3 Months

These last few weeks I've started to feel like I am back to my normal life, the only difference is that now I have a baby. The first couple, okay at least 6, weeks were so all consuming that pretty much everything revolved around Owen.  A walk around Greenlake or doctor’s appointment was enough to fill an entire day.  It's nice that now we have settled into somewhat of a routine and I have energy to get out and exercise, socialize, or get things checked off the to-do list. I am so thankful to have six more weeks of maternity leave because now we are having fun and really enjoying each other.  Owen is becoming increasingly charming, lighting up my days with smiles, laughs and coos.  We started our PEPS (program for early parenting support) group on Wednesday mornings, I have been going to Pilates on Thursday nights and we have been meeting friends for walks most afternoons.

Owen loves being in the stroller and I find he prefers being outside to staying in all day long. He has started tracking, sucks on his hand all the time and loves being naked.  Now that he is getting a little older and becoming more aware of his surroundings we no longer have to plan our schedule around his feeds alone, but his naps as well. He still naps on the go, but not nearly as much and I know those days are coming to an end. How is it fair that a newborn will sleep anywhere until right around the time moms have energy again? Hopefully his naps will eventually develop some kind of schedule, which will be easier to work around.  I certainly don't want to be "that" mom who won't leave the house during naptime come hell or high water, but I'm quickly learning that a tired baby makes for a miserable afternoon. 

PEPS is a group of 12 moms living in the same neighborhood with infants around the same age.  We meet weekly and discuss the joy and challenges of motherhood.  I love it.  I am struck by how much becoming a mom brings women together.  It's so reassuring to connect with others who are in the same boat. When Owen was born one of my friends commented "welcome to the club," which is the perfect way to put it.  One of the things I've learned being a part of this group is that all babies are different and one solution rarely fits all. We all have babies with different temperaments and varying parenting philosophies, yet we all are doing a great job.  After only five weeks I feel close to and comfortable with my group of moms and find it to be an amazing support. 

I feel like everyone is always talking about “pregnancy brain” which was never a huge issue for me.  This “mom brain” thing, on the other hand, is no joke.  I literally start walking down the hallway to do something and forget what I’m going to do on the way.  It’s crazy.  I’m sure the fact that it’s been over three months since I’ve slept through the night could has something to do with it, but it’s beginning to feel as though these hormonal side effects are never going to let up.  Who knew they persist until you stop breastfeeding?  My hairdresser has prepared me to start losing my hair at around 4-5 months postpartum, so I have that to look forward to next.

When it comes to sleep, I really don’t feel like we have made any progress in the last month.  Owen started out as a great sleeper, which is wonderful, but we may have peaked early on.  I am certainly not complaining, things are still going well, but it’s a little discouraging that our progress has halted.  Bedtime is the one thing that we have down.  He takes a bath around 6, eats around 6:30 and is asleep by 7.  It’s amazing for Ty and I to have that time to ourselves in the evenings again.  He sleeps for 5-6 hours the first stretch, is awake to nurse every 3 hours after that, and up for the day between 5 (kill me) and 7 (which I can handle).  When he wakes up, he nurses like it’s his job and goes right back to sleep.  I’m not sure if he still really needs to eat that frequently or if he’s just gotten accustomed to it.  Every book I read seems to have a different opinion so I am letting it ride for now. Here’s to hoping that it won’t be year before we both get to sleep through the night!  

My friends prepared me for how quickly the first year flies by but it’s still hard to believe.  Three months have already come and gone and winter has turned into spring. I am certainly exhausted and usually ready for a beer by Owens bedtime, yet I am doing my best to cherish the time.  I am rejuvenated by the many firsts and magical moments that we share as a family everyday.