chilling with mom
our 1st time at church
Lewis was born 4 weeks ago. I remember very vividly the last few hours before we were released from the hospital. The nurse came in to give us a 'class' on newborn care. This 'class' consisted of her telling us how our baby could die. (Rough.) I sat in the bed trying not to make eye contact with her nor Tim because I didn't want them to see the tears welling up in my eyes. It was totally overwhelming. I had no idea how to care for a baby besides changing his diaper and feeding him. This was it. I felt as though someone just hired me for a job I was completely unqualified to do.
When the nurse left Tim went to get a pizza for dinner. While he was gone I was determined not to cry. As soon as he walked back in the room the flood gates opened. Being the wonderful husband that he is he listened and offered some encouraging words. A few hours later we were out the door.
The last four weeks of baby boot camp (as Melanie Jones likes to call it) has been trial and error. I can honestly say that except for the first week it's been much easier than expected. (knock on wood) I typically wake around 6 for a feeding which lasts about 45 mins (feeding, burping, changing a diaper and putting him back to sleep). Then another feeding around 8. After this Lewis is usually wide awake. Depending on what I have planned for the day I either give him a bath and hang out until his 10 o'clock feeding or we leave the house to do whatever errand we need to accomplish. Then the feedings continue every 2 hours from start to start. The night time is 'doable'. I feed him right before I go to bed then he will go about 4 hours until the next feeding. Then he shortens them to 3 hours between feedings then 2 hours until the next. I have learned that in order to stay sane I must take a shower, look presentable and leave the house each day.
I end this blog excited for the next four weeks ahead.
