Discovering the P's of Parenthood

This was the first week on my own, as Mike had to finally go back to work.  I started off the week with nervous excitement, feeling positive that I could conquer this mommy thing with ease.  Five days later and boy was I wrong!  Ethan didn't get the memo that his schedule was supposed to stay the same and he apparently forgot how much he liked his sleep!  His new thing is being completely awake from 6:30-10:30 am with nothing to calm his cries except me holding him.  Which doesn't sound so bad except that my incision is still healing, sometimes I might need to go to the bathroom, I can't pump while holding him, and even though he's only 8 lbs, my back aches!  By Friday I was able to sip through at least half a cup of coffee and I considered that great progress!

Here are some things I learned about parenting this week:

Patience - I had my checklist ready of reasons babies cry and was sure I'd be able to diagnose every whimper.  Nope.  Not even close.  Although not always patient with adults, I am pretty good at being patient with kids (teaching 2nd grade will do that to you), but this parenting thing requires patience on a whole new level.  Trying to remind myself that crying is his only way of communicating and sometimes, there might not be an obvious reason or that reason may just be that he wants to be held.

Puke, pee and poop - If anything, Ethan has mastered the art of these three.  He is a peepee machine.  I expected a lot of diapers, but it feels like he's trying to break a world record!  We had two cases of projectile vomiting, thankfully on the hardwood floor so it was easy to clean up.  One was all over Vavo, which was a good reminder to pack a change of clothes if you're coming over to visit.

Pediatrician - Thank goodness we have found a great doctor who is so cool, calm and collected, the necessary balance to my crazy, neurotic and OCD.  Ethan had to go back for a weight check on Tuesday and he gained 11 ounces in a week.  He's a chunky monkey - guess we don't have to worry about him losing any more weight!  Thanks to Vavo for taking us since I still can't drive with him.

Pedicure - Medicine for mommies.  Now that things like showers aren't daily guarantees for me, it's amazing how a pedicure can make you feel like a new person.  It should be covered as part of maternity leave.  This week's choice was a classic - OPI, "I'm Not Really A Waitress."  Can't go wrong.  Thanks to Grandma for holding down the fort while I snuck out for some R&R.

Amazon Prime - Free 2-day shipping?  Yes, please.  Even though I thought I couldn't possibly need any more baby gear, I found myself desperate for a few items and was grateful not to have to leave the house.  Side note: baby slings are awesome.

Prepared - I always thought of myself as an organized person, but now I'm realizing how important it is to really be prepared.  Do I have diapers located around the house?  Is the wipes dispenser stocked?  Where's the burp cloth?  Is there a pacifier within reach?  I'm learning that losing just a few seconds of time can be the difference between baby bliss and baby freak-out!  That being said, I don't think there is really any way to be fully prepared with a baby!

And now for the most important ones.  Precious.  Proud.  Peaceful.  Perfect.  Everytime I look at him, I still can't believe he's ours.