Some things I've learned...

I decided that since it was a good time to think about the things I've learned over the past 11 days...

Lesson 1- As much as I thought I knew about newborn babies and how to raise them- I didn't know anything! It's just something that you actually have to DO to learn- no one can tell you.

Lesson 2- Someone once told me to make sure my words are sweet because I might just have to eat them! They were right. I really was adamant about Anderson sleeping anywhere else but our bed. I was fine with the bassinet, crib, pack-n-play, etc.., but not our bed. Well, wouldn't you know it; he was in our bed from day one! Now, thankfully he's in his boppy in the bassinet, but I do sneak him back into bed around 4am or so to snuggle with him.. (shh- don't tell Jason!)

Lesson 3- As noted below, shopping after having a baby is NEVER a good thing. I've only got 4 more pounds to lose to get to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my body has certainly changed so it needs some time to change back (I HOPE!)

Lesson 4 - This may not work for everyone, but breastfeeding is the BEST DIET out there! I'm eating a lot- not as much crap as I ate while pregnant, but I eat all the time! And I keep losing weight. I never knew I could lose weight and not have to sweat or count calories or work out. I love it! Not to mention bonding with Anderson is the most fantastic thing in the world. It's wonderful when he looks up at me or holds my finger. Oh and the squeaking! It's like music to my ears!

Lesson 5- You really do forget how horrible labor was! I can't believe it- 2 days after labor I was still thinking about how terrible it was. I thought to myself how AJ could certainly be an only child because of how bad it was. Now, I'm kinda like "Well, it wasn't THAT bad. I'd do it again"

Lesson 6- You know those moms who ONLY talk about their children? The ones who you look at and think "What in the world did you talk about before having kids???" Well, I'm one of them. I REALLY didn't want to be, but of course I've got my little photo album in my purse and every time I'm talking to someone new I'm talking about the baby! Just today I had to call the vet and we were talking and I said "Well, I just had a baby 11 days ago so this is why it's been hard to call you back." Like she cares!

Lesson 7- It really does take a LONG time to get ready in the morning and get out of the house! I could not understand how it could take 2 hours to get ready in the morning, but it does! By the time I shower, get the baby clean and changed, the bag is packed, I dry my hair, makeup, change his diaper, feed him again and then change him again, it's been 2 hours! I have to be out of the house tomorrow at 9:45am and I don't know if I'm going to be able to do it! (Sorry Heather!)

Lesson 8- You always hear that you'll never love anyone or anything more than your child. I wasn't sure I comprehended this before- now, I TOTALLY get it. It's an insane feeling. I'd do ANYTHING for this child. He's my entire world.

Pictures of the day..

Here are some updated Anderson pics- Enjoy!

I'm not REALLY cross-eyed; just sometimes :)




Bath Time

Note to self...

It's NOT a good idea to go clothes shopping 9 days after giving birth. I knew I wouldn't be my regular size, but with only 7lbs left to lose to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight I thought I'd have a shot at maybe one size bigger or something! Not so much... I still have a bit of a pooch and things just don't fit. Oh well- I'll continue with Maternity pants for a while longer. Boohoo!

Grandma's a BIG help!

Today was a great day! For starters, I got a lot of sleep! (Relatively speaking of course) Anderson came to bed around 11pm or so, after Jason fed him his bottle (something new we're just starting and he's really getting it and we're not noticing "nipple confusion") and I'd been asleep for an hour or so already. Jason put him in his boppy in the bassinet and it seemed to work out well. AJ woke up I think 3 times last night to eat, but he went back to sleep in the boppy in the bassinet each time! My point is, he didn't sleep in our bed and he let me sleep more than usual. I think he was up for about 30 minutes each time at 1, 3 and 5am. Not too bad! I was able to fall right back to sleep each time so I was thrilled!

This morning my mom and I did some cleaning- well really, she cleaned. I picked up some stuff around the house (we had A LOT of crap laying around still)while she cleaned floors, dusted, vacuumed, etc.. Oh- also she brought us Starbucks! Bless this woman! :)

We went to lunch this afternoon and took Anderson with us and he was wonderful. He slept through lunch and slept more while we ran some errands (Target, grocery store, dry cleaners, etc.) and it was so nice to be able to put his car seat in the cart and just wheel him around. I was happy to have my mom with me so I didn't look like such a first timer.

Now we're all pooped and tired and probably going to just hang out here at the house.

Happy Birthday Anderson!!

Today is Anderson's first week birthday and my he's growing and changing all the time! He's found his fingers and thumb and sucks them a lot; he's started to tolerate diaper changes (sometimes!) and I think he's recognizing my voice which is awesome. I seriously cannot believe that it was a week ago that I had him!

