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."

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