Photo courtesy of Aspin Photography
Though motherhood has rendered me hopelessly inarticulate, I wanted to take a minute to update those of you who have so thoughtfully asked how we are doing since our little one’s arrival. Consider this the Cliffs Notes of our life right now. I hope to bore you with all the details when my communication skills return to a more coherent level.
Here we go.
Baby: No book I read remotely prepared me for the enormity of parenthood, and no words I write will ever do it justice. I could tell you what every parent says about their baby; that he is brilliant and wondrous and more beautiful than I ever imagined. And he is. Oh, he is. But more than that, this child is, truly, a little man. From the moment he was born, it was clear that he is pretty pissed off about having to be a baby. He is adorably serious, and I am fairly sure that for the past six and a half weeks he has watched us fumble into new parenthood while thinking to himself, I don’t believe I got stuck with these fools.
Birth Story: I want to share G’s birth story, I really do, but every time I sit down to write it, the words don’t come out right. I need more time to reflect. Actually, I just need more time. I don’t know how other bloggers write posts from the hospital, care for their child, and do things like postpartum yoga. I can’t seem to get out of my pajamas.
Breastfeeding: I am grateful that we’ve had a pretty positive breastfeeding journey so far. It hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’ve taken advantage of some resources that have helped tremendously.
Dogs: I have no idea if our preparation had anything to do with it, but Lulu and Pippa are doing great with the baby. Pippa is pretty indifferent, which I am told is an ideal way for a dog to feel about a baby. Lulu shows more interest, namely in devising ways to lick him (this bothers me infinitely more than it bothers the baby). Both pups, however, are extra spastic around the house and especially when visitors are over. I’m afraid they are a little deprived of attention.
Sleep: When people told me, “you don’t sleep with a newborn,” I didn’t realize that you actually do. not. sleep. I thought, so six hours a night as opposed to eight. No, no, no. I am now eating my words and want to tell all of my pregnant friends: Get lots of sleep now. You’ll need it once the baby is born.
Visitors: We’ve had many. It’s unfortunate that we live away from both sides of our family, but we have been lucky to have great one-on-one (one-on-three, I guess) time with some of our favorite people. Though at times it has been a little daunting to have house guests 24/7, the extra help has been wonderful, and my inner control freak feels more comfortable with people holding the baby in our home, one-on-one, on our terms. The idea of bringing him somewhere to get passed around in a room full of people makes me cringe.
Walking/Weight: I try to get out for a good walk every day. The baby, the dogs, and I all benefit from it. As for the weight, things have clearly been redistributed…the scale doesn’t scare me anymore but my jeans still don’t fit. Riddle me that.
I hope everyone reading is well and healthy. Thank you for all the messages of support and congratulations!
{ 51 comments… read them below or add one }
Lol I totally believe you when you say that your sweet baby is judging you 😉
You have a beautiful family and I wish you all the best 🙂
Thank you Sana!
Congratulations! I love the photos you’ve shared. Hopefully you’ll get some sleep soon. 🙂
Thanks Lisa! I hope so too 😉
One of the best “surprises”… redistribution of pieces of your body. I’m actually close to 20 lbs lighter now than I was when I got pregnant, but things are NOT the same. I’ve gotten over it, and one day I’ll probably even hit the gym.
It’s great huh? 🙂
I am so glad to hear that breastfeeding is going well!
I hope you get to sleep soon. I’m the worst person to talk to. The only thing I can tell you is that you WILL survive it. And when you and Matthew are still talking to each other in loving ways after 6 months of no sleep… Well, it’s just another sign that he’s your lobster 🙂
Wow, 20 lbs is a lot! Man, I know it’s worth it and all, but I really love my jeans collection 😉
I have a feeling you’ll be back in them in no time! That breastfeeding is the best 🙂
I laughed out loud at your “I can’t believe I got stuck with these two fools” comment. 🙂 You’re wonderful and we’re all happy to hear that you’re navigating through this beautiful and sometimes crazy time in a way that makes you three comfortable and happy.
PS the photograph is beautiful!
xo
Thank you Lisa!
