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Monday, August 19, 2013

Ford 1 week


Lookin sharp in my tie



(where the heck did he get these long skinny legs?!)

I can't believe Ford is 1 week old! People don't lie when they say the time flies. We were in the hospital for a good chunk of his first week but coming home has been wonderful and a blur. I don't even know where to start with updates!

We had our first pedi appointment early today and our doctor just kept telling us how perfect he was and what a good baby he is/will be. He hated getting naked for the weight check but was alert and content during the rest of the appointment. I did have to nurse him while we waited to calm him down after they stripped him down. 

Stats: Ford was born at 8lb 13oz, 21in long and 14.5in head circumfrence. Today, at 1 week, he was 8lb 10oz (52%), 21in (52%), and 14.75in (75%). We may have a 9lb-er at our appoinyment next week!

Sleep: our first night at home I honestly got better sleep than I did the last few weeks of pregnancy. Um, what? Ford gave us two 4 hour stretches of sleep and that was fantastic! We obviously haven't started a schedule but he has been pretty consistent with late evening cluster feeding, 4 hour stretch, midnight cluster feeding (about 2-3 hours between midnight and 4a) then a 4 hour stretch. My mom has been staying with us and will stay until Friday so it is SO nice to hand him off when I am done feeding to hop in bed. As much as I could stare at Ford all night, I know how precious even an hour of sleep is. Crazy enough but I feel rested. During the day he naps pretty much wherever, no consistent naps. At night he sleeps in the Rock and Play right by our bed. Oh and he LOVES to be swaddled! We had to double swaddle him with the hospital receiving blankets but now we use the SwaddlePod and Summer Swaddle Me's at home, he looks like a little burrito, so cute. 

Eating: like I said above, boy loves to eat. Nursing has been great for us and I look forward to the end of the toe curling latch pain...OMG! Nursing is exhausting and humbling but it is the greatest feeling knowing I am nourishing my son. My biggest piece of advice is to take a breastfeeding class and have your husband go with you. Jon is so incredible with Ford to begin with and he is a rockstar helping me feed. He was psyched about the class and I couldn't be more grateful that he is so helpful and pro breastfeeding. BFing is basically a 3 person job at the beginning and I am finally getting the hang of it and can do it on my own most of the time. Ford sure has a set of lungs that he proudly shows off when he is hungry. We call it his banshee yell...

Diapering: even though he is a big boy, we are in newborn diapers and going through them quickly! I've been peed and projectile pooped on a few times, life with boys. The first 24 hours of life they want your baby to poop at least once and Ford pooped 11 times. No wonder he lost a pound so quickly!

Clothes: I had to call my neighbor to borrow newborn sized clothing because I didn't have enough and boy do we go through a lot of clothes haha! I mostly keep him in long footed jammies during the day or a onesie/pant set with socks and mitts. He tends to scratch himself so the "boxing" gloves help prevent that. He has a few real NB outfits that we hope to wear on our outings this week

Social: he is such an alert boy when he is awake! He has big, dark, dark blue eyes and loves looking around. We put him in his swing and he really enjoyed that too. One night this week, my dad was holding him and Ford peed through his diaper and outfit and all over my dad, whoops!

Mama: boy oh boy what a week it has been. Physically, things have been rough. I haven't posted about it yet but our labor was very intense and ended in a rough C section. Not at all the birth I ever expected but it is such a dream now and so worth it for Ford. I never thought the recovery would be so hard but everyday it gets better and today I can actually laugh and walk around without major incision pain! I weighed myself at the pedi today and I've lost 20 of the 30lbs I gained during pregnancy. Pretty darn crazy in a week. Now if the belly that is melting at the bottom of my abdomen would just come off haha. Can't wait to start walking with Ford! Emotions have been up and down as you can imagine, mostly up. I've cried a few times but only because of my pain. The first day we were home I forgot about my 4 hour pain meds and became freezing, shaky, woozy and just miserable. I got into bed and just sobbed because I've never had surgery before and never experienced this much pain. Other times I've cried have been because of latch pain but through tears I am smiling looking at Ford and in awe of his pure existence. Spiritually, God has just blown me away. I still can't believe he chose us as parents and blessed us with Ford. Prayer has been powerful and I find myself constantly in conversation with the Lord praying for obvious things like comfort, peace, and pain free nights but also praying for Ford's future and that he knows Christ and lives in obedience to The Word. 

Daddy: I really lucked out in the husband department and it was no surprise that Jon so easily fits the role as father. From day 1, he is at such ease with Ford and knows exactly what to do. Changing his first diapers (I didn't change any until we got home because of the C section), soothing Ford, helping me feed, singing him songs. I am crying writing this and can cry at just the sight of the two of them together. 

I plan on writing out his birth story sometime this week and sharing more pictures, videos, etc. Here are a few shots of his first few days home...


