2 Weeks - Going to Fast!

It has been 2 weeks since my daughter came into my life. My life has changed and I wouldn't have it any other way. Even though I am exhausted and like my sleep and I am not getting as much as I did before, I am ok with that. She is worth the late nights, early mornings, the crying and fussiness. She is the most adorable person in the world - to me!

We have been working through the feedings. We tried breastfeeding, but that didn't work. Then we went to a non cow lik base formula, and that gave her so much gas and spit up and choking fits that scared me to death. Then after two choking fits in 4 hours, I decided to try something else. So we went to a cow milk based for gassy and fussiness. That has seemed to be much better. She hasn't had a choking fit since we switched her over. We are increasing her amount and she is gaining weight. I can see it in her face. She has her fussiness moments - like any child.

We are working on knowing her schedule and she is working on figuring out what life is. She does good in the morning and afternoon hours. She seems to be up during the night hours into the midnight hours. But once she calms down - she sleeps a good 4 hours. We are still working on getting her to sleep in the bassinet. She tends to sleep on mommy right now - but we are going to keep trying the bassinet so we all can have good sleeps!

I am very lucky to have such a wonderful daughter. She has the funniest faces and the most adorable noises. I could just eat her up!

Getting it Together

It has been just over a week since Ava was born. I am loving every minute I get to spend with her. It is very hard for me to be away from her, even if I am just going to bed. I love looking at her and watching her faces. She is the most beautiful girl in the world. I know I am her mother and all mother says things like that - but this one is true. She is the most precious baby girl!

We are getting into our groove. To me, the daytime is much easier then the night time. The last couple of days we have a routine down. We get up by 8am and we change her diaper, get fed, and go back to sleep. Then we do it again 2-3 hours later. She is now telling me when she is hungry by waking up. I might have to wake her up once or twice - but other then that she wakes up on her own and says - mommy feed me!

We tried breastfeeding but that didn't work. It wasn't that she wasn't doing it, it was my body wasn't giving her enough nutrients to satisfy her. I think it has to do with my surgery and the way I digest foods. She lost 11% of her weight from coming home to her first doctor's appointment, so that really scared me. We introduced formula, and breastfeeding, but it was just not enough. Since we have gone straight to formula, she seems much more relaxed and happier.

Once we can get the night routine down, I think we will be doing good. I have been able to get a little more sleep each night, but I still take naps during the day. I have a hard time putting her in the bassinet. I think she would be ok, but I am not ok, so she ends up sleeping on me. Probably not a good idea, but we will get there. She is only 9 days old!

Ava!

Ava is finally here. And I am in love. She is the most beautiful baby! She was born September 15th and I couldn't wait for her to come.

Once I got to the hospital I just wanted her here. Things couldn't happen fast enough for me. We waited 5 hours before they started the inducing process. Then we had to wait 12 hours before the gave me the inducing drugs. Then I had to wait 3.5 hours for the pain meds. Then just 1 more hour for Ava!

The painful part of labor I would say really only lasted 3 hours. Once she was ready to come out - it happend so fast for me. I only remember having to push through 3 - maybe 4 contractions. I think I really only pushed for about 10 - 15 minutes. Then she was here!

My life has changed already and she is only 5 days old. I can't believe she is here and 5 days have already gone by. It's already going to fast for me. I can't bear to not be around her. I hate going to sleep if she isn't next to me. I don't really sleep right now because I just want to make sure she is ok. Because she can't tell me - how will I know.

I am learning different things about being a mom. You will do anything for your child. You don't know what it is like until you hold your child in your arms and they look at you. The bond begins. I love her! I can't say it enough.

Ava is my sweet dream. She is everything I ever wanted in a daughter! It is such an indescribable feeling. I am in LOVE!

Last 48 hours...

I am in my last 48 hours. On Wednesday, September 14 at 5pm - I will be going to the hospital to start the process of having Ava! The way I have been feeling and from what the doctor has told me - I have a feeling she will arrive on Thursday September 15th! That will be my prediction!

So - am I ready - sure! Do I have a choice, nope! I spent the last 9 months planning and organizing and thinking and doing. And now - the time has come. My daughter will be here in the next 72 hours. I spent the weekend doing last minute things and making sure the house is in order. For the most part - I don't think there is anything else I can do.

My daughter - words that bring tears to my eyes. I am going to be a mom. So many thoughts, so many ideas. Just relax! That is what she needs me to do!

Just breathe!

Countdown...

11 Days and counting. She is moving more the last couple of days - making me think she is getting ready for her arrival. It's hard to know that I don't have any control on when she will come - but I am leaving it up to God. Only God knows when she will bless our family.

Now that I am done with school for a little bit I have been able to rest and relax more. I have been sleeping a little more and doing little things around the house to make sure everything is ready. Trying to keep it clean and well picked up so when she comes I can just be mom.

I have never seen my mom more excited. She has her GPS programed for the hospital and is ready for the call. It's really great to see that she is excited and ready to be a grandmother again!

I have spent 9 months getting ready for this moment - and the moment is about to arrive and I am scared. All I want to do is be a good mom, protect her and guide her. I have loved her from the moment I knew I was carrying her. Every day I love her more and more! I now know how others feel with their kids. It's such an amazing experience.

So - 11 days to go - plus or minus some. Then my life will change forever. Ready or not!