It’s been almost a month (can you believe it?) since we became a family of three. It’s better than I ever imagined, even with the late night feedings and spit up on my shirt.
I thank God every single morning and every single night for blessing me with not only a wonderful baby but an amazing father in my husband. I read a lot of blogs and know a lot of people that do not have this pleasure. I’m one lucky mama! Joe is a giant help and Jack very well might like his daddy more than me! It’s the running joke around here.
I did a lot of reading before Jack’s arrival to find the best parenting methods for us. I knew no matter how many books I read I wouldn’t be guaranteed anything until we met our little boy. I kept my expectations realistic. I was not going to set myself up for disappointment or the feeling of failure. I did not know if breastfeeding would be the best option for me and my baby. I did not know if he would have colic or not. You get the idea.
Jack does not have colic and breastfeeding wasn’t for us. My milk never came in and Jack responded very well to formula. We started with Similac Advance Early Shield and just switched to Similac Advance Sensitive Early Shield this week due to fussiness related to gas. He is doing even better with the Sensitive.
I read Baby Wise and Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg (love her). I subscribed to Moms on Call and also purchased their book (Laura & Jennifer are now household names in our home), thanks to Erin & Callie! I also have the Happiest Baby on the Block DVD.
If you know anything about these authors then you’ve probably figured out that we are pro-independent babies! We strongly believe in parent directed methods when it comes to raising your kids from birth. Jack has slept in his room from the day we came home from the hospital. He feels safe and comfortable in there and is also very flexible. He can nap in his car seat on the go or in the living room as well.
All of that being said, it’s not easy peasy. Last night, I sat at my computer from 4:45 a.m. – 5:30 a.m. listening to him whimper and cry off and on. He wasn’t thrilled but because I stayed strong he put himself to sleep and both Joe and I were able to sleep too. His belly was full, he had a clean diaper and I could watch him on the baby monitor so I knew he was perfectly fine. He woke up rested and happy! The 45 minutes was well worth it for all of us.
Thanks to JH’s flexible work schedule, we take turns during the night. We switch it up day to day but after the 9 p.m. feeding we have another feeding between 12:30 a.m. – 1:30 a.m. and then another around 4 a.m. He is eating more and he is resting more soundly with each new day.
I was finally given clearance to drive yesterday so I know our daily routine will change a bit. I think it will actually help. It’s hard to stay on any kind of schedule when you are at the mercy of other people to go places.
We’ve been on two weekend trips since Jack was born and both were successful. My sister flew into Chicago to watch Jack while Joe and I enjoyed my best friend’s wedding weekend. She is so great with him and he loves her very much too. We haven’t quite mastered the process of traveling with a baby but we aren’t doing too bad. It helps that he is an easy baby and pretty much goes with the flow as long as he gets fed every 3-4 hours!
As for JH and I, we are doing great too. Our love for each other grows each day. Our relationship is a top priority for us which makes managing care for Jack less stressful. I’m confident Jack can sense this too because he is a very calm, happy baby. If one of our mothers is over and offers to sit with Jack for a little while, we take them up on the offer even if it’s just to run to Target or grab a quick bite to eat. It works for us. Plus, I’m no longer wearing the disposable hospital underwear or giant granny panties, I think that helps too!
Our new life as a family of three is definitely the good life!
{ 23 comments… read them below or add one }
What a sweet family picture! I’m so glad things are going well for you guys.
Wonderful family picture! Sounds like Jack is a great baby
I love your common sense approach, and I’m so happy for you!
Love this post! Found your blog a few months ago through Blue Eyed Bride. I’m also an SC girl like Erin and expecting my first child in early February. It was so encouraging that even though you read all the books, you were flexible and made decisions for your baby ONCE he arrived. This is exactly how I feel when I think about parenting. It’s so overwhelming though, wow! Thanks for sharing and congratulations on your sweet baby boy!
Ha! Love that last line. I felt like a new woman with “real” undies on. Not to metion how happy the hubs was. The gauze ones were quite disturbing to him. Glad things are going well and you’e started to settle in.
I love the photo.. you guys look great!
You are such a great mommy and Jack is already becoming such an adjusted, independent baby. What a lucky guy! We love all three of you so much!
So happy things are going well for you new little family!
WOW, I seriously can’t believe it’s already been One Month…it just goes by so fast…so, hold onto every moment with sweet Jack! I love the family picture…I hope it’s framed in your house…what a special moment!
XOXO
That picture makes my heart so, SO happy! I think you are just such a natural at this Nina- JH is so lucky to have you as his wife, and Jack is so happy to have you both as parents! Cannot wait to see all the fun things the H fam has in store! xoxo
Can I just tell you how refreshing your take on new parenthood has been? I do not often see people write about the importance of remembering their marriage with a new baby on hand and how taking (even a little) time to themselves is an important investment. Refreshing is truly the word!
So glad to see your doing so well! Enjoy
You are doing great mommy!! And you look beautiful. One day at a time.. It is awesome isn’t it? Your calm attitude is reassuring to that little guy xo
Loved this post! Beautiful pic – I hope to be as calm as you for my baby girl’s arrival in 6 weeks!
Nina, first I want to congratulate you. You all seem so happy, and the picture is beautiful. Second, I think it’s fantastic that you kept your expectations so realistic- I remember when I had my first I seriously thought she would sleep all night. I put her in a bassinet next to my bed and SET THE ALARM CLOCK to 3 hours later so I would wake up to feed her. HA! WHAT A JOKE!… needless to say, she never went to sleep that night, and it was a very difficult few months trying to figure out how to do everything and decipher cries, figure out the milk situation (she cried 24/7 and had colic like you wouldn’t believe. ugh.) etc.. Looking back, how clueless was I? lol.
Also, I applaud you for sharing your parenting methods. It takes guts. We did things a bit differently but honestly, I’ve always been of the thought that to each family, their own thing, and the reason why I think your sharing of your personal choices is gutsy is because I remember how judgmental the new mom environment can be, with so many moms pushing their opinions down other people’s throats and the snark! oh the snark. and the eye rolls. I got a lot of those and it’s really unsettling when you are trying to listen to your OWN inner voice to figure out your own way of mothering. I’m a big believer that moms are the only experts on their own babies, and people need to let new moms discover what they believe.
So, congratulations, I’m so glad that you are all adjusting and that you and your hubby are finding your “new normal.” It’s hard to do that sometimes because it’s so easy to get caught up in the moment and forget that you’re still a couple and need to spend time together.
Congratulations to you, your husband, and beautiful little boy!!!!!
xx
Carmen
I love your attitude towards your baby and relationship! I think it’s so important to take time for the most important relationship, which is between and husband and wife. It’s great to hear that in a world full of people ALL.about.their.kids. I also appreciate you sharing the authors of the books that you love. I am very much into raising a more independent child and although my baby is still three months away from entering this world, I want to read up on as much as I can to help her be an independent child! Stay strong girl and congratulations and your sweet boy!
Your family is lovely. Congrats!
Your excitement about this new phase of life and love for your family shines through your words. Blessings to you and yours! Yeah for real girl panties! It’s the little things…
SO glad things are going great!!! I can’t believe it’s almost been a month either! I’m going to have to get to reading the sleeping books! I also thought about the HBOTB DVD. I just need to check about twin things, I suppose. Everyone says I can’t really try with a schedule on them until about 6 weeks, though.
LOVE the picture you the 3 of you!
I hope that when I get married and have a baby, I’ll have the happiness you have
You are so blessed, and you CERTAINLY deserve it! Thank you for this sweet post!
Looks like life with little Jack is in full swing…I love it! Y’all are a precious family of 3!
Here is my question to you as a new/traveling mom. Dr. Chick and I are planning the purchase of a new vehicle. As you know, we don’t have kids yet but will (Lord willing) one day and want to plan well with our vehicle purchase. I like peppy when it comes to my car, I want to be able to hit the gas and GO! That being said we’re debating a SUV or small SUV and I have my reservations about it’s ability to G-O. However, I see the advantage to a SUV with kiddos. When you travel with Jack, do you travel in a sedan or SUV? What were the advantages/disadvantages? Thanks friend!
Gorgeous photo of your family Nina!
What a good life indeed…so happy for your beautiful blessing- xoxo