

Thank you grandma Bishop for my "First Eater" bunny!

Easter outfit / New Baby bear from PLC / Easter bulletin with Dayton's birth announcement

Dayton ~ 1 Week

 One week. It has flown by...mostly because this whole experience has been a whirlwind! I can't tell you how much I love being a Mommy. It's the best feeling in the world. I love snuggling up with my little man and just enjoying every second that goes by.

Here's how Week 1 went for us and Dayton...

~Tuesday, April 8

• Baby Dayton was born at 7:25 pm! 7 pounds 3 ounces and 20 inches long
• Visitors: Grandpa and Grandma Bishop and Beth and Gene. Brad's family lives pretty close, so as soon as Grandpa and Grandma heard we were having a baby, they jumped in the car and made the 2 hour drive. Everyone arrived only a few minutes after Dayton was born.
• Mommy and Daddy had some alone time with Dayton. We had some skin-to-skin bonding time, practiced nursing, and enjoyed being a family of 3 for about an hour.
• Beth and Gene stayed for a while, but then headed home. Grandma and Grandpa Bishop stayed at our house, took care of the pups, and came back the next day. 
• The hubs slept on the uncomfortable pullout couch and tossed and turned all night. I was stuck in bed because of my surgery and catheter. Dayton slept in the bassinet next to me and it was pretty hard to get him in and out all night. I think I only got an hour of sleep between nursing, soothing, and cuddling Dayton. It was wonderful though. I was tired, obviously, but loved every second of it...well, maybe not all the pain.

Grandpa Bishop / Grandma Bishop holding D / Aunt Beth / Uncle Gene

 ~ Wednesday, April 9

• Mommy and Daddy spent the morning with Dayton. It was still sinking in that our little man was here!
• Our neighbors, Sarah and her daughter Meara, came to visit because they happened to be going to Meara's appointment at Covenant. It was nice to see them! They only stayed for a few minutes.
• At some point in the morning, the nurses came to "unhook" me so that I would be free to shower and move around. I did have to keep my IV needle in my arm for pain medications, etc. 
• Grandma and Grandpa came to visit later that morning and stayed until late in the afternoon. 
• The hubs and I enjoyed our afternoon with Dayton and just kept loving on him.
• Dayton's pediatrician visited and little man got checked up and circumcised. 
• I was able to take a shower and clean up. It felt great!
• Later that night our friends, Kate and Ryan, came to visit and meet Dayton.
• Then my 2nd grade team came to bring my work shower presents and meet Dayton. It was so nice to see them! Love those girls!!
• Wednesday night went much better for Dayton and I. We started getting the hang of nursing and I actually got some sleep!
• Dayton was born 3 weeks early, so the lactation consultant said his sucking reflex wasn't quite developed and he was having a little bit of trouble because he was "acting his age." Makes sense!

Grandma and Grandpa Bishop

neighbors / Dr. Gerardi / Kate and Ryan / 2nd Grade Team

 ~ Thursday, April 10

• Dayton and I were doing great, so we asked my Doctor if we could go home that day instead of on Friday. Dr. G said that was fine since I was feeling good and Dayton was now nursing pretty well.
• The nurses started their paperwork and discharge list. It felt like it took forever, but we enjoyed eating lunch, I showered and cleaned up, and we snuggled Dayton all that we wanted!
• Visitors: our friends, the Randalls, came to visit us Thursday afternoon before we left the hospital. 
• Around 3:00 pm, we finally got to leave! We had to stop by Target on our way home to get a few baby items that we still needed and had been waiting for all of our showers to be over before getting. Dayton's first Target visit!
• Once we were home, we unpacked and just enjoyed being home!!

Randalls / Time to go home!

~ Friday, April 11

• Mommy and Daddy kept adjusting to being new parents. Dayton slept in a co-sleeper bassinet in our room. Dayton was sleeping and eating about every 2-3 hours at night.
• Visitors: Diane (a family friend) and Jeff and Tami.

~ Saturday, April 12

• Dayton is really a good baby and we cannot complain at all! He eats well and sleeps well. He's a very content baby. The only time he has cried is when he is hungry. Just love him to pieces!!
• Saturday afternoon, the hubs dropped me and Dayton off at my school and I met with my long-term sub to discuss just a few things, and he ran some errands. We were out for about 2 hours. Dayton slept in his car seat the whole time I was at school. Such a good baby.
• Saturday night we met our friends at a small local restaurant because it was Tami's birthday. We enjoyed dinner and Dayton slept for almost 5 hours. I had tried to feed him before we left, but he didn't want to wake up so we put him in his car seat and he slept until we got home!
• Dayton was now sleeping 3 hours between eating at night.
• My milk came in today and I have had to pump every 3 hours on top of nursing!

