Harper is one-month-old today. She is getting bigger every day. She probably weighs nearly 10 pounds right now - no kidding. She is waking up 3 times a night - generally at 11:30pm, 2:30am, and 5:30am. After her 5:30am feeding, I am up for the day - even though she goes back to sleep. So my days start early and I try to end them early too - by 9pm. Getting up early does have its advantages though. It gives me a little time to myself before “the house” wakes up and the day really begins. That's nice.
Overall Harper is a wonderful, beautiful baby. She sleeps pretty well and is eating like a champ. We tried the breastfeeding thing. That didn’t work, so she is a formula-baby (and we are all okay with that).
Her daytime sleep “schedule” is relatively non-existent, although in time I think one will develop. Her eating is more routine as she gets hungry and wants a bottle about every 3 hours (and tends to eat 4 oz. at every feeding).
People comment on her long, dark hair and mention that she looks like a doll or a small adult. Apparently she is very expressive.
The family is doing pretty good adjusting to the new addition.
Hayden adores his little sister and gives her hugs and kisses a lot. Whenever she fusses he wants to make her “better” and works hard to please her - although sometimes his tactics just work to make her more agitated as he is rather loud and boisterous with his attempts to cajole.
Randy is a wonderful father - very sweet and helpful. He is the official bottle-washer. The bottles have to be washed two times a day and I do not enjoy it. Randy on the other hand finds washing her bottles “therapeutic” - so wash away Randy, wash away!
He also assumes the responsibility of PCG (primary care-giver) and watches the kids so I can take a shower when I need one. In addition, he watches the kids nearly every day at lunch so I can walk on the treadmill. (I used to walk first thing in the morning at around 6am before everyone woke up, but with the lack of a morning schedule for Harper it isn't possible to do that right now.)
As for me, I’m doing pretty good. It’s a little overwhelming parenting two kids - trying to do everything for everyone and take care of everything. It is apparent that that’s not possible. Perfection isn't realistic. I am working to accept that it’s okay to be good enough, but it’s hard.
I want to be able to attend to Hayden when he wants or needs me, but that isn't always possible. Then I feel guilty, because it makes him sad. I don’t want to make him sad.
I think it will get better though as Harper develops and isn't as dependent. We’ll see.
It’s also hard not getting the same amount of “me time” as I used to. Before, when Hayden rested I was able to rest. Now with Harper she isn't necessarily resting when Hayden rests which means little to no rest for mommy.
Fortunately, the treadmill helps to give me a break - which I greatly appreciate and need (again - thank you Randy!).
My mom noted that I seem more relaxed as a parent now. I think I have to be. I can’t be as regimented or scheduled right now. I have to go with it and be okay with it.
In time, Harper will develop a schedule (with our assistance). I look forward to that. As a person who thrives on routine and schedule, having things be so inconsistent isn't easy. But knowing that eventually - as Harper gets older - things will become more consistent is comforting.
On another note, I am already down to my pre-pregnancy weight which is nice. Although my pre-pregnancy pants still don’t fit. Obviously my body is not the same. I am hoping that it’s just a matter of time (and not too much time) before I can fit in them again.
He also played for Alfie.
I think they both enjoyed it.
We did the same thing with Harper this past week.
Harper is obviously bigger (note: At the time that the picture of Hayden was taken he was essentially starving - I wasn't producing enough breastmilk and he was not getting enough to eat.) Aren't they cute though?
As an added bonus, here is a current picture of Hayden in the bumbo seat.
He plays with it quite a bit. Too cute!
Love, Melissa
And then...
