How we're doing....

My Recovery:

As of yesterday, I'm down 20 pounds. I can't believe how quickly the weight is dropping off! Nine days post birth, and I'm 20 pounds lighter! I'm still not in my old clothes yet (well, I don't think I would be. They are honestly packed away somewhere!). I still have many pounds before I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I hope that it will start getting warmer here (yeah, right!) so that we can get out for walks soon.

I don't know if I mentioned it, but I tore during birth. The stitches are killing me! I've never had stitched before, so this is new, especially there! I wish that I had one of those embarrassing donut pillows!

I'm tired. There's nothing more to say about that. I'm tired.

Maura's progress:

She's doing well with the breast feeding. We occasionally have to use the nipple shield given to us by the lactation specialist. We generally only use that if she's very tired or very frustrated. Otherwise, we are strictly breast feeding! (more on this later)

She's smiling at us. I know, it's not a true, reactionary smile. She's probably just trying out these new muscles in her face. But it's damn cute, and makes me happy no matter what. Even if I've been up all night feeding and changing an ungodly amount of poopy diapers! She's just got that kind of power over me!

She has blocked tear ducts in both eyes which make her a very goopy kid. I hate it when she first wakes up, and tries to open her eyes but can't because they are glued shut. She tolerates the warm washcloths well, though.

Her two week check up is Monday, although she did see the pediatrician last Thursday. She had gained two ounces since she left the hospital, so we were all pleased. I know she's growing. I can't hold her like a football with one hand as easily as I could.

Other thoughts:

My parents are gone. It's just Maura and I here during the day now. I have to give her a bath today, and I'm totally nervous! I haven't done this without Grammy's help yet!! And I hate to make Maura scream!! But she's getting to be a crusty little girl, so it needs to be done.

I do like having her to myself for a bit. Now I feel like I can really sleep when I want and eat when I want. I feel bad that I don't seem to be getting anything else done, though. Dh is being such a help, covering where I can't. But that leaves him so much to do.

Dh has vacation starting next week. I'm really looking forward to the three of us being together.

Breastfeeding. Well, like I've said, we've accomplished my goal of being able to breastfeed. I'm glad. But I think that in a week or so I will re-evaluate whether I want to keep this up 100%. It's really demanding. I figured out that I spend 8-10 hours a day breastfeeding! And all that time sitting on my stitches doesn't help either! But seriously, I'm not getting the magic of it all. I'm glad that we can do it, and it's nice not to have a million bottles to wash. But I'd like to get to sleep for more that 1-2 hours at a time at some point soon. I can see the magic in sleep right now, I just can't see it in breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is a wonderful thing, as is bottle feeding. I completely support each individual decision made by each individual person out there, and I hope that you will each do the same for me. Where I accept all comments, please keep in mind that these are my feelings.

Thank you to everyone out there for all of your love and support. I value your advice and encouragement. I can't tell you how you've helped me over the last 10 days. ((Hugs))