Decisions

Well, today my little guy is sleeping a lot, which is good...because the past two nights he has sounded pretty congested, which as a first time mom...freaks me out! I called the dr, and he said that he may have a little cold, but that its nothing to worry about unless he isn't eating or is struggling to breathe... so I have used the humidifier, kept him propped up, made the bathroom steamy, squeezed his snot out of his nose, etc.  So, I DECIDED that even if it means that I am up with him tonight, if he wants to sleep today, I am going to let him, I'm not going to try to keep him up in hopes of him sleeping more at night. As I was sitting here watching him sleep, which is one of my favorite things...and thinking about all the decisions that are to made in regards to parenting. I have read book after book on parenting and babies, and I think that no matter how many books you read, you can never be fully prepared to be a parent. There are no two babies that are the same, and no two parents that are the same. I think that it is good to be prepared and learn about 'newborns' as much as you can, but you won't know if you are going to have a fussy baby, good baby, colicky baby, healthy baby, etc, until they are here. As a new mom, I have been going to either the internet, books, and other moms on advice and stories on how they dealt with their babies. And, I do think that all those things are good, but when it comes down to, my husband and I are the ones who will make the decision of how we are to raise our baby and the way that we do it. I know that we are going to make good decisions and bad decisions, but we are the ones who have to make them. We rely on God's guidance and wisdom and pray daily that He would go before us and help us in this journey of parenting, so we trust that. But it's still amazing to me how there are so many different theories and ways of parenting out there, and good arguements for them as well, but really....as parents...we have to decide what's best for our baby and for us. We cannot compare our son to other babies, because they are two completely different individuals. For those veteran moms out there, this is probably a no-brainer for you, but its good to think about. One thing I did hear from a mom that has stuck with me is that God has given YOU your BABY for a reason...and God has entrusted US, so He believes in US, and that gives me hope when I am unsure about my decisions.

Mommy-hood

Today my precious little son is 6 weeks old. It really is amazing how fast time goes by, and I am reminded daily to appreciate the time I have with my tiny baby, and to enjoy his life the way that he is now. It has been an incredible six weeks. I knew that I was going to enjoy being a mom...but I never knew how incredibly full and blessed I could feel. I am amazed at how God allows such a strong bond between mother and child and how instantly so attached Jason and I were to Ryan. These past few weeks haven't been necessarily easy, but the adjustment went a lot more smoother than I thought it would be. I also could not be more grateful for the amazing friends and family who have surrounded us with their love and support. My mother in law was a saving grace those first few weeks as I healed and adjusted to caring for my newborn. She was so encouraging, and made me rest even when I didn't want to. She was continually encouraging me and it was such a blessing just to have her here to help with the baby and care for us as well. She cleaned, cooked, and held little Ryan while I rested for a while. Jason and I even were sick for a day, and I don't know what we would've done if she wasn't here to help. We have also been so blessed with the many gifts from family and friends...it's a little overwhelming how many people came to visit and love on us and Ryan, but we were so thankful...and also the many meals we have been blessed with....and we are STILL receiving meals...it's the best thing ever!! I really feel that God has given us such an amazing community of people, and it's His way of showing His love toward us as well.

Ryan is precious. I am so in love, and I can't get enough of him. I still love the fact that he is ours, and I don't have to hand him off to someone else. There have been nights that have been really hard and days where all I want to do is sleep...but it's a happy exhaustion. And, I feel like things are becoming more normal as I am recovered and life is picking back up again. Ryan is on a 2.5-3 hour schedule, and has had sleep stretches at night from 4 to 6 hours! :) He is really a good baby...he fusses when he's tired, but he rarely cries and is pretty content to be with us, and loves to lay and stretch his little arms and legs. He has already gained so much weight. I weighed him today and he is 10lbs 7 oz! He has has gained 4 lbs since birth!! He is such a good eater, and I praise the Lord for that gift! I really prayed about nursing and wanting him to eat well, and God has allowed that to happen...and his double chin shows it! I am looking forward to seeing him grow and mature and for his little personality to show. Thank you to all of you who have been so encouraging and loving to us, we have been so thankful and excited about the family that God is giving to us.