I think the first month as a new parent ends up looking different for everyone. And more than not it looks different than that new parent could have imagined. Lets just say that there was (and maybe still is) a little PTSD from Aubrey's Birth experience. I was not mentally prepared for the recovery portion of birth. Not only did I have the regular cesarean incision to heal from but mine was extra long as they had to open me up more. I also labored naturally for almost the whole thing, so think day two after a really hard workout. I felt like I was hit by a bus and I was afraid my incision would bust open at anytime. The hardest thing about the recovery was feeling inadequate to take care of Aubrey because I was also having to take care of myself and heal.
One of the best things that we did was having it just be Brian, Aubrey, and I the first week. I know most like to have all the people at the hospital but I knew that it would be good to have time with just the three of us. I just didn't know how valuable it would be with breastfeeding and my very slow recovery the first week. The first week of Aubrey's life had a nice slow pace to it snuggled on the couch.
A few things that I want to remember about the first month:
1. I slept with my glasses on for two weeks straight.
Aubrey's bed was right next to our bed and every time that she moved or made a noise I would wake up and look over at her. Sleeping with my glasses on allowed me to just open my eyes and see her and close them and go right back to sleep.
2. Night #4 Aubrey ate from 11pm-7am. At about 1am I gave in and accepted that she wasn't going to sleep anytime soon and this is just what we would be doing all night. So Brian helped Aubrey and I get set up in the recliner (the only place that I felt safe enough to doze off) and we settled in for a long night.
3. Aubrey peed on Brian more times than I can count and usually at night when he went to change her. Brian would get up and change Aubrey before bringing her to me to feed. They say you have to watch out for baby boys peeing but trust me little girls can pee across the room.
4. PP Anxiety and hormones are no joke. The first 2-3 weeks no matter if everything was fine I would sit holding Aubrey looking for things to worry about.
5. I am sure it was my hormones normalizing a bit but having my dad and step-mom and then my older sister come was invaluable. It was great for them to help with the transition as Brian went back to work. It also just helped with making things feel like they would be ok. Again hormones.
6. At one month old Aubrey was following our voices and smiling.
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| (left) 4 weeks, (right) 1 week |
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| 10.5lbs |
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| First morning at home - someone did not like to be swaddled |
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| Follow up appt 3 days old |
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| Pap and Grandma came to visit for a week when she was 12 days old |
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| Aunt Ashlyn came to visit when Aubrey was 3weeks old |
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| One of my all time favorite pictures. So snugly |
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| Easter: First Church Service |
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| 1 week old bath and 3 weeks old |
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| First bath! |
