This past week our boy reached the one month mark. Time has literally flown by, and yet, in many ways, it feels as if he has been a part of our family forever! His little presence definitely adds a feeling of completeness. This first month has been a busy one, but we are trying to soak up as much of his newborness as we can, as we know that these moments are fleeting!
The first week at home was probably the longest and most tiring. I had forgotten how much anxiety fills a new momma's heart when it comes to sleeping! For about the first ten days or so, I slept on the couch in the living room with Jack in his bouncy seat an arms length away. With every tiny noise or squirm, I would throw on my glasses and check to see that all was well. Exhausting! But somehow we managed through. What else happened that first week? Hmm...
We went to Jack's first Dr.appointment! He had dropped down to 6 lbs. 6 oz., but since then he has well surpassed his birthweight, and at one month old weighed in at 8 lbs even. Big boy! His cord fell off on day six, so he also got his first bath that week! He was not a fan of bathing at all, but has learned that bath time can be enjoyable as long as Mommy moves quickly.
Our biggest struggles have been with feedings. Little man is a projectile spitter. Yuck! In the beginning, within minutes of eating, he would spit EVERYTHING right back up in a very forceful manner. We tried everything... nursing, two types of formula, different bottle types, etc., but nothing seemed to make a difference. We ended up having to feed breastmilk in a bottle, while holding Jack in an upright position. He would get an ounce every two hours, and we would have to hold him upright for a good half hour to make sure everything went down before changing him or laying him down to sleep. The good news is that even with all of the spitting he continues to gain weight, so it is really just more of a messy situation. We are getting the hang of things and Mr. Jack now eats four ounces every three hours, pretty much like clockwork.
What else? Jack did have a nasty eye infection for about the last ten days. Poor guy. And I do believe he is a bit colicky. The morning times until about four in the afternoon are his worst hours. He just cries, and squirms, and fusses, and it is so sad. You can just tell that his little belly aches and that he is in pain. Sometimes it makes me feel inadequate when nothing I do eases his pain or calms him, but I just keep rocking him and rubbing his tiny back. While my house is suffering greatly because I can't seem to get anything done each day besides baby holding, I am thankful for all of the time I am getting to snuggle and hold my little boy. We are hoping this passes quickly! Because of his colic and reflux, Jack is sleeping in his carseat in our room. Sitting up just seems to ease his pain a little bit. Not sure that is the best habit to get him in, but he is currently doing three to four hour sleeping stretches at night, so we will take it!
Overall, it has been a good first month. We have all adjusted to having him home and are loving watching him grow and change each day. The girls adore him (especially Kate) and give him a million kisses each day. Emma loves to put his pacifier in his mouth. They can't wait until he can smile at them! Jack Ryan Huston Zickafoose, you are one loved little boy. We are so thankful you have joined our family. Happy one month birthday!
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