Week Seven: Meternity leave

I think it is interesting that this story (Meternity) is coming out as my maternity leave is completed. And it is humorous to read of the insights this woman offers and what she believes comes from an extended time away from work.

Love the little snicker
hiding under her carrier cover

Heart = melted

She defines “meternity” leave as "a sabbatical-like break that allows women and, to a lesser degree, men to shift their focus to the part of their lives that doesn’t revolve around their jobs" with maternity leave as "socially mandated time and space for self-reflection."

I just love this view
 all buckled in and up for an adventure

I don't begrudge her wanting time away from work or hardworking men/women wanting a sabbatical -which I do believe offers a mental reprieve. 

The timing is simply ironic because just yesterday I was thinking how little time I seem to have for "me time" and self-reflection. When our little one is awake, time obviously revolves around keeping her entertained, clean and dry, calming her down from crying, changing her onesie (again!), etc. For those sweet moments when Mike and I might have gotten her down for a quick spell, time magically opens up for a few minutes to take a shower, grab a bite to eat, enjoy quiet solace.  It is like a game, however, because you never quite know when she'll stir and whether you want to launch into an ambitious task (i.e., a shower!) when you can't cease and desist immediately. 

After a mini-meltdown, we took a nap in the
Target parking lot until she could collect herself

I was reminded of a commercial I saw that speaks to this.  No "time off" as parents! :) I say this as Mike and I both awoke at 4AM today and wanted some time just to have quiet - probably because we crashed at 8PM last night and miraculously got some great rest last night.  The maternity leave has been awesome for recovery and bonding with Kylie - but it wasn't, as I thought/hoped, a time to be productive whilst home for several weeks.  I am looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.  And I'm anxious to see what the next mini-phase of life brings in connecting with her in a new way. 

Quick Costco adventure

Bath time!

So cute and snuggly

"Cheese"

Kylie is enjoying more time with her grandparents these days - both with mine who came down this past week for a few days, and with Mike's who are here in town.  She is so relaxed with them all and enjoys being snuggled and sung to.  It is a nice reprieve for Mike and me. And a gift that she'll have so much time in her life to connect with her grandparents.  I know I loved every moment with mine.  Who doesn't like to be spoiled?! 

I was privileged to attend the NC Preaching Festival as one of my favorite preachers, the Rev. Tom Berlin, was one of the speakers.  It ended up being quite the long day - and my first extended time away from home - but a joy to be with friends and hear some incredible insights about preaching and preparing a sermon.

How about a zillion photos of her eating :)

Happy birthday!!

Along for the ride

We did some shopping yesterday - fun to get out of the house and get a few things.  It was Mike's mom's birthday dinner, so Kylie picked out a card and gift card to TJ Maxx.  It was a big hit!  It was a gorgeous day, and I would have loved a walk - but I did something to my knee and now its really sore.  So we'll take it easy with some retail therapy. :)

Down from $220 - how's $20?! :)

Her onesie says "I Love that you're my dad"

Spring has sprung!

Week Six: Good Days, Harder Days

Our Little Burrito

Another adventure to Costco

We are still doing well, but there are certainly easier days than others! For whatever reason, Saturday was a "cry all day" kind of day. Nothing we did seemed to console her- even trips to Costco, Grandma's, and Target. We learned at the doctor's office that six weeks can be a peak of fussiness- and we seem to be right there!  Mike and I hung in there mostly, but had to go to Red Robin for dinner. (Good for kids- but louder than we remembered!) 

Sleeping like a baby, as they say...

Fortunately, the next day and night were much smoother. She slept most of the day for long stretches, and thru the night aside from feedings. For now, nights are much easier than days as she tends to get up- eat- then fall right back asleep. She is still most fussy at 7am and 5pm. Generally she wears herself out after an hour- so we just wait and hold her. Meal time is interesting as we are trying to find meals you can eat with one hand! 

Trying out the new bouncer!

We say "progress, not perfection" as we are definitely getting better in eating healthy and at home. We had steak fried rice the other night, which was great!  I found several recipes from Food Network Magazine we are trying this week. It is much easier shopping with a list!  And Trader Joes is so kind in offering to help me to the car. 

A new chew toy!

We've taken a couple walks- including Buddy- and it's been nice to be outside in such beautiful weather. And it seems the pollen is gone for now. I get sore afterwards- ha- so out of shape!  I had a good check up at my doctor and sounds like everything is healing well. Still encouraged to take things slow. 

