Delightful, Remarkable...Chill

On our most recent trip to Red Rock Canyon in Las Vegas last spring we were touring through the lobbies of the Ballagio. We saw a couple with a young baby in a stroller and I commented that I didn't think it would be very enjoyable to have a baby on a trip to Sin City. Jim asked why not, afterall, "babies just chill." Even the three other guys we were with on the trip laughed in his face.

Guess what Lucy Lynn does? She chills. Guess how many times a day I have to hear that babies "just chill?" As many times as diapers I change in a day. Lucy is remarkable. Not only I am astonished by the fact that this perfect little human grew inside me, created from love, but she is absolutely delightful. She has two major dislikes that we can figure out. Wet diapers are not her thing and she does not like to be too hot or too cold. She gives has clear communication for all of her needs, though. She has a rumbly belly face, a wet diaper whimper, a hunger snarf and a content sigh. The three of us are learning about this new communication and every day we learn something new about one another. She is amazing. She is changing and growing and amazing us every minute of every day.

So far Lucy has been a busy girl. She has had a million firsts and I am amazed by her adaptability. Lucy has been, first of all, born into the world. She had her first car ride home with a very nervous and protective mommy. She has been out for sushi (which I have been craving and craving). Lucy Lou has ventured into Target (which put Mommy right over the edge) and she had a successful visit to the pediatrician. We have had a string of lucky warm(ish) days and have taken her for two stroller walks and two strapped-to-daddy in the front carrier walks. I even got up the courage to leave the house today for an hour and half without her (the longest her and I have been apart EVER) and she spent some nice time with daddy.

Some of Lucy's favorite things are sunbathing and coconut oil massages. When/if the sun comes in the back windows, I lay her on the bath sponge and rub her gently with coconut oil. She is definitely in reptilian molting phase after going from a wet to a dry environment. I am just surmising, but I would think all of the flaky skin must be a bit uncomfortable. Of course, her bodily functions do not cease simply because she is taking a naked sunbathe, so I have learned to be prepared for anything! She also loves to listen to her daddy bear read poetry to her, which is not surprising considering he did this for her in utero, as well. She likes to sit in her swing, but doesn't seem that interested in actually swinging and loves to suckle a pinky finger when she is having trouble to getting to eat. Of course, her all time favorite activity is nursing and she is a champion eater. We are enjoying watching her little thigh rolls fill in a little more every day.

Besides my bewilderment at this little girl, I have to say that I am dumbfounded by the biology of a womans body (specifically mine at this time, as the world seems small and centered around the three of us currently).  Not only did I grow a human INSIDE my uterus, but I grew a disposable organ to sustain her life. Then, I gave birth to her. And to top that off I continue to sustain her life with breast milk. Then there are all the hormones that make sure I feel connected to this little lady to ensure her safety and her ability to thrive. One of Jim's favorite things to say now is, "the prolactin is strong with this one." I had a time letting him push the stroller outside of our neighborhood today. And god help the poor sole who attempts to lift the flap on her car seat cover.

As a family we have gotten into a better night time routine. The first two night Jim and I were sure she was too hot...no too cold...not, definitely to warm! We were also terrified of SIDS and I couldn't get comfortable breast feeding. Thankfully our Doula, Kate, was here this past Monday and helped to calm us down. We did research on SIDS and realize that she is really not in danger of this in our current set-up. We have her sleeping in a fleece sleep sack and I keep a hat by the bed in case I feel cold. Clearly, if I am cold she is, too :-). Lucy and I are a lot more comfortable with each other while she is nursing and nursing in bed has become much easier. Kate recommended mixing sweet orange with coconut oil and rubbing that on gassy belly. This has worked for Lucy on a couple of different occasions. Have I mentioned how grateful we are for the opportunity to have had two doula's for this experience?

A few things that I have already learned if there is a next time:

• When buying maternity clothing, try to buy tops that can also act as nursing tops. 
• Hire a doula. Try to get Kate Dimfle or Erin Kerr. Priceless. 
• Be prepared to sore as your organs reorganize. 
• Don't be a freak about SIDS.
• Take the nursing pillow into the hospital. Don't leave it in the car the whole time you are there and make your back ache trying to get comfortable in a hospital bed with hospital pillows.
• Be easy on yourself. Hormones are wild. WILD.
• Labor and delivery are your and your partners experience. Make sure that you are clear about what you want before hand and stick to that. 
• Having a Moby Wrap and and an Ergo Carrier is beneficial. Both serve different baby wearing purposes. 
• Hire a doula. 
• Figure out low-light camera settings before labor and delivery. 
• Take video of the first 10-30 minutes that baby is on mom/dad's chest. 
• Waiting to work out again is difficult, especially when your body feels ready. You will get there. Be patient and enjoy every second with the sweet little one that your body made and now needs to recover from.