Flying Solo, Milestones and Breastfeeding Encouragement

Flying Solo: On Tuesday morning, all our families left town. All the extra hands and cooking was so helpful, so I was not sure how I would preform flying solo. I am happy to report----so far so good for this first time mom!! Since Addison is on a pretty good three hour schedule, by the time I feed her and we play for a little while, it's nap time and before I know it----its time to do it all again :) Friends at our church have been bringing dinners this week which has really helped with the transition from having a house full of help to flying it solo. We appreciate all the help from our family and friends!!!

Milestones This Week: Addison is intentionally smiling at things, but its hard to catch on camera. She loves to pick her head up during tummy time or while she is burping, but after about 15 minutes she gets frustrated with not being able to keep it up. I am starting to see a little of my personality in her because she is trying so hard to do things so fast (i.e. picking up her head). She is also pushing up on her legs a lot too! She sometimes even gets into a crawl stance and pushes forward like a little inch worm!!

The two week doctor's visit revealed she is in perfect health and gaining weight well (especially considering she is exclusively breastfed). Addison weighed in at 9 pounds 12 oz, so she is just about to pass the 10 pound mark. I anticipate her to reach 10 pounds within a week or so (her weight gain is about 1/2 oz per day). She is getting so heavy now that its getting difficult to hold her when I feed her.
Future/Current Breastfeeding Mommies: I just wanted to share a little encouragement regarding breastfeeding. I am no expert, but what I can do is share my experiences thus far. Although Addison latched on well (and correctly) right away, the first week to week and a half was very painful. I am only now feeling relief and it has been 2 weeks. Had Matthew not encouraged me every step of the way, I would have given up. For those of you just starting out or about to start---do not give up. It gets easier!! Give it 4 weeks, then decide if it is something you want to continue and tell your husbands to be your advocate :) I said it once and I will say it again...Breastfeeding is not just a choice----it is a commitment. It is a wonderful commitment that although is challenging at first will get easier and I have faith it will get even easier as time passes. The feedings WILL get shorter and both mommy and baby WILL learn how it all works :)

Do not get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with a choice to formula feed but I wanted to offer some encouragement to those of you who just starting out or are trying to decide.

Check out a few photos of our little bundle of JOY.....

She is already a social girl---inviting people to play in her playpen!!

Sleeping beauty!

Yawns are the best

Lil flirty :)

A smirk, caught on camera!