Life With The Pate's: Surviving the First Month

I'm not really sure how we did it, but we did it. We've survived the first month with a newborn and a 2.5 year old and it feels like it has been a circus of a month.

I'm not going to say Zoey is a difficult baby, but she isn't the easiest. She is a snuggler and lover. She loves to be warm and cozy and close to you. There have been some long hard days as we ~~work~~ struggle for her to be happy by herself or fall asleep by herself. It seems her happiest place is in our arms. As each day passes and she continues to grow she is doing better and becoming a bit, just a bit easier. She is also a very gassy baby. I have been on a very strict and dairy free diet and it has helped, but she is still dealing with gas. Gas drops and gripe water have become our best friend.

She is a great eater and eats every 3 hours during the day and there have been several nights where she will go 5-6 hours between feedings. Then we have some nights where she only goes 4 or even just 3, the girl just likes to eat. :)

Let's be honest some days I feel like I'm drowning and am the only one struggling, but with Kyle back to work full time it can get a bit stressful dealing with a very active 2.5 yr old who wants you to play outside with him or go ride bikes and then having a newborn that just wants you to love her and hold her and the hubs doesn't get home till 6 or even 7. I guess I'm just struggling to find balance. It has been a very long month and every day has brought new challenges, but we are surviving.

Zeke is over the moon for his baby sister, but he tends to help in an unhelpful way. :) However, I love that he always wants to kiss her and hug her and talk to her. His favorite thing to do is tell me when she is crying, he will tell me "baby sister is crying, you need to get her." He has yet to really show any jealousy, but he is a little possessive about his school. The first time Zoey and I took him to school he told me "she is not going in my school, she has to stay in the car." I laughed and said nice try buddy, but she has to go in and Mrs. Cathy wants to say hi. As soon as we all got inside he looked at me and very sternly said "take her back to the car." We just all laughed! He is mess, but a great big brother!

Now for some cute pictures!

Zoey Corlis Pate
One Month
8 lbs 4 oz
20 inches

Loves to:
Be outside
Take a Bath
Be held
Be warm and cuddly
Eat
Make dirty diapers

Hates to:
Be cold
Be by herself