October 29, 2000:
Day One
You've just arrived. I find myself totally in awe of you. You are so gorgeous and perfect. I feel so blessed.
October 30, 2000:
Day Two
Well, after being up for nearly 48 hours, you're still beautiful and perfect, with the sleep exception. You're nursing pretty well, though you don't pull your tongue out far enough. I had personally forgotten the odd aches and pains of postpartum, like the fact that breathing hurts a bit. It feels like I've been kicked in the ribs, my lungs aren't used to having room.
The other kids are doing well, but want to hold you and touch you constantly. You're fine with that but I'm not. There are times I've wanted to scream for everyone to leave me alone!
We took you to the pediatrician. She declared you to be wonderful and healthy!
Must sleep...
October 31, 2000:
Day Three
I'm secretly glad today is not your birthday. We don't have a costume for you, but we will walk you down to meet one of the neighbors and pretend you're trick or treating. I told Kevin I was going to go as a hormonal postpartum woman with hemorrhoids. He didn't find it funny.
You slept a bit better last night. My breasts are killing me and I still feel really run down...
November 2, 2000:
Day Five
I cried last night as I realized how quickly you were growing up. I will never again have a 5 day old baby.
Breastfeeding is still very, very rough. One breast is incredibly engorged with plugged ducts and cracked/bleeding nipple, the other is only slightly better. I'm sticking this out, because the alternatives aren't much better for me.
I think we're getting the hang of the sleep thing at night. It just requires that I do nothing but feed you for about 3 hours prior to bed, but then you slept for 3-4 hours! So far, so good on the postpartum depression front. You're so alert and attentive. I'm so in love...
November 4, 2000:
Day Seven
Your cord fell off! We can officially keep you! Benjamin was really interested, so I made Kevin save the cord stump long enough for Benjamin to look at it, he was amazed. Isaac is just relieved she has a real belly button.
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Photo reprinted with permission of Robin Weiss.