Daddy's future ping pong mate

I spot a dimple!




We've had lots of visitors who have brought meals, gifts, and love for baby Ford. My dad, Ford's papa, was lucky enough to be peed on by little man this weekend! Good thing F is so cute...

39 comments:

Candice Williams said...

Oh ruthie I am so sorry that you have pain from the c section. I was lucky that I had a natural birth but you do what you have to do to get the baby here and that's what you did! Keep being positive and things will keep getting better as the healing kicks in. Get lots of rest and don't forget to take care of yourself too!! :) prayers are with you momma

Lauren said...

The benefits of a long labor before a c-section, if you're going to get there, is that there is absolutely no regret. I was there my first time with Brielle and I think the only downside was that I was SO exhausted it made bonding hard at first. Thankfully BFing helped that SO much!! And I agree, having a husband who is super supportive of BFing is so crucial especially in the beginning when it's not the most "fun" thing ever. I was so knocked out after having B that the lactation consultant actually taught my husband how to BF (I mean, how I would). So HE guided me through the process once I wasn't a zombie. So bizarre but I was super thankful!

By the second week it was as if I didn't have a csection at all. Remembering the pain meds was the HARDEST part for me. After I failed a few times we gave the meds responsibility over to my dad - he was much better at it.

Get rest, recover, and do some light walking as you feel able it definitely helps. Hope you heal quickly and in the meantime you have a pretty cute little guy to keep you company as work your way back to 100%!

Carolyn said...

YAY! Baby updates! :) So glad to hear that everything is going well! Hopefully your c-section and the latching pain both go away quickly!

FYI - your pics aren't working!

jessi bridges said...

So exciting to read these updates. He is such a beautiful boy, Ruthie!! And I always tell people with breastfeeding, get through the first 3 weeks. Just push through. It's rough and it hurts and you want to give up, but don't. On the other side it will be so much better. Then after those 3 weeks, give it about 3 more and you'll feel pretty solid as a mom. It just takes time but you're doing so great. And what a blessing to have Jon's help and support!!

Kelly-Belly said...

I laughed so hard when you wrote that breastfeeding is a three person job. Ha! : ) I remember those days well!

Keep doing great, I'm praying for you.

Amira said...

I'm so sorry you had to have a c-section :-( I did too, so I understand how hard it can be to feel pretty helpless those first few days/weeks. The breastfeeding pain gets easier!!

Bri said...

Aww..sorry it ended in a rough C Section girly..but glad you are recovering well. And I can't get over how SWEET Ford is...love his little chair pictures :)

Unknown said...

Such a handsome little man! Those first few weeks are so special and precious... I miss them already! But can't get over my little man at every stage... I know you'll feel the same way! Isn't it crazy how differently things can go than we plan but how it so doesn't even matter? :) glad you have such a healthy, handsome little guy and are healing well mama! :) blessings!!

Rebecca said...

Congrats! My BFF, who had a daughter & twin boys before me told me that if you can make it through those first 3-4 weeks of breast feeding you can do it! Just know there's light @ the end of the tunnel! I BF both my children, for a full year, pumped when I was @ work part time, & neither had any formula. It was definitely hard work, there was pain involved, a case of mastitis w/ each (which is horrible), but I wanted to be able to do it for their health. I was totally committed & it paid off. I have 2 very healthy children. I know there are cases when it just doesn't work, but if you want it to & can make it past that first month you can make it work & continue to BF as long as you want! :)
I didn't mean for that to be a BF lecture, just wanted to encourage you that you can do it! Hang in there, it's hard, but worth it, if you want it to be & it workd out for you! :)
Your sister in Christ,
-Rebecca

Diana said...

I had a c section too, so I know how you feel. Just focus on taking care of yourself and Ford, and let the people around you help you.

Bf ing: I saw a huge difference between 2 and 4 wks, between 4 and 6 wks, and between 6 and 8 wks. By 8 wks we had it down (although I know for some ppl it goes much faster). 5 wks was when latching pain began to fade. You will get there, just stick with it! For me I needed to realize he was going to be ok even if every feeding didn't go as planned. Let hubby help in the middle of the night, especially since you had a c section. You will only need help for a little while.

I began to feel more normal by about 2 wks, but at 4 wks I was still not 100%. Take it easy! You need to keep yourself healthy for baby. It's a good excuse for cuddle time anyway.

Good luck & congrats!

Jordan said...

He is absolutely adorable! And that dimple!! :)

Anonymous said...

We didn't swaddle Ethan, but we did Gabe. I'm not a great swaddler, so, the Swaddle Me was GREAT! I bought a bunch of them.

So glad everything is going well! I laughed at "life with boys." Yep! Projectile everything. Haha.

Veronika said...

what a cutie! congratulations!

Tara said...

