Sort of update

[beetiger]

There's no way I'm going to be able to put down the whirlwind of emotions and activities surrounding Rhys' first week and a half of life here. It's been a surprising time, just like the surprising time that new parents have had every single time since forever.

With a lot of practice and a few visits to a lactation consultant, Rhys and I are slowly learning how to do the dance of nursing. He still seems to like his hands in his mouth -- a "self-soother", our doula says cheerfully -- but we seem to be learning how to listen to each other better. And the...um...throughput is good, so I have to assume metabolic activity is happening and he is indeed getting fed.

We're of course not getting enough sleep -- the advice to nap at noon when the baby does is well given but a bit hard to take. I'm having bouts of depression and worry about feeling isolated. This isn't surprising, really. I've always known I don't do well if I don't get out of the house often, but I've been pretty much living in my living room for the better part of the week, at least. I went to the bank today, which improved my mood for a bit. It's odd, thinking of basic chores as little expeditions.

Rhys is wonderful though, bright-eyed and cuddly and overall good-natured. I didn't have to worry about falling in love with him right away.

I'm hoping people will call and visit soon. I could use the contact. I'm sure they're mostly just waiting for permission, waiting to hear we're okay with visitors, but at the same time I don't want to make anyone feel they should come by if they don't want to.

I'm trying to tell Rhys that the extra hour tonight is strictly reserved for sleeping. I don't think he's going to buy it, though.

If I felt better, this entry would be more witty and charming. Things are actually very very good, overall, and if you were sitting here with me I'd tell you all so and you would believe it.

Comments

[foxiecrumz.livejournal.com]

Just hold him like a football and don't
shave your nipples!

I'm so happy for you! :)

[beetiger.livejournal.com]

Shave my nipples???

[foxiecrumz.livejournal.com]

Some ladies shave the little hairs around thier
nipples and those little hairs often trigger
the suck impulse in infants. :)

[lapis-lazuli.livejournal.com]

*hugs* Glad to hear you're all doing well. :)

I'm currently sniffly and contagious, and I don't want to come and sniffle on any of you. I'll definitely be out to visit when the sniffles go away.

[cowboy-r.livejournal.com]

I'll come and visit in the spring.

[pyat.livejournal.com]

Some newborns can be very portable, depending on their sleeping patterns. Elizabeth started coming out to our game sessions at four weeks of age - she'd sleep right through them while bundled up in her car seat.

Something to consider when you start feeling particularly isolated!

Also, remember that as time goes by, baby himself will become better and better company. Just wait for the first smile. :0)

[kibbles.livejournal.com]

We took our first to an outdoor festival concert at 10 days. Sling and mommy was all we needed.

Oh. Diapers too, but other than that, yeah. In a way its easier with newborns, they need less entertainment/toys.

[melskunk.livejournal.com]

Email me with your # and I'll gladly give you a phonecall... I'm sure all your friends are dying to come over. I would love to, if it wasn't a 8 1/2 hour drive

[beowabbit]

I can't come visit (at least not for quite a while), but if you give me your phone number I'd love to give you a call sometime. (Email: local part js; domain aq.org.)

[secanth.livejournal.com]

*Hugs* Enjoy, my dear...they don't stay little very long, it seems. Glad all are doing well!

[hakeber.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the baby blues can be a bummer. If you have a history of depression, be careful. I made sure they put me right on Zoloft as soon as Marguerite was born.

That first smile will melt your heart. Makes it all worth it.

I sucked (no pun intended) at breastfeeding. My nipples cracked and bled and the right one threatened to fall off (ok, not literally.) This completely messed up the first week, so I wound up pumping instead. For the whole first year. I am so glad that's over with.

Having visitors during that first month is important. My mother came and stayed a whole week. This helped, as she could hold and comfort Marguerite while I did things like shower, or get dressed. Or eat. If you don't have kin who can come by, then try to arrange with a good friend to come hold the baby for a few minutes for you.

Glad to hear you are both doing well.