Aiden {The first 3 weeks}

I truly can't believe my little buddy is 3 weeks old today. I feel like I blinked and time was gone.  I have learned so much in these last few weeks. I've learned I'm stronger and more patient than I thought. I've learned that I had way more love to give than I ever thought possible. I've learned that being a Mom is amazing. I've learned that being a Mom is hard work. I've learned more about my boobs, poop, umbilical cords, pumping and sterilizing than I ever imagined. And I'm loving this new chapter of my life.

Since this time is going way too fast and I want to remember everything that my baby boy does. I made a list of Aiden's likes and dislikes throughout his first 3 weeks of life for me to look back on someday. He's already changed so much. <Insert emotional, sappy Mom tears here.>

Week 1 was a memorable one because both Drew and I had no idea what we were doing, but we were in it together. It all started when we tried to strap Aiden in his car seat in the hospital parking lot and realized we had no idea how to adjust the straps. We laugh now, but holy cow talk about being humbled. You can read as many books as you want, but you will never be prepared to actually bring a little human being home and know exactly how to take care of them. Lots of prayers were said, tears were cried and laughs were had, but we survived and learned our lives were not even close to being complete without this little guy in them.

Aiden's Likes// Milk, Having his head shampooed by Daddy, Fleece footed PJ's, Giggling in his sleep, Being swaddled. Aiden's Dislikes// Tummy time, Daddy's cold hands, Diaper changes, Baths.

Week 2 was a big learning curve. Drew went back to work and I bawled my eyes out. Thankfully my Mom took a few half days from work and came over every morning to bring me Starbucks, fix my breakfast and hold Aiden while I showered. I am forever grateful for amazing family living close by! We had our 1 week check up meaning I had to leave the house on time, figure out the car seat on my own and figure out what the heck to put in the diaper bag. Aiden gained lots of weight this week making me a proud mama (yay for a successful week of breast feeding!)

Aiden's Likes//Furrowing his brow (his worried face), Wearing woodland animal outfits, Soft blankets, Watching the shadows on the ceiling from the fan, Still loving Mom's milk. Aiden's Dislikes//Having to wait to be fed, Having his hands swaddled and not next to his face, Afternoon naps.

Week 3 was all me. You guys I have learned so much especially this week because I was all on my own. Just me and Aiden figuring things out. I started pumping and figured out a system for storing breast milk. (Thank you Dori for talking me through things!) I started learning how to manage my time with a needy newborn. Things like taking a shower, putting on make up and fixing myself meals all became much more difficult, but I'm starting to get the hang of a few things. I also started trying to implement a routine of feed, wake, sleep from the book BabyWise. It's been a good week, but it's been a hard week too. I've shed tears, but also pat myself on the back for the little victories we've had. I know motherhood is going to be just that...a mixture of tears of frustration and not feeling good enough mixed with the little triumphs each day brings as you do your very best to take care of the thing that is now the most important thing in your life.

Aiden's Likes// Car rides, Pompom hats, Having his hands by his face, Grunting when he poops, Pacifiers. Aiden's Dislikes//Neck exercises, Clothes that go over his head, Mittens

I'm thankful for a God I can rely on to sustain me in times of utter exhaustion and fatigue, who can give me peace when I don't know all the answers and wisdom in how to raise my sweet boy. I'm so thankful for our precious boy and all the joy he has already brought to our lives in these 3 short weeks!