The Minneapolis McCues: Gaining Confidence

Meredith is 19 days old, she'll be 3 weeks old on Wednesday. I can't believe we've already had three weeks with our beautiful baby girl. And slowly, but surely, Jon and I are gaining confidence in our abilities to be parents. We're getting used to the faces she makes, the noises she makes and have a better idea of how to soothe her when she's fussy (#1 help is the pacifier!). We have even been making a point of getting out of the house with her, which at first I was very hesitant to do.

We had a very nice family weekend. I had a new appreciation and love for my husband after he had gone back to work for the last two days of the week, leaving me home alone with our daughter. Those days weren't bad, but I was lonely and it feels much better knowing I have him around to watch her so I can do things around the house, or just to have him around to help me make decisions about her! Jon was able to come home by 2pm on Friday and we spent the afternoon cuddling with Meri and watching "Marley and Me" - which is a very cute movie.

Then after giving Meri dinner we decided to hit "Adrian's Bar and Grill", a small local little hole in the wall place, to have some burgers, fries and a Stella. Meredith was on her best behavior and slept quietly in her car seat while we sat, chatted, ate and just generally enjoyed being out and about. There was even another couple in the booth right behind us with a 3 week old baby. It was a lovely afternoon and evening.

The next day we were going to be having a few visitors. First, my good friend Katie Young came up from Rochester to visit us. As always, it is so nice to have visitors and it's very fun introducing them to our baby girl. It's also great catching up with good friends! After she left, I had just enough time to feed Meri before my brother and sister-in-law came for the rest of the afternoon. My brother had been up to visit once before, but this was the first visit from Auntie Jenny. She looked very happy and natural holding our little Meri - I know they'll both make great parents - some day! After the Twins game, they hit the road to meet up with her brother so they could make a reservation at a local pasta joint so they could carb load before the half marathon they were running the next day!

That evening, Jon and I contemplated what to do - and decided to order Fat Lorenzo's for delivery and rent a movie through iTV. It was the perfect evening in and Meredith, once again, cooperated - minus a 2 hour fussy period between 9 and 11pm. I can deal with that!

Finally, on Sunday Jon let me "sleep in" - well, at least let me go back to sleep for a couple hours after I fed Meri - while he entertained her. Then I was able to get up and take a nice bath before snuggly and feeding Meri again - while my wonderful husband made us brunch. Did I mention that I love weekends?? We then packed up the babe and headed out to run errands - which is normally I job I did by myself, but now definitely takes us both with the little one. I have to admit that I enjoy running errands so much more when Jon is around - it's a lot more fun. Before heading home, we stopped by our friend's Nicole and Travis' house to see their baby room before their little one arrives sometime this week - hopefully! And last night we treated ourselves to a lovely dinner at home: rosemary roasted potatoes, asparagus and filet mignon. Perfect ending, to the perfect weekend.

Since we started this new breastfeeding plan with Meredith, I feel small improvements have been made. I do feel like my production is slowing down, which means less painful engorgement for me. I also feel like there are times were Meredith is more comfortable after feeding - meaning instead of spending 1 to 2 hours after feeding grunting and crying, she has fallen asleep right after eating. Though we still have times after feeding where she seems very uncomfortable and grunty. So, I'm not really sure what to think about the plan. I have another appointment with the lactation consultant tomorrow and we'll revisit what we're doing. I do feel like we're going in the right direction. And even when she's fussy and inconsolable - I can't believe how much I love her!

This week, Jon is at work and I'm home alone with the babe - so I have decided to take a little trip down to Blue Earth to hang out with my family. My sister is also on maternity leave with her 7 week old and my mother has a few days off as well. So, since Jon will be busy at work - I thought I'd go down and get my hair done and get some good advice and help from my family. So, I'm sure I'll have more to blog about when I get back. In the mean time, here are some pics from this past weekend!