Ford is SUCH a cutie! I hope you start to feel better soon as far as recovery goes :)

Ashley Brickner said...

He is so handsome!! Congrats!!

wordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com

Emily said...

I couldn't agree with you more - anyone planning to Breastfeed should take a class, read a few books and then take another class. We struggled with establishing a good latch and just getting into the groove of breastfeeding all together - I am happy to report that 8 weeks later it's a whole lot less painful and GASP almost enjoyable.

Congratulations on your new little man. He's absolutely perfect. I look forward to watching him grow.

Megan C said...

He is just precious! Sorry about the scary birth but I can't wait to hear more about it.

The Mrs. and The Momma said...

Hang in there...there will come a day soon where the incision will hurt way less and you'll be golden! I love that serious picture of Ford with the eyebrows...so cute and manly!!!! :) Can't wait to hear all about the birth story friend!!!

Anonymous said...

Breastfeeding shouldn't hurt. Not toe-curling hurt anyway! I've nursed 3 babies and remember that toe-curling pain vividly; it's usually the sign of an incorrect latch that can be easily fixed. If you're feeling anything beyond a little discomfort, you may want to speak with a lactation consultant.

Good luck and congrats!!

Carly said...

He is SO cute, and I'm so glad you're feeling a little better today!!!

Carly
www.lipglossandcrayons.com

Erin James said...

So happy for you friend, he is a doll! :) And will be praying for you as you adjust and for the physical side of things. Love!! xoxo

Heather Leigh_A beautiful ministry said...

SOO CUTE!!! Praying for you girl as you heal up. You look amazing. :) X0x0

Emily said...

He is just precious Ruthie! Congratulations again! I am so sorry that you ended up having a C-section, but I know that you know it was all part of God's plan! I also had a c/s (in March), so if you need to vent feel free-I have been there girl! Love all the pictures!

KRISTIN said...

Totally tearing up reading this as I remember those early days at home. It sounds like all three of you are doing great and adjusting well. Ford is just the cutest little nugget - I'll have to show Kenley his picture. :)

Katie said...

congrats on your sweet boy!! our baby girl weighed the same and was just as long! :) yeah for healthy big babies!! hoping your second week is going well!

Ketrin Jones said...

Congratulations!! Ford is so beautiful. I can't wait to read about the birthing story. Glad you are getting rest. xoxo

Cait | Home Sweet Ruby said...

Congratulations Ruthie!! Ford is so precious and he is so lucky to have you two as his parents! I hope you continue to feel better!

Unknown said...

SOOO precious ! Congrats again ! love the pics - keep 'em comin!

Unknown said...

He is precious! Congrats!!

Unknown said...

A CSection? Oh dear! As a Maternity RN the patients I feel the worst for are the ones who go through labor and THEN end up with a CSection. Wishing you a speedy recovery (it *will* get better!), looks like you & your little guy are doing great! XO

Krista said...

Congrats again Ruthie! He is just perfect! Glad he is breaking you guys in right away with all the bodily fluids ha! But seriously I can see how much joy he brings to you already :) Welcome to motherhood!

Anonymous said...

Ah I was so happy to see an update!!! What a precious little boy and I am so glad to hear you are doing well. I'm shipping off your package today so keep an eye out!

Kaitlyn (:

Gina babybluemom.com said...

Ruthie, he is gorgeous. I had breastfeeding pain, horrible pain in the beginning too. I went to classes and everything, the best thing I did was get a lactation consultant appointment, she fixed the problem in minutes. If it doesn't get better in a day or two I would have someone come to your house or go to a breast feeding support group, having pain nursing (especially when its like 8 times a day) is miserable, you need all the rest you can get. Healing is hard, I had a vaginal delivery so I dont know what you are going through, but either way your body just ran a marathon, so soak up all the extra help you can get. Love to you sister

Teressa Mackey said...

oh my goodness . adorable.
breast feeding a 3 person job : FACT
I can't get over the fact that he pooped 11 times!! OMG! Praying for your healing process!

Have you tried a nipple shield for latching pain?

Heather said...

I ended up with a c-section too (after wanting a natural birth). I promise the pain gets better after the first week! I look forward to reading your birth story.

PS He is SO handsome!!

Adrienne said...

Oh Ruthie! I had no idea you ended up with a C section :( Saying a prayer that you heal quickly and the pain is soon forgotten. You have an amazing outlook and an even more amazing family - congratulations again!

Kim said...

He is so precious! My daughter slept in her Rock and Play until she was 4 months old. It was my absolute favorite thing we bought for her while she was a newborn. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one!

Unknown said...

Ruthie, your little man is so precious!!! What a beautiful family.

I am expecting my first baby and I was wondering if you'd do a registry essentials post? I have no idea what to register for!

Megan said...

I saw a dimple too! He is so cute! Congratulations again Ruthie and Jon!

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