Kirby Week 2

So much has happened in a week's time.  Kirby is now 11 days old and looks like a champ!  I think he and I are just starting to get accustomed to one another and getting a little better skilled at breastfeeding.  As I mentioned in my previous blog about delivery/pushing, I knew nursing was going to be difficult and exhausting, but I had no idea how difficult and exhausting.  I have had some low moments of doubt and feelings that I am inadequate or not providing what he needs when he awakens an hour or LESS with hunger-like behavior.  It is a difficult equilibrium for mother and son to reach, but I think we're getting closer, and as everyone has said, it does seem to get a little easier each day.  Yesterday we went to see our lactation consultant, whom we hadn't seen since he was born, but we had spoken.  She gave us such great tips and tricks and has identified that our little man is an efficient and strong eater.  He ate almost 4 ounces while we were there, but here's the kicker.  With her help and tips, he ate these 4 ounces in less than 20 minutes, whereas, I have been taking almost hour feedings and wasn't even sure if he was done.  This is exhausting for a boy who was sometimes eating every 2 hours.  I was feeling like a milking cow - a milking cow gushing with love for her sweet son, but a milking cow nonetheless.  After seeing Sara yesterday, we had feedings no less than 2.5 hours apart, and we even enjoyed an almost 4.5 hour stretch in the middle of the night.  AHHHHHHHhhhhhh-mazing.  I have felt like a million bucks today.  Perhaps we broke some ground yesterday.  I'd like to think that we have.  We're getting to be a good pair, and I'm becoming a little more confident and relaxed caring for and feeding my son.  hhahahahahah, my son.  It still sounds funny to me. 

Kirby had his first bath.  He was a handsome little man with some FUZZY WUZZY hair afterwards!  I have been peed upon and pooped upon.  I knew I needed to defend against the pee, but I had no idea that the poop was after me as well.  Ahhh, the joys of motherhood. 

Now, for those of you who know me well will not find it difficult to believe that I've been a little anxious with the baby - keep the dog from barking; don't slam a door; the bedroom door creaks and needs WD40; don't talk too loud; what if we hold him too much and he won't sleep in his crib; what if he hasn't fed enough and wakes up in 45 minutes, and I can't console him; and answer that phone quickly so the ring doesn't wake him up.  And heaven forbid, I take the baby out in public (CRINGE) - what if he cries, what if he gets hungry, what if someone is sick and gives it to him.  So much to worry about, but you know..."Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own" (Matthew 6:34).  I have always said this particular bible verse was written directly addressed to Mary Hollister!  So, I'm working on my anxiety about getting out and about with the baby, and I would like to pat myself on the back for the big steps I have taken.

Saturday Keith's brother and sister-in-law made the trip to JC to visit KJ as Uncle Dave is calling him.  Man, did Kirby like his Aunt Kelly.  He spent so much time sleeping sweetly in her arms, and surprisingly enough, he shared some "eye-time" with her as well.  We decided to go out to dinner Sunday night and headed to Keith's and my favorite Mexican restaurant - El Charolais or El Toritto as it will always be in our hearts.  I was nervous, but I did enjoy a tasty Modelo and watching my sweet boy rest soundly in his car seat amidst all the wild noise.  He did wonderfully.  So, moral of the story, you CAN get out with baby. Thanks, Dave and Kelly, for your visit and for encouraging me indirectly that I can get out of the house with this baby and enjoy myself while doing it.  Thank you.

So, once I learned that moral, I took the marathon of "taking out baby".  Today we had another pediatrician appointment, followed by another appointment, went to see old friends at Zak's Furniture, and then met a real estate agent at home.  This was a FULLLLLL day for an anxious new mother, but I SURVIVED, and more importantly Kirby SURVIVED.  I'm happy to report that Kirby has already gained 6 ounces since his birth and is 9 ounces up from his doctor's appointment last week.  I must be a delicious newborn smorgasbord!  Our pediatrician was pleased with his health and his progress and will not need to see him for another month.  Good work, Kirby Boy!!!  We nursed at the doctor's office before we headed to our next appointment (solves my concerns about what you do with a baby who gets hungry when you're out in public), where we also nursed before we left (again, concerns about a hungry baby are out the window), and then we showed off our boy at Zak's.  I think he was a big hit!  We hurried home to put a few last touches on the house and then greeted a potential real estate agent to discuss getting this condo on the market.  Then we got him in his crib for a solid, sound nap, where he still sleeps now awaiting the next feeding.  Today has been a good, good day.

Yesterday, we discovered that Keith matched in a residency, which is such a huge relief.  On Thursday, we will discover where and in what program - Plastic Surgery or General Surgery.  We could be in one of twelve places - Lexington, KY; Salt Lake City, UT; St. Louis, Missouri; Richmond, VA; Charleston or Columbia, SC; Charlotte, NC; Indianapolis, IN; Macon or Augusta, GA; Knoxville or JC, TN.  Next post will have some big news!!!!

So much happening here at the Hollister house in Johnson City.