2 Months of Macy

Last week marked Week 8 of Miss Macy's life, and today marks Month 2! I remember hearing that at week 6, you really start to notice a difference -and that couldn't be more true! I even see a huge difference between weeks 6 and 8. Macy is much more social, I am guaranteed smiles and coo's after each feeding and she is also pretty predictable now. I am really beginning to figure out what each cry means, and how to set a schedule that works for both her and me. Of course, it is still a learning process, but I am feeling more and more confident.

The doctor once again said "she is perfect!"

2 Month Stats

Weight: 11 pounds 12 ounces (50th percentile)

Height: 23 1/2inches (95th percentile)

Clothing size: 0-3 months and 3 months. I've noticed some of the 0-3 month clothing is a little short on her. 

Diaper size: 1

Feeding: She is a great eater! I have been blessed in that nursing has been super easy. Since the day I brought her home she knew what to do. I am not a fan of pumping so if we are out and about and I need to give her a bottle we usually just give her formula. She is a champ with that too -she takes whatever we give her with out any issues. I have noticed though that she seems to stay fuller longer when she nurses vs. taking a bottle of formula.

Milestones: Extended sleep! Finally! Literally this week she has finally started extending her sleep hours, and I pray that it continues. Sunday night she made it almost 7 hours, last night 6.5. I am ready to put her in her room, so this extended sleeping is going to make it so much better!
Also- I'm loving her communication skills. Lots of smiles and flirting. Melts my heart.

Loves: Still loves being held, rocked, talked to. 

Dislikes: Getting over tired. Something I try to avoid because once we've reached that stage, there is no turning back. My happy baby turns into a fussy baby quickly! She also doesn't love tummy time, but we are working on it.

Adventures: Baptism! At our church they perform infant baptism, which was new to me as I grew up in a Baptist household. It is a sign of commitment as her parents and as the church that we will raise Macy in a Christian household, teaching her the gospel, and praying that one day she will receive Jesus. It doesn't mean that since she is baptized now she will go to heaven. She still has to make that personal conversion, but it is a sweet way to promise our child that we will raise her to have a heart for the Lord. 

Our Pastor, Corey, praying for Macy

What we couldn't live with out: The Swing! We weren't going to buy one -we already had a bouncy seat and thought that a swing would just take up too much room. My little brother actually bought her one though and it has been a lifesaver! She still doesn't like to take naps in her crib during the day so most of her naps are taken in her swing -which is fine by me! It allows me some freedom and it is good for her too because she needs a good nap during the day. She still loves her paci and hair bows too! ;)

A size comparison from month 1

6 Weeks PP: All about me

Monday I had my my six week post partum check up. It was nothing exciting (except that I got cleared to have "relations" and get in the pool again!) I have lost about 25 pounds of pregnancy weight -which means about 20 more to go :-/ I, unfortunately, am not one of those people who "lost all my weight in the first two weeks!" I am breastfeeding, so I am convinced there is at least 5-10lbs on my chest as it is! Also, I got a new form of birth control inserted in to my arm called Implanon. It was weird, kind of felt like a tracking device was inserted in to my arm (think Hunger Games). But basically it is a a little capsule that is good up to 3 years, and it has no estrogen so it is safe for breast feeding.

Bandage from the Implanon insertion. Please excuse the drainage/bruising

My last month of pregnancy I remember fantasizing about getting "back to my old self" and just kept saying... I can't wait to feel like ME again! Little did I know, that was never going to happen again. I don't feel like my "old self", I am now a "new self". My body is completely different, my thoughts are different, my time is different. My entire day and schedule is based on the needs of someone else, I sleep only when she sleeps, and my needs are only met once her needs are. It truly is a lesson on how to be selfless. You love with out being loved in return. I have never had to be selfless before, but since the day I brought Macy home, I have been a different person. With all of the giving though, I must say, I am so thankful for the help of my husband! He is always thinking for me, and intentionally takes the baby so I can take a long shower, a nap, or go run errands by myself. He even booked an HOUR AND A HALF massage for me for my birthday!

Sweet Macy and I the day after my bday, on the 4th

About 2 weeks after I had the baby I started to realize the toll the pregnancy took on my body. The more weight that fell off, the more I could see what my body had gone through. As someone who has had body issues since I was a little girl, I really had to protect my thoughts against hating my new body. The stretch marks, loose skin, no muscle definition- it is not easy to look at in the mirror, and the thought of having to get in a bathing suit, especially around my kid-free friends, is going to be the toughest. BUT, at the end of the day, I know it is just another sacrifice you make for your children. I had such a great pregnancy, I have a healthy baby, I guess something had to give, I can't have it all. ((This is what I tell myself to feel better))

At 4 weeks post partum I did start running on the treadmill about 3 days a week and it has been really nice. It takes some strategic planning around Macy's schedule, but I always feel so much better after. I am looking forward to cooler weather and getting of the house more with the jogging stroller. The hot weather has given me a terrible case of cabin fever! I am definitely going to do my best to feel better about myself, my "new self" that is.

Couch to 5K program, a baby monitor and the treadmill... My new way of working out!

I write this entry to say- it isn't easy being a new mom, sacrificing your time or body- but it is so worth it. It is God's calling for my life to be Macy Jane's mommy and for that I am grateful. I mean seriously, she is the cutest, sweetest little thing I have ever had the joy of being around!

My heart explodes just looking at this picture!