Here are some things I wish I knew or thought I knew about taking care of a baby....
1. "I thought babies were supposed to sleep?" -Matt
Don't get too worked up about Declan not sleeping well.
He's a baby (as Matt will frequently remind you). Turns out he's just got gas pains (hello gas drops!) and reflux (hello zantac!). It won't last forever, he will sleep eventually. Just not as much as all your friends' babies, but try to remember they are also 3 weeks older than him. And in baby time, that makes big difference (they've already been alive twice as long as he has, give him time).
2. You don't need to follow every American Academy of Pediatrics rule.
You're not at work and won't be reprimanded for doing what works best for your baby. Nap in the