1-Month Check In

I can't believe its been a month! It seems like a whirlwind of lack of sleep, hundreds of diapers changes, midnight feedings (and 2 am, 4am, 5am...) and the transition of becoming completely selfless to another little person. I thought to myself today, "when was the last time I showered?" "Have I brushed my teeth?" Choosing the breast-feed is one of the most rewarding experiences. There is something very gratifying knowing you are providing life to your child. And, as a direct result they are satisfied, nourished, and growing. At first it was a challenge since it seemed like he was feeding almost every hour! I guess I never realized how little sleep one could really get when nightly feedings called. Baby may cry out at 2 a.m. for a feeding. It takes about 20-30 minutes to feed and then sleepily back to bed. Before I could drift off to a deep sleep baby was hungry again! There was many times I thought I just can't do this. Usually those times would come around 4am-my personal melting point. I would tenderly nudge my husband to change the baby or bring the baby to me. It seemed like just the extra effort of getting out of the bed and walking less than 2 feet was exhausting. My husband has been a life-saver.

Now, a month into being a mother it feels like an eternity ago that I was in the hospital wondering what my little one would look like. I feel great and even got the OK to start light walking and stretching. Since its hot outside I try and walk the mall or early morning since my new wake up time is 7am. Its funny how becoming a parent makes you a morning person. Every morning I feel hung over and almost at my breaking point (esp. if its been one of those night of constant feedings). But then I see Bradley's little face when his eyes are wide open and all of those thoughts just melt away. Its like God gives mommy's super powers. Some times I wonder how one could even function after so many days of little to no sleep.

I'm still striving to eat healthy, organic, and local. And breast-feeding especially requires drinking even more water and an extra 500 calories. I'm so happy I can eat tomatoes again! I even had my first glass of wine. I simply pumped milk ahead of time and timed my glass of California merlot around our feeding schedule. Things I'm looking forward to is my first run and my first (and Bradley's) swim.

Once I get some free time (haha) I will finish writing my birth story. Until then...

Welcome Bradley Kenneth Harris III

Born July 18th 2010 at 6:24 p.m. weighing 9 lbs 10 oz.