Dear 6-week Old You

Dear baby,

Wow, what a week we've had!  We are still working really hard on getting to know you and figuring out what makes you tick.  This week has been full of fun (and not-so-fun moments).

The FUN:
You are focusing in our faces and I can tell you want to talk to us so badly and get frustrated that you have no words yet.  But don't grow up too fast!  Your coo-ing and little baby sounds that you make are so sweet and your daddy and I just love them!

You've started to notice the world around you.  Things like the lights on the Christmas tree the tree limbs when we take walks and the ceiling fan are fascinating to you!  It's so much fun to experience the world through your brand new eyes!

The Not-So-Fun:
We are still trying to figure out what kind of formula works best with your sensitive tummy.  It's so hard on daddy and I when you don't feel good and we can't help you, so with the Dr's ok, we are trying formula #3.  The good new is that although you do have some tummy issues, you are still gaining weight like a champ!

We spent this week interviewing daycares, which breaks mommy's heart a little, but we're feeling good about the options.  Mommy's got a bad case of guilt going on, but knows that whatever school you go to will be filled with people who are ready to love on you while we are at work.  We also went to the dr. to get your 2-month shots done a little early so you can fly on the airplane soon to visit family for Christmas!  Next time Daddy's going to go to that appointment.

You are starting to fill out in your cheeks and have just the beginnings of some fat rolls in your thighs.  Every day I look into your sweet face and can't believe you are here.  With Christmas right around the corner, I will always remember this year because you have given me the wonderful gift of becoming a mother- and even with the sleepless nights, the frustration when I can't soothe you, the pit-stops to change a dirty diaper, I wouldn't change one minute of this wonderful miracle.

You've hit so many milestones already and have come so far in your little life- I can't wait to see how you tackle the next couple of weeks.

I love you very much!

Love,

Mommy

Dear 5-week Old You

Dear 5-week old you,

I know 5 weeks isn't considered a major milestone, but I wanted to write you to tell you how proud I am of you.  Your little life hasn't been the easiest one so far, but you are such a good little baby and I think we are finally starting to understand one another. 

Sometimes I worry that because I didn't carry you in my tummy, I am a little slow with my instincts when it comes to interpreting what you need.  After all, our relationship is still pretty new.  But you know what?  You are really good a communicating what you need to me.  I can tell the difference between your hungry cries and your gassy cries.  I know you love to eat, and you hate having your clothes changed- especially if we are putting your little arms through long sleeves.  I can tell when you are tired and need a snuggle and I can tell when you need some independent time listening to music in your bassinet.

Your little life hasn't been the easiest.  You had so much you had to go through during your time in the hospital, and I think you are still trying to figure things out at home.  I think you think it's funny that I try so hard to keep you on a schedule because the minute I've got it figured out, you turn the tables on me and give me that little stink eye that reminds me who is in charge now.

I know you love riding in the car, taking walks (as long as mommy brings a bottle) and eating at just about every opportunity.  Even though you are small, you have a mighty will.  You try to roll over, hold your bottle and even stand up and it frustrates you because you are a little too small but still need to try.

You love the Christmas decorations and sitting in your swing watching the lights of the Christmas tree really calms you down if you have been especially fussy.

You are an escape artist and no matter how many swaddling methods we've tried, you shed your blankets like a snake shedding it's skin.  We bought a swaddle sack and I'm still not sure you've forgiven us for that transgression.  And even though you hate getting in your carseat, that's the one place where I know you will calm down and rest.

You are a little like me in that you don't want to miss a thing, which is why you sometimes fight sleep even though your little eyes are so tired.  You like hearing mommy and daddy sing to you, and you focus on the phone when we FaceTime with your granddaddy.

Each night, when I feed you in the middle of the night, we go through the list of everyone who loves you.  Your daddy and I, your grandparents, your birth parents, your family and friends, and we end with Jesus.

We all love you so much little peanut.  I can't wait to see what we will learn about each other in the next weeks to come.

Love,

Mommy

3AM Feedings Part Two

Today my sweet girl is one month old and it is completely surreal to think that just a month ago I didn't even know she existed.  But God knew.  Baby C and I pray together when we do our feedings as I've found keeping her in a calm and quiet place not only helps with our bonding together but also helps my little gassy baby stay happy.  When we pray and when I thank God for this precious miracle, I am so amazed with His perfect timing.  For those of you who read this and are still waiting on your little miracle baby, do not be discouraged! 

So we are now a month into parenting, 2 weeks out of the hospital and life is fantastic.  Hectic, messy, exhausting and fantastic.  Every day has a consistency about it in the routine of a newborn, but each day I see something new in Baby C- she is such a little miracle!


So, now that all of my warm fuzzies are on the page, let's really talk about what has me up and typing instead of sleeping while babies sleep:

The Sound Machine

We were first introduced to this robot of a sound machine in the NICU.  The child life specialist brought it in, claiming Baby C did better when there was music around.  I mean, of course.  Between Mr. A and myself, I'm surprised my kid hasn't already asked us to audition for Annie or The Sound of Music.  Of course she likes music!  So, my mom-in-law ordered the same machine for us when we got home from the hospital.

Y'all, I realize I'm probably the last one to jump on board, but this machine is so soothing.... almost too soothing....so soothing that while it does wonders for Baby C, it also keeps Mr. A asleep through nighttime feedings....which means Mama now has two babies enjoying their beauty rest.  And full disclosure, last night when I laid down for my nap prior to the night shift, I may have turned on the ocean sounds...and fallen right asleep!

Of all the gizmos and gadgets that baby's "need" to survive and thrive, this one takes the cake.  But what's the secret of just getting baby to respond and husband to wake up?!?! 

In other news, our social worker is coming this week for the first of several post-placement visits.  When she visited last year, I made homemade muffins and coffee.  This year I'm praying I can shower and slap on some makeup in between loving on Baby C.

Happy One Month Birthday sweet Baby C!  We love you to the moon and back!