My Precious

The best thing about deciding that breast feeding and/or pumping isn't going to work for Anya and me is no longer having to watch my diet. The worst thing? Trying to figure out what combination of formula, bottles, and routine keeps Anya the most content. I think we have finally gotten to the point where the ventilated bottles and rice starch based formula about every three to four hours satisfies her and got rid of the gas that was causing those horrible all night temper tantrums. But she still gets the hiccups a lot and spits up pretty regularly in between meals in substantial quantities - as in more than a dribble. And I'm not sure what is causing it or how to fixing it. Ugh. If she continues to spit up so excessively I'll have to ask her pediatrician about it at her appointment for her 2 week check-up.

Otherwise she is a content baby. She sleeps peacefully for several hours at a time, and when she's awake she looks around wide eyed at everything around her. My favorite moments are the ones when she stares directly at me and makes happy little faces while she grasps my fingers and wiggles around. They are truly magical. You always hear people say all of these cliche things about being parents especially when their first child is involved. You always roll your eyes and think, "Yeah, right." But ever since I held Anya for the first time and looked into her big blue baby eyes I suddenly realized every single one of those things people say is true and then some. And I'm reminded of it every time she looks at me like I'm the only thing in the world that matters. And every time the only thing that will comfort her is to be held by me and be allowed to suck on my finger and grasp my hands. Being a mother is truly an amazing thing. And I am relishing in every moment with my first child because I realize now how truly precious each and every one is.