Week 6 Milestone

So, I'm writing more often than I had originally thought, which is a good thing. That means I'm learning to juggle things more easily, right?

Last night we bought Gretchen the Britax Marathon 70 car seat. Its a convertible car seat, which means that not only is it rear facing, but also forward facing. This car seat will grow with her until she doesn't need a seat any longer. The only con is that it is not an infant seat, so it will not click and carry out of the car, but I have come up with alternative arrangements to make it easy. She will fuss at first in the seat, but then she falls asleep. Britax makes wonderful seats. They are top rated for safety (they go above and beyond) and extremely comfortable. If I could, I'd sit in it. We paid a lot for the seat, but it's an investment!

We purchased a Baby Bjorn (this breathable mesh version), which is a carrier that allows you to carry the baby on your chest (inward or outward). It was pricey, but it works well and it is the only carrier (out of probably 5 that we've purchased or tried and returned) that works with Gretchen. She'll fuss at first, and then she's out like a light. The pacifier helps soothe her and then she falls asleep.

In this heat, we've had her start wearing her sun hat. It's too hot and sunny to have her sensitive skin exposed. She looks adorable in her hat and doesn't seem to mind it. I have sunglasses for her, too, but we aren't at that point yet. The pediatrician recommended not using sunscreen on Gretchen until she is at least six months of age. I'm learning so much. Things that were once okay (such as the things our parents or older friends suggest) are not recommended nowadays and vice versa. It's hard to keep up, but I feel good using our best judgment (my husband's and mine), as well as the advice from our parents and friends that have children.

I am feeling a lot better about being a new mother at this point in my life. I still have days where I feel insecure, but each day gets easier. I have so many supportive people in my life, even people I never imagined that would reach out are reaching out to offer support, advice, and encouragement. I feel blessed. I must have done something right along the way to have all of these people in my life, and that thought process makes me feel really good about myself and the person that I've become.

This weekend Gretchen and I will be spending some time with Mimi and then venturing back "home" to visit with our families (especially our fathers) for a Father's Day celebration. This is Nate's first Father's Day and I have to say that Gretchen is one lucky girl to have a wonderful father like Nate. He loves her more than anything in this world and I feel so lucky to have him as my husband and the father of our child. Here's a sweet picture of Gretchen and her Daddy having quality father/daughter time during "week 3" of Gretchen's life (along with "brother Jack"):

Here is a link, which you can also find on the main page of our blog, to Week 6's photographs (some, not all since week 6 is not complete yet).