New Mom Thoughts

Little B is over two weeks old now and Momma and Daddy B still feel like they're learning the ropes. Currently, Little B is in his sling cuddled up on Momma B. It was the only way to calm him after he woke up from his nap (and then proceeded to pee on himself right as Momma B went to pull up the diaper.

At only a week and a half old, Little B already met all of his grandparents, great-grandparents and uncles. He also met quite a few members of the extended family as well. Little B was a great traveler and Mommy and Daddy felt blessed by this. It was exciting sharing him with the family and seeing eyes light up at his little face. There was definitely not a lack of those wanting to hold and cuddle with him. In fact, Momma and Daddy B got blessed with Grammy watching him two full nights so that they could get sleep (feedings excluded one of those nights due to not having bottles ready). It was definitely helpful to reginerate and feel human again. Not to mention the fact that Momma B got sick the day before the return trip and was confined to bed with flu like symptoms. Daddy B definitely appreciated the extra hands to help since he was on his own.

Momma B and Daddy B went on their first date without Little B while Granny and Grandpa babysat. Being the first trip away from Little B, he was very missed the entire trip. But, Momma B was proud because she only called to check on him once! It was nice to have a short date together since it had been all about Little B for a while (and will continue to be), but Momma B was very happy to get home to her little man.

Breastfeeding has definitely had its challenges. On day 4, Momma B broke down and gave him formula because her milk hadn't come in and there wasn't much in the colostrum department either. Poor little guy was so hungry he didn't know what to do with himself. Since then, he's had more than a few formula bottles (along with breastmilk bottles) but we're trying to cut back on using those. Of course, now is a bit difficult for that since he's going through a growth spurt and Momma B is feeling like a human cow. At the hospital, the nurses started Momma B on shields which thus far, Momma B has been unsuccessful of breaking him of. It's definitely more painful than prior to using them due to the focused pressure and Momma B is ready to stop using them. Luckily, he hasn't had any problem in the weight gain department which is a common side effect. We're doing what's best for our little family and making it through one day at a time.

Things we've learned...

• As much as we enjoyed our trips to see our families, next time, we won't be making that trip. Momma B learned that she needed to take it a bit slower after delivery simply because her body was tired. Not to mention the fact that Little B was approaching two weeks old when any form of a "schedule" could begin. Momma B is wishing that they would've stayed home to get him adjusted and a little bit of a schedule established before traveling with him. Also, Daddy B had to go back to work only 2 days after getting back from our travels and it would've probably been easier for him if he would've had more one-on-one time with Little B before that. The night before he went back he said he didn't want to and asked about being a stay at home family. Daddy B, if you can win the lottery, definitely! Until then (or until someone wins and graciously bestows a large check upon us), then that's not an option.
• Momma B thought that actual swaddle blankets were stupid because if you could swaddle right, you didn't need them. WRONG! Little B can break out unless his arms are tightly velcroed in by a swaddle blanket (and even then he can break out if he works at it) Momma B also didn't understand the real need for a heartbeat bear. Wrong again...these two things are the only things that we've found that keep Little B asleep longer than 15-30 minutes. He wants to feel like he's being held all the time. So, we've learned to use these things to allow all of us longer stretches of sleep.
• Momma B didn't realize how little free time she'd have. Okay, make that no free time! Little B is now only sleeping 10-13 hours a day and since he likes being cuddled so much when awake, it makes it difficult for Momma B to get anything done. Back to why the sling has been somewhat of a life saver!
• Little B will cry after being fed, diapered and cuddled for no apparent reason. Sometimes, we can't comfort him. And sometimes, putting him down and walking away he will be able to self-soothe and things will be made right with the world. On the other hand, there are times when he will cry and cuddling and rocking him will work and he looks up at you with those bright blue eyes full of contentment. Then, everything is more than right with the world and Momma B and Daddy B's hearts swell with pride and joy for being able to provide for their little one.
• Momma B used to be obsessive about how the house looked. Daddy B can vouch for this. It wasn't that it had to be clean 24/7 but when Momma B got on a clean kick, it HAD to be clean RIGHT THEN! Now, the mess doesn't bother Momma B so much.
• The help we've received from friends as far as meals and just coming over to visit (aka support) has been more of a blessing than we realized it would be. It's so nice to have a little extra caretaking when all our energy is being poured into Little B.
• Momma B is very emotional. She has already cried when watching Desperate Housewives because of talk of kids growing up. Momma B couldn't help but cry and hold Little B a little closer and whisper to him not to grow up to fast (which of course he'll listen to!)

It's been a whirlwind two and a half weeks already! Momma B wishes time would slow down because her return to work is looming in the future. Daddy B - already returning to work - comes home beaming when he sees Momma B and Little B in the evenings and always has hugs and kisses for both of us. Our little family is doing well - even on the hard days.