Life As a New Mommy

Two weeks as a new mom and I am finally beginning to adjust to the new life style. I'm weirdly getting used to running on 3-4 hours of sleep and the idea of being a milk machine is becoming less miserable and more normal; though still very demanding and exhausting. Avery just went through her first growth spurt which consisted of scream sessions all night long, feedings every 2 hours on the dot and a lot less sleep for me and Chris. Last night was my first night sleeping in bed in about 4 nights and she actually let me sleep a couple hours at a time in between feedings (verses her screaming in between feedings). I have come to realize that these are all normal happenings which other parents can empathize. Knowing it is all normal weirdly makes me feel much better, especially while she is screaming bloody murder at 4am. I can think to myself, "My child is not dying. I'm not a terrible mother. She is just going through a typical fussy period. Now walk around the house a few more hundred times in the dark, momma. She will eventually fall asleep." Chris has been wonderful and I definitely would not have survived these first two weeks as well as I have without his support. We have been taking short trips out and about which has been nice. We have gone down town and walked around, got ice cream, gone to doctors appointments and she actually just went to her first softball game to watch daddy play and meet his team! She does well in the car seat and seems to enjoy car rides. Things are beginning to feel somewhat normal again and what a blessing that is! Though ask me again during her next growth spurt ;)

Pictures of Avery

Happy One Week Avery

This week has flown by. We cannot believe Avery is already a week old. Still trying to navigate parenthood but things are going pretty smoothly. Avery has been such a good baby. She is eating well, sleeping for about 3 hours at a time during the day and at night (would not have thought that would be considered a good stretch of sleep before she was born), she really only cries when she is hungry or has gas, and she is comfortable being put in her bouncer or bassinet for decent stretches of time so we can do normal adult things (ie shower, eat dinner, do laundry, go pee... seriously, a 5 minute shower is now a godsend). As tough as it is adjusting to this new (but amazing) lifestyle, she is definitely making it easier on us. Chris has been such an amazing dad and I can already tell that Avery is going to be a daddy's girl. Avery and I have been so lucky to have him. He is back at work and we are beginning to establish a regular weekly routine. Memphis is also adjusting very well, loving her new sister. She is so gentle and curious, loves to give her kisses and is always checking on her to make sure she is doing okay. Avery had her first doctors appointment and the doctor was thrilled. Everything looks great and Avery is already almost back up to her birth weight, now weighing 8lbs 6oz. All is well at the Barrett household!

Welcome to the world, Avery Lynn Barrett!

Avery Lynn Barrett
Born May 25, 2016 at 3:01pm
8lbs 7oz, 21inches long

We are now home and settled in. Had an induced labor due to some signs of preeclampsia, however things went relatively smoothly and we are all healthy and happy! We cannot say enough wonderful things about the Elliot Hospital and how wonderful their staff is. All of the nurses were amazing and were so important to us in our first few days of parenthood. Now that we are home, we are trying to adjust to this new life! Running on little sleep and lots of feedings and diapers. Avery is such a good baby. We are blessed! We have had lots of family and friends meet our little one, including her older cousin, Abigail. Lots of wonderful support which we cannot express our gratitude. Avery is one lucky little girl, and we are as well! As we are adjusting, we will try to update the blog as often as we can so family and friends near and far can be updated and see pictures of Avery. We appreciate your respect and discretion as we are not posting photos of Avery directly onto Facebook or other social media.