Our sweet baby girl

Audrey is now 7 weeks old and I think we're starting to turn a corner. We're tired, but it's manageable. And I mean, REALLY, who could resist this face?!

Yesterday, we took her to the doctor because she's had a diaper rash for 5 out of her 7 weeks of life. 2 weeks ago at her 1 month check-up, I asked if it could be a yeast infection rash. The doctor told us no. I was then diagnosed with mastitis and then a yeast infection of the breast. We tried A&D, Desitin, Butt Paste, Flanders, baths with vinegar, sitting without a diaper, cloth diapers, disposable diapers - the list goes on and on. It wouldn't go away. I hated watching her cry every single time we changed her diaper. So I called the doctor back because with my diagnosis, I knew it had to be yeast. And miraculously, it's a yeast infection rash!! Hmmmm...

Anyway, the prescription cream started making a HUGE difference after the first 2 times we applied it. And the difference we see in her is amazing too. She had started cooing and smiling more the last few days anyway, but today, she's so adorable! Talking away, not crying at diaper changing time. She even went 3 1/2 hours between feedings! During the day she usually only lasts a 2 hour stretch.

So we couldn't be happier about that! She's also sleeping longer stretches at night. The other night, she slept a 6 hour stretch following by a 3 hour and a 2 hour stretch!

I have 10 pounds to lose before I'm at my pre-pregnancy weight, but I'm surprisingly comfortable in my new body. Instead of torturing myself trying to get back into my pre-pregnancy pants, I bought new pants that fit and flatter my new body. Hopefully I'll get back in those old pants eventually, but for now I'm allowing myself to feel good the way I am.

But back to Audrey...she's sweet as pie! And we're completely in love with her! She makes us smile and laugh every day and I can't imagine our life without her. As my maternity leave is quickly coming to an end, it's going to be a struggle for me to leave her. But we have a possible opportunity looming that may allow me to stay home with her, so we're praying and praying and praying. Would you say a prayer for us too?

Being a mom is hard work

I know. Everyone tells you how hard it is to be a parent. They tell you and you may even listen, but you don't fully comprehend how hard it is until you experience it. You underestimate the exhaustion. You underestimate how much a newborn needs you. You underestimate how hard it is to do other things like throw laundry in the drier.

Breastfeeding is hard work. I used to silently judge those who gave up just because it was hard. I now understand why so many people give up on it. We are currently dealing with mastitis and thrush. We're not giving up, but it would be so easy to. I can understand. The exhaustion. The pain. All the medication. It's frustrating. Luckily, through it all, she's still nursing well. So I'm hanging in there for my little chunky cheeks.

Bathing her is hard work. There are so many cute rolls and folds to try to get in. While she's screaming and slippery. Then trying to dry her, while she's screaming. Not as easy as you think.

The constant diaper changes are hard. This diaper rash that we can't seem to get to go away. We've tried everything you can imagine. It's hard on your heart. You hate to see your little munchkin in pain. You hate that you can't make it better no matter what you try or how often you change her.

Sleeping is hard. You think a few 3 hour stretches is plenty. It's not. Especially when you're up for an hour in between those stretches.

Being remotely functioning before noon is hard work. With feeding and diaper changing and just trying to get the day going, I'm lucky if I've showered and gotten out of my pajamas by 1pm most days.

I look in those beautiful little eyes and I know it's all worth it, but that doesn't change the fact that it's hard. Really hard.

random ramblings

There's a few little things I've been wanting to blog about but keep forgetting, so this post is going to be a random ramblings post...

When I was in labor, the IV hurt worse than 90% of the contractions. They blew a vein in the top of my hand first and then ended up putting it in the side of my wrist - not fun! It pinched and bled while I was pulling my legs back to push.

Audrey had her 1 month well baby check-up on Monday. She is now 22 1/8 inches long and weighs 10 pounds, 1 ounce! The pediatrician seemed really pleased and said she's doing great.

Mama on the other hand...not so great. I have mastitis. Painful. Although since I've been on the antibiotic, it is getting better. But there's something else going on with my nipples (sorry if this is TMI) and they are red and swollen when she eats even though she is latching on correctly. Something I will be talking to my doctor about again at my postpartum appointment tomorrow.

Audrey is not liking the antibiotic I'm taking though. Since I started taking it, if she's not eating or sleeping, she's crying. The pediatrician assured me that it's perfectly safe for her, and that it's probably just upsetting her tummy. But the poor thing's eyes are all red from crying so much. :(

My little sister is 9 weeks pregnant tomorrow! We are so excited for her and her husband! And, of course, for our new niece or nephew! She had her first ultrasound this morning to see the baby and the heartbeat was 177. Audrey's new little cousin should be here around September 8th!

It's fun that my sister is pregnant and that I just experienced everything she's going through. She's been calling and emailing with questions and I'm glad I'm able to give her some advice. I'm praying that everything goes smoothly for her and I love that our babies will be so close in age.

We recently found out that a very close family friend has stage 4 ovarian cancer. She is a strong woman, but this will be a battle for her. Her diagnosis is weighing heavy on my heart, so if you could keep her in your prayers, I would be so thankful.

I have to go back to work March 2nd. I'm not happy about it. I love my job, but I just want to stay home with my baby girl. As a result, I've procrastinated finding daycare. I feel screwed at this point.

I'm sick of the snow. I love having all 4 seasons, but seriously, this winter has been crazy. There's no where to put all the snow! And this new mama has some serious cabin fever!

Okay, I'm sure there were a few other things, but that's all I can think of right now. I also have some serious Mommy Brain!