Saturday, March 19, 2011
Baby G. Update: Week 2
In some ways, it feels like an eternity since we brought Graham home from the hospital; in others, it feels like the blink of an eye. So far, we have been blessed with a healthy, generally happy baby who's been growing like a weed (an inch and 1 lb, 6 oz. in a mere 13 days!) and even giving us some (relative) rest. This week, we've seen a decrease in the quantity and increase in the quality of his naps; he's even been sleeping for 4 or 5 hour stretches at night! I chalk this up to the benefit of having a larger, full-term baby as well as our continued efforts to put him down at the first signs of sleepiness rather than waiting for him to get overtired and fussy.
On Monday Dave returned to work and I've been adjusting to playing a stay-at-home-mom. I'm off work through May and starting to get into the rhythms of my new life. The first few days I felt very panicky and my anxiety translated to some difficulties breast feeding (largely now resolved thanks to the invaluable help of a wonderful lactation consultant). Physically, I'm feeling better and more like myself every day and am thrilled to be back down to my pre-pregnancy weight already (which, admittedly, is about 10 to 15 lbs heavier than my preferred weight, but we'll worry about that later...).
All this notwithstanding, I'm not going to say it's been all roses. The idea of someone being so utterly dependent on me still scares me to death and the thought of not getting an uninterrupted night's sleep for at least another few months is utterly depressing. I also long for the time when he's able to interact more (though he is becoming more and more alert every day). But...I have to remind myself that babies are newborns for such a short period of time and that I need to savor what he can offer now; namely, being utterly adorable. And yes, I'm a bit biased...but shouldn't I be?
All this notwithstanding, I'm not going to say it's been all roses. The idea of someone being so utterly dependent on me still scares me to death and the thought of not getting an uninterrupted night's sleep for at least another few months is utterly depressing. I also long for the time when he's able to interact more (though he is becoming more and more alert every day). But...I have to remind myself that babies are newborns for such a short period of time and that I need to savor what he can offer now; namely, being utterly adorable. And yes, I'm a bit biased...but shouldn't I be?
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20 comments:
Averill, it does get better. I promise! And you actually could get an uninterrupted night sleep sooner than you think - you can take turns doing all the night shifts on a weekend! Sleep in your guest room, or your parents guest room if necessary. Seriously, those nights are unbelievably rejuvenating!!!
He's adorable, and I'm amazed how long he's sleeping already. Go Baby Graham!!!!
You have a beautiful son.
I relate to this so much...my little guy is 2 weeks today and I mostly do OK, but sometimes being alone with him strikes me with intense anxiety! And I also sometimes (all the time) mourn months of little sleep ahead. Can your hubs give him a bottle at night to let you sleep longer? That's really saved me.
Averill I think the lack of sleep or at least good sleep is the hardest to adjust too. But you are so right an infant is so precious, their smell the way they feel the way the nuzzle into your neck when you hold them and they curl up into that little ball. Oh I miss the rocking them and nursing them. I have to admit, I am at my best as a Mom with babies. Now the teen years, that is a whole other show, Yikes. Enjoy baby G he is so adorable and he does not look like he is only 2wks old, he looks so alert and he really has grown. I am loving being able to share in this, thankyou so much for sharing with your readers, xo Kathysue, Kiss Baby G on the bridge of his nose. You have to do it sideways and it is amazing how your lips fit perfectly. I know most love the back of their neck I love the bridge of their litlle button noses. KS
What a gorgeous baby boy! Congrats on your new bundle of joy and hang in there!!!
Congratulations! G is beautiful. The first few months are the roughest in terms of sleep, but it will get better! Hang in there and get naps when you can.
xo,
cristin
Lindo,parece um anjo.
Vc deve estar muito feliz e com todo direito, seu bebê é muito lindo.
Bjs
How adorable! Believe it or not, what you are feeling is normal. I have four! My youngest is 16mnths, and I had him when my third oldest was 7. Once he gets into his rhythm you will adjust to it just fine. The best advice I can give is to just try to sleep when he sleeps, even throughout the day!
He's adorable! I went/am going through all those emotions, too....parenting is just SUCH a full-time job. I knew that before but the reality hits you like a ton of bricks. For me, connecting with other moms as much as possible has been key.
He is so precious!! I imagine I would feel panicked ALL the time, so the fact that you only have bouts of panic is impressive to me! Congratulations again on becoming a family. :)
He's a beautiful boy, Averill! And, I'm sure you're doing a great job, although I distinctly remember the first day I was left alone w/ my first baby. It's terrifying! My mom always told me just to take one day at a time, and I promise, it works. Congrats on 4-5 hours of straight sleep! That's a huge achievement for one so little.
Sounds like you're handling everything like a champ! He's a handsome little dude! Take Care!
Averill, he is adorable! I remember so well the first day I was alone with Maddie. My husband came home from work and I was bawling begging to go back to work. 4-5 hours is great for sleep and I promise it gets better. Harry is now almost 5 months and sleeps a good 12 hours at night....enough that I am already starting to plant the seed for #3 in my poor husband's head!
He's beautiful Averill. God bless.
Here's to many restful nights in the future!
Congrats!!!! I will know what you are going through soon and it is scary but I know you are a great Mom!!!!
So precious! It's wonderful that he's already sleeping so well. In my experience, that's a sign of good things to come! That newborn phase passes so fast; it will be hard to imagine him as so little ever again, so enjoy and take loads of photos!
He is a gorgeous baby! I'm so glad that nursing is going well. Adjusting to your new role as mother/parent can be very difficult. Please don't think you are abnormal or a "bad" mother because you may find it hard. As you can see from your comments, so many of us have been there and get it. You're not alone, especially not in these feelings!
Cute for sure!!! Wow...lots of hair. Looks like he'll be tall, dark and handsome. :)
I totally hear what you're going through...I just had a baby 6 weeks ago. It is an adjustment for sure, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's starting to sink in a bit more now that I'm a mom...for a while there it felt all too surreal. And yes...the lactation consultant was a huge godsend to me. I was getting so frustrated at first when we were in the hospital because I got so many different opinions and advice about feeding my baby and sleeping, etc. I've learned that everyone has an opinion when it comes to child rearing, solicited or not. haha...
Congrat's and enjoy!
hi-d
Thanks for the update, I've been wondering how both you and Graham are doing! He's so cute! What? You are back down to your pre-pregnancy weight after only 2 weeks?! Damn you!!! I think sleep deprivation is one of the, if not the hardest, parts of being a new parent. And the time flies by, so you have to learn to enjoy each and every stage he is going through!!!
he is so precious Averill! and yes, it does get better...every moment is just so surreal, enjoy it!
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