Three weeks in...

It's been a little over three weeks since we brought Charlie home. It honestly has seemed much longer, although things have been going smoothly! My mom spent the first week with us and is still coming often to help out. I have also had lots of help from my in-laws as well...and friends! I am so incredibly blessed to have a huge support system. I have no idea how people survive without help!

Charlie is doing great. I am so thankful. He is sleeping good, aside that we haven't seen too many long stretches of sleep. At night he is doing one 3-4 hour stretch and then a 2-3 hour stretch after the first feeding. Usually by 5-6am it is harder for him to go back to sleep immediately. Audrey was doing a 7-8 stretch of sleep around 6-7 weeks old, so I am hoping he won't be too far off from that also. We shall see!!

 I tried breastfeeding Charlie. Initially is was going well, and much to my surprise, it was going much smoother than my experience with Audrey. After breastfeeding Audrey, I promised myself I would never do it again. If that tells you anything, it is a major feat that I attempted this with Charlie.

At his first weight check, he weighed 7 lbs 13 oz. His hospital discharge weight was 7 lbs 14 oz,  so the doctor was pleased with his weight at one week old. However, he was not having any dirty diapers, and only 2-4 wet diapers per 24 hours. He was not going nearly as often as he should. The doctor suggested supplementing formula. I happily agreed and did so the following week. We had a much happier Charlie! He was fussy the first week of his life, and now we realize he was still hungry. Plus, he started having the normal amount of wet and dirty diapers once we supplemented formula.

I decided I would nurse him first then offer a bottle because he was still fussy every time after I finished nursing. This overall was going well, except that it was taking at least an hour for every feeding. This was not realistic with my three-year-old. Not only was it exhausting, but it was not functional for us. Needless to say, my last day of breastfeeding was when Charlie was 12 days old. 

I know there may have been more I could do to have made this work. I realize I didn't go the extra mile and consult with lactation specialists, look into ways to increase my milk supply, etc. However for me, I am proud I made it 12 days. I did not plan on breastfeeding long-term. If it would have turned out that way - great. If not, that is alright too. I went into this with an open mind and no pressure on myself. 

Charlie is doing great! He finally made it past his birth weight by week 3 (Friday). We had to go in for 3 weight checks since he was still not gaining enough by week 2.

 I read a book called The Secrets of the Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg before I had Charlie. Actually, my OBGYN doctor suggested this book. Basically, this author describes five different temperaments of babies and explains them and also provides a schedule that she recommends for babies. It is a very interesting and helpful book. Her schedule is eat, activity, sleep. I thought I would try it our first full day at home from the hospital and watch for Charlie's cues. I could not get over how perfectly this pattern worked for us. That's exactly what we do - feed him, he stays awake for a little while, then when he starts to fuss just a little bit - I know he is getting sleepy and I swaddle him for his nap time. I highly recommend this book!

Charlie has been a very predictable baby and is easy to soothe. Perhaps with this schedule it has made it easier to understand his needs. Either way, things are starting to shape into a routine.

Charlie Boo loves his paci! He is very serious about it. I laugh because he has such intense facial expressions. This is so different for us since Audrey never took to a paci. Glad it helps him!

Audrey is doing really well adjusting to her brother. She has not been upset or mad that he is here, but doesn't like it when he cries. The main difference lately is that she is not listening as well and following instructions. I think she is wanting attention. I have tried to spend more one-on-one time with her. Hopefully things will smooth out soon.

Miss Audrey also started preschool this month! I can't believe how big she is. She has enjoyed preschool, but usually does not want to go in the mornings. She is going two half-days each week. When I pick her up, she is so excited and talks all about it. I think it will just take her some time to get to used to all the changes!

We went to Target on Thursday by ourselves! Our first outing as just the three of us. They did great! Charlie slept most of the time and Audrey did fine. That was really fun!

My Moby Wrap has been extremely helpful!! I am not sure that it is the easiest or most functional wrap on the market, but he loves it and it works for us.

On Saturday we all went to the park. The weather was so nice! I am so excited about fall. This is my favorite time of the year. In a few weeks we will probably visit the pumpkin patch....and the kids will where their turkey outfits...and I will take tons of pictures...and it will be wonderful. ;) I LOVE FALL!!