Another Week Gone By

Sullivan's second week is about to have passed. 

I guess the fact that I'm not sobbing my eyes out like I was during my last post is a good sign. 

I'm sort of accepting it, though I still mourn a little as each day goes by. 

It breaks my heart a little to see his cheeks and thighs already beginning to fill out and change. 

But it thrills me that he is becoming more aware every day, and somtimes he cracks a one-dimpled half-smile when I talk to him.  And I'm absolutely loving the fact that I finally have a baby that will cuddle on my shoulder.  It is heavenly.

Since time is flying by so fast, I need to write some things about these weeks that I don't want to forget. 

Like the fact that we used every single towel in this house plus all of the midwife's during the birth.  My mom was doing laundry constantly the week she was here.  I'm so thankful she took care of that!

Or that Simon had me put rubberbands on the sleeves of his pajamas every night so he could have "mittens" like Sullivan has on his jammies.  One night after I did so, he rubbed his hands on his face and said, "I can't control my body, but I won't scratch my face!"

Sullivan has not taken a pacifier very well.  All of my kids have been binki babies, and I prefer it that way.  It has been a bit frightening trying to learn how to parent without one.  Thankfully, he is starting to get better at it.

He nursed for 2 days straight until my milk came in.  Big boys want real food, I guess!

He was not real tolerant of other people holding him.  He knows his mommy!  That made it hard for my mom to help me have breaks at night.  She got a few cuddle sessions in, though. 

Baths, diaper changes, and clothing changes were torture for this poor little guy.  He's already doing so much better.  Sometimes we can get through one without any screaming!

Sarajoy was sick for a week and coudln't be too close or hold him.  She ended the week with ear infections.  Dallin took her with him to the pharmacy to get her medicine.  She told me, "Me'cine, get better, holdy baby boy." 

All of my baby weight is gone, plus 5 pounds!  This has NEVER happened to me before!  I usually don't lose a significant amount of weight until I quit nursing.  What a relief!

The night my mom left, Sullivan slept for 7 hours straight!  Tender mercy indeed.

Then he did it again two nights later which allowed me to take the kids to Kaysville for my nephew's blessing.  It was exhausting, but I was able to get a nap and it was so great to be there and introduce Sullivan to much of my family. 

Sullivan is starting to respond well to Ruby.  She absolutely loves to hold and help take care of him.  It makes her so proud when she is able to calm and comfort him.  I'm so thankful for her help right now!

Sarajoy has become a tease!  It started a few days before the baby was born, and it hasn't stopped.  She delights in getting Simon riled up.  She thinks it is so funny to be disobedient and watch my reactions.  The madder I get, the harder she laughs.  Sigh.  I know.  Stop getting mad. 

I learned that singing lullabies can calm and uplift the mother as much or more than it ever calms and soothes the baby.

I'm not ready to face the fact that the world might be expecting me to get out of bed and put my baby down.  I'm enjoying it too much.  This time is too precious.  I know if I put him down and get on with life he will suddenly change and grow up!  I can hardly stand to have him out of my arms.

Since I can't hold back time, I'll just keep holding on to him.


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