Week 2

2 weeks old

Hooray for a better week! Whether it is due to more adjusted hormones, or actually learning my baby better, there were significantly less tears shed (on my behalf) this past week. I am able to handle my son's cries a bit better without feeling totally at a loss.  Night time is still the toughest time. My body wants to shut down and it can't do that. Fortunately, for the most part he is a good sleeper at night and I can sometimes get a 5 to 6 hour stretch in there. Admittedly, I do wake up periodically to check on him and make sure he's still breathing.

I think the dogs have also realized that this new "naked puppy" is apparently going to be around for awhile. Eleanor is more interested in him

"I will keep your head clean"

But Edgar has resigned himself to being the jealous dog that he is. Often trying to steal my lap first when he sees me setting up to feed Jackson. He also tries to put himself between Jackson and myself- much like he would do if Chris and I were to sit next to each other. We are trying to make time for our 4-legged kids as well.

Yesterday was a big day for me! We finally got the infant insert for our Ergo baby carrier, so I was able to strap Jackson to me and take him and the dogs for a walk! It. Was. Excellent! Finally got out of the house and enjoyed some fresh air and exercise. The rest of this maternity leave is looking a little bit better. We also discovered that Jackson likes the vacuum. So maybe the house stays cleaner for awhile... I also went to Wegmans by myself last night as well. First time I left Jackson alone with his dad.  Everyone seemed just fine.

"See Mom, we've got this"

Today was Jackson's first trip to Wild Wings. It was great to see the birds again. I definitely missed them and all the people there.  Hunter, the Barred Owl (and my sweetie), hooted for Jackson, and I told him that is one of Mom's favorite sounds.

Me with Hunter during Winter Fest 2 years ago

Jackson also had 2 trips to Tinker Nature Center.  I told him he better get used to that place.  The stroller handled great there so I am excited to try running there with it.

It's amazing to see how much he has already changed in the past 2.5 weeks. Almost scary. He can now find my eyes (and not just my hairline) and I could stare into his beautiful blues as long as he would let me.

My sister likes me to send her frequent pictures of Jackson, this was one of them from Friday. Could he be any cuter?

 I ordered some books from Amazon, thanks to a very generous birthday gift for Jackson from my friend Scott.  I am excited to start reading some of my old childhood favorites to him. Two of the books are even in Spanish. While I am no longer fluent enough to teach him to be, I figured the early exposure can't hurt.

Each day gets better, which is encouraging. There is a light somewhere. That the dark alley way that was the first week isn't all there is. I can do this. I've got this. Especially since I don't have to do it alone. 

So. Much. Love.  (Jackson at 2 days old)