Ashworth Alcove

Well, this isn't a post for everyone. But if you are, have, or will breastfeed - or if you just like to read about tatas - then get comfy. Even before I was pregnant, I always knew I would breastfeed. It just makes sense. What I didn't know, was exactly how much work it really is. Violet latched on straight out of the gate. In fact, we hadn't even been wheeled out of the operating room yet and she was already sucking away. She knew exactly what to do and had no problem doing it. When she wanted to nurse she would root around on whatever she could get to - arms, shoulder, her Daddy's hairy nipple. We call that move the woodpecker. These days she's smartened up and knows the precise location. She'll open her mouth and wiggle her head back and forth like a wee little bird. Most babies are born knowing how to nurse and they really want to. It's comforting. For this reason, I just can't imagine saying no to breastfeeding just because you don't want...

Dear Violet, Your 8 week checkup was yesterday. 13lb. 8oz. - 90% 24.5 in. - 90% You were actually 9 weeks, so I'm blaming the 90% on that. Dr. Morris reported that you were perfect. She thinks your eyes are going to stay blue. Your Daddy is doubtful. I'm on the fence. I was full of dread as I loaded you in the car to go, because you had to get your first round of immunizations. You did better than I thought you would. You received three injections and only cried for about 30 seconds once they were finished. Once we got in the car to leave you fell asleep, so we went to Babies R Us to get you a treat. Clothes (as if you need any), hair bows, and cool packs for your legs. You thanked me with a catastrophic poop explosion right before we checked out. You were really grumpy last night and didn't feel well, but you're sleeping like a log today. I'm proud of you and I can't believe you're growing so fast. Love, Mama

Whew. The first month of having a baby is what I like to call the survival month. By golly did it come and go, along with the second month. And I survived! I'm even showering every day again now. I'm telling you, the things we come to brag about sure do change once you become a mother. Like the fact that I got five hours of consecutive sleep a few nights ago. Five hours . Cheers, high fives, and dosey-does all around! As far as recovery goes, I was feeling pretty good around 2 weeks post labor and delivery. Then at around 4 weeks I started feeling truly normal again. C-sections are hell. Truly. I'm really lucky in that I lost all (that's right, all ) of my baby weight in about 3 weeks. I didn't even try. Even though I'm back to my original weight, my body just doesn't look the same. It's like things have moved and rearranged. And I'm pretty sure I have someone else's stomach. Life is leveling back out again. There's noth...