The New Normal

Amazing. . . how 8 pounds, 3 ounces can rock your world.  These last couple of weeks we have experienced so many emotions, so many changes and we keep searching for what used to be normal.  It is a new normal now--a normal that only stays the same for a few hours and then, what do you know, it up and changes again!  So interesting how becoming a parent changes your perspective on things.  We now get excited about the changing of poop color, celebrate an umbilical cord falling off, and cheer on our baby when he has a good burp.  A 2-3 hour stretch of sleep is a victory and we are completely content to watch him do absolutely nothing....for hours.  Yep....new normal.

Last week was quite a big week for Ben.  He finally lost his umbilical cord, he had his first real bath, his first outing (out to lunch with Mom and Dad and Jenny and I), and he seems to have moved past eating every hour or two to a 3 hour schedule by day and a 3-4 hour schedule by night!  Our little boy is already growing up!  Friends and family have commented that he looks different now-more of a baby instead of an infant/newborn.  It is hard for us to see it, since we see him all day, every day, but he does have much more awake time with wide open eyes taking in all that is around him.  We have so much fun talking with him and playing with him, even if there isn't any reaction.  I can't imagine how thrilling it will be when we actually get a response!  

I am healing up and it is getting easier to get around and do things, though I still have to take it slow and have restrictions on lifting and exercising for another month due to the surgery.   I am finding that I don't mind, though.  I am just fine to be at home all day, with an occasional visitor, and just be with my little boy and my John.  My extroverted personality has become content with this simple life we now have.  

I had my first outing without Ben today - a coffee date with my dad while my mom watched Ben for an hour or so.  It was so strange to be just me, without Ben nearby or in my arms.  It was good to be able to have a little break, but I sure did miss my little one.  My dad gave me some great advice. . . .to cherish all these moments, even the frustrating and inconvenient ones.  Because there will be a day when I look back and long to rock him to sleep, or hear his little sounds in the night, or give up whatever I am doing to care for my tiny little son.  What a great reminder it was....because every moment is precious and will never happen again.  I need to remember that, at 3 in the morning when my eyes will barely stay open, and when, like today, he wakes 4 or 5 times out of his nap with gas and won't be consoled without being held.  This little squeaky bundle of blonde hair and blue eyes is my dream come true.  My long awaited answer to prayer and I am so thankful for him. . . .and all his moments. :)

the whole family (minus Uncle Drew)

first real bath in the kitchen sink!

the only smiles we get right now are usually in his sleep and are accompanied by sound effects in the diaper :)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                        

one of my favorite outfits on him - my little froggy

How could you NOT stare at this adorable face all day?!

Ben LOVES to be held by Daddy and hear his voice

Ben meets George!

my favorite guys!