Life with a newborn

Well, hello there!

It's been awhile since we've had a baby in our home. There are some things about life with a newborn that have come completely naturally and others that I totally forgot about.

Newborn babies need stuff. Lots of stuff that seems to be taking over every corner of my folks house where we are staying. Receiving blankets, wipes, diapers, blankets, onesies....there is no way to avoid serious sprawl once the newborn arrives. And don't forget to pack all of the above in a diaper bag whenever you leave the house! Traveling light is not something that applies to new parents.

Babies take time to get ready. No more quick 'get up and go' for us! We definitely need an extra 45 minutes of prep time to feed the baby, change his diaper, change his clothes, find the diaper bag, blanket and car seat and then try to get out the door before you need to feed or change him again!

Babies want to be held. All the time. I guess there is no more comforting place to be than in the arms of the one you love, or in Odin's case in anyone's arms at all, as long as they are warm.

Newborns are soothed by sucking. The 'sucking reflex' is their first primal instinct. Odin hasn't really taken to a soother yet, so for now a baby finger seems to work best. It is such a great way to calm him quickly and it keeps me from jumping in to breastfeed every hour.

Nap time

Newborns literally sleep, eat and poop. That is it. They open their eyes and make hilarious facial expressions and unintentionally smile often enough to make you to fall madly in love with them, then they go back to sleeping, eating and pooping. I forgot just how much babies need to breastfeed during the first few weeks - up to 12 times in a 24 hour period! That is a lot of time where I can do nothing more than sit down, relax and feed Odin.

Life with two is tough! Sleep when baby sleeps? Sounds great, but doesn't really work when there is a 4 year old by your side wanting to make 'inventions' or play baseball. We really don't want Caleb to feel like he is being ignored or develop any jealousy towards the baby, so playing with Caleb is a definite priority for us. Thankfully we have family here to help out and devote 1 on 1 time with Caleb so we can enjoy the baby and catch up on some much needed sleep.

Serenade