Our First Month

It's hard to believe, but we have been a family of three for one month today. Nothing has brought more love, more joy, or more change to our lives at once. Brennan is a wonderful little guy! He has started to sleep 4-5 hours at night. He has a pretty laid back personality, but isn't shy about speaking up if he needs something. When he was born he looked just like my baby pictures, but as he grows he looks more and more like his daddy. He has become very alert, and loves to hold his head up and look around. His favorite activities are eating, swinging, bouncing, eating, talking to his toys and us, listening to stories, eating,and sleeping.. .and did I mention eating. He is growing so fast! He is wearing 0-3month clothes and some of those are getting short. A few of the highlights of his month have been: many great visits from friends and family, a couple of dinners out, shopping with mom, his first church service, and meeting a few of his future friends.
I'm amazed at how fast my way of thinking has changed. A cool water feature no longer seems like a good idea in the backyard. The downstairs family room has moved to the top of the house project list. A whole day at home, or even a whole weekend, is now what I crave more than being out. Unfortunately, time now flies faster than ever. My goal for the next month is to enjoy every month, even more than I have already.

The First Top Ten

Being a mom is amazing! There are many reasons I love it, most of which I would have never imagined before. I know that some of the tasks that fill my days now are only temporary, but memorable still. I've decided to capture the changes in a monthly top ten.

10. Knowing what the world is like at 3 a.m. every morning.
9. Eating breakfast not when I'm hungry, but when I have two free hands to hold a cereal bowl.
8. Shaving my legs on the days Brennan looks like he'll be content in his bouncer for a few extra minutes, rather than when they really need it.
7. Knowing where the camera is at all times.
6. Challenging myself to see how much I can accomplish in the three minutes the microwave takes to sanitize bottles.
5. Still getting to take hot, relaxing baths some nights while Mike and Brennan have story time.
4. Lunch out on a "school" day with my guys.
3. Visits from friends, family, and neighbors.
2. Feeling like I have a whole new wardrobe without spending a dime, just packing away the maternity clothes.
1. Having a small one to cuddle with whose favorite spot is laying on my chest with his head against my neck as close as possible.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to a new decade, and for us a whole new life! Brennan Abbott Swafford arrived on December 28, 2009 at 5:49 p.m. He weighed 8 lbs. 11 ozs. and was 21 in. long.  I was induced the night before. This became necessary because my blood pressure continued to be high. I didn't have one of those "quick, no pain, I'd do this again anytime" deliveries, and no I haven't forgotten a second of it yet, but it was definitely worth it. He is amazing! I feel so blessed to have such a perfect little being to love and care for, and so thankful to get to be a mommy. 

I have great admiration for the nurses at Huntsville Hospital. The ones who cared for us were amazing. The L and D nurse I had stayed past her shift because she really wanted to be there when Brennan arrived, unfortunately she had to leave before the big moment. The night shift nurse was so on top of everything. She answered questions before I even knew to ask them. We have also had wonderful care from our friends and family. I haven't cooked a meal yet. Mike has been amazing also. He changed almost every diaper at the hospital, and has pitched in to do anything and everything around the house. 

So far I think we are adjusting well. I'm getting a decent amount of sleep, so I don't feel exhausted. We have been out quite a bit for doctor's appointments, errands, and family dinners. Brennan seems to enjoy and adjust to it all. I've been surprised how much I think about school and my class. I'm right where I want to be at home, but I do think of what they are doing at different times during the day. They sent us sweet cards for Brennan today. I will be glad when we have a little more of a daily routine. I am also hoping that Buster is able to adjust a little better to sharing life with his new family member. He has been a handful so far. Wells seems to love Brennan. He got up with me for the first few nights, and still shows up anytime Brennan is crying. 

A new baby is a great way to start a new year! Happy 2010!