Honestly - the first week was the hardest week of my life. I was feeding (painfully) what felt like constantly and then got an hour of sleep until it was time to feed again. Thankfully Mike was here basically waiting on me constantly. I didn't have to worry about feeding myself, changing Brooks, etc. Mike took care of it all - except the feeding - that was my job. The big corner was turned on Friday night. Our friend Erynn offered to stay the night to help. While it was hard to accept this help, not really knowing what it would look like, it was life changing! I woke up Saturday feeling like a new person. Erynn gave us our best baby gift so far!
The second week Mike was home again. The company he works for gives them 2 weeks (10 days) of paid paternity leave. While this week was still hard, we started letting Brooks sleep for up to 5 hours after his last feeding of the day. With the exception of 2 nights, he has slept the full amount of time, which allows me to only get up once over night. It has made such a difference. I don't feel like an exhausted mom. I really wake up feeling like I've had enough sleep.
Throughout the last 4 weeks we have had a lot of questions when it comes to feeding. Brooks' weight has gone up and down, and he isn't a big pooper. Those 2 things combined = either not enough milk, or not good enough milk. They've required extra feedings, and pumping to supplement, because I am not willing to give him formula. But this last Friday - we had a weight check and I am pleased to tell you Brooks has just passed his birth weight and now weighs 8lbs 1.5oz. We will weigh again this week to make sure the weight gain/intake is constant and not a fluke.
Overall, I am feeling really well. I love when Brooks has a ful
l belly and is wide awake looking around and making all these different facial expressions. I feel like we are blessed with a really good baby and I am SO thankful for all the support people have shown through dinners, phone calls, cards, etc. Here are some more pictures. He doesn't really do much (he is afterall, only 4 weeks) so we forget to take pictures - because it seems like they are the same over and over again.
Click here for more pics.
7 comments:
YAY!! I'm so glad to see some more Brooks :-) He is too cute and I can't wait to meet him. I'm glad you're able to sleep more and are feeling less exhausted. I have been worried about you since you haven't called me and weren't posting much. I'm still praying for you :-) Thanks for the update!!!
What a cute picture! Brooks is so adorable. Glad things are going better in the nursing dept. It was hard for me too the first go-around. Yikes! The lack of sleep and inexperience make for a hard first few weeks if you ask me...but it gets better and you'll be a pro in no time :)
It gets better, I promise you! So glad you've had the help you have had, with Mike and your friends. It truly is exhausting, isn't it? You're in our prayers.
Dear Veronica,
Yes, this new job, called being a Mom is quite the challenge as you are finding out! I swear, my middle name was "tired" for a very long time! Brroks is beautiful and I am sure that the love you have for him is still amazing you!
Enjoy...and keep those pictures coming!
Love, Great Aunt Jan :)
brooks not brroks
love the picture and video - what a beautiful little boy he is! :)
i love these photos! and i'm so excited to see your blog, i had no idea you have one! allow me to introduce myself as your new blog stalker. :)
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