They say it goes by quickly

It seems just yesterday I was giving a play by play of the days events as we waited to greet our little bundle of joy. Here we are 25 days later and it is hard to believe that it has almost been a month.

Here is my list of things I have learned so far.
1. Kelly is an amazing mother. Despite her fatigue, she has been cheerful and loving and happy, even when I returned to work.
2. Teagan is an amazing baby. Nobody believes me when I tell them she is a pretty good sleeper.
3. 4 hours of sleep is plenty. I can catch up when Teagan puts me in a home.
4. Mylicon is our friend.
5. Poop, while uncontrolable and messy, is something to cheer about.

Some of the things I look forward to.
1. Teagan's smile - I see how cute she is when she is falling asleep, I can only imagine how she will look when there is emotion behind it.
2. Belly laughs - from Teagan, mom or dad. They are all great, and yes we have had quite a few already.
3. Warmer weather so that the entire family (including Cabo) can go out on walks or go to the park.
4. Teagan rolling over.

Things I try not to think about but usually do.
1. At some point, she is going to get hurt, at which point, two loving parents will be right by her side.
2. She will occasionally get sick and it will be a rough time.
3. Sooner or later, she is going to grow more independant.

This little girl has been a blessing. She is a wonderful baby and I could not be more proud. My wife will never cease to amaze me. I could learn a few things from her.

Patrick

3 weeks

Our little monkey is 3 weeks today!

What I've learned in the past Three Weeks

Teagan is 3 weeks tomorrow! Below are some things I've learned over the past three weeks.

1. The swing can be your best friend
2. Breastfeeding/pumping is hard work - I hear it gets easier after the first few weeks. I have yet to make it there to say whether or not it's true.
3. Selfishly - I want my body parts back. I feel like my breasts aren't even mine anymore.
4. Dishes and laundry need to be done all of the time
5. Naps are great things
6. Don't forget the dog in all the chaos - Pat and I have both made a point to try and include Cabo more and more on "family time". He was depressed for quite some time ... I just hope the weather warms up soon so I can take him and Teagan to the dog park.
7. Movement has a calming effect. Teagan can tell instantly when you sit down and don't move anymore.
8. The rocking chair is a godsend - thank you Lisa and Travis!
9. Thank you Medela for acquiring the Easy Expressions Bustier - I couldn't imagine pumping without having my hands free to do other things - even if it's just adjusting the pump vacuum level. Most of the time it's surfing the net to keep my mind off how much/how little I'm pumping.
10. I have a wonderful, supportive husband. He's been fantastic with everything - from refilling my water, doing the dishes, cooking most of the meals, having the courage to clip Teagan's fingernails, keeping track of time when I'm BFing in the middle of the night, changing Teagan's diaper in between sides to wake her up more, etc. We make a great team.

2 Weeks

Teagan is two weeks today - Each day with her is an adventure and we are loving every minute of it.

Play Date

Today we had a play date with the Oclon's and Butner's. AKA - time for mommy to get out of the house, mingle with adults while the kids play or in Teagan's case sleep/eat. It was nice to be able to talk.... that's it... just talk - thanks Heather and Missy!

Interesting fact - Teagan's foot is the same size as Emily & Erica's. There's four months between them! :) It will be nice when Teagan can join in and play with the bigger kids. I have a feeling that the girls will be best of friends!

(left-right: Teagan Husk, Makayla Oclon, Josh, Erica & Emily Butner)

Josh and Makayla

Emily and Erica

Teagans first milestones

Today Teagan had four first milestones -

1. She lost her belly button stub. Pat totally called it last night. He thought it would fall off real soon

2. She had her first trip to Target. She was so good in the cart - it kind of rocked her to sleep.

3. For her trip out we dressed her for the first time in a onesie and pants - forget those sleeper dresses!

4. She just had her first BREASTFED POOPY DIAPER - Mustard Yellow/ Brown and Seedy! I am so proud! (this one got the above onesie dirty so she's now in her second outfit for the day)

We also went back to the hospital for a third bilirubin test. The numbers on Monday were 16, Tuesday were 15 and hopefully today's are lower and continue to decrease. I have a feeling they will be just fine. She's getting very good numbers of wet and dirty diapers each day and today especially she's been more alert.

One Week Old

Teagan is exactly one week today. In fact my computer as I type says 8:42 - the exact time she was born. (tear) This past week has brought much joy, some sleeplessness and lots of love.

What we've learned in the past week -

1. Poop is something to celebrate

2. Teagan likes to sleep

3. Teagan likes to sleep while trying to breastfeed

4. Breastfeeding is more challenging than I expected - but well worth it

5. Teagan likes to get her hair washed but is not fond of her body being scrubbed down

6. Diaper changes bring on mixed feelings - she does not like being in her soiled diaper and doesn't really like being wiped down either.

7. Cabo enjoys smells of all kinds and doesn't mind checking her out no matter what side he's sniffing

8. Cabo will be / is a great big brother (in all the ways a dog can be)