Happy 1 Month!!

After the Pacifier...which would you choose?

Before the Pacifier

I can hardly believe we've made it a month. It's great to look back and see how we have survived and in many ways thrived. I have not shed too many tears or had too many meltdowns. Sam, on the other hand, has shed many. But, that's his only way of communicating! We've had a great week. He's way more alert when awake...and can track us with his eyes. He coos and makes pleasant sounds from time to time too. Although we resisted the pacifier for the 1st month, we decided to give it to him on his 1 month birthday. It's helped when we just wants to suck for comfort and not necessarily nurse. Also, I was resisting reading Baby Wise...I didn't want to be "that mom." Then, I was given it for free at the beginning of the week. Sam started putting himself on a 2-3 hour routine. I decided to read it...and I think it's going to be helpful. We will not be regimented, but it's helpful in setting some guidelines. I'm glad we waited a month for the pacifier because we truly have learned his different cries and cues. I'm glad I waited a month to read Baby Wise because I was able to just learn him first without forcing him into the pattern of a book.

We have one more intense week (with Chris working 2 jobs and going to school)...then he gets to cut back some hours. He's been cranking away but is extremely exhausted. With me exhausted from the wear and tear of life with a newborn and him exhausted from an intense schedule, we both crash by the end of the day. The LORD has sustained us, but we are ready to use words like sabbath and rest and refreshed again :)