Wednesday, October 1, 2008

I spoke too soon?

Everyone says that babies grow up really quick (which I know is true) so ever since Cassidy was born I told myself that I would take it one day at a time. That effectually meant no wishing for the day that she would... whatever, I would just enjoy (or just deal) with the day at hand. So when she all of a sudden she became a "different" baby at 2 1/2 weeks and found her vocal cords I didn't wish for the day that she would get past all the crying, screaming, and fussiness. I had read that 6 weeks is the typical peak in fussiness so I had to remind myself not to wish her to be 6 weeks old.

Today Cassidy turned 6 weeks and for the last couple of days I thought, wow, she really has turned the corner on the fussiness and crying. Her sleeping was getting a little better at night and during the day, that's a whole other story. But we had "a day" today. She would to want to nurse then fall asleep while on the first side, then she'd sleep for oh 20 minutes and wake up and be hungry again. Then the cycle would start all over again. I feel like all I did today was feed her. I felt like we were back to the "old" well the "second" Cassidy. But she sure did smile at me a lot today and that was awesome. She is so darn cute.

Think about how much time is spent nursing in a day. Let's say 10-15 minutes per side per feeding and there are 8-10 feedings in a day (for a newborn). Doing the math means 8*10= 80 minutes at the very least and up to 10*15*2=300 minutes!!! I think I hit the 300 mark today. Even if they don't eat for the full 15 minutes it may take that long to get everything going. Sorry to those who don't want to hear about nursing but if you have kids or know someone who does who is nursing consider that when she says she didn't get much done that day, that may be the reason. A labor of love. My solution= a good book.

One thing I am excited for, to know really, is how big she is getting. She'll have her 2 month appointment in 2 1/2 weeks. I can't wait to know how much she weighs and if her head is catching up with her body. When she was born her head circumference was in the 10th percentile, at the 2 week appointment she was in the 25th percentile while her weight was in the 50th and her length was in the 75th. I think she'll be about 9 1/2 pounds by then but I am excited to know for certain. I would love to know that information about her any day.

6 comments:

Christina said...

This sounds familiar to me....if I were you I'd look online about "growth spurts". I know infants hit one around 6 weeks and that's probably why she's nursing constantly. Don't worry, it'll probably get better in a few days.

Christina said...

Here's a couple good sites:
http://www.kellymom.com/bf/normal/growth-spurt.html and http://infant-toddler-health.suite101.com/article.cfm/baby_growth_spurts Those sites will also lead you to other informative sites.

Marissa of Ris C Handmade said...

I remember those days, I kept a couple of books by the nursing chair and even my laptop. I learned to type really well with one hand. It gets better though. They get faster and eat less often. She is so cute, could you post some more pictures? We just love them.

Mary said...

Hi December! It's Mary Lasher...I was just blog hopping and was so excited to find your blog and see that you had a baby!!! Congratulations! I am so happy for you guys. She is beautiful. I know how hard those days are when you feel like all you've done is feed the baby, but they do go by so quickly. Sleep will come eventually, I know it doesn't seem like it:) People tell me that I will miss those sleepless nights once my babies grow up, but I guess I'm still too close to be able to see that:) hang in there and hopefully Joe will be able to let you have some naps! Bob and I wish you the best and we're so happy for you!!

Marissa of Ris C Handmade said...

Thanks for the slideshow! I've never done a slideshow so I wouldn't have been much help, but it looks like you figured it out perfectly. She is beautiful!

Joel said...

Hey, it's Joel Switzer, I found your blog through my sister Katie. Nice to see you and your family! We just had a baby girl too a few weeks ago. Congrats to you and your family!