We had a really nice 4th of July today. Jason, Anderson, my mom and I walked down to the local park this afternoon where there was a big 4th of July parade- all the kids had their bikes decorated and did this little bike ride. There was a bouncy thing, pie eating contests, face painting, hot dogs and chips and all kinds of fun kid stuff. It was HOT, but it was really nice. We saw some neighbors and friends there. Then came home and all took a nice nap on the couch and watched tennis. Very relaxing. Tonight we went to Holly & Joel's for a great BBQ and fireworks with them and Heather & Dom and kids. It's sooooo wonderful to be around them as I'm 200% comfortable having them help me with AJ and getting advice from them.

We've been taking pictures all day of the baby and trying to find the perfect one for his announcement. I'm sure we'll be working on those soon.

Off to bed- pray for sleep :)

Grandmas First Visit

Today my mom arrived for her first visit with Anderson and as expected, her heart melted when she saw him for the in the airport. She's been enjoying holding him, and snuggling with him and just listening to him breathe and squeak. It's so cute to see her with her first grandchild- it's obvious she loves him so much already. My mom will be here for a week and although we don't have too many plans yet, I'm sure it's going to be a great trip. We're going to work on Anderson's birth announcements and probably take the poor neglected dogs for some walks. I'm sure we'll fit in a much needed mani/pedi too! She's happily making us dinners and waiting on me hand and foot. Now I just need to find a bell to ring when I need something :)

The past few nights have been tough- I'm going on very little sleep. AJ likes to sleep but only for about 90 min stretches now. I'm trying to keep positive about it, but I'm pretty much exhausted. I'm starting to dread night time.

I've also become quite emotional lately- I really hope this doesn't last too long. I'm having a hard time letting other people hold Anderson and just THINKING about leaving him (even to go to the store) breaks my heart and I know it's something I have got to do. I keep telling myself that he's only a week old so it'll get better. It's not that I think I'm the only one who can take care of him, I just miss him so much it kills me. I honestly never thought I could love someone this much. *tear*

Moving on... Anderson has found his fingers and loves to suck on them. Jason fed him his first bottle last night as I tried to get some sleep. I really love nursing him, but I also want Jason to be involved and have a chance to really bond with him. I think AJ has started to recognize my voice which is great. He's also started smiling a lot- I realize it's probably gas, but it's super cute!

Looking forward to a nice 4th of July weekend with my mom and our friends. I'm sure it's going to be a good one!

Happy 4th Everyone!

First doc appt and other things...

As I mentioned in my last post, today was AJ's first doctors appt. I was a little worried about taking him myself- my first time driving with him- as Jason had a work meeting, but it worked out just fine. I hadn't even THOUGHT about packing a diaper bag, but I was able to quickly pull it together before we left.

We headed out and he didn't make a peep in the car on the way. Got there and of course I forgot the insurance card, had a hard time carrying in the car seat, diaper bag, etc... but I figured it out. We got into the office and I think the poor receptionist could tell I was frazzled but was super nice and didn't have a problem with the lack of insurance card or anything. She was totally understanding, thankfully!

We got into our little room and the nurse measured him and took off his clothes (didn't make for a happy baby) and then we weighed him. He's now 20 inches and 7.6lbs! This was great news as he came home from the hospital weighing 6lbs 14oz. Obviously he's eating enough and I was pleased about this. The doctor came in and checked him out and said to keep up whatever we're doing cause he's of perfect health! Looks good, sounds good and all that. It was a great first visit.

So after dressing him back up, we headed to the mall- of course that would be his first venture out! I had to pick up just a few things and figured he'd be fine. Well he was...for a bit. I was in a store and all the sudden he starts crying! He never cries unless he's hungry or poopy. I figured he was hungry. So, I checked out of the store and wasn't quite sure where to take him to feed- I'm not comfortable feeding in public just yet- so I thought I could make it to the car. Not so much... He started WAILING! So, I got the Macy's (near my car) and was on the right floor for the bathroom and I tried like hell to run there but... well, I just gave birth 5 days ago and my body doesn't like walking too fast at this point. People we staring, smiling all the while I feel like the WORST MOM OF THE YEAR for starving my child! After what seemed like an eternity, I finally got to the Macy's bathroom and picked him up outta the stroller only to find a green stain on the car seat! Ya, he pooped... Not just a poop, but a BLOW OUT! So, I bust out the diaper bag again thankful that I'd packed it and even more thankful that I'd remembered to bring an extra outfit, and changed him quickly (while he's still SCREAMING) and then frantically fed him... Ahh, silence.... After that it was time to go home. We were both exhausted and I needed a break. It was a good outing and I definitely learned from it.

Now we're home and just chilling out. I think we'll all sleep well tonight. (fingers crossed!)