Welcome to Parenthood

Ah, I finally understand why new mothers are always so tired and can never get anything done. I mean, I knew in my head it wasn't easy, but I figured, with baby sleeping most of the time you could still get stuff done. Um, yeah right. Even when baby girl is sleeping, she doesn't like to be put down. I have learned to do a lot of things with just one hand, but it is still difficult to really get some things done. I find it really ironic that now that I can't get much housework done, I have this great desire to have a clean house. I guess I'm going to have to learn to just let some things go.

So, I've heard about diaper blowouts and such, but never had the pleasure of experiencing one - until now. The other day, we had just gotten in from the pediatrician for another weight check (she gained 80 grams in 4 days, praise the Lord!), and I figured I would change her diaper before feeding her. There was a tiny bit of poo in there, so I should have taken that as my cue to wrap it back up until she finished. No, in my naivete, I assumed she just had a wet fart (she gets those sometimes) and proceeded with the diaper change. I had no sooner put a clean diaper under her when the poo fountain started up. Oh. My. Dog. It was like mustard colored water issuing forth! And it just kept coming! I would no sooner wipe it away when more would come out! It traveled up the diaper and all up her back and all over her onesie! Of course, she didn't enjoy the sensation and was screaming crying - with real tears, mind you (she's such a drama queen). I wanted to cry my own self. Finally, she finishes and we get all cleaned up. The rest of the afternoon is pretty uneventful until Steve gets home. Before I could recount my story, she does the same thing to him!!! It was much funnier to watch him going through it than it was to go through it myself. Just how is it that someone who weighs less than 5 pounds can fart and poo like a 40 year old man?? When some of those farts come out, you almost want to take cover because someone must be shooting a semi-automatic gun at the house! Sheesh!

But really, she's a sweetie. She provides me and Steve with many hours of entertainment, just watching her facial expressions (she does a good "mean mug") and listening to all her little baby sounds (like when she drinks, it's like it soooo good to her, the way she "ohs" every time she swallows). She is intent on sucking her thumb, much to my chagrin. She finds it every now and again, and she smacks that thing like it's going out of style. I haven't been quick enough to snap a picture of that yet - but I'm going to get a shot. I think she's a little too grown - she lifts her head in short spurts (she was doing that in the hospital) and she scoots up to our chests when we lie her on our bellies. For all who say that she's getting out of the way for the next child - NO WAY! I plug my ears and refuse to heed that word! When we were in the hospital, the minister of the Diakonie came to visit us, since it is a Christian hospital, and she gave us a little blessing and a card. The blessing was something along the lines of God blessing all of your children. This lady has the nerve to say that it was a prophetic word for me, since babies should not be alone, but need brothers and sisters. I smiled politely but in my head said "Nuh-uh! She'll be okay! I don't receive that word!" LOL! The Lord will have to touch me on that issue!

But she is my baby, and we hang tight during the day. After pumping and supplementing with formula over the past couple weeks, we are transitioning to exclusive nursing. She has taken to nursing like a champ, and often treats me like her personal pacifier. But it really has made my life simpler - I can stay in bed and feed her instead of having to get up and get a bottle, and I don't have to be tied to the pump. And actually, it hurts less to nurse than it did to pump! It looks like breastmilk agrees with her, and she is starting to plump up. We notice the difference in her legs and arms and her chubby cheeks. It makes me feel like I'm doing something right!

She's two weeks old today! Already! Time flies - and before we know it, she'll be crawling, then walking and talking. I'm trying to enjoy every moment with her as my baby. Steve and I look the color off of her every day, and whatever is left we just kiss it off. : ) I'll get as many kisses in now while she doesn't mind to tide me over in those difficult years to come when she won't want my kisses. But for now, she's my baby girl.