Kent's 2nd week at home

Kyle & I have survived being parents for 2 weeks! Overall, we are doing well. But it has been an adjustment, especially after being married for 6 years and used to being independent doing whatever. Now we need to do a little more planning, but we'll adjust. It's a good adjustment, so I can't complain.

Mom & Kristen have been here this whole week, which has continued to be a blessing. Mom has been a huge help at processing laundry, cooking, helping with a fussy baby, etc. Kristen has been a great new aunt, loving on baby Kent every chance she gets.

On Tuesday this week dad was able to fly down from Ohio to meet his new grandson. Here is the picture I took when dad met Kent for the 1st time. I put him in an Ohio State onesie for his grandpa to enjoy. Go Bucks!

On Wednesday, we went to Kent's 2 week check-up at the doctor. He weighed in at 9 pounds, 10 ounces! At 2 weeks most babies are supposed to regain their birthweight...Kent was definitely an overachiever in that area!



One evening when it was cooler outside (in the 90s & overcast, which makes Texas cooler), we went on a family walk. Here is a pic of us in front of our house with Kent in his new stroller.

Here is everyone walking around our neighborhood. Even Pepper the dog got to come on the walk!

My dad enjoyed holding Kent every chance he could get for the limited time he was visiting. Here is a picture of dad & Kent on Kent's 2 week birthday.

I'm doing well adjusting to breastfeeding, which is going much better than last week. Being a mom & breastfeeding is one of the most challenging things I've ever done in my life, and some days are easier than others. I'm not going to lie. I've been pretty emotional lately as my body has adjusted to life as a new mom. Today has been a good day.

Here is usually the schedule that I've been trying to follow and acclimate baby Kent to based on a book I read to help him get on a routine, and sleeping through the night quicker:

-6-7am: 1st feeding of the day, which takes about 30-60 minutes. If I don't have to be anywhere in the morning, I usually try to go back to bed & sleep if I can get Kent settled.

-9-10am: 2nd feeding of the day. After this, I usually try to take a shower if I can get Kent settled somewhere for a few minutes. With family here, it hasn't been a problem. We'll have to see how this goes next week.

-12-1pm: 3rd feeding of the day. After this, I try to take a nap if I can get Kent settled. (Do you see a pattern?) What usually makes Kent not settle down is that he has had a lot of trouble with gas this past week. I've tried to figure out if it's something I'm eating, but so far I haven't found a consistent pattern on any 1 particular food. I have discovered mylicon anti-gas drops, though. They seem to work ok, but are not the miracle I was hoping for.

-3-4pm: 4th feeding of the day. After this, I either try to take a nap, or catch up on email/facebook/blog/etc if I'm not too tired. I've heard from multiple people "sleep when the baby sleeps" and am trying to do this as much as I can. With mom & Kristen leaving, I"m sure this will also be a time I try to do laundry, etc if I'm able.

-6-7pm: 5th feeding of the day. Usually falls around dinner time, and family time at night. We have done several things together this past week.....watched movies, gone on walks, run to the store, out for ice cream at Brahm's, etc.

-9-10pm: 6th feeding of the day. I usually try to give Kent a bath before this time, as he is usually pretty tired & I have to wake him up to eat at this time. Plus, he just smells really nice right before bed. After this feeding, I set my alarm clock for 5 hours from whatever time I started feeding in case Kent doesn't wake me up before the alarm. Kent can take a while to get settled after this feeding, usually because of gas, which seems to creep up at this time of day. Unfortunately, this is the time of day I feel exhausted & don't have much patience for screaming/crying. Kyle & my family have been wonderful to help out when nothing seems to settle an upset baby at this time.

-1-3am: 7th feeding of the day. The past 2 nights Kent has woken up at 2am on his own to be fed. Sometimes he will sleep to 3am, but this is about as long as both he & myself can go, especially since I'm breastfeeding. I'm going to be really happy when this feeding can be dropped when Kent is around 6-8 weeks old....this is why I'm following Babywise...to give Kent & myself the gift of sleep!

Then the schedule starts over again. I haven't perfected the hours of the day exactly yet, but am working towards a more structured schedule, especially since I'll be returning to work full time & will have Kent in daycare. My milk supply is doing well, and I've even been able to pump some extra & freeze it for later on occasion. Our deep-freeze is getting a good supply of extra breastmilk, which is liquid gold in my book.

That's about all for this past week. Mom, dad, & Kristen are all leaving back for Ohio tomorrow. I've been so thankful to have them here, as they have been extremely helpful these first couple of weeks. Please pray for Kyle & I as we adjust to not having all of these extra sets of hands available.

I'll keep everyone posted on Kent's progress and progress as his parents when I have the time & energy to blog. Hopefully with family returning to Ohio, I'll be able to blog more often to keep them updated on what Kent is up to.

Have a Happy 4th everyone!