You get used to not sleeping – I promise! I haven’t slept in a year, and it’s okay. Really.
Let’s do a walk together soon! Bring the pups – I’m happy to walk one of them.
Thanks Emily. I’d love to do a walk–the pups can be crazy at Greenlake though 😉 Let me know what days are best for you guys!
I love this post, Lara! Seems like you’re all adjusting well and there is no pressure to write his birth story. When you’re ready … if you want to share it, at all! I love how you say he is so serious … isn’t it interesting how babies can have a personality from so early on? But it’s true. Oh and my jeans will never fit the same, even though I’m a couple pounds lighter than pre-preg … no worries there and you’re only 6 weeks out. It took me 4 months to get back to pre-preg weight and Maya is 21 mths and I still can’t wear my smaller jeans. Oh well. They’re our little miracles and them in our lives matters FAR more than the size tag on our jeans. Glad to hear BF is going well too!! Yay!
Thanks Lissa…I agree that the sheer miracle that my body grew and birthed a baby makes my jean size comparatively insignificant 😉
Love you and think about you often. That is all. 🙂
Right back at you Heabie <3
Glad to hear all is going well. On the sleep thing, yeah it’s a crazy time but you will sleep again – I promise! But once G starts “sleeping through the night” it’s not over. Baby sleep isn’t linear – something I wish I had been told. There are sleep regressions every so often but just remind yourself that it’s NORMAL and you’ll get him back when he’s a teenager.
Ugh, I’ve heard that about sleep regressions. LOL…yes, I will definitely seek revenge 😉
Regarding the sleep: I don’t think anyone really understands the sleep deprivation part of having a baby until they experience it firsthand. When I try to warn moms-to-be they laugh it off and I just think so myself, “They’ll find out soon enough!” It gets easier though and now I look back and wish Avery was at that stage again, even if it does mean no sleep! 🙂 Enjoy it!
Thanks Cortney 🙂 Hope you and your new little one are adjusting well! I hear it’s so much easier with #2!
Lara, so happy for you! That photo is truly precious. You are absolutely radiant, and gorgeous.
Miss your posts! But I suppose having a cute newborn is a free pass 😉
Thank you for the kind words!
i am so happy for you! he is beautiful!
Thanks GC! You’re the best!
You certainly have not been left “hopelessly inarticulate”! This was a great post 🙂 And I’m so happy to hear things are going well! What a sweet little boy you have. xoxo
Thanks Katharine!
Oh Lara, I loved reading that update! So sweet and funny. I cannot believe how much G. looks like Matthew. Is he proud of his son resembling himself so much? Your family photo is just beautiful too, and I really look forward to seeing more of them when/if you want to.
Don’t be afraid to consider co-sleeping with G. as it will be a world of difference to sleep so much better! Nursing at night is awesome because the baby dream-nurses, meaning he never even has a chance to get riled up before he’s off again, and you, too. You both pass all the safety rules for co-sleeping, I’m sure.
So happy the girls are coming along just fine, and btw, you look mah-vel-ous, darling!
Love and hugs, Gail in Kent xo
He’s a mini Matthew, isn’t he?! Crazy!
We’re definitely doing some co-sleeping/bed sharing. G can’t make up his mind about where he prefers to sleep, so we alternate throughout the night right now 😉
Thank you Gail! x
Congratulations, you all look very happy!
Thank you!
You have so much support! Go MATTHEW, LARA, and GRAMERSON!
Gramerson…LOL.
Glad to hear you are doing so well. It’s a hell of a ride, right?
All the cliches are true, no sleep, no time for anything, but they are completely worth it. I’m with you on the jeans deal. At almost 4 months I have lost most of the weight but my jeans still taunt me. Maybe someday they’ll fit again, but for now the time spent with the little man are so much more important than being at the gym 7 days a week.
Take care- you are doing great!
Thanks Yelena! I can’t believe your little one is four months already!
I love that photo!!!
I guess when it comes down to it there is really no way anyone can anticipate what it is like to have kids before they have them – the wonder, the joy, the miracle, as well as the challenges…
Enjoy your little man!