~ Sunday, April 13

• We enjoyed a lazy day at home working on a schedule and enjoying our little bug!
• During nursing, I accidentally scratched Dayton's head with my long nails...MOTY (mother of the year).
• Visitors: Kate and Ryan came over around lunch time with lasagna! Lunch was delicious and we had a great time hanging out with our friends!

 ~ Monday, April 14

• Nothing too exciting. Mommy and Dayton worked on a schedule and Daddy worked on putting the finishing touches on the nursery. 
• Dayton had his newborn assessment today at the hospital.He is still 6 pounds 11 ounces and everything looks good and he is healthy! We couldn't be more happy.
• Dayton eats every 2 hours and is getting pretty good at nursing! Mommy is starting to feel like a cow. Ha! However, I am extremely happy that nursing is going so well and that my milk supply is building up so nicely! I am still having to pump every 3 hours as well as nurse every 2 hours. I am pretty impressed with how much milk I have! Such a relief. 

~ Tuesday, April 15

• Today, Dayton is one week old. I can't believe how quickly it was flown by already.
• Dayton is a nursing champ and I am adjusting really well. I haven't experienced that much soreness and I am really happy with the supply I have already built from pumping.
• Visitors: Matt (Brad's brother), Karen, Abby, and Jax came to visit. It was so nice to see them and we were glad they were able to visit right after they got back from vacation! Karen took some gorgeous Newborn Photos of Dayton. 
• During the photo shoot, I got pooped on while I was nursing Dayton back to sleep, Abby pointed out that Dayton was peeing during one photo, Daddy was holding Dayton when the pee fountain started again, and then Daddy got pooped on during a daddy/son photo! Hi-lar-ious!! We were all laughing so hard the hubs and I shed tears. Welcome to parenthood!!
• See the photos here.
• After our family left, we went to our church small group. All the ladies loved Baby D and couldn't get enough of him!
• What a busy day!!

Mommy: I'm doing surprising well! A c-section is pretty painful...not going to lie. I mean, they cut my stomach open! I will say though, I recovered much quicker than most people talked about and faster than even I thought I would. I took pain medication at the hospital and then took my pain medication every 6 hours until Monday morning. After that, I haven't taken anything! I have been up and moving around since Wednesday morning (after the surgery) and move around perfectly normal now!

Nursing: Nursing is going really well. Dayton was born on Tuesday and got a good latch on Wednesday night. It was a little rough up until then. I had to hand express and then spoon feed after we tried to get him latch for the first night and day. My milk came in on Friday night and I thought my poor boobs were going to explode. Thankfully, pumping as well as nursing is going really well and I have already started to build my supply. I am so thankful that everything is going so well. The other night, I pumped after I nursed Dayton and got out 10 ounces! Holy milk. I know this will slow down, but it's such a relief so far!

Eating: Dayton is eating every 2 hours during the day. I like to call him little piggie...because he eats so much! and because he makes these hilarious grunting piggie noises right before he latches on. Cracks us up! He really is a good eater for being 3 weeks early. He was able to get a good latch on Wednesday night after he was born. I was a proud Momma. From what I am pumping, I think he is eating about 2-3 ounces each feeding...maybe more. I am hoping that Dayton will be back at his birth weight at his 2 weeks appointment.

Sleeping: Dayton sleeps after each feeding. He is such a content baby! He eats and then he sleeps. All day and most of the night. He is sleeping about 3-4 hour blocks at night by Monday night. I am one lucky Momma!

Activity: Dayton responds to my voice and his Daddy's voice and turns his head to us. It is so sweet! He does not have a ton of activity yet, and he doesn't even cry that much. He really is a happy baby. He does get the hiccups a ton and I can't help but laugh at his little body jumping when he gets them!

Small Moments: My favorite moments are when I am nursing. I love the skin-to-skin and I love snuggling with my little man. I am enjoying it much more than I thought I would. It has become my favorite time of the day! When little man gets done eating and looks up at me...my heart melts. Mommy loves you so much bug!!