Abbie: 1 Week!

Thank you everyone for all your supportive comments and thoughts on Abbie’s arrival!  I’m working on her birth story and hope to have it done by early next week, but I wanted to start Abbie’s weekly updates!

Weight: At birth, Abbie was 8 pounds, 2 ounces.  We had her first pediatrician appointment on Christmas Eve and she had gone down to 7 pounds, 4 ounces.  The doctor was really concerned about her weight loss and her jaundice levels, so she had us supplement with formula to get her weight up and her jaundice levels down.  We went back to the doctor on the 26th, and she had gained 10 ounces!  I was so relieved, and I think she’s back over 8 pounds now.

Health: The doctor thinks her jaundice levels will continue to go down and her weight gain seems to be better.  We go back to the doctor on Wednesday and I’m hoping for good news!  She’s had some discharge coming from her left eye, but I’m pretty sure it’s just a blocked tear duct and am just trying to keep it clean.

Sleep: Abbie sleeps in about 2.5-3 hours stretches for the most part.  Last night and the night before she gave us a 5 hour stretch, and it changed my whole outlook the next day!

Social: Abbie has now met all her grandparents, aunts, and uncles!  She also met my friend Lindsey while we were still in the hospital!

Diet: Mostly Mama’s milk, but some formula.  My milk didn’t fully come in until day 5, so we’re working on getting back to 100% breast milk.  I was really conflicted at first about giving her formula, but I’m okay about it now.  It’s much more important that she eats and gains weight – we can continue to work on breastfeeding in between.

Clothes: Newborn and some 0-3 month!

Baby Gear Love: We love the swing!  Abbie also loves the soothie pacifier from the hospital – at first I was really against her using a pacifier, but it definitely seems to calm her and isn’t interfering with breastfeeding, so I’m okay with it.

Crying: Usually only when she’s hungry or needs a diaper change.  Sometimes she gets fussy, but I think it’s from trapped gas – she is not a very good burper!

Likes: Sleeping with Daddy!

Postpartum: I’m feeling pretty good, much better than I thought I would.  Out of the 36 pounds I gained, I’m already down 20.  My stomach is slowly going down, and I’ve been able to wear a mix of early maternity and non-maternity clothes.  Also, my ankles are back to their normal size!  I’m still not at the point that I can wear my actual wedding rings again, but I’m hoping it won’t be long.  I’ve also decided to go ahead and go back to Weight Watchers tomorrow.  I was going to wait a little while, but my concern is honestly that I’m so busy and tired that I’m not eating enough, and I want to make sure my body has the fuel it needs for breastfeeding.  We’ll see how that goes!

Milestones: Abbie had her first Christmas, her first Hokie bowl game (and win), and her first sponge bath!  Excited for her to have her first New Year’s this week!