Joe and I are now on a new adventure of night weaning Milo. We were told by our doctor that we could start at 4 weeks, so that by 6 weeks he would sleep through the whole night. I put Milo on a feeding schedule for the first time yesterday. I fed him every 3 hours and then at night I only did 1 feeding instead of 2. I thought that he would have a hard time, but he was a champ. He slept until 4:30 am without a peep. Joe fed him at 4:30 and then Milo had to wait until 8 am to eat again. He had a little harder time waiting until his 8 am feeding, but we made it without too much difficulty. As he was fussing this morning I kept thinking that he was thinking, "Mom, I can't figure out how you are not getting this, I'm hungry." It has already started-being a mom is not always the most fun because you want to give your child everything he/she wants, but you know that, sometimes if you don't, it will be better for everyone involved. It is a great experience for me because one day it'll be something that is a much bigger deal than a feeding schedule. I will really have to practice self control so that I don't just give into everything he wants-because inside I really want to. (If you haven't noticed-he's a really cute boy.) I don't want to make him sad or mad, but am the parent, so it's my job to do what I feel is best for him in the long run. All of these lessons build on each other, and help me to see how what I do now will matter in the future.
Milo is much more alert now. He stays awake for about 1-2 hours after feedings and it is great to be able to see his big beautiful brown eyes more often now. He loves to hold his head up and look around. He is also starting to coo, he makes the sweetest little sounds. He is still a happy, smiley little boy and he has just lightened up our lives. He loves to be held, especially when he is tired. He wants to be rocked to sleep and I don't mind it, I love snuggling him. It does make getting any work done difficult, but housework can wait. I have somewhat remedied that problem because Joe's sister, Wendy, gave me her old Moby wrap. I tie that on, put Milo in it, where he is snuggled against my chest, and it keeps him close, but allows me full use of my arms. I can then attend the house and other things that I need and want to do-like blogging.
Joe and I are trying to plan our Halloween costumes, it will be a bit more difficult this year because now we have a third member to coordinate with. We will make sure that we come up with some fabulous because we understand everyone's expectations. :) We are so excited for the upcoming Holidays with Milo. Joe-who always gets excited for Christmas early- has already told me that he is psyched to have Christmas with Milo. He said it was going to be fun with a baby. I told him that Milo wouldn't really have any idea what was going on, and he said, "It doesn't matter. We'll have a new little spirit in our home and that will make Christmas even more memorable." I thought that was so cute. I am going to do my best not to whine about the cold weather, but just enjoy the season and all of the firsts that our family gets to experience this year.
It's funny, on day Milo was born, Joe and I were trying to keep ourselves really busy so the day wouldn't seem like a million years long (although it did anyway), so I went to a work lunch with Joe. We ate at P.F. Chang's, after lunch, I got a fortune cookie and this is what it said, "Frustrating issues you have been dealing with will soon pass." Well they did, and sooner than I could have imagined. I have been at peace with my life and had such a reduction of stress since I have been a stay at home mom. My life is full, meaningful, and what I used to consider "boring" is now very exciting and fulfilling to me. Despite the nightly feedings, I have been sleeping pretty well. I can go to sleep quickly and stay asleep longer. That is a huge deal for me because I have always been a terrible sleeper, taking forever to fall asleep, and waking up multiple times a night. I believe my sleeping has gotten better because 1. I am exhausted by the time I go to bed 2. My life is less stressful and I am not worrying about so many things. (Other moms-I realize that at some point in my life, Milo will give me sleepless nights, but for now I am quite at peace with him and my life. :)
I have some big plans for the upcoming month. Halloween for 1, 2. we are taking Milo to his first RSL game on the first 3. Hopefully taking a short vacation. My best friend, Kelsey had her baby boy Brigham, the day before Milo was born. We really couldn't have planned that better. When I found out that we had been chosen and that the baby was due right when Kelsey's baby was, I just laughed and said, "Of course. It just makes sense." Kelsey and I have always seemed to do everything together since high school, so it is funny that we would have our first babies 1 day apart and that they are both boys. We have talked and are pretty sure that Brigham and Milo planned this all out in heaven. Kelsey and Derek are blessing Brigham on Oct 13 and I want to go down to AZ so bad to meet Brigham and to see Kelsey as a mommy. I don't know how I am going to make that work out -considering money- but I want it to happen so badly. If anyone is going down to the Phoenix area at that time and want to give a new mommy and baby a ride-we'll take it. :)
Well that is what we are up to at our house. We hope that things are going wonderfully in your own homes and lives. Below are some more pictures of little Milo. I am obsessed with taking pictures of him, I try to take at least 1 picture of him a day (but I usually take a lot more) I am trying to document his growth, not only for me, but for his birth mom. We write her letters and send pictures once a month, so I want to make sure that she has all the pictures she needs to help her see that Milo is healthy, happy, and well taken care of. The first few pictures were taken by the amazing Tamey Brown. I'm so grateful to her for helping us out, and giving us some wonderful family and baby pictures. The other professional looking ones were taken by Bella Baby in the hospital when Milo was only 2 days old. Enjoy!
