My first week as a mom

Well, I guess technically my first 10 days as a mom. I've quickly discovered that time flies with a baby in the house. I've been thinking of this post for a couple of days wanting to recoup the things that I've learned in my first week as a mom because the learning curve has been intense.

1. That breast feeding can hurt as much as child birth. I am really committed to breast feeding Evan and had heard from everyone how hard it was and how much it hurt but I guess I was still surprised how bad it really was. My nipples are a wreck, Evan fights me when I try to latch him, and loves to comfort suck... for hours. I've been leaning on the lactation consultant the hospital provides free of charge and she has been great. When she saw the state of my nipples she gave me a nipple shield which helped with the pain but made it harder for Evan to get the milk. At my second appointment we realized that even after hours of feeding him the day before, Evan hadn't gained any weight, and that's a problem. She also, after seeing how terrible my right nipple looks, wanted me to stop nursing on that side all together and only to pump it for now. So now I'm feeding Evan on the left boob then giving him a bottle with the milk I can pump from the right. It's exhausting and very frustrating.

2. The art of the speed shower... and how after being covered in dried breast milk, sweat, and overall stankiness that three minute shower can feel like a trip to the day spa. Some hot water, a little Dove beauty bar and some deodorant can make all the difference in the world.

3. How to eat left handed with a baby hooked to my boob. I was so desperate for a meal the other day I had to learn this trick. Little did I know that having a baby would make me ambidextrous.

4. That the world of celebrity gossip does not stop turning because I don't check in on it five times a day. I've barely been able to get on the computer let alone spend time browsing the internet. I haven't died yet from not constantly being tuned into the pulse of the celeb gossip world.

5. Dog hair tumbleweeds down my hallway won't kill me. Even if I wanted to clean, I wouldn't have time. Joe vacuumed quickly yesterday but before that it was like a dog fur rug down our hallway. I've managed a couple of emergency loads of laundry, mostly because Evan pooped on both of his changing table pads, and I've managed to get some dishes loaded into the dishwasher but that's about it. Oh well. Let's just hope Evan isn't allergic to dust or dog hair.

Things are hectic but going well. Evan is doing great. Joe and I are learning how to care for him everyday. We're going to be getting some newborn photos taken on Sunday and will hopefully be sending out birth announcements soon. Life at home with baby has been challenging but amazing. He's gorgeous and makes me smile every time I look at him and I can't wait to see what he's going to do everyday.