The Arkins: Cameron is 3 Weeks Old!

Cameron Leigh is 3 Weeks Old!
Age: 3 Weeks
Weight: 8 lbs 15.2 oz (home)
Length: N/A
Clothing Size: Exclusively Newborn
Diaper Size: Pampers Newborn
Milestones: First Dinner Out – Smokey Bones 11/3; First Costco Trip 11/6; First Bottle (Pumped Breast Milk) 11/6;
Special Outings: Mother & Baby Tea 11/5
Feeding Schedule: 10 - 13 x’s per day

Wow, my baby is three weeks old already! I think she went through a growth spurt this week. She was feeding very close together – sometimes every hour. I started pumping some this week to start building a small stash for when I go back to work and well as to have an occasional bottle that Bryan can feed her or maybe even a grandparent can watch her so we can have a date night. Bryan gave her a bottle last night which went well. I started with 2.5 oz. which she finished but seemed satisfied with. She went to sleep after that for over 3 hours which was nice.  She’s slept a lot better the past two nights. She’ll go down with little fussing after her night time feedings. I’m up about 3 times during the night to feed her. We have her sleep in her crib at night, but during the day she’s in the Pack N Play, her bouncy/vibrating seat or her swing.

Her umbilical cord still hasn’t fallen off yet. The pediatrician said to call this week if it’s still there. I’ll give it another day or two – I read it could take up to 4 weeks. It’s just annoying because we can’t bathe her until it does – just sponge baths.

On Wednesday, Cameron and I went to a mother and baby tea held at the Winnie Palmer education center. It’s set up specifically for moms with children under 8 weeks of age. It was nice to get out of the house and socialize with other women and babies. It was run by two lactation consultants that were there to answer any of our questions. They also provide hot tea and a snack. I’m planning on going again today and Wednesday. It’s something I look forward too.

Cameron continues to be more alert during the day. She stays awake after her daytime for a little while before dozing off. While she’s awake we work on a little bit of tummy time or she relaxes in her swing just looking around.

My Postpartum Update
Pregnancy Weight Gain: 25 pounds
Weight Change: Stayed the same – hovering around down 28.2 pounds.
Activities: Walked a few times with Cami.

Since Cami has been sleeping better, I’ve been getting more sleep at night. It’s amazing how much better I feel after an hour more sleep. I’ve also been able to nap a little bit in the afternoons on some days.

I’ve noticed my stomach muscles have been a little sore lately. I must be using them more to sit up, etc.

Overall, I feel pretty good – pretty much back to normal minus being able to exercise. Hopefully that will come soon!