Thanks Andrea 🙂
I promise you, it does get easier and you will sleep again! My oldest turned 10 yesterday and the days of non-sleeping are a distant memory.
Oh that is so good to hear 🙂
Girl I hear you about the other bloggers and blogging from the hospital and cooking and doing projects right when they get home from birthing a human being. I mean, are they really doing it or are they fudging a bit…..hmmmmm.
I miss the time you are in right now so badly. When they are toddlers, it’s impossible to get the baby time back. Just snuggle and hug him and love on him as much as you can. Also, take lots of VIDEO, not just pictures. I wish I had taken more video than I did.
That pic is adorable. You guys are so cute together.
That’s a great tip, thank you!
Amen!! I agree with you so much about the redistribution of weight! You look fantastic. Motherhood is a life altering experience
That’s very sweet of you to say 😉
big congrats! i’ve been enjoying following the little peanut’s progress online. i’ve been helping out with my best friend’s newborn and it is just nuts! you really don’t sleep!
Thanks Lynn!
I love that you are so honest with your posts. It gives me a realistic glimpse of the life with a newborn.
I think you are doing a good job. Your baby is adorable, saw some pictures on IG 🙂
Thanks Lea, you are so sweet 🙂
about the sleep, I don’t know if you tried this: pump some milk and let someone else to feed the baby once at night. I started doing this when my baby was three weeks ok’d and it makes a huge difference, instead of 6-7 hrs of broken sleep, I can get 4-5 once and few mire broken ones, it makes me feel so much more rested and don’t need naps anymore ( during the first two weeks I needed 2-3 naps).
love the thought about the baby, so funny! 🙂
Thanks Coco. Do you pump when someone else gives the baby a bottle? It’s a great idea but if I have to pump, I think it would just be easier to feed him! 😉
Hello Lara,
I am a first time mom-to-be and as I was browsing the Internet I stumbled upon your blog! I’m so thankful I did because I have read everything you have gone through and feel so hopeful for our process through pregnancy. The one part of your blog that touched home with me was your diagnosis of pityriasis rosea. I to was diagnosed in the first trimester it lasted only 4 to 5 weeks with no itching and mainly on my abdomen and back. I have read how harmful it could be and as a first time of ring pregnant I’m very nervous and scared! I wanted to know what trimester were you diagnosed an how was your process with this mentally, emotionally an physically. Thank you so much for your wonderful information. You have no idea how helpful and hopeful you are to woman like myself. Congrats on your beautiful healthy baby! Please send any info innregards to your diagnosis.
Hi Kerri,
Thanks for your comment and the congratulations. I’m glad you found me!
The pityriasis rosea diagnosis had me completely FREAKED OUT. I can’t remember how much detail I went into on the blog, but I think it showed up around 8 weeks and wasn’t completely gone until about week 13. I went in and it took three doctors to diagnose it, but ultimately they looked at the rash’s pattern on my back. Mine too was mostly itchless, but on the odd occasion when it did itch, calamine lotion helped a lot.
My advice is to stop reading the internet! From what I recall there was one single (and very small) study that associated it with a higher chance of miscarriage. That was the only legitimate thing I read, and if you’re out of the first trimester, I’d say your chances for miscarriage are as high (or low, really) as anyone else’s. Oh, I did read that it was associated more with women carrying boys or twins, and part of that turned out to be true 😉
I hope this helps. Please try not to worry, as I think the worrying really does more damage than any rash. Let me know if you have any other questions. I wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy! Congratulations!
Thank you very much! Yes I went to three doctors also! I found the herald patch at the time that I found out I was pregnant ( I was about 4 or 5 weeks pregnant and it lasted until I was about 10) we just went for our 12 week appointment and the heartbeat was there and strong. Yes I to also read the “Italian study” and it freaked me out. I’m a worrier and the Internet is my enemy! I’m just very nervous o the hypotonia that they said can be a result. I’m just trying to enjoy this process and be hopeful for a beautiful healthy baby.
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