Some things I want to remember about Lyla's first month:
- She is growing daily.
- She doesn't ball up as much as she use to. She likes to push and stretch.
- She is holding her head up a lot. Not for long, but she is very strong.
- She is starting to give little smiles and coos in response to people talking to her.
- She is sleeping much better. In the last week of her first month she is sleeping longer and is going back to sleep after her late night feedings. That makes mommy very happy.
- She is not a fan of sponge baths; she doesn't like being cold.
Some things I've learned (and am learning):
- Motherhood is hard and wonderful at the same time.
- Nothing goes as planned.
- Postpartum body is less attractive than pregnant body (at least everything is stretched tight when you're pregnant). This is a daily lesson. I am having a hard time adjusting. I have to remind myself everyday that it is going to take time to get my body back and get this weight off. I am working out about 4-5 times a week. The hardest part is I have to fit into my staff dance wear by June 7th for camp. I made the mistake of trying it on yesterday. Let's just say my emotions were worn on my sleeve the rest of the day.
- I don't have all the answers
- I have great friends and family who are huge support systems for me.
- I don't take enough pictures.
- Give myself lots of grace. After Lyla was born I talked with my sweet BSF group leader. She gave me some great advice. Libby said, "set low standards for yourself and give yourself lots of grace." I have made this my mantra this past month. When times get hard I remind myself that it's going to be okay and I try to give myself grace.
- Time is not what it use to be. Before Lyla was born I thought, 6 weeks of maternity leave, I'll get so much done. Ha!!! If I want to get stuff done I'll have to stay up while she's asleep...not going to happen. So needless to say there are still thank you cards to write, the hall closet has not gotten organized, and dishes don't get done every day like they use to. I know things will get easier once Lyla gets a little bit older. Right now she is wanting to be held if she is awake. I hope I'm not spoiling her.
- Breastfeeding is not easy. I've heard everyone say this, but I didn't know it would be as hard. After much prayer and support from family and friends, I have decided to move to pump and bottle feeding. It has been a much easier week on all of us. Lyla is happier during feedings, which makes mommy happier. Daddy can help with feedings and he really enjoys that. The only problem is she is eating so much (3-4 ounces at each feeding) that I am not able to store much. I pretty much pump what she eats at her next feeding. I'm worried she might be eating to much, but she is also going longer between feedings so I guess it all evens out.
Some pictures of our sweet girl!
One of my favorite things. I held her as she slept for about an hour because I just love the snuggle time.
Lyla's belly time! She is getting stronger every day.
Andy and I cracked up at this. Sleeping with her hand over her face. We have sonogram pictures of her doing this same thing in the womb.
Again, always has her hands up by her face.
3 comments:
Oh wow!! Time sure flies... yes, we learn a lot as new moms but you never know how much till you're looking back.
I meant to write you from your last post about breastfeeding and tell you not to feel guilty about ANYTHING! You need to do what is best for all of you so rest assured that there are plenty of happy bottle fed babies out there. One thing I was going to tell you is the bonding part for me didn't really happen till 3-4 months because of the amount of work that went into those first few months.
Such cute pics! Can't believe how fast she is growing and NEVER worry about her eating too much at this point. She'll stop when she's full - they're not like us!!
OH yeah! One other thing.... I know you're trying to lose weight (it's only been 4 weeks so dont' be too hard on yourself!!) but be sure you're still eating the calories you need for breastfeeding. The amount of calories and amount of fluid can affect your supply and since you're worried about not being able to store much, that might help. The calories can be healthy calories so it will still allow you to lose weight. If anything, you can always suppliment with formula because there are PLENTY of happy and healthy formula babies out there too!
love you and you're doing a GREAT job!
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