Unfortunately, this is a photo-free post. I just needed to comment on the science and math of newborns.
First, I think newborns really do disprove the theory of gravity. I can't find any other way to explain how Penelope seems to poop up. We have been doing disposables instead of cloth while her umbilical cord heals and experienced quite a few blowouts that go over the top of the diaper, including some where I'm holding her completly vertical. How does that happen?! Thankfully, her umbilical cord came off 2 days ago and we have her back in cloth. I'm realizing that the only thing that makes cloth diapers less likely for blowouts is the bulk. I've learned in the cloth diaper world that this look is called the "fluffy butt". Is it terrible that I've told Penelope she looks like Kim Kardashian and JLo? Or how bad is it that Chris sings "drop it like its hot" when she's got her huge cloth diaper on? Ah well...we need some laughs at 3 am!
That brings me to the newborn math. I've been struggling with this since our infant care class and even more so since I got a pamphlet from our pediatrician. Here are the averages:
Eating:8-12 feedings/day
Sleep: 15-20 hours/day
Diapers: 12/day
Cries and fusses: 1-4 hours/day
Alert and quiet: 2-3 hours/day
Chris and I can't figure out how all of this fits into a 24 hour day. With Penelope, feedings are taking about an hour each time and you count the next feeding time from the start of the first. At least she is on a 3-4 hour schedule. She is what one of my books calls a nip and nap eater. A few minutes eating followed by 10-15 minutes sleeping so I guess she is combining the eating and sleep timetable together. For a few days I was trying everything to wake her up. Making her dance to "I'm a Little Teapot" while half asleep is hilarious but doesn't do much to wake her up. We've now found the best thing to wake her back up is put her in the crib for a few minutes. I call this the "drunk passed out guy" routine. Chris will stand next to the crib and she wakes up with this total look of confusion like "wait a sec...how did I get here?! The last thing I remember I was drinking some really good warm milk and now I'm in this big crib being talked to by the guy with the funny hair." This is then followed by some frustrated cries but she is wide awake and ready to eat again.
Yet somehow we've really stopped and taken time to enjoy Penelope's little personality. We will have to do an entire post of pictures and videos to showcase her many nicknames. Also the weather is absolutley perfect! I take her for walks with either Chris or my mom 2-3 times a day. The stroller is the perfect solution for those fussy times...hopefully, we find something else soon because it isn't the best answer for a Minnesota winter.
Well, it is time for a feeding. Thank goodness I took that typing class in high school and can get this all on here in less than 10 minutes. Blogging was not on the pediatician's newborn daily schedule!
4 comments:
Welcome to Mom and Dad 101.
It is an interactive course and your little professor can change the syllabus at any time.
Watch out for those pop (poop) quizzes.
I cant wait to see you all :)
Just when you get her all figured out, she'll change. But don't worry, everything will settle down pretty soon and become predictable.
At least that's what people keep telling me is going to happen with our girls.
Newborns definitely live by their own set of rules. I know what you mean about the blow outs. The boys ruined many an outfit when they were infants and of course with breastfed babies the blowouts are even worse than formula fed. It's just not right!
I have to say you are lucky that Penny goes 3-4 hours between feeding. Aidan was every 3 hours no matter what and Owen was at least every 2 hours (and he never wanted to be put down!).
As far as her drowsy eating habits the book "What to expect the first year has some great tips on this.
I have no doubt that Penelope will have you trained in no time at all. :-) Can't wait for more pictures! :-) Love to all!!!
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