What I've Learned in 6 weeks

The past 6 weeks have been amazing. I absolutely love being a mom! Sure, it's hard at some moments, but it's soooo rewarding. I am just so in love with my little boy. Here are a few things I've learned in the past 6 weeks:

*Getting up in the middle of the night to feed Troy isn't horrible...not my favorite thing to do, but I had to remember that it's a joy to provide nourishment to my son and he needs to be fed 8-12 times per day! Also, I've spent my nighttime feedings praying for my son and for so many people. It's been a blessing to have this time to pray.

*Boy we go through a lot of diapers!! It seems like my little boy likes to have "explosions" every so often, which leads to a lot of laundry.

*I do at least 1 load of laundry per day!!

*I've been sprayed several times when I didn't cover Troy right away when changing him

*My favorite time with Troy is between 9-10:30 each morning when he first wakes up for good. He is so smiley and happy. I absolutely treasure this time.

*A remedy to calm Troy down is to take off his clothes and loosen (or sometimes take off) his diaper. He loves being naked!

*Traveling isn't very hard with him...he loves to sleep in the car.

*I have the best husband-he is so kind and helps me out all the time!

*Troy has a fussy time each night. It's usually from 7-9. He just seems to be unhappy no matter what we do.

*Troy loves his baths. At first he didn't like it...but we got some tips from Grandpa Thayer and now he LOVES them. It's very cute! :)

*Being on a routine at night really helps. It signals to Troy that it's time for bed and we rarely have problems with him falling asleep at night.

*Breastfeeding is incredible...it's perfect food for babies! I've learned so much about breastfeeding and I'm so thankful that it is easy for us. We haven't had a single problem with feeding him, and I am surprised because I was expecting it to be difficult. Below are a few things I've learned about breastfeeding.

-Breast milk is easily digested and very economical and convenient

-It promotes attachment and a close, nurturing relationship between us

-Breastfeeding releases oxytocin, which is a calming affect on women.

-Nursing also releases prolactin, which is a "love hormone" and helps a mother bond with her child

-Breastfed infants have reduced chance of getting diseases later on in life

-Breastfeeding enhances the development of the brain

-It totally helps women lose weight!! I only have a few pounds to go to get back to my pre-preggo weight!

-You have to eat a lot and drink a lot of water while breastfeeding

-It's just a beautiful thing that God designed for women to nourish their children. I understand that not everyone is able to feed by breastfeeding, but it was so designed by God and is amazing.

*Overall, I've learned that it is a blessing and honor to be a mother. I am surprised that I already have a desire to have more children, if God should bless us, but hopefully not for a little while. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us with a son and for giving us grace each day so that we may live for you!!