This Thing Called Parenthood

I usually update on Wednesday's because they mark her one week milestones but as she sleeps away in her tiny bassinet not 20 feet from me, I can't help but smile. These past 10 days have been fabulous, terrifying, anxiety ridden, wonderful, and filled with more love than one can possibly imagine. My whole world revolves around a 6 lb sweet smelling (most of the time), tiny toed, little girl. Motherhood has proven to be one of my biggest, yet best, challenges so far.

We've had a few issues with breastfeeding, first with the latching and then with the milk supply but with a few formula feeds, I think we've found a happy medium. She is a night owl, which has taken some adjusting on my part but when she (involuntarily) smiles at me at 2am, I can't help but melt.

My husband has been wonderful, albet a little timid of our peanut. But he has no problem pacing a crying baby for an unlimited amount of time. He chalks it up to his calming personality (insert eye roll). Then again, I shouldn't complain, I certainly don't handle her fussing quite as calmly as he does.  The other night he came up behind me and kissed my neck and it was the best feeling in the world. To be loved by a man that gave me the world's best gift is a blessing I don't take for granted. Not for one second.

My mom has been the biggest blessing (besides the peanut) so far. I'm pretty sure our house would have fallen down around us without her. She's constantly cleaning, doing laundry, washing bottles, sweeping the floor, emptying the dishwasher... the list goes on and on. She paces with me at 2am and is a great ear when I'm trying to decide if the peanut needs to feed again or is just overtired and fighting her sleep.

My hormones have been a little more than I expected. I have sudden urges to cry (in fact, I may have shed a tear or two writing this) and when I start to run empty, really empty, anxiety takes over and I feel completely overwhelmed. But like all things that seem insurmountable, they too pass. The forgetfulness is taken some getting used to, because I have the memory of a fish these days.

All in all, our introduction hasn't been too painful. With just the right amount of bumps along the course, the husband and I are getting a good grasp on this thing called parenting. We have our two week check-up on Friday. Hopefully good things to report after!