Initiation

Well, it's official. We have joined the club of Parenthood! Together, John and I have gone through the required experiences for the titles of Mother and Father. And the "experiences" just keep coming! Our little John was born April 15th, 11.00 p.m. on the dot. 7 pounds 15.5 ounces and 22 inches long, with a head full of hair and looking very much like his dad. It was so amazing to hear him scream when he came out, to touch his warm body for the first time, to realize that he was finally out in the world, and then to wonder what was going to happen next!
We recovered in the hospital until Thursday evening. I felt somewhat panicked, wondering how we were going to take care of this new person all on our own. But we made it through the night and things have been working out ever since! I won't lie, the first week was rough. Only getting 2 hours of sleep at a time is very taxing! Thankfully this last week has been better, I think we are getting into some kind of a pattern, not sure what kind of pattern it is but I feel more refreshed after my few hours of sleep. :) I'm looking forward to this third week and whatever small relief it might bring.
Our biggest problem so far has been breastfeeding. It's the hardest thing I have ever done. Little John is actually really good at it, he latches on like a pro, but oh the pain! Everything I read said that breastfeeding shouldn't be painful if it is done correctly. Imagine my surprise when I found I was doing everything right and yet I experience a toe curling pain every time! Things are better now, it's only really painful in the beginning and it actually helps me know that we are still doing it right! I won't tell you all my breastfeeding woes, but I will say that this kid better grow up to be a genius!
Through it all big John has been the best husband and daddy! He is my greatest support and I don't know how I would do this without him! He doesn't flinch at diapers, he encourages me when I just want to give up, does all the laundry, makes sure I have everything I need, forces me to rest and take naps, and much much more! Hmm, that sounds a little like a commercial but he's not for sale! He's wonderful and I love him! Learning to be parents has been and is such a sweet feeling, and we feel so very blessed to have little John in our lives!