Clara's First Week

I apologize for the terrible writing in this post. I am beyond sleep-deprived and exhausted. Words are not coming easily!

Breastfeeding:
Clara was a natural from the beginning. She latched right away and has already gained an ounce! She eats about every 3 hours during the day and a little more at night. Although nursing is pretty painful, it's a beautiful experience. Locking eyes while she nourishes herself is magical.

Sleeping:
Mom and Dad are still figuring out her patterns. She sleeps a ton during the day and seems to be most wakeful at night when her mom has her. I love the bonding time but would appreciate it more during the daylight, when I'm not as desperate for sleep. We are now on 6 hour shifts at night and react to her needs during the day. We have taken our turns with the 8-2am shift and then the 2am-8am one. I am completely exhausted from getting up to feed all night. I feel that I'm still playing catch up from the birth. We plan to initiate a sleep schedule at her 2 week mark. I am a bit anxious about how things will play out once Andrew goes back to work.

Clara
Clara is the best thing in the universe. She has a relaxed, chill temperament- just like her father- and seems to adjust easily to everything. She began tracking our faces and lifts her head during tummy time. She is such a good, sweet baby. Her cries are pretty startling. She goes from 0-10 in an instant. She shrieks loudly and then becomes calm once we figure out what she needs. She only seems to cry when she's hungry, wet, uncomfortable, or gassy. The funniest thing she does is staring at the ceiling, fans, lights with wide-open eyes. She sits completely still and stares! We can't stop laughing at this.

Her dad
Andrew is a naturally amazing father. He jumps at her every distress, talks so calmly and sweetly to her, loves everything she does, and still finds time to compliment and love me. I am amazed at how easy fatherhood comes to him.

Her mom
Thinking about my new family leaves me beyond words. It is everything I dreamed and hoped for. She is perfect. I am trying hard to relish in this sweet time. I know how fleeting it is.