Growth Spurt?!?

I'm seriously hoping Jack is going through a growth spurt right now and that today's events are only temporary. I'm not going to be able to keep up with his eating every hour or hour and a half if this is a permanent thing. I've also noticed today he hasn't been as eager to "play". Today has mostly consisted of eating then a brief nap before wanting to eat again.

Jack and I have been flying solo since Sunday because Amy has been out of town for work. We both miss her and can't wait for her to come home tomorrow. I have a new appreciation for all the single mothers out there. I don't know how you do it!

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Captured

We got the elusive smile on camera!

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Chunks

Jack is offically a chunky monkey! We went to the midwife today for our final check of him and me. We both passed with flying colors. Jack officially weighs 11lbs 8oz (75th percentile) and is now 23 inches (80th percentile) long. So there are enough cheeks for both Amy and I to kiss :)

Also, Jack started smiling this week and it's officially real smiles not just I have gas smiles. He is going to be a heartbreaker for sure. Now we just need to capture the elusive smile on camera.

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Moby Love

Jack before the Moby:

Jack after the Moby:





We love being able to wear him around. Not only because he's quiet and finally able to get some much needed rest but because we absolutely love having him so close to us. Getting to hear every little breath and snort that he makes lightens both our hearts and reminds us during all the rough times why this is so worth it.

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Pumping Help

I was hoping those of you with experience might be able to offer some suggestions and insights.

When do I pump?

I want to start building up my supply of frozen goodness for Jack when he starts daycare but I'm not sure when I should be pumping. Do I pump after he eats, in between meals or pump one side while he feeds off the other? Then comes all the questions about how long, am I taking anything away from him...it's very confusing. I've been pumping for about 10min after he's eaten but I'm not sure if that's the "right thing to do" and I sometimes have trouble finding the time to do this after he eats because Amy is at work and I have to focus my attention on him rather than on the pump.

Any advice or tips on what your doing or did would be greatly appreciated.

Week of Firsts

So this has been a very interesting week to say the least. So far:

1. Jack shit through his diaper onto my pants
2. Jack peed on me while changing his diaper (he's done this to Amy twice but I've dodged the bullet until now)
3. Jack has his first appointment with the pediatrician. He now weighs 10lbs. 4oz and is 22 1/2 inches long.
4. Amy started going back to work this week and is in Chicago for the night so Jack and I are going 24+ hours solo.
5. I've threatened Jack with leaving him at the local fire station and mostly meant it. Jack and I are still feeling each other out. Some days I wonder who cries more tears him or me.

A friend of mine told me when I was pregnant that the main goal during these first weeks with the baby is to just survive. If we are both alive at the end of the day it's been a successful day. I have to remind myself of this daily.

Now for some pictures :)