6 days and counting...being parents

Amazing that it has already been 6 days since Elodie was born. It actually seems longer, but that is probably because the days are stretched with cuddling, feeding, changing diapers, making faces, or making up silly songs where we forget the lyrics (but hey--it calms her down when crying).

Some things we have already understood or are finding out as we go along:

1. For labor, I was against an epidural, but opted for it and I'm so glad I did!
2. In the hospital, no one tells you this, but expect to be interupted during the night and day, at least every 45 minutes (no kidding), from Nurses, Doctors, Pediatricians, Orderlies, and everyone else. This will drive you to absolutely no sleep when you expect to have some peace before you go home and really lose your sleep. Make sure to ask your nurse to put a sign on the door to ask the front reception before entering.
   
3. This being said..Yes, we lost a lot of sleep due to the hospital stay, then after we returned home, but we are slowly getting it back with taking turns on help and taking naps here and there.
   
4. Take naps with Elodie when she sleeps. We can each usually can get at least an hour in and that makes a world of difference later.
   
5. I made the mistake of starting to wash Elodie, but didn't have all of my wash equipment to properly do so, so I learned to make sure I have all of my baby equipment in front of me before I start anything. Even items being located across the room can be troublesome when giving a bath or changing a diaper. I basically needed to pick her up and take her with me to get that item.
   
6. Carrying a diaper bag with us in each car or remember to take it with us, like I would my own purse. In this diaper bag are the essentials: diapers (go figure), diaper wipes, changing pad, Purell, change of clothes, socks, and/or mittens, and always have some sort of receiving blanket and/or soft blanket ready. Bottles will come later since I am breastfeeding.
7. If we have to take Elodie out in public or to the doctor's, we made sure to cover her car seat carrier with a blanket, as so to keep germs and weather away from her and muffle any disturbing sounds.
   
8. While I was watching Elodie sleeping, she ended up kicking her thicker blanket that was at her feet, all the way up to near her face (within seconds), so needless to say, I really keep an eye on her and try not to look away too long.
   
9. Having good communication and an understanding with Patrick is great, especially when passing Elodie to each other (i.e. "I have her head and okay to let go").
10. Good support from each other is so essential. Help one another out for even the little things.
    
11. Elodie (and seems like babies in general) usually will cry for the following things (which makes it easier to deduce what she needs): 1) Hungry (breastfeeding time) 2) Gas Pain 3) Diaper change needed 4) Sick or not feeling well 5) or my favorite--Just wants to be held.
12. I found out that I love breastfeeding. Partially because it is just the most wonderful thing I can do for me and her. It is very rewarding and gives her not only the most natural and best food to help build her immune system and fight off colds and germs, but it helps my health as well, and gives me a great opportunity to spend some one and one time with Elodie.
    
13. It is okay (and best) to wait a while until you have guests coming over and holding her. People are usually good at understanding this.