I was tagged

Ive been tagged by Day weeks ago & Meeya days ago. Its nice to reminisce because pretty soon, my son will be a year old! How time flies, has it really been a year?

How did you feel during those first few days after the birth?

I felt super sleep deprived! Baby came out at 825am and all I wanted was to sleep after that! Thank God I was able to catch a few winks. My son's birth happened on the day my neighbor/friend had her daughter christened. It was perfect timing for our guests from Jacksonville as they dont have to drive again to see me. But when guests already started arriving at the hospital, it looked like we were having a party! It was a delight to see them but really all I wanted was to sleep that time!
I also felt overwhelmed! Having a baby absolutely changed my life! Cliche but very true!

How were you emotionally?

I was scared! Ive never seen a tiny baby before and to think he's all mine! How on earth can I take cake of him? I kept on praying and praying! And my, how he loves to cry! Then I remember the books Ive read , the videos Ive watched. Babies do cry because that is the only way they communicate. Also, like me, he's adjusting to his whole new world! With that in mind, I became ok.

Is there anything you wish people had told you about the postpartum period?

I am so blessed that I have friends who offered support and understanding at those times. And of course, Hubs took a month off from his work just to be with me. (He said he will help me with baby but then what he finished was his woodproject - a buffet table for my formal dining. Hmp! ) After giving birth, I think I was real crazy that time. I would cry easily and associate everything with my baby! A scene on the tv with a baby would make me cry. I stayed away from wathing baby story because I would shed buckets of tears afterwards. Slicing onions made me cry. ( I was still in charge of my kitchen you know. )

How long do you plan to breastfeed?

I wanted to breastfeed for 6 months but (thank God) I am still nursing at 11 months. A year is the maximum for me, I think.

Do you have any advice for getting through those first weeks of breastfeeding?

Yes! Breast is best! God designed our breasts to nurture our babies the best nourishment! Always remember the law of supply and demand. The more you nurse, the more milk you'll produce! Plus you have to really relax and let go of chores for the 1st week. It can get really painful but you'll get through it!
Oh, and the pain comes from your contracting uterus, engorged breasts and lack of sleep! They all happen at the same time! But again, you'll get through it!

Was there any stress between you and your husband over the baby?

None, thank God. I think it made our bond stronger. We know that we only have each other being miles away from our families. Yes we do have close friends nearby (our loving Pinoy neighbors na mga kumare at kumpare na ngayon) but that is still different.
Looking back, we knew we both wanted it that way! A tough lesson to learn but it made us bond really well.

Let's talk about your body, Did things get totally rearranged?

Not much. (I still have extra 10 pounds to lose though but I dont want to pressure myself. Im still nursing so I can still eat lots- lame excuse) In fact I had a hard time gaining weight when I was pregnant which made my ob-gyn worried. Praise God, my son was 6 lbs 4.9 oz and just right for me to have a vaginal delivery. But I like the big breasts now ( and so does Hubs- thats why I cant give up breastfeeding hehe)

Care to share how much you weighed before and how much now?

I weighed 125lbs when I gave birth, now I weigh 110lbs, still hoping to go back to 100lbs -my pre pregnancy weight!

What advice-or comfort-can you offer other new moms about their weight ?

It took us so long to gain those pounds. It might take a little longer to shed it off. But in time it'll come. Dont focus on that at the moment!

How important is it for you to have a work identity?

Hmmm..There are times I do miss working! I miss it in the sense that I love being a team player and a leader. I have worked for a decade in the banking industry and I can say I became what I wanted to be! Now that I am a stay at home mom (which is absolutely my choice) I say "Wow! This is a very tough job! I would consider it harder than having a career at the bank ." (which makes me want to go back to work..er.heheheh..)
At times when I do miss working, one look at my baby, a smile & a hug from him, I would totally forget about it! H is such a good provider that I am able to stay at home to enjoy and cherish baby's growing moments!

Was your baby a lot of fun right from the start?

Not at first. You really cant think straight when you lack sleep! And you can see that your house is a mess. That you havent done the laundry for a week. And that you will fold it afterwards. And that breastfeeding hurts terribly..
Oh, and he did gave me a scare when he had jaundice on the 4th day! The nurse at the hospital can easily tell from our faces that we were 1st time parents as it was written all over our face. We had to stay at the hospital for a night and that scared me again!
I remember looking at him on that 1st week and noticed how he loves to smile when he's asleep. And he does not smile when he's up (he cries of course silly) That smile on the 1st week...hmm..sulit naman pala !

What's your baby like now?

He is the best baby in the whole wide world! (Proud mama ba?) He has a routine which he follows strictly. He's so excited exploring, trying his best to walk and taste everything as he puts into his mouth whatever he grabs into. He eats the stroller, the leaves of my plant inside the house, the cd's..the blinds, everything! Even our slippers..nay!!
And he's very excited for his 1st birthday party and his 1st plane ride..that is kung darating ang passport--sorry meeya, i still cant shake it off my system!

So there, thanks Day & Meeya!
Im tagging Marie and Apple. Hope you'll have fun filling it out as much as I had.