Three Weeks Young and Other Party People
What was it someone said about the party juuust getting started at 3am? They must’ve been a nursing mom.
Sweet Gianna is three weeks old today and I just can’t believe it. Someone asked us the other day, “What kind of baby is she?” Scott and I just shrugged and said, “Easy. I guess?” Perhaps it’s because we’ve lowered our expectations. We expect blowouts, random bouts of screaming for ZERO reason, bad nights of sleeping, cute baby noises, lots of laundry and the like. I keep checking to see if she’s breathing. Worrying if she’s too hot. Obsessing over her peeling skin. Standing on and off the scale trying to decide if she’s gaining weight or not. You know, the usual suspects.
But I also find myself just leaning into it.
I think that’s the gift of being an almost 40-year-old mom. I’ve done all the crazy and this time, this time, I’m just learning to cherish it all. There was that weak moment a few days ago at 2am when she’d been eating every hour – true story – that I might’ve whined to Scott, “I just want to sleep!” as I slathered on the Lansinoh. And I’ll admit I did try to squeeze into my pre-pregnancy capris last night. Bad, bad idea. {some things you just never learn} There may have been cuss words involved and a head shake from the Mister.
The icky parts of postpartum recovery are almost over, nursing only causes me to curl my toes in pain every so often and the sleeping still stinks, but I know the smiles and the coos are coming. The rolling over, the discovery of hands, the baby giggles will soon follow.
This time around I’m just trying to be. As in B-E present. This was the baby some said we should never have. This was the baby some feared wouldn’t be healthy. A designation I highly despise, by the way. And yet, here she is. Laying in our arms, looking up at us with her big blue eyes (yep, this brown-eyed momma has ZERO kids with brown eyes) and at complete peace.
I could learn some lessons from her.
The kids are in love. They ask every night before bed to hold her. They eagerly go fetch new diapers, shhhh her back to sleep, shake a toy (sometimes a teeny bit too close) to entertain her and tell me at least 1,000 times a day, “Mom, Gianna is so awesome.” Yes, yes she is. If you’re wondering how the baby of the family is adjusting, I’d say just fine.
“I sure do love Geeee, what’s her name again?” Luke is often saying. Or, “Why does she drink so much?” and “When can she eat french fries?”
The questions have been endless from the big five. End. Less. But, it’s also opened the door to some pretty great discussions with our oldest about the sanctity of life, why we believe what we do about life, contraception, big families and being open to God’s plan. That never would’ve happened if God hadn’t gifted us with Gianna.
So, yeah, I’d say life is pretty great here at Casa Whitaker.
Slightly messy, a little disheveled and a totally off schedule, but crazy good.
The birth story is coming your way next.
“Why does she drink so much?” I LOVE that! When I was nursing Charlie, Henry would point to my chest and call the girls udders or nursers. Aren’t they funny?? I’m so glad you are just enjoying the moments. I haven’t been blogging much over the past few weeks because I really just want to spend a lot of quality time with each of the boys before I’m fully dedicated to the baby. The time is precious to me, and blogging can always wait!
So so true. Can’t wait to hear your good news!!!!
Oh, my goodness! What a blessing! I just love how the others love her (especially Luke). And I especially love how you are able to enjoy that sweet baby! Once again… you are amazing!
Love you,
V
I love those early days with a new baby! They are the best! Enjoy your sweet bundle…
She’s beautiful…sweet Gianna! What else is there to say?
so happy everything is going well. forget those capris sister for another week or two. just be in the moment and love as only you can love.
Yay for large families!!
Congrats on your baby girl! I had to laugh at your comment about Gianna having blue eyes and none of your kids having your brown eyes because I have hazel eyes and my husband has blue eyes, but 3 of our 4 kids have dark brown eyes! They are the first ones on either side of the family to have brown as we all have either blue or hazel!
Aw, I missed the announcement! (Stupid first trimester exhaustion kept me from an incredible amount of internet information.). CONGRATULATIONS!!!! I have a Gianna too and she is also such an incredible gift. Yours is just as precious as can be. And. Luke has me cracking up with his quotes! Too funny. Enjoy it, mama.
She is so gorgeous!
Watching big siblings ooh and aah over their baby sibling is one of the best things ever.
I’m so happy for you guys. 🙂
Congratulations Kathryn! I have followed your blog for a year or so and love it so. When you announced that you were expecting I started to wonder when you would add the 6th owl baby. It puts a smile on my face to see it on your heading, but not as much as seeing a sweet and angelic picture of Gianna! What a blessing!
HA, I was wondering when someone would notice our newest “owl” addition. Both you and a sweet Dominican Sister noticed today. That just makes me smile.
She is a gorgeous baby. I loved your link to “As long as it’s healthy…” We can relate, and I shared it on FB. Thank you for being such a strong warrior for pro-life. Adding another baby to your family is yet another “reward” for being “counter-cultural.” Oh, and what a sweet, sweet reward she is indeed!
Oops…I meant to only quote “counter-cultural.” There is no quantifying….Gianna is pure wonderful!
She is beautiful – as all of the other 5 🙂 Love Team W.
Just found your blog today…what a beautiful family:) your writings stir up the memories of when my 3 boys were born–ty for that.