Born November 27, 2012 at 7:43 pm
7 pounds 7 ounces | 21 inches
My sister was right when she told me that each day feels long but it all goes by incredibly fast. It's hard to believe that baby Benjamin is two weeks old today! We've been spending most of our days at home getting to know one another. Becoming a mother is unlike any experience I've ever had. There are so many things I could never have prepared myself for.
We are absolutely in love with our son. He's perfect. Every day he's growing and changing. I feel so blessed. I plan to write out our birth story eventually. It was intense and nothing like I expected. Ben, Benjamin, and I stayed in the hospital for two nights following his birth. On Thursday we were released to go home. That evening Ben's father and sister flew in and stayed locally for a few days. We had several visitors that first weekend between family and friends. Ben had to leave last Monday to get back to Atlanta for work. I knew it was going to be really hard for me. I miss him so much but I know this is temporary. Before he left we discussed plans with our families to move us back sooner. Still no set dates but research has taken place for the big move for sometime mid to late January. Between the baby and holidays it will go quickly. Benjamin misses his Daddy too. We FaceTime just about every other evening and it's so cute to see him so attentive. He loves to hear and see his Daddy. Benjamin is very alert for a newborn and he's so serious! Sometimes it cracks me up how serious his looks are.
We are absolutely in love with our son. He's perfect. Every day he's growing and changing. I feel so blessed. I plan to write out our birth story eventually. It was intense and nothing like I expected. Ben, Benjamin, and I stayed in the hospital for two nights following his birth. On Thursday we were released to go home. That evening Ben's father and sister flew in and stayed locally for a few days. We had several visitors that first weekend between family and friends. Ben had to leave last Monday to get back to Atlanta for work. I knew it was going to be really hard for me. I miss him so much but I know this is temporary. Before he left we discussed plans with our families to move us back sooner. Still no set dates but research has taken place for the big move for sometime mid to late January. Between the baby and holidays it will go quickly. Benjamin misses his Daddy too. We FaceTime just about every other evening and it's so cute to see him so attentive. He loves to hear and see his Daddy. Benjamin is very alert for a newborn and he's so serious! Sometimes it cracks me up how serious his looks are.
Like his Daddy, Benjamin has super long fingers. He loves having his arms up near his face or grabbing onto something. Of all the babies I've swaddled he fights it the most. Right after I wrap him up I have to release one or both of his arms or he starts to protest with violence. The kid knows what he wants! He naps the best in the Moby wrap and Mommy is loving babywearing too. We weren't planning on it, but for the time being we're co-sleeping. Benjamin has his best sleep in the nook of my arm. I get my best sleep too. I tried letting him nap in his cradle last week but it was very hard for me. I kept checking to make sure he was breathing! Benjamin's sleeping 1 - 2.5 hours on average. We get two long sleeps in the night of 2.5 - 3 hours right now.
We are exclusively breastfeeding and like childbirth I really had no idea what to expect! You can read and hear about these things but you never know how it's going to be for you until you're in it. Our experience with breastfeeding has been very challenging for me. If I wasn't so completely dedicated I would have already quit several times. I am grateful for the support I've received - even just a listening ear while I cry and vent to friends or family. Last week we went to a Mom 2 Mom breastfeeding support group near the hospital and we'll definitely go again.
Other than that I'm celebrating small accomplishments. We had our first real outing yesterday to the mall to visit Santa (photos to come). I've managed 2 showers and one bath. I've completed one load of laundry (even if that meant drying everything and letting it sit in the hamper for several days thereafter). I've learned to utilize the breast pump. I've attempted a newborn photo session twice (much harder when you're photographer AND mom). There are mounds of clothes and mail, books, snacks, and baby items all over the place. We're still spending most of our days in bed and almost the entire time in our pajamas. And I'm okay with that. ♥
Congratulations!!! ADORABLE!!
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