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It’s been over a week since my whirlwind delivery of Mila Rose. I really expected things to be different than they are right now. Not in a worse way, but not in a better way either.
Just… different.
We’ve all been going through a bit of an adjustment. I came home from the hospital on Thursday, the 21st, late in the afternoon. The kids were very surprised to see us because Mimi told them we wouldn’t be home until Friday! And, truthfully, we had a really easy first night home. Mila slept for 5.5 hours straight!
Sure, our patience has been tried. And sure, we expected quite a bit of that. But expectation versus reality can be a bit of a shock.
Mental Health //
I’m surprised at how well I’m doing, honestly. But I know it’s still early — and I’ve had a lot of help with my husband being on paternity leave. So I’m taking it one day at a time.
It definitely helps that she sleeps better than the other two kids. Ari had colic so the witching hour was awful; and Remy just never slept (day or night), period. So the fact that this child will sleep some is better than the other two already.
Again, it totally helps my mental health that she will sleep — and with this incredible product to help us? Even better.
Physical Health //
I’ve recovered so quickly from this labor and delivery, it’s nothing short of amazing. It’s honestly amazing what our bodies can do. I keep looking down at my squishy belly and I think “I can’t believe this body just had a human in it a week ago!”
I’m happy to say that I’ve definitely lost a significant amount of baby weight already (something that never happened this early for me with the other two) and I can’t wait until I am cleared to workout! I’m itching to sign up for a race of some sort, but I also don’t want to push my body too soon.
Maternity Leave + Paternity Leave //
I’m still planning on going back to work in about a week and a half. The older kids are so restless and we all thrive on a well-oiled schedule. Getting them out to play with friends while I’m working will be helpful.
Yes, I realize we’re beyond lucky that his company now offers paid paternity leave! This is a first for us since it just started this year! And we’re going to absolutely use it!
This Upcoming Week //
We have more ‘tot time’ scheduled, another $1 movie from Cinemark Kids Clubhouse, and a 4th of July without plans! Luckily my parents are coming up on Wednesday so I’ll have some help when Chad returns to work Thursday.
Mila’s newborn photos have been rescheduled for this Thursday (thanks to a baby who refused to sleep during her shoot last week) and we have a weekend with zero on the agenda.
So basically survival. Survival is the only solid plan I have for this week. Everything else is negotiable.
Tell me —
What got you through
the early postpartum days ?!
One of my concerns is keeping my oldest two occupied as we adjust when the baby comes. I know you’ll find your rhythm and I’m glad you’re getting lots of help!
Congratulations! I’m so glad you are doing well and I hope that it continues. Jealous of the 5 hours of sleep!
That little smile! She’s precious. Sounds like you are adjusting as well as can be expected. The first few weeks are the hardest! Hang in there.
Hang in there mama! I remember when my husband went back to work after baby #3, it was rough.
Adding a 3rd baby made our house straight up bananas! It wasn’t that the kids were ever bad…it was just loud…and a lot all the time lol. But you all will adjust eventually! Promise! 🙂
Our DockATot was a total lifesaver when my youngest was born! And how cool that your hubby gets paid paternity leave!
My sis-in-law loves her doc a tot for my niece. She’s 3 now and she still sleeps in it when we travel.
we LOVE our dock a tot!!!
It sounds like you guys are doing great for the initial phase! You’re kids are all so cute…you’re so blessed!
So important to get lots of physical and mental relaxation during the post-partum period. Sounds like your getting plenty of both with a good sleeper.
Congrats! She’s gorgeous, it’s amazing that she’s a great sleeper, good luck with all of that
Wow Rachel, she’s beautiful! I’m glad that your mental health is doing great this time, I hope it will keep being this smooth
That is such a blessing that she is sleeping better than your other two did. 5.5 hours straight is quite the accomplishment.
Congratulations! I’m so glad baby is behaving and letting you sleep. There are always challenges but you’ll get there. Good job mama!
It is so amazing what the body can do! Congratulations!
Congratulations on the birth of little Mila Rose, she’s just the sweetest! Glad you’re all settling in well.
So cute! That Dockatot is so pretty. My friend has the same one for her little!
Your kids are so cute! And Mila is a really pretty name.
What a cutie! I’ll definitely be considering a Dockatot when I have my little one one day.
Congratulations! You have a beautiful family 🙂
I can only imagine what it’s like to bring home a new baby. Having never had children I bet it’s hard enough with a new born but to add not 1 but 2 additional children at home who are active. Congratulations and best of luck
Give yourself lots of grace, momma, you’re doing awesome! Transitions are NOT easy.
Oh my days, she is absolutely so precious and adorable! She looks super comfy too! Sim xx