Six things I have learned since August 26th

In no particular order, here are six things I have learned since Micah Zane has been in my life.

1.  Sleep when the baby sleeps.  We've all heard it.  Everyone says it.  So do it.  I learned this very quickly.  You see, I am very concerned about keeping the house clean and when the baby sleeps, I want to get things done... NOT!!!!

The first few nights were very tough.  A baby that thinks night time is party time (OK, where does he get that from) is hard on parents who like to sleep at night!  The nights when we slept while Micah was sleeping during the day were much more manageable than those where we didn't sleep.

2.  Eat when the baby sleeps. I realized a few days ago that the only time I can eat is when he is asleep.  Mostly because when he is awake, he is usually eating which forces me to relax, stretch out on the baby rocking chair  bed and feed him.  So, when he sleeps I get to eat too... or sleep.  Sleep usually wins.

3. I have fallen even more in love with my husband.  If you haven't read his blog, you should.  CLICK ME TO READ!!!!He is my earthly source of strength, my rock, my protector, my best friend, my diaper changing partner at 4:00 a.m., my baby daddy, my encouragement, etc.  I could keep going!!!!  

As soon as the contractions began, he would write down the time and hold me through the surge.  He called the midwife.  He counted my inhales and exhales as we managed through the discomforts!!  I could not have done it without him.  He was an integral part during the pregnancy, during labor, and now as a father.

4.  Micah has made me understand more about God's love for me, for us.  One night morning when Micah was inconsolable, Eli and I loaded the baby in the car seat, clicked it in the stroller and went for a walk.  That didn't work, so we jumped in the car and drove all around campus.  He still cried.  Nothing was working.  I felt helpless and just cried.  Eli and I were exhausted.  I was frustrated, but still loved our baby just the same as when he sleeps or is being an "angel".

Is that how God feels when I am off track, not listening to His sweet voice, His calming techniques, his car rides and walks at 2:00 a.m.?  Frustrated, but still in love with me?  YES. In fact it is.  When I wonder away or get caught up in something, God is still there loving me.

5.  People love us the baby.  We have been staying in pretty much all day since he has been born.  Except for a visit to the pediatrician and a follow up at Charleston Birth Place, we don't venture out during the day (see number 6 below).  Many people have texted/called to come see our little bundle of joy, but I have to say no or post pone it.  If he is crying or feeding, it is hard to have people come through. So when he is up and alert or sleeping in my arms, I love to get a text from someone who says their on campus and can stop by... perfect timing.  We have had people drop off food (BLESSING) and my mom would even come by just to do the dishes or grab our laundry.  We are so thankful and everyone is so understandable.  And yes, I am still nervous about letting people hold him.  Too protective I guess.

Eli is officially back to work Friday at 5:00 p.m. for his weekend duty and then will resume a normal schedule from there.  It has been great having him here and still being able to get a few things done on campus as needed.

6.  It now takes an undetermined amount of time to get out the door.  Living on CSU's campus is great.  We are close to everything.  When we had our prenatal appointments, I would call Eli about 5 minutes before the appointment to see where he was on campus and then pick him up.  Out the door we were and ON TIME.  Those days are over.  I remember growing up and being so annoyed when we were late for something.  I feel like I went through a stage of being late, later on in life, but since then I have grown to realize that is disrespectful and doesn't honor the other person's time.  So... I have learned that at least an hour before we have to be somewhere is when we need to start getting ready.  I'm hoping that as Micah grows, that window of time will not.

The past few days we have been able to get out of the house and see some sort of outside life.  It's never before 5:00 p.m. though!!!  We are hoping that the weather will cooperate and not be too hot for our little man to see his first college football game on Saturday. 

Final Thoughts...
As I am laying in bed typing (I feel like the scene from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where the entire family is in bed all the time), my husband is sleeping and my baby is too.  I realize God has changed our lives and it is for HIS GLORY and I am thankful that I am being used by HIM.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  Now for some sleep.

Xoxo,

pt byrd