Two weeks of our Olivia

Our little Olivia is two weeks old! The past two weeks have gone by faster than my 21+ hours of labor.  I’ll write about that when I find the time and hopefully before I forget too many details.  These past weeks have been filled with love and laughter and tears and at times exhaustion (10:30 has never felt so late). Love from the wonderful snuggles and coos, laughter over her milk coma grins, tears over her tears, and sweet exhaustion from the love, laughter and tears. 

Just 5 hours old =)

Olivia’s arrival: Olivia joined our family on October 22, at 5:10 PM. Weighing in at 6lb 12oz and measuring 20 ½ inches long.  She has a head full of brown fuzzy hair. She has been such a blessing and a joy already.

Sleep: Overall we have been a well-rested family.  The first couple of nights we were home I woke her up every three hours to eat. More for my sake than hers =) After that during the night I have been letting her wake up on her own to eat.  A majority of our nights have consisted of a 5 hour stretch and then a 3 or 4 hour stretch.  We had a couple of nights of a 6 hour stretch and then a three hour stretch which was fantastic. Even though it is tiring to get up to feed her I truly cherish the time where the house is quiet and it’s just us spending time together.  She is so precious to me and I look forward to spending time with her!  

Eating: Olivia has been a breastfeeding rock star since day one.  Right away the nurses commented on what a good latch she had.  It has been getting easier for me as the days go by but it was definitely awkward at first and it seemed as though I needed four hands to get everything situated =)      

Diapers: Newborn.

Clothes: Newborn fit really well. Cute onsies and pants are her typical outfit during the day. Her fuzzy zip up pajamas are my favorite for bedtime.

Firsts: We have been enjoying her smiles. The first one was after being fed. She was in her milk coma state and gave us some pretty great squinty eyed smiles that showed off the dimples Andy passed on to her.  We’ve also had our first blow out’s. Three total now and magically they have all been when Andy is away.  I used to always say that I would be the mom that would just throw away the clothes because it would gross me out too much to wash the poop out but I can honestly say that not an outfit has been tossed and I’ve hand washed the poop out of her clothes. I am a mom! =)  We have been out to eat a few times since Olivia joined the family and she has slept through it all.  We also went to church this past Sunday and she slept through that as well. It was so wonderful to worship as a family and to just be in church together.  My deepest longing for her is that she would fall in Love with Jesus and lead a life following and serving him. 

On our way to church =) Notice my boots =) I couldn't wear them before because my calves and feet were so swollen.  Now they fit perfectly!

Olivia’s likes and dislikes: At first bath time was a dislike but now she only fusses when we take her out of the sink.  Diaper changes are constantly back and forth on the like or dislike scale.  Olivia likes to be free and she likes her arms out when she is swaddled.  She likes going for walks in her stroller.  We’ve done 6 miles together.  

Mom and Dad Love:  Dad Loves lying on the couch with Olivia on his chest.  He also loves finding new ways to entertain her like playing his guitar for her or singing various songs to her.  I Love dancing with her in the living room and snuggling her after she is full and tired.   

Things I’ve been experiencing this week:  Pure happiness because of our Olivia and because of how well things really are going.  The transition from two to three has been easier than I anticipated and Andy and I have seemed to fall into our roles pretty easily.  It is so wonderful to see his Love for his daughter and the bond that they have formed.

I am happy to say that I think almost all of my water weight is gone “yippee!” 30lb down with 15 to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight.  Who’s legs are these?!?! I forgot what it was like to have ankles!

What I have been struggling with is feeling guilty. Feeling guilty when I want to hold her but have so much to get done and then feeling guilty for wanting to lay her down because I want to get things done.  Obviously there is a balance and I have to try to enjoy my time with her and also enjoy my time doing the things I do for me and our home.  

What I'm looking forward to: The journey ahead as we continue life as a family of three.