Two Weeks!

Madelyn Rae is officially two weeks old tomorrow. The past fourteen days have been a whirlwind as we adjust to the demands of parenthood. The nights have been particularly difficult to get used to, but Maddy seems to have a rather predictable routine of waking every 2-3 hours. It's been so special to share these first weeks with Ethan. We've taken walks and have set small goals to meet each day. Yesterday's goal was to go for a foliage drive to Ipswich/Essex and to enjoy a late lunch at Woodman's (see pictures below). Today's goals included taking Madelyn to see her doctor and to vacuum the apartment and change the bed linens. It seems crazy that these types of activities would be "goals," but the days seem to slip away. By the time we are all showered, dressed, and fed it's already noon!




I was so relieved today to hear from the doctor that Maddy is almost back to her birth weight (6 pounds 12.5 ounces) and is healthy and perfect. Though it wasn't an issue for me during pregnancy, learning to trust that my body is capable of providing everything that Madelyn needs has been incredibly challenging. Adding to my anxiety has been Maddy's sleepiness, which has made it difficult to feed her. Though we seem to be getting the hang of things at this point, I have found breastfeeding to be an intimidating and trying experience. I have been told that I need to hang in there for about six weeks, but I can't imagine why something so natural and purportedly intuitive would be so hard to figure out! Ethan has done his best to cheer us on and be supportive, but despite his efforts I've remained largely disconcerted. Hearing from the doctor that our hard work and persistence this week yielded the desired result did a lot to mitigate my concern, and I'm sure that during the next few weeks I'll continue to become more confident. 

Ethan heads back to work on Monday and it will be interesting to see how we settle into a routine during the next few months as I go through my maternity leave and we continue to gel as a family. Watching Ethan with Madelyn has made my heart swell with pride and love. He is so gentle and affectionate with her and absolutely adores being her daddy. Though we are both enchanted and utterly smitten with her, I have to admit that I've fallen in love with Ethan all over again these past weeks as I've watched him embrace his role as a father. I particularly enjoy watching him change her diapers and tell her that "onsie is on lockdown." He also loves to snuggle up with Maddy on his chest as he reads his book, which puts her instantly to sleep. 

One of the highlights of the past few days was giving her a bath. The first time we tried this, she didn't like it at all. However, I climbed in the tub with her last night and supported her little body as she floated in the warm water. She totally blissed out! These moments are so precious. Maddy is so small right now, but that won't last for long. We are trying to embrace and relish in every second we have knowing that every day she is changing and growing. I try not to think about how fast the time will pass. She is the most perfect and gorgeous thing I've ever seen...