We've been home for a full week (well, really a week and two days now) and I must say, I'm loving every minute of it! We are adjusting well to our new normal! It's amazing how quickly the days fly, despite not doing much of anything. Well, nothing but feeding, pumping, washing bottles, changing diapers, doing laundry, doing homework, cleaning, and sleeping, that is! :) Mommyhood is truly amazing and I would not change my new life for anything!
Of course, it may help that Brantley is the best baby! Not only is he finally healthy, but he also seems to be happy, as well! Rarely does he cry, and best of all, he's an awesome sleeper! I may be jinxing myself by typing this (knock on wood), but there were a couple of nights when he slept for nearly six hours straight (and then I was told by my doc I couldn't do that anymore...more to come on that later)!
I always ask people if having a newborn is easier or harder than expected...and the answer is usually harder. Maybe I just freaked myself out by their responses, but so far, I would say it's easier! It's also only been 3 1/2 weeks...we have a loooong way to go!
B-Man had a check-up last Tuesday. Things looked great other than the fact that he lost six ounces since being discharged from the hospital four days prior (7 pounds 8 ounces, down from 7 pounds 14 ounces). Hence, the not-allowing-him-to-sleep-beyond-four-hours-without-eating thing. Oops!
As a result to the weight loss, it was suggested we supplement every other feeding with formula and I pump to see exactly how much milk I was producing. So, after 2 1/2 weeks, we introduced bottles. I was hoping to wait until at least four weeks to do so (as instructed in our childbirth class), but honestly, bottle feeding is SO MUCH EASIER in my opinion. It's quicker/more efficient (he sucks down three ounces in about ten minutes as opposed to feeding on the boob for 30+ minutes!), we know he's getting the full three ounces he needs, and the hubs can help with those middle-of-the-night feedings...waaay less stressful on momma! Oh, and my nipples aren't blistered like they were when breast feeding. (TMI??) I do miss the bonding that breast feeding offered and feel a little guilty for bottle feeding him so soon, but it just seems right at the moment. And since he's still getting breast milk, I shouldn't feel too guilty, right??
We're also following somewhat of a schedule for his eight-times-per-day feedings. Little man eats every 2 1/2 hours during the day, every 3 hours during the evening, and every 4 hours overnight as follows (give or take about a half an hour): 3am, 7am, 9:30am, 12pm, 2:30pm, 5pm, 8pm, and 11pm. He seems content with that, and so am I since I only have to get up once in the night!
We went back to the doctor yesterday morning for a weigh-in and he was up to 8 pounds 2 ounces! So, not only did he gain ten ounces, but he finally surpassed his birth weight! The bottles and schedule must be working!
We also got the go-ahead to stop waking him overnight once he hits the four-week mark...as in five days from now! (Can you believe he's almost four weeks old?? I can't!) Woo hoo! Now, if he can just keep up that awesome habit, that would make for one happy mommy!
So, there's a little update for ya! Can I also say I'm so excited that I don't have to go back to school in 2 1/2 weeks like my co-workers? Sorry for that, co-worker friends. :) But on the down side, I better get going on my sub plans!
Oh, and how about a little
Top: Gettin' my last dose of antibiotics before going home | Not sure if K-Dog loves Brantley or the boppy | Personalized onesie from my friend Jamie
Middle: Chillin' with mommy in the nursery | Car ride home!!
Bottom: Personalized blanket from our friends Earl & Joanna | Lovin' my swing! | So glad you're finally home, Mommy!
Top: Check out his folded hands - adorable! | Handsome and I know it! | One of the best store-bought kinds of ice cream
Bottom: Caption Adorable | Love my little guy | Little froggy feet
And just for fun, I'll leave you with a few more newborn photos. I thought I loved our maternity photos...but those don't even compare to these precious things!!! I'll attempt to make a slideshow with all the photos tomorrow...or maybe Tuesday...or Wednesday...hopefully before the week is over. :) Enjoy for now!
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