Saturday, March 30, 2013
Happy Easter!
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Parenthood
I didn't realize being a mother would be so much work. I love being a mom, but life is so very different. I will never be able to think the way I used to before Brax was born. In everything I do, I always have him on my mind and always think of him first in any decision I make. It is definitely a big adjustment compared to the child free life we had lived for so long.
Here are a few things I wish people had told me about parenthood:
1. The beginning is very hard and not always that enjoyable when your baby needs to eat every 2-3 hours. You will not be able to get much done in the first month especially the first few weeks. You will spend a majority of time at your home on the couch with the baby. Find a new tv series to start watching. You will not be able to do the things you used to do even small things like getting in the car to go to Chipotle. Life will be so different. Enjoy your independence while pregnant.
2. Breastfeeding is a lot of work. I am so glad I am able to breastfeed Brax since it is much better for a baby than formula. However, it is so much work especially when he eats so often. Also, pumping once a day is work, too. Breastfeeding puts so much of the work on the mom. Leaking is another perk of breastfeeding along with engorgement.
3. You will feel tired all of the time at the beginning. Getting up every 2-3 hours is hard. Interrupted sleep all night does not make you feel very rested. Yes, people say to sleep when the baby sleeps, but that is sometimes hard when you really need a shower or want to get something done for you. Again, breastfeeding puts the night feedings on the mom.
4. If you have a boy, make sure the penis is pointed downward when putting on a diaper. Otherwise, he will soak the sides of his clothing.
5. It does get better every week. You find a rhythm/routine and get to know what your baby needs and when. The baby will start sleeping longer. Five hours of uninterrupted sleep seems like you have won the lottery.
Many people I talked to that have kids say they couldn't believe how hard the first few months were. However, they say it gets better and so worth it when the baby starts smiling and interacting with you. Most people have more than one kid so I am assuming this is true.
Even with all the work, I love Brax more than anything. I love being parents with Wade and how having a child has made us closer as a couple. I would never want to go back to the life we used to live before having him. He is our world, and we will love him forever.
Here are a few things I wish people had told me about parenthood:
1. The beginning is very hard and not always that enjoyable when your baby needs to eat every 2-3 hours. You will not be able to get much done in the first month especially the first few weeks. You will spend a majority of time at your home on the couch with the baby. Find a new tv series to start watching. You will not be able to do the things you used to do even small things like getting in the car to go to Chipotle. Life will be so different. Enjoy your independence while pregnant.
2. Breastfeeding is a lot of work. I am so glad I am able to breastfeed Brax since it is much better for a baby than formula. However, it is so much work especially when he eats so often. Also, pumping once a day is work, too. Breastfeeding puts so much of the work on the mom. Leaking is another perk of breastfeeding along with engorgement.
3. You will feel tired all of the time at the beginning. Getting up every 2-3 hours is hard. Interrupted sleep all night does not make you feel very rested. Yes, people say to sleep when the baby sleeps, but that is sometimes hard when you really need a shower or want to get something done for you. Again, breastfeeding puts the night feedings on the mom.
4. If you have a boy, make sure the penis is pointed downward when putting on a diaper. Otherwise, he will soak the sides of his clothing.
5. It does get better every week. You find a rhythm/routine and get to know what your baby needs and when. The baby will start sleeping longer. Five hours of uninterrupted sleep seems like you have won the lottery.
Many people I talked to that have kids say they couldn't believe how hard the first few months were. However, they say it gets better and so worth it when the baby starts smiling and interacting with you. Most people have more than one kid so I am assuming this is true.
Even with all the work, I love Brax more than anything. I love being parents with Wade and how having a child has made us closer as a couple. I would never want to go back to the life we used to live before having him. He is our world, and we will love him forever.
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
We hope everyone is enjoying St. Patrick's Day!
"What do you mean? All I get is green milk?"
52.5% German
"What do you mean? All I get is green milk?"
"Thanks for the outfit, Grandma!" Brax is Irish even if it's only 3.75%. Here's the full breakdown of his nationality:
52.5% German
12.5% Norwegian
12.5% English
12.5% Swedish
6.25% Bohemian
3.75% Irish
Now, if we were only in Valley enjoying Grandma's reuben sandwiches the day would be complete.
Now, if we were only in Valley enjoying Grandma's reuben sandwiches the day would be complete.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
One Month
Brax is one month old today!
Notes from month one:
You have found your hands. You like to put them in your mouth. Also, you scratch your face quite a bit even though we have filed your nails really low.
You smile when you are sleeping. You have smiled twice while you were awake.
You are not on any real schedule, yet. You sleep for 2-3 hours at a time. You have slept for a little over 4 hours a few times at night. I am ready for this to happen on a more regular basis. Sometimes, you sleep a lot during the day, and sometimes, you are up almost for the whole day.
You breastfeed well. Also, you will take a bottle of breast milk well. You don't really seem to care for a pacifier very much.
You go through so many diapers! You grunt when you are going to the bathroom. This makes us laugh.
You have met Grandpa Stan and Grandma. They were here for your birth, and Grandma visited for another week. Also, you have met Nana. She came for a week. Lots of visitors during your first month!
At night, you get fussy when you are tired. The white noise machine seems to calm you down while Daddy holds you.
You still have your hole in your heart. The doctor thinks you will have to have surgery anywhere from 2-6 months. So far, you haven't shown any symptoms. We are grateful for this!
We have gone for four walks. You seem to do okay as long as we keep moving. It will be nice when the weather is consistently nice so we can go on walks each day.
We love you to pieces! You are a lot more work than I thought, but we would do anything for you!
Notes from month one:
You have found your hands. You like to put them in your mouth. Also, you scratch your face quite a bit even though we have filed your nails really low.
You smile when you are sleeping. You have smiled twice while you were awake.
You are not on any real schedule, yet. You sleep for 2-3 hours at a time. You have slept for a little over 4 hours a few times at night. I am ready for this to happen on a more regular basis. Sometimes, you sleep a lot during the day, and sometimes, you are up almost for the whole day.
You breastfeed well. Also, you will take a bottle of breast milk well. You don't really seem to care for a pacifier very much.
You go through so many diapers! You grunt when you are going to the bathroom. This makes us laugh.
You have met Grandpa Stan and Grandma. They were here for your birth, and Grandma visited for another week. Also, you have met Nana. She came for a week. Lots of visitors during your first month!
At night, you get fussy when you are tired. The white noise machine seems to calm you down while Daddy holds you.
You still have your hole in your heart. The doctor thinks you will have to have surgery anywhere from 2-6 months. So far, you haven't shown any symptoms. We are grateful for this!
We have gone for four walks. You seem to do okay as long as we keep moving. It will be nice when the weather is consistently nice so we can go on walks each day.
We love you to pieces! You are a lot more work than I thought, but we would do anything for you!
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
First Bath
Here is Brax's first real bath in a tub in the sink. He only seemed to be upset when he was first set in the sling and when I sprayed him with water at the end to clean off the body wash.
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
Bath Time
Here is the first sponge bath we gave Brax the day after we came home from the hospital. We are still waiting for his cord to completely fall off before we attempt a real bath.
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