We have made it through the first month! It is hard to believe Addison is almost five weeks old! It has been a huge learning process but thanks to a lot of good information from some very key people, the transition has been relatively smooth. Of course some nights (and days) seem to drag on and we are completely exhausted, but when I look at her sleeping next to me or looking around the room exploring her surroundings, I feel like it is worth it and I cannot imagine my life without her.

The first few weeks of nursing were excruciating. I ended up with Thrush, which sent shooting pains through my chest every time I fed her. It took me awhile to figure out what it was, but as soon as I did (and seven days of prescription pills later) it was all better and I finally appreciate the mother-daughter bonding time. I assumed since I was infected that Addison must have been too. I heard that diluted vinegar was a good way to fight it in a baby. For those who experience it later, let me emphasize the word, DILUTED. Addison's first introduction to a flavor other than breastmilk was undiluted distilled vinegar soaked into a cotton ball (they say use a cotton SWAB, not ball). I didn't pay enough attention, and Addison was forced to pay the consequences. Addison was more than willing, that first night, to open wide and suck hard on the cotton ball I offered. It took about five seconds to really sink in and the result was gagging, choking, coughing and a lot of screaming in between. I felt like the worst mother ever! Eventually, with the addition of water and a Q-tip we got the hang of it and the reaction was a furrowed brow and smacking of the lips.

Addison’s first trip out of the house was at eight days old. We made the trek, about 3 miles, to her cousin True’s first birthday party at his grandparent’s house. Addison hated being in the car seat, but fell asleep almost as soon as we got her in the car. She now loves the car seat so much that it sits at the end of the bed and is where she sleeps every night. I don’t know why we spent the money on a crib!! Addison slept most of the time at the party and then cried the whole way home because she was hungry. When I say cry, I mean scream. Addison doesn’t know how to cry and every time she gets upset she emits an ear piercing shriek. I am to the point where I almost have to laugh at how upset she gets over the silliest things, such as a diaper change.

It took me awhile after that to be comfortable with taking her out. It is quite the process dressing her for the weather, gathering all the necessities and doing it all before she has time to dirty her diaper again. Since then she has been out for walks and “hikes” and has even made a trip across the state line to see her grandparents in North Carolina.

The trip to Raleigh was her first trip away from her Daddy. Luke had some work to take care of in Northern Virginia so my dad picked us up and drove us south. It was a much longer ride than I was used to, with two stops to feed and change diapers. I felt a little weird the first time I had to sit in the gas station parking lot and nurse Addison, especially with my dad sitting right next to me in the car. The nights in Raleigh were some of the longest we have had. One night, Addison woke up every single hour, all night long. I felt like I was in some prison being tortured! I could not even look up at my mom when she walked in at six in the morning and I was rocking and lifting Addison over my head to stop her crying or I would have had a break down. I was so relieved when Luke made it down to pick us up so I had some nighttime help. Addison was so glad to have her daddy back that she showed her appreciation by sleeping through the night, with just one feeding!

Addison made her first trip to Tir Na Nog, her Uncle Pete’s Irish pub, while we were in Raleigh. Everyone was so excited to finally meet her. After all the introductions, she enjoyed a Guinness on draught for the annual Guinness toast, and then couldn’t even walk out the door. I had to carry her! I guess that is the Irish blood in her!

Addison attended her first play date on Tuesday. I got her all dressed up in her big kid clothes, blue jeans topped off with her pink and white kicks. Even though she couldn’t do anything but lay where ever she was placed and waver her arms around, she sure did look the part! It was exciting to see all the older kids sitting by themselves and holding up heads unassisted. I am looking forward to Addison being able to hold her head up and sit on her own. I am really excited to hear her laugh the first time too! She has been smiling more and more and I think she is even smiling in response to me now, however, the smile so often turns to a grimace that I can’t be sure. She has a beautiful smile. I can see now, how a mother can never think they have an ugly child. I look at her perfectly round face and her big dark eyes and cannot imagine a more beautiful baby.