Whew, what a month! It feels as if Olivia has been a part of our lives forever, but it also feels like she was just born. I absolutely adore her, but really, what mom would say otherwise?
Here is a little bit of of what our lives have been like with the little miss O around..
The first month has been fairly easy for us. I'm not sure if it's because Olivia is a generally mellow little gal, or if it's because we've done this before so we know what to expect. We were prepared to have another baby like Carter, but instead we were pleasantly surprised by Olivia's laid back demeanor.
Olivia is waking up two to three times a night. She usually sleeps from 10-11pm until around 2:30am, and then again until 5-6am-ish, and then we'll fall back asleep until around 7:30-8am. I really should be taking advantage of the ability to sleep in when I can, but I'm not. I spend the majority of the morning in bed with Olivia watching the news, nursing, and checking up on the world via my iPhone.
Speaking of sleep, she was doing well in her bassinet for at first, but I started co-sleeping about a week ago for the benefits (and for me!) and we are so much happier. I don't play to co-sleep very long this time, definitely not as long as we did with Carter, but for now it's best for us. She sleeps so much better right next to me, wakes less, and nursing is much more convenient.
We are exclusively breastfeeding and so far it's going really well. I'm trying to pump to build up a stash, but I'm not doing it nearly enough. Olivia weight 7 pounds 7 ounces at her last doctors appt (at 5 days old) and I'm guessing she is between 9-10 pounds now. She is definitely growing at a rapid pace and her newborn clothes are starting to get a little bit tight.
Olivia rarely cries but fusses often. When she's awake she expects to be held or entertained as much as possible. It's really difficult when I need to get Carter changed, dressed or bathed and Olivia wants to nurse or be held. I usually lay her in her play gym and let her cry while I get myself or Carter ready, as painful as it is. I'm only one person and there is only so much I can do. I take it one day at a time and do the best I possibly can. There are moments where I feel a little nuts and wish for some time to myself, but I've been able to stay calm for the most part and work through it.
We decided to keep Carter in daycare on Tuesdays and Thursdays so I can spend those days bonding with my little girl, and he can keep up with his friends at daycare. I run most of my errands, or do lunches with friends on the days I have Olivia only. I'm not ready yet to venture into the world alone with both kids, except for going to my moms or the park, but I'm sure it will happen soon. I'm scared!
Olivia has started smiling at me when I talk to her and it is so freaking adorable. She also tries to talk to me when I'm talking to her. She purses her likes and says "coo." Eeek, I love her so much!
Carter adores her and constantly tries to smother her with kisses and hugs every single day. I haven't seen any jealously on his behalf yet, except for when he gets jealous that he can't hold Olivia as much as I do, haha.
I'm amazed I've been able to type this much, and my husband is starting to get seriously annoyed so I'm off to rescue him. Nighty night!
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