One Month

So here we are. It has been one month since Henry's arrival into our world. Its been one month of joy, tears (both Henry's and mine), discovery and love. Its been one month, and I am still amazed by the fact that I am a mother.

I set up this blog months ago with the intention to document Henry's early years. I had grand ideas that I'd immediately start posting from Henry's birth with pictures, possibly videos and updates on our adventures as a family together. HA! I quickly realized that freetime is very precious, and when Henry's napping, there are a thousand other things that need to be done around the house. But as it Henry's one month birthday, I think I'm ready (and now sane enough!) to tackle this blog.

So here is what I've learned so far:

1) No book, article or class can actually teach you how to handle a newborn. Its nice in theory and there are good suggestions given, but until you're actually changing a messy diaper at 3:46 in the morning, you cannot be prepared. Nothing can prepare you for the sleep deprivation and the constant worry of "am I doing this wrong?"

2) You do whatever it takes to survive. I've really struggled with this lesson. No matter how much I want it, babies do not arrive with directions. I like rules and instructions, and Henry has not yet provided me with any manual. I'm slowly starting to accept the fact that there will be no structure and that everyday will be different. If this means that Henry will be sleeping in his swing more than his crib, then so be it.

3) Henry is stubborn. For example, we became familiar with his stubborn side before he was even born. My doctors have been saying that Henry is going to come early ever since my 32 week appointment. However, Henry had other ideas and preferred staying in the "penthouse" to arriving early. I had to be induced, and even then it took 33 hours for Henry to arrive. And as his last act of defiance, Henry peed on the doctor who delivered him. I'm convinced he did this on purpose.

4) Henry is dramatic. He even eats in a very dramatic fashion. When Henry's hungry, he wants his meal NOW. He can go from calm to red-faced and screaming in a matter of seconds. And when he finally gets fed, he squeaks, gulps and drinks it as if I'm going to take it away from him at any moment.

5) Henry is Houdini. Henry sleeps best when he is swaddled. He loves his hands in his face, but this also keeps him from sleeping, well, like a baby. So our solution is to wrap him up like a burrito. Unfortunately, those little arms break through almost everytime I try to swaddle him. Thank God for the Miracle Blanket and his SwaddleMe, which are both exclusively used at bedtime. p.s. - He can still escape these on occasion.

6) Henry is absolute perfection. Yes, we have our ugly moments. Yes, I'd prefer sleep over 3 a.m. feedings. But I wouldn't change anything. Our lives are so much better now that Henry is a part of it. Our adventure has only just begun.

Henry's Birthday

Houdini Hands

Play time!

Drama

First Father's Day!