Not going to lie, those first few days/weeks were definitely the toughest of my entire life. I had no idea what I was doing with breastfeeding, helping her sleep, getting sleep myself, etc. I was constantly stressed and worried about her and about doing something wrong or that could hurt her. I was a mess. I'm glad to know that I'll never be in that position again, a new first time mom. My mom was here helping which was a miracle. Billy had to go right back to work the next day after we were home so my mom helped get me through those days. We did a lot of sitting on the couch nursing and holding her while she slept.
Nighttime wasn't so bad in the beginning, I think because I had so much adrenaline going all the time. The second month the lack of sleep really hit me and I had a hard time with nights, but it really wasn't so bad in the beginning. I was such a newbie I was scared to have her sleep in her bassinet or even in the Rock n Play so I made my mom, Billy, and I switch off having her sleep on our chests. So crazy thinking back on that. So the first week or so she slept exclusively on someone. I eventually started putting her in the Rock n Play and she would sleep well in that. We started getting some good long stretches at night (3-4 hours) which was amazing. My mom was such a good helper in the night, Billy got to sleep through the night a lot in the beginning, lucky guy. He's not so lucky anymore haha.
I honestly can't remember many details from those first weeks, which is probably a good thing. I didn't write much down either because I could barely find time to eat so journaling wasn't high on my to-do list. Colby was so sweet, I really loved her so much but had a really hard time with the adjustment to motherhood. Thankfully things are so much better now.
Oh! I had forgotten that Colby lost a lot of weight that first week, so my pediatrician wanted me to supplement with formula. So we did that a few times until my milk came in. I was so worried she wouldn't like my milk after formula, but it was no big deal. I was super lucky that breastfeeding went pretty smoothly. I think I had all the struggles that most new moms do, but she caught on fast and was gaining weight well. I feel like we just now (at almost 6 months) are finally really getting good at it though. It has been fine all along but I feel like now we are both really enjoying it, when it used to be just a have-to.
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| Hilarious text from Billy while I tried to take a shower |
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| Lashes <3 |
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| We're a little obsessed |
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| First sponge bath at home |
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| My Dad came for a quick weekend visit to meet his new granddaughter |
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| Danielle came for a visit! |
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| Cody hanging out with his baby niece |
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| Dad hanging out with baby |
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| We tried a binky! And she loved it |
Grandma and Grandpa stopped by for a visit!
Uncle Jonathan was the first of Billy's siblings to meet baby Colby!
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| I thought she hated the car seat. I called it the torture chamber for the first few months of her life |
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| First out to lunch with the baby! I was so stressed the whole time, haha |
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| Grammy Barnes with Colby |
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| She had such little stick legs! She definitely doesn't anymore! |
First attempt at going to church. I think she was 2 weeks old?
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| Billy bouncing on the ball and watching TV, this is what we had to do to get her to sleep |
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| One of my very favorite pictures. Billy had been trying for HOURS to get her to sleep and finally brought her to me super frustrated. He just laid her down next to me and she fell right asleep. It was so sweet for me but I'm sure irritating for Billy! |
We missed taking newborn photos because I was just overwhelmed and couldn't figure out a good time, so Bruce took some at about one month. I'll need to find the rest but this one is my very favorite!
Sorry, picture overload but there's just a glimpse at the first few weeks of Colby's little life! We all had a little bit of a rough time but we survived and are now almost to 6 months!! Things are soooo much better and easier now but I do miss all the cuddles of a newborn. Colby won't cuddle with me anymore, she's too wiggly!
