Norah's One Month Update

I can’t believe you’re finally one month old! I say finally because honestly, this teeny tiny newborn stage freaks me out. Though I love you as a little baby, I’m glad we’re to a point where I’m at least slightly less scared of breaking you or something silly like that.

Our first month has been pretty amazing. We had a little bit of a rocky start at the hospital, but since we’ve been home, things have been great. Sometimes you cry and we aren’t quite sure why, and you don’t love all the bunches of seats/newborn “equipment” we have for you. Basically, we’re still trying to figure each other out a little bit. You definitely know I’m your Momma though and I love how much we both already need each other. You definitely also know your Daddy and seem happy to see him when he comes home from work every day.

You are such a gorgeous baby and everyone who meets you says so. We had your newborn pictures done and I couldn’t be happier with them. You are generally a happy baby, but even when you fuss, it’s impossible to get upset with such a cute face.

Weight: We find out at your doctor appt later this today. We will update this post when we find out.

Height: Same as above.

Nicknames: Pea, Pea Pod, Peanut, Nori, Little Pea, Princess Pea.

Eating: No complaints in this area. We had a rough start, and breastfeeding is hard and a lot of work, but we’re making it. We’ve had to supplement with formula here and there, but 95% of the time it’s breast milk only. You nurse every 2-3 hours. Occasionally more during the day, and you can go 4 hour stretches at night. The past week or so you’ve started to fall into an eating pattern, and I really hope that sticks so we can build a routine around it! Mom planned to get you on a Moms on Call schedule, but with your medicine schedule, that’s just not possible, so we will have to make up our own.

Sleeping: At first you slept basically all day, as most newborns do I guess. As of late you usually go to bed at 8pm (if we’re lucky), wake up at 10pm to take your medication, then it’s back to bed “for the night”. Bed is the rock n play sleeper next to Mom’s side of our bed, and through the night usually includes 2-3 wake ups to eat and/or have your diaper changed. As you get older, that’s more consistently becoming 2 instead of three, and we’re hoping soon there will only be 1 wake up between 10pm and 6am when you wake up to take your medicine.

You are a pretty good napper the first half of the day, but I have a harder time getting you to go down for afternoon or evening naps. You did go to a neighborhood get together and slept from 6pm to 10pm like a champ, only waking once to eat. Apparently to take a good evening nap you need to be outside surrounded by lots of adults talking and kids playing. Besides the rock n play, you like to sleep in the newborn napper basinet portion of your pack n play. We also try to get you to nap in the crib, but that is hit or miss. Usually miss.

You hate to be swaddled and usually break out of whatever blanket or sleep sack we have you in. We’re still trying different brands/methods to see what’s best for you. I hate forcing you into those things since you like your hands by or above your face, but if I don’t, you wake yourself up in a heartbeat. So far we’ve had the most success with the Summer brand swaddle pods with the zipper, or aden + anais blankets. Your cardiologist insists he has a fool proof method of swaddling babies, and if you keep outsmarting me, I may ask him to show me his method at your next appointment.

Diapers: You hate to have a dirty diaper, and also hate to actually have it changed. You are getting better with tolerating the changing though, and most of the time once you have a clean diaper on you’re happy as can be. We tried the Honest Co brand diapers, and as much as I wanted to love them, I didn’t. And neither did your dad. We like Pampers Swaddlers, and Pampers Baby Dry for night time. You were in newborn sizes until week 3, then we upgraded you to size one. Those are actually still too big, but the newborns are just a tad too small, so we make size one work.

Clothing: You are still a tiny little pea in newborn sizes. I have noticed you’re getting a bit longer, but you’re still swimming in anything size 0-3 months. I bought a ton of headbands for you to wear, but they seem to annoy you a bit, so we only put them on for pictures or leaving the house. And half the time we go somewhere, we forget to put them on.

So far you aren’t picky about what you wear clothes wise. Mommy loves anything Carters brand. Daddy loves the sleepers that either zip or only button down one leg because they make for smoother diaper changes. You had a ton of summer clothing in newborn and 0-3 month sizes, but since it’s cool in the house and we rarely go anywhere, most of those items haven’t been and won’t get worn. We will save them for a friend’s baby, or for one day when you maybe have a little sister.

Social: Everyone comments on how alert you are, and how wide and bright your eyes are for a newborn. You make eye contact with us sometimes which we love, even if it’s brief. You make the silliest faces at us and I hope that continues. You also seem to smile at us, but I am not sure if that’s intentional or not.

You love to be held and though you don’t seem to mind other friends and family holding you, I think you still prefer mom holding you the most J. You’ve met plenty of friends and family and have been the perfect angel. You met a few neighbor friends who can’t wait until you get a little older so we can have some play dates.

Likes: Being held, rocked, and “sush-ed” to sleep. The Rock n Play is definitely your favorite “seat” so far. The swing is also up there, with the bassinet in your Pack N Play and the bouncy seat rounding out the list of places you will hang out. Our K’tan and Ego 360 carriers are hit or miss with you, depending on your mood. The Boppy newborn lounger will also get the job done. Going on walks. Eating. Playing with Mom and Dad. Music. Kick and Play Piano gym. Dr. Brown’s bottles.

Dislikes: Getting your medicine. We give it to you three times a day, and all three times you are not happy about it. Having a dirty diaper, being naked/cold. Being strapped into the car seat, though you’re usually OK once we start driving.

Firsts: Walk around the neighborhood and neighborhood get together. Shopping and lunch date with Mom. Visit to Grandma and Papa’s house. Pediatrician appointment. Cardiologist appointment. Visits with lots and lots of family and Mom and Dad’s friends at our house. First time being alone without Mom or Dad (when your dad was at work and I had to go to the doctor). You didn’t mind being babysat at all which was a huge relief to me.

Mama: Emotional, though by week 3 or so that got MUCH better, thank goodness. Tired. Loving you more than I thought humanly possible. Paranoid that something will happen to you at night, but slowly getting over that.

Daddy: Lets just say you already have him wrapped around your little finger. I think you two will be the best of friends, with Dad as more the fun parent and me as more the comforting parent, if that makes sense.

What we're looking forward to: A few date nights out for mom and dad while Grandma and Papa babysit. The holiday season. Just watching you reach new milestones and learn new things.

We love you so much Pea! Our lives have changed in a million different ways since you were born, and I wouldn’t change a one of them. You are absolutely beautiful, silly, adorable, and just the best baby we could have ever asked for.

Until next month XO.