In a week of little sleep and mounting stress, we treasured the small victories. On Wednesday morning, Lacey was elated to fit into a pair of pre-pregnancy jeans; we are learning to take naps when we can get them; and we celebrate the good feedings.
At our doctor's appointment this morning Madeline weighed 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces. It was five ounces more than she weighed a week ago, and she finally overtook her birth weight. But the doctor says she should be gaining about 6-7 ounces per week, so we remain vigilant about what she's eating.
Lacey continues to struggle with nursing. Some days are good, others less so - Madeline sometimes falls asleep while feeding and then gets grumpy minutes later when she's taken off. Sometimes Lacey is in feeding mode for hours on end, trying her best to make sure the baby's getting enough. But things seem to be getting better, slowly.
I returned to work this week - on Tuesday I was suprised by the amount of energy I had but today I am definitely feeling the strain. Last night (or rather this morning) I didn't get to sleep until 5 a.m., and then was up by about 8 to prepare for the appointment.
Every parent I talk to assures me that the first weeks are some of the most stressful, as parents adjust to the baby and the baby finds its routine. We love Madeline with all our hearts, but also hunger for the return of some semblance of sanity to our lives (or even just a couple hours of sleep).
2 comments:
How wonderful to hear that she's healthy and strong. As for stress, where does it come from?
Hint: NOT from circumstances.
Once you realize the answer to this question, you will be better able to relax and enjoy your precious daughter, and be amazed by her growth and development.
As crazy as it sounds, these long days and even longer nights are passing by ever so quickly.
This is a critical time for you and Lacey to make time for each other as well. It's so easy to let baby consume your total attention.
The greatest gift that you all can give Madeline is to love each other and to openly show your love. That will give Madeline a sense of security that no home, car, or other possession ever could. She may be teeny-tiny, but she is plenty smart and aware of her immediate environment. As she grows, she will have "vibes" of what's going on around her, certainly not conscious thought, but a "gut feeling" that will form her attitudes, emotions, and dealing with life. Babies are like sponges soaking up everything, so make sure that there is oceans of love among you all for her to soak up.
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