Life with baby has been an adjustment. She's precious and beautiful but I'd be lying if I'd say it's all a bed of roses. At 2 am when I'm on what I've dubbed the "salt mine" shift I'm tired and can't imagine how I'm going to do this. When I sleep for 4 hours (hooray!) and wake up to relieve Joel I think she's the most amazing thing in the world and can't wait to get down the stairs to see her. So, that's motherhood so far.I feel like we've really made progress on our learning curve. Diapering, feeding, changing clothes and all other "tasks" are going great. Sleeping, however, is not. She does not like to be put down and will cry once she leaves our arms. So, we've devised the shift plan. One parent on from 10 am - 3 am and then the other on from 3 am - 7 am. She sleeps a bit from 7 am - 10 am and then the day begins. She was a bit more awake during her doctor's appointment today so I'm hoping that is a sign that she's going to join our time zone.
She's a pretty easy baby and is super easy to comfort. I feel like I've picked up on her cues pretty quickly and she hasn't really cried for no reason yet. She's pretty easy to console and has been fun. She's not awake very much but when she is I love to watch her facial expressions.
The sling is a life saver. Joel is wearing it right now and it's great. Having two hands to do things makes such a difference. I also have been saved by The Baby Book by Dr. Sears. It's indispensable.
The house is a mess, our living room has become mission control and the dog is a little extra needy but all and all I'd say life is good and we're happy to have Nora home.
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I'm so thrilled for you - you don't know me, but I found you through my friend Tara (I am also in Denver). She's gorgeous, and so little! Congrats to you!
ReplyDeleteshe is GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteHappy times!
ReplyDeleteMan, I remember those days! Will she sleep in a swing? After we finally got Charlotte to realize that night was actually DAY and vice versa, I got her to sleep in a swing. Do whatever works! I love following along!
ReplyDeletecutie!!!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like things are going well! Are you guys using a swaddling blanket? If not, I highly recommend it...that really helped Charlie to sleep without one of us holding him all the time. My favorite is the Miracle Blanket, which you can google if you don't already know about it.
ReplyDeleteShe is a beauty, and I'm so so so happy or you! Yay for four hours of sleep, keep it up! :)
Melba
She is gorgeous. As I am still a mom-in-waiting, I have no words of advice. But many of my mommy friends swear by those little vibrating chairs. Maybe she would sleep in one of those?
ReplyDeleteCongrats again...I can feel your happiness from here :)
Thanks so much for the good seasoned mom advice. We do have a swaddle blanket which we LOVE! It works great and I ran out and bought a swing yesterday. Sadly, in my sleep deprived state I didn't buy batteries. We have them now so we might give it a whirl tonight if need be. She's sleeping in a bassinet right now so there might be hope for us:). Keep the good advice coming!
ReplyDeleteI'm learning so much from reading your posts. You must be deliriously happy...literally from lack of sleep! Congratulations again! She looks so sweet:)
ReplyDeleteShe's so beautiful, Jen! I love all the hair. Sounds like you guys are doing great. I think shifting back and forth between wondering how in the heck you're going to do this to thinking she's the most amazing thing in the world is exactly how I felt. Actually, I still feel that way! Haha! It does get easier, but I don't think it's ever a bed of roses. Welcome to the most challenging and most rewarding job in the world!
ReplyDeleteIt's good that she likes the sling. And definitely tried the swing. Ours napped in the swings for months. They weren't fond of the vibrating bouncy chair, but every kid is different. You just have to try different things until you find what works.
I'm just so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteCongrats!!! She is beutiful!
ReplyDeleteOh wow. I keep wondering how the first week after placement will be like. It sounds like this crazy high and then *whomp* hello reality! I'm going to have to start taking notes. :) Hope the swing helps!
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up. Congratulations on your new daughter. It sounds like it was an amazing experience to welcome her into your lives and your family. I'm glad you have a good relationship with the birthparents and I hope that will continue. I remember how hard it was this time last year with a newborn. She'll start sleeping more and more over the next several weeks and you will feel human again. Good luck, congrats, and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteShe's just beautiful! I'll be excited to hear more and more of your adventures. Also, thanks with the name help!
ReplyDelete