Just the Two of Us

Before I was even pregnant with Logan, I told my mom that I would need her for a week after I brought a baby home from the hospital. My mom was more than happy to do so. She has been saving her vacation days for almost a year now so that she could come help. So, for the first week home from the hospital, my mom (aka Mackie) moved in. This gave Matt and I, who took the first week off of work, time to just focus on and adjust to being parents. Mom cooked, cleaned and did tons of laundry while Matt and I fed, diapered, and cared for Logan. Mom was a great support system, offering advice only when we asked (which was frequent). She knew that we had to figure this parenting thing out for ourselves. We cannot thank her enough. Thanks, Mom!

Mom left Sunday morning and Matt returned to work Monday. It was now time for me to take up the position of full-time mom. After all, that is why I left teaching at the end of the last school year. Although, Matt joked that I was trying to audition for the Real Housewives of NH. The week has been a learning process for Logan and me, but mostly me. 

Logan has learned how to sleep like a champ during the night. On average, he is going about 6 hours between the last feeding of the night and the first early morning feeding (the doctor said not to let him go longer than that). What does that mean for Mama? In theory, it is about 5 hours of uninterrupted sleep. However, I stir about every hour or so just to make sure Logan is okay. Logan is starting to learn how to work through falling asleep during feedings. I am convinced that there is tryptophan (the amino acid that is in turkey that makes you sleepy) in my breastmilk. He has learned how to take a bath like a man, with no tears. Or maybe we have learned how to bathe him better. He has learned that tummy time is not that bad. His neck muscles seem to be getting stronger every day.

Made it through another bath without tears!!!

Tummy Time!

I have learned that Mom and Billy Mays were right, “it's not clean, unless it's OxiClean.” It will even get out the stains left from a leaky diaper on a white footed-sleeper. I know I am late to the OxiClean ban wagon, but it is a must for a parent. I have learned how to do things one-handed that I did not think were possible. Example - I can peel a banana with one hand! I have learned how to cut and file newborn nails. Harder than doing my own, but easier than doing Rocky's. I have learned that my son makes the most precious noises when he is sleeping. He also has the cutest yawn. It starts like a normal yawn, but he does this throaty-flemmy thing at the end. It's to die for. When burping him on my shoulder, he tightly wraps his little arm around my arm. I have learned that even through his crying, I find him to be perfection. My heart breaks in a good way every time I cuddle with him. I fall more and and more in love with him everyday.

Helping Mama in the kitchen.  Yes, that is a thumb in Logan's mouth.

Logan received his first two packages in the past two weeks. The day we got home from the hospital, Logan received a fruit arrangement by Edible Arrangements from his Aunt Kristin. It was great to have the fresh fruit in the house after two days of hospital food and take-out. Thanks, Kristin! Logan's second package arrived this past Tuesday from Aunt Jenny and Uncle Adam. He got a cozy blanket with his name and birth date on it. It was so fun to get something with Logan's name on it. Thanks, Aunt Jenny and Uncle Adam!

T-shirt and teddy bear - A gift from Nana and Papa while in the hospital

Logan's 1st personalized item!

One of the nurses in the hospital suggested taking pictures each month of Logan with an object so that we can look back and see how he grew over time. I meant to take the first one on Saturday, when he was a week old, but forgot. So, it was taken on Tuesday, when he was 10 days old.

Logan is not amused by the photo session.

Nap time at the Perry House