Kylie and I are still having some reading time- I am loving that. Something powerful about reading out loud to a child. She's getting more aware of the hanging toys and noises in her play mats. We tried out the bouncy seat and she enjoyed that also!  It vibrates and seems to catch her off guard- which makes her quiet!  She's still getting the hang of tummy time. She loves to climb on our chests instead- but working it out. Hoping these early days- however rocky- at least get her used to random things we put her thru. 

Out on a stroll and enjoying a Spring day

She has some random eye thing going on- leaking green gunk. The doctor isn't quite sure what it is- but not too concerned. We did get her weighed while there, tho, and she's over 8 pounds now!!

Sleeping with dad after work

So very cozy

"I look up to you!"

As the time of leave comes to an end, I am sad to think our dedicated time of hanging out is drawing to a close. Days like yesterday- gah!- make me thankful I can work some while someone else cares for her. But it's been a huge gift to get to hang out with her so long. She's got a great start on life.

Tummy time!

Week Five: Reading

Early morning coffee dates are the best!

We're still having fun, though our time of hanging out at home together is starting to dwindle... I'm so thankful we've been able to bond some before life starts to stir up again.  However, I'm also very thankful that we can give her some time at a place with trained professionals who can help nurture our little cupcake and provide space for new friends and experiences.  We will have the opportunity to sit and get to know the nursery workers ahead of dropping her off for the first time.  I know that will be reassuring! 

Right at home!

The sun came in right as she fell asleep
Don't wake a sleeping baby!

She's hitting six weeks today!  It is pretty cool to see the ways she's growing: her clothes are getting tighter and/or won't fit over her head; she stretches and can fill the full space in her pack-n-play changing area; her eyes are open more throughout the day; she is eating more.  She has little smiles that pop up every now and again. I read that it is good to smile back and encourage the social interaction. Also, six week old babies are able to recognize faces, so I'm hoping she's coming to know us more and more. 

I look cute!

Incidentally - if you haven't, watch this sweet video of a young baby who gets glasses and sees his mom for the first time.  So adorable.

As we burn through much of Netflix and Amazon's full library, Kylie and I have started to read some!  Personally I've downloaded a few books - both on my Kindle and Audible.  I listened to The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and I'm now inspired to go through our house and clean it all up!  She recommends pulling out every piece of clothing and deciding whether each piece brings you joy - if not, you can donate it!  Unfortunately I went through mine recently, and while I did decide to donate a ton, I still have much left.  I sincerely doubt all I own brings me joy - but isn't it hard to get rid of things?!  I might wear that again!  I read another book - When I'm Gone - which is kind of like "PS I Love You".  It was ok - mostly it was good to engage a book of fiction.  And to have something to read while feeding.  Though sometimes it does eat into my nap time!  I need more recommendations!!

Kylie and I started reading her new Bible - The Jesus Storybook Bible.  It tells the foundational stories of scripture in such an engaging way - its as if its the first time I've heard it.  We have SO many books we were blessed to receive in our many showers - I am excited to establish a pattern of reading together.  It doesn't seem to placate her crying, however, so I wouldn't recommend this to any would-be babysitters! We still need a bookcase so her books aren't buried in our little cabinet.

Where's the baby?!

She also seems to share my passion for visiting grocery stores (or at least in my imagination!)  We wandered through Earth Fare the other morning and it was very relaxing.  She was a good sport.  I find that she does well if we can get up and out in the morning - otherwise she will just cry here at home.  Sometimes she'll even sleep some when we get back.  She still doesn't really care for walks - I tried a couple times as an option beyond hopping in the car, but she cries when we get only a few houses down the road.  Buddy is glad we're at least trying - he's still getting the hang of where to walk in relation to the stroller.  For now he still seems to think right in front is the best - so he often gets bumped :) 

We still are encouraged to go to her when she cries - and sometimes its easier than others (like when you're just getting out of the shower!)  But its special to think that this is probably the only time in her life as parents that we can rush to her aid when she needs something.  So we're soaking that up - even if we're dog tired and she just doesn't want to sleep.  Fortunately its still a bit on the cool side so we can put her in the sweet little fleece sleep sacks and cuddle.  It keeps her so warm :)

So soft and cuddly!

Sleeping angel :)

Getting big!

Kylie had her weigh-in this morning!  They wanted to follow up from a doctor's appointment a couple of weeks ago to see how her weight is increasing over time.  She is up to 7 lbs 8 oz - which is a big increase from the 5 lbs 2 oz when we left the hospital.  She definitely eats like a champ throughout the day and night, so they said to keep it up.  What seemed like great news is that because she's eating well throughout the day, we don't necessarily have to wake her up in the middle of the night to eat.  She generally cries when she's hungry - and if she doesn't, we can let it go.  For some reason that's a big relief, even though we will still need to get up at night. 

Playing with our "Moby" wrap!

It isn't too bad getting up with her.  I've come to know what shows are on and when - so I am amazingly up on my news and celebrity gossip around the clock.  Of course we have on-demand TV now that we've given up our cable.  We are doing Hulu, Netflix, and Sling - along with our antenna for local channels. It is pretty good for what we need. 

Warm after a bath

Snuggles :)

Mike and I are doing well.  Mike is a big help on the weekends and takes larger chunks of time caring for Kylie so I can just go to bed and sleep. He will get up and give her a bottle in the nighttime as well.  His work is being great and letting him stay home if I'm over-tired or he just wants to have some family time.  I'm doing well also - I have a six-week follow up in a couple of weeks to see how my recovery is going.  While I felt great right after surgery and the week or two at home, I have started to have more pain.  I'm still taking ibuprofen every 8 hours-ish and fairly sore.

She loves to read the fine print on our pack-n-play!

Our little daddy's girl

I love sleep sacks :)

So inquisitive!

Having a baby around is pretty crazy when it comes to establishing priorities with time.  I've found that when I finally get her down during the day, I feel a flood of ideas of things to do come to mind: clean her bottles, do dishes, do laundry, straighten up, shower, eat, email/text/Facebook - - or go sleep also.  I feel such a rush of 'use this time wisely' energy that I often distract myself with several of these at one time!  The other day I found I couldn't both shower and get properly dressed at the same time - so I hung out feeding Kylie for a couple hours in my PJ's.  But generally the house is in somewhat of order at the end of the day.  She tends to do better if we get up and out in the morning - if only to grab coffee.  Her fussiest times are right after breakfast and right after dinner.  

Looking forward to the weekend!

Week Four: Pass the popcorn!

Kylie and I have been racking up movies - classics, but mostly romantic comedies! - and its been a blast to introduce her to some of my favorites, including E.T., The Princess Bride, My Girl (and My Girl 2!), lots of Hugh Grant, Robert Redford and Sandra Bullock.  Pretty much we start it and she knocks out - so she definitely takes after me!

Just chillin...

Wide awake!

Last week, Mike, Kylie and I went around looking at daycares. We decided to try and find something closer to home, as there are several within a stone's throw of our house.  We went to look at one, and realizing Kylie was in a very cooperative state, took advantage of the time and were able to see three more!  We stopped off for lunch in between, and I managed my first diaper change on one of those changing tables in the restroom.  It was a success!  

While we liked several of the daycares, we decided on one in Apex. It is a beautiful space - newly renovated - and the Infant rooms (one for the younger and the other more mobile infants) are connected rather than two separate spaces. It had a very warm feel - especially the women who care for the babies in that room.  We trust Kylie will be in good hands there.  Though it will be hard I'm sure to hand her off for the first time!  They have a 3/4 time option - six hours in the day for care - which we think will work best for us!

Gram and Aunt Chriss

Last weekend my Aunt Chriss and Uncle Rich came down from Rockford as part of their spring break and were able to meet Kylie.  It was a fun coincidence that it fell on her one-month old celebration.  I can't believe how she's growing.  We went to dinner at Lucky 32's, a fun southern restaurant, and Kylie was quiet through the whole thing!  We also shared breakfast the next day - and she hung out with us there too. We are fortunate that she is mobile!

Happy One-Month!

Visiting with Gram

Though we still have about 25 days left of maternity leave, I'm sad to see it coming to an end.  It's been so fun to have time just to hang out in our living room and get to know one another.  Mostly just feeding, changing clothes/diapers, and putting her back to bed. And the occasional trip to Costco and Trader Joe's.  

Spring has sprung at Fresh Market!

But it is still a special space in time I'll always treasure.  She is such a gift for us!  While its hard to wake up at 2am to feed her - picking up a warm, sweet-smelling baby and snuggling her some is always worth it.

Started a series of pictures - this was a cute one :)

Excited to see how she grows