eyeMom: Babies and Residency: Thomas- 1 month!

Little brother is already 1 month old (as of January 2nd)!!

This little boy brings us so much joy!! Thomas is one happy, laid back, content baby. After having so much success using "Babywise" with Andrew, we started using the same principles with Thomas the first day back home. Eat, wake time, sleep... eat, wake time, sleep... Sums up Thomas's life right now! He has done so well with this routine. By four weeks old, Thomas is already going 6 hour stretches at night! (yay!!) Thomas can sleep in just about any chair, swing or bed. He doesn't require swaddling (like big brother), but has a much more sounds sleep at night if he is swaddled.

Thomas has also done so well with breastfeeding. Unfortunately, I had trouble producing enough milk when breastfeeding Andrew. I had set a goal to feed him until he was 1, but was forced to stop at 6 months. After talking with friends and reading about this process, I learned the more I stimulate the first few months, the more I will produce for my baby. Therefore, I am now pumping after every single feeding!! Is it challenging? YES!! But am I willing to do anything for my children, especially if it benefits their health? YES!! With all this pumping, I sure have accumulated quite a stash in my freezer for future feedings. :)

We have had lots of help during this first month! Daddy had off the whole first week of we were home! (Thank you Vanderbilt!!) Gran, Papa, Jenna and my friend Kelsey have been present or a simple phone call away whenever I have needed them. Unfortunately, my incision sight became infected 6 days after Thomas's birth. It has been a painful, healing process. During this time, I was not able to lift Andrew the first 3 weeks after my surgery. :( Thankfully, our amazing Gran was up and at our house by 6:30 every morning when David left for work. Jenna and Papa also came to help when they could! By the time Thomas was 3 weeks old, I was flying solo at home with only my two boys. Let me just say, two children under 2 is quite the challenge. Fortunately, I have been able to get both boys' naps scheduled at the same time! This 2 hour window helps me so much! Plus, Andrew has been so good! He plays so well independently. He has learned if he wants my attention, he brings toys and books to me while I am breastfeeding or pumping. I am so proud of my sweet Andrew!

For Thomas's 1 month check-up, he weighed in at 9 lbs 1 oz and is measuring 23 inches long. (birth weight- 7 lbs 12 oz, 21 inches long) Praise for a healthy, growing baby! This month has also brought many "firsts" for Thomas- first bath, first bottle, first time napping in his crib, first Christmas, first outings, first time at church.