So Many Changes Between 5-7 Weeks

Over the past two weeks, we've seen lots of changes in little Rose. The most rewarding include receiving smiles when interacting with her. Around 5 weeks, we started getting a few grins and smiles and now she squeals and almost laughs when we talk to her.  She is most content after eating, though at 7 weeks, she is now fairly content being left alone in a bouncing chair or on an activity mat and observing her surroundings. She still loves her musical mobile and now watches the red and blue cars as they pass.  She also loves to stare at ceiling fans - just don't turn them on!

Here is a video of Rose's first smiles (dated 3.19.14) - sorry for the poor light quality.

Around 5 weeks, I went to the HUG your baby class because I needed some resources on helping Rose during her fussy period, known to most parents as the "witching hour."  Around 5-6pm, Rose would cry and generally be unhappy for several hours. She would be quieted only with nursing, bouncing on a ball, or going for a walk.  The class was really helpful in giving some techniques I could use to settle Rose without feeding her or moving.  Bringing her hands to her chest and offering a pacifier has worked wonders!  And, while I don't want to jinx us, I do think Rose's fussiness peaked around 5-6 weeks and now seems to be getting better. She will still occasionally go from happy to screaming in a matter of seconds, but these occurrences are much less frequent. Yesterday was the first day we were able to lay her down during the 5-8pm witching hour and have her remain content. During most of that time she entertained herself and didn't even need the pacifier.

We've also been really lucky that Rose is a good sleeper. At 6 weeks there was one night where Rose slept 6.5 hours straight! It was amazing. While we haven't had a re-occurrence of 6 hours, she consistently has at least one 4 hour stretch at night and sometimes sleeps closer to 5 hours. I don't know if it is because Colin feeds Rose from a bottle in the evening or if it is because we swaddle her with her arms across her chest at night, but I will not complain and will take every minute she gives me at night.

Rose at 6 weeks

This past week I started working part time from home. I wasn't sure how it would go since we really haven't been home alone much. My mom left at 5 weeks and then we had Colin's parents visit at 6 weeks.  Thankfully, Rose has a long stretch of sleep (3.5-4.5 hours) in the morning so I've been able to get most of my work done during that time. After our morning feeding we have some interacting time, some quiet observing time, and then Rose gets rocked to sleep in the swing. So far, it has really worked for us.

This week I also had my 6 week visit with the midwives. Everything checked out great and I was surprised to learn that I am only 5lbs above my pre-pregnancy weight! Unfortunately, I'm not back into my old pants yet and I hope the weather warms because I can wear my old skirts and dresses.  Since Rose's second week, we've been walking as much as the weather let us. I've mostly carried her in the Moby Wrap during our walks (which as an aside - I much prefer the kangaroo hold to the newborn hug hold). Around week 5, I also started doing some exercises to strengthen my posterior chain.  I've felt myself hunched over holding and feeding Rose and wanted to strengthen the muscles that keep me upright. Colin helped me develop a list of ~10 exercises and I've done them 8 out of the past 12 days. These may have helped me drop 5lbs since my two week appointment and they work the core (which might help me get back into those pants).

Now that the midwife has confirmed I am "back to normal," I am ready to increase the intensity of exercise to get back into shape. I've seen too many girls come back to soccer out of shape and get hurt, and that is the last thing I want.  I was able to get a decent BOB stroller on craigslist and went for my first run this past Thursday (6 weeks, 6 days postpartum).  It wasn't fast (10.5 min/mile) or far (2 miles), but it was a beautiful day and I felt good. My first mile felt great and I maintained a good pace, but once I reached a mile and a half, I knew I wouldn't be able to go much farther.  Darwin ran really well alongside the stroller and after taking in her surroundings for the first half of the run, Rose fell asleep.

Darwin maintains a safe distance from the stroller

A good run on a beautiful Spring day.

Check out the flowering trees!

Rose at 7 weeks

You can't really tell in the picture, 

but her hair is starting to grow!

It really is amazing how much babies change from week-to-week and even day-to-day.  I love seeing Rose's transformation and continue to enjoy her as much as possible. She really is such a good girl and I am beyond lucky to have a healthy and happy child, loving and supportive friends and family, and a job that allows me to transition slowly back to work.  I certainly have a lot to be thankful for.