a quick quiz

Choose which of the statements below is true:

a.) According to the last pediatrician's appointment, Pigtail is gaining almost half a pound every week.  (Please translate what this means to the momma's chest who is feeding her.)

b.) Our brains are so addled that we used up precious sleeping time on Saturday night watching a documentary on the downfall of the polka king Jan Lewan.

c.) During our baby's first-ever bath, The Gorilla shut off the video camera to take a call pertaining to his fantasy football team.

d.) All of the above.

If you chose "D," then imagine a bell ringing happy chimes in your direction!

*

So this mothering thing is kinda hard.  Why didn't you tell me?  Oh, wait.  Everyone did. 

Pigtail is now three weeks old.  She is an angel.  Minus some feeding issues that we're still working out, she does what she is supposed to do: sleeps (a lot), poops (a generous amount), and eats (us out of house and home). 

I am still not entirely physically recovered.  Three weeks seems like a long time, right?  I think so, too.  My doctor told me in the hospital that I needed to "lower the bar."  Maybe I underestimated the whole birthing process? 

But all in all, we are doing well.  Attempting to find a rhythm, enjoying the process.  The Gorilla's parents arrive today and we are so excited to be surrounded by more family. 

Time is flying, and yet it seems like our little family has always been.   

Comments

[Megan@SortaCrunchy]

For what it's worth, there are a number of midwives who recommend that new moms treat the two weeks following delivery as a time of bedrest. Like, for real rest where you basically only get up to eat, bathe, and tend to baby. Now, even in my two-week post c-section recovery, I've never been able to do that, but I DO fully believe that the first six weeks postpartum should be devoted to recovery and healing.

Be gentle with yourself, friend!

Oh, and I just want to reassure you that the all-consuming part of mothering really does let up. Eventually. Really, it does.

[Kaye Wiley]

I fully was back to myself after 2 months. I only bled for 3 weeks after birth, so maybe that part will end for you if it hasn't already. I know TMI for a comment on a blog that everyone will probably read lol but thought i'd share with you anyway. Like I said earlier, rest when she does and dont be afraid to ask for help! :)

[mom]

Look at those little fingers and nails -- long, straight (not tapered) -- just like mine!

[Liz]

Yes, I agree with Megan, just give it some time, and you will feel more "normal" so to speak. It sounds like you are doing a great job, and I love seeing the precious baby pictures! :)

[Sarah @ BecomingSarah.com]

a) re: what you said on my blog about breastfeeding - YOU CAN DO IT =) It took me about five or six weeks to get to a point where I felt comfortable. There are still moments of pain sometimes, but it slowly gets better, I promise. Going three weeks is amazing. Just hang in there! I wanted to quit every day (every feeding!) too.

b) It took me four weeks to feel mostly normal, six weeks to stop bleeding, and eight weeks to feel completely recovered. I needed to lower the bar too lol. Don't worry, it'll happen =)

c) Enjoy that baby!!!