So here I am 3 weeks into being a dad. I had the first two weeks off from work, but I am back now.Many times I have opened my laptop, opened blogger and then blanked out, but I promise I will get there.
Thinking back on the first three weeks the biggest thing I can remark on is the speed of the whole thing. At the time it seemed as if things were dragging by, but now I am looking back saying where did the time go? So far we have a fantastic baby. Sometimes he is fussy at night, but really he is pretty good for the most part.
Once you get out of the hospital the real fun/learning begins. Although the things that they tell you in the hospital are important, they really dont seem to help much once you are home. Things happen that you never thought to ask about and it seems much more difficult when you don't have a nurse to buzz. Just relax and go with it. The baby only has a couple of needs so run through the list and try and find out whats wrong
Is he wet?
Is he hungry?
Does he have gas?
Is he tired?
Does he just want to be held?
Those are the 5 things that 95% of crying is related to. It gets very easy to forget this list (which seems silly, but its the truth) so just take a breath and go through it. Everything will be ok.
Also remember to enjoy the good parts. Sleeping babies are fun to hold, the same way the faces they make are hilarious. Try and enjoy those times, that way the tough times seem a little easier.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Top 10 tips I have for the new parent
Hi all. Things are going well here, although there is some definite sleep deprivation going on right now. That being said we love having our little JW home with us. Here are the top 8 posts I have for the new parent, both in the hospital and at home.
1) Don't feel bad about sending the baby to the nursery
2) Don't get pushed around by nurses/doctors/lactation consultants
3) Ask questions, no matter how dumb you feel
4) If you have a pet, get him used to babies smell
5) Read the directions on your breast pump
6) Don't be afraid to have people over, but DEFINITELY don't be afraid to tell people not to come
7) Sleep is great, but so is relaxation
8) Paper plates and silverware, the last thing that you want to do is dishes when you are home
Most of these are self explanatory, but the biggest 3 are 6-8 Guests can be the greatest thing in the world...or they can be a physical and mental drain that you really don't need right after bringing home a new baby. The biggest issue is those guests that you have to entertain and that come in and ruin your routine. Having a baby is all about routine, especially if you are using your breast pump often. Just stick to your routine and let everyone else do their thing.
Sleep is great, get it. At the same time relaxation is almost, if not equally, as important. Take a minute when the baby is napping to do something you really like. Watch a move, listen to music or read a book. This will let you burn off some steam and then you will sleep that much better.
Paper products are KEY! The last thing that you want to do right after you have a brought a baby home is dishes. You ultimately will end up doing dishes but if you can cut out the plates and cutlery you will have noticeably less things to wash.
1) Don't feel bad about sending the baby to the nursery
2) Don't get pushed around by nurses/doctors/lactation consultants
3) Ask questions, no matter how dumb you feel
4) If you have a pet, get him used to babies smell
5) Read the directions on your breast pump
6) Don't be afraid to have people over, but DEFINITELY don't be afraid to tell people not to come
7) Sleep is great, but so is relaxation
8) Paper plates and silverware, the last thing that you want to do is dishes when you are home
Most of these are self explanatory, but the biggest 3 are 6-8 Guests can be the greatest thing in the world...or they can be a physical and mental drain that you really don't need right after bringing home a new baby. The biggest issue is those guests that you have to entertain and that come in and ruin your routine. Having a baby is all about routine, especially if you are using your breast pump often. Just stick to your routine and let everyone else do their thing.
Sleep is great, get it. At the same time relaxation is almost, if not equally, as important. Take a minute when the baby is napping to do something you really like. Watch a move, listen to music or read a book. This will let you burn off some steam and then you will sleep that much better.
Paper products are KEY! The last thing that you want to do right after you have a brought a baby home is dishes. You ultimately will end up doing dishes but if you can cut out the plates and cutlery you will have noticeably less things to wash.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Now entering the game, batting 3rd, JW
Hi all sorry for the lack of posts, but our little guy arrived! I wanted to post something here with all the details
He was born on 29 August at 0354 in the morning. Labor took about 14 hours and we arrived at the hospital during the height of the hurricane, although the hurricane really didn't hit us to bad.
Everyone is doing fine although MW and I are still catching up on sleep and trying to figure out how the hell to be parents.
Once I am a bit more with it I will post a couple of times on labor and delivery, recovery and bringing him home.
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