6 Weeks Old...already?!?!

That's right, folks. Payton is already six weeks old, and we simply cannot believe it. The time really DOES fly by. She's grown an inch, weighs 11 lbs, and she's been grinning from ear to ear at us every time we talk to her and she loves to talk to back (see video to Papa above)! She's been sleeping anywhere between three and five hours during the night, which is really pretty good from what everyone tells me. There are some nights when she still wakes every two hours to nurse, but that's rare. I think she's going through another growth spurt this week, which explains her wakeful night last night. The good news is that I have the luxury of taking naps with her during the days when she exhausts me during the nights!

Just last week, PJ and I had our first grocery store experience together. I was a little apprehensive about it but I only needed a few items, so I knew I could be in and out quickly. She slept the whole time, of course, and several folks grinned at her while we walked the aisles. Why is it so fun to show off my gorgeous baby?

I had my six-week postpartum check up today, and the doctor said I was looking good! I've lost another five pounds since my last appointment, which makes me happy. It's definitely not easy to get in three meals plus two snacks every day, which is recommended for breast feeding moms. I'm lucky if I get a shower in every day! But I'm beginning to establish more of a routine in our days, which really helps. Every week, I feel a little more comfortable with our new little life together.

Michael went back to work when Payton was three weeks old. We were really blessed to have him with us those first two weeks (luckily, it fell over the holiday season and he barely had to take vacation time!). He's actually getting pretty good rest at night since there's very little for him to do when PJ wakes up to nurse. He'll fetch me some water or change her diaper but she usually only wakes up once in the night before his alarm goes off, so I try not to even bother him. I'm the one who doesn't have to get up and be anywhere...so I don't want to disturb his sleep if it's not necessary. But every night when I hear him drive into the garage, I tell PJ (and Maya) that "DADDY IS HOME!!" He receives lots of love and warm greetings at the end of his work day.

We are having so much fun with our new little girl. I still stare at her in awe and wonder how this beautiful little person came from Michael and me. She is such a miracle! There is no doubt God knew what He was doing when He formed each of us in our mother's womb. I understand what that means now a little bit better, and I thank Him every day (and night) for blessing us with this healthy, GORGEOUS baby. Even though these six weeks seem to have flown by, I am doing my best to soak up every single moment and relish in it. I'm letting (some) housework be ignored, I'm letting my face go without makeup, I'm staring at her every chance I get, and I'm basically reveling in this precious and fleeting time. We're going to blink and she'll be a toddler, which has its own fun times and memories, but for now I want to enjoy our baby who needs us for every single thing. She is so dependent upon us, and I am excited to be the one to fulfill all her needs. The bond that we share is truly very special!!