Finding a Routine

It's been nearly 1 week since we brought Alex home.We're starting to figure out more of a routine and how to sneak in naps so we get enough sleep. Matt, Alex and I managed to take a nice 2 hour family nap together today. I'm trying to do more skin to skin time with him. It's so adorable how he curls up on me.

Ive been skipping the 4am feedings and letting Matt handle those so I can get a solid 5 hours at least. We are a really good team. I wouldn't be able to do all this baby stuff without him!

Alex will mostly sleep through the night in his co-sleeper. But he does make lots of gurgling noises while he's in there. He doesn't look distressed or upset. We think maybe he just loves the sound of his own voice. Matt built a Fisher Price Rainforest bouncer yesterday that we got from Nick and Cristina. So far, Alex doesn't seem particularly bothered by it. Maybe he's too young to take it all in. He does love his Gymini though.


I'm not sure who Alex looks like yet. So far the majority opinion has been my dad. I don't see any of me in him. Sometimes he looks like baby Bijal and Matt says he looks just like Jamie. He's forever changing.



We went to the hospital today for a quick check up. He gained 3 ounces since Sunday which is fantastic. It means he's feeding well. We're figuring each other out on those grounds. I'm learning how to read his signs and he's learning how to work with me. I love it.



I have a 90 minute window before his next feeding so I'm going to go try and sneak a shower and snack in if I can.

One In, One Out

Not enough hours in the day. I wish I had time to post more about Alex. He's awesome! Being a mom is awesome! And Matt's been great at this whole dad thing. He volunteered to be on diaper duty and is amazingly good at swaddling! I'm watching Alex sleep right now in his little co-sleeper. I'm supposed to sleep when he sleeps but I haven't gotten that down yet. Being up
every 3 hours to feed is also taking some time to get used to. He's starting to become a little more demanding, sometimes asking to be fed every 1.5 hours. It's a good thing though despite making my nipples super duper sore. He's still really ickle, under 6 lbs. I was kind of nervous he wasn't getting enough food so we went to see a pediatrician yesterday. Because he's not fussy at all we weren't sure if that meant something was wrong or if he just has a calm temperament. Turns out to be the latter. And he's fine. Because he's a preemie, there are things that will take time.

I had to send my parents to the store to get all new clothes for him since nothing he owned fit. Of course they loved the task! My mom has been so incredible these past few days. We've put all our differences aside and she's come through. Taking care of babies is where she shines. Matt and my first day was pretty overwhelming since we didn't exactly have everything sorted out how we would have wanted. I mean heck, we thought we still had another month! While I napped my mom cooked a bunch of food that's easy and filling and reorganized all the baby stuff all over the house, catergorizing, labeling. She even did my laundry. It's been good for her to keep really busy. And I love that we can leave the house and leave the baby with my mom without any paranoia or worry. Alex seems really happy in her presence because she knows how to interact with him. We're still learning.

My mom's mom who is in India, had been in the ICU all week in critical condition and on Saturday we learned that my grandma was on a ventilator and things had taken a turn for the worse. My mom's brothers/sisters and family were trying to make a decision on whether or not it was time to pull the plug. In the end they decided to bring her home because the ICU allowed only one visitor at a time and if she was going to die, it may as well be around her family. Tonight we learned she did pass away. My cousin and I were in the middle of trying to set up Skype and it sounds like she passed away right in the middle of it. So we never got to see her. But I don't think it would have made any difference. She did get to see photos of Alex a few days ago. I am sad for my mom but I didn't really know that grandma since she has always lived in India. I'm trying to think of ways to be supportive. Unfortunately I take after my dad's side completely and find it a little difficult to empathize the way she needs me to. But I'll do my best.

Alex is helping her stay distracted. My mom must feel completely helpless since her entire family is in India. But she said she doesn't want to go there because there really is no point. I personally think that my grandma had been suffering on and off all year and it's probably better that she can now rest in peace. But I know no matter what age, what condition, losing your mom is terrible.

Matt and I have turned this house upside down and are reorganizing a few rooms. Currently our front room is holding all the contents of the office which was sort of an office with craft stuff and baby stuff all over. Chaos.

All in all though things are going good so far. Looks like I'm due for a feeding here. Adios.