Bienvenue Simone Helen!
Ok, I've logged onto Blogger 4 times over the last 5 weeks to post an update, and each time as I typed my password, the cries from the baby monitor interrupted any progress I could make. But I'm learning very quickly that life with a baby is filled with interruptions...and messy kitchens and cluttered living rooms and absolutely no more time for myself. I can guarantee this post will have several grammar errors and spelling mistakes, simply because I must type very fast and post before the interruption occurs again!
But how could I get upset with this gorgeous face?? My cousin Christy was over a couple weekends ago to take some photos of our precious girl, and I'm pleased as punch how they all turned out!
What a whirlwind we have been caught up in over the last month! I've never experienced quite an emotional roller coaster since Simone has arrived. We took heed of all the warnings that life with baby would be difficult to adjust to but, wow, I had no idea it would be THIS difficult. The hormonal changes, the recovery from surgery and labour, the sleep deprivation, the constant crying...and then more crying, and let's not forget the incredible challenge that breastfeeding presents. I had no idea it could be so unnatural - breastfeeding is definitely a learned skill. I have now learned it is NOT as easy as those moms at the mall make it look. But one other valuable lesson I have learned is that this period of adjustment is temporary and since we got back from the hospital each week has been a vast improvement from the last and this has made me hopeful! I am certainly looking forward to Simone sleeping 5 hours in one go and I'm even more anxious to see her smile and respond to us. Right now I wonder if she sees me as more than her milk factory and nappy changer - hmm... probably not.
But so far, there have been many magical moments. I still can't get over the enormous amount of love and protectiveness that continues to grow within me each time I see her. When I watch her feeding I try to imprint her beautiful face in my memory...already she has changed so much and I hope I can always remember her sweet newborn smell. She is beautiful and I feel incredibly lucky to have her as my own. She is most definitely a gift that I hope I never take for granted....even when she cries for 3 hours straight and is completely inconsolable. These are challenging times, but the face of an innocent baby puts it all into perspective. Now if I can just figure out how to put my baby to sleep in less than 45 minutes, that would make a world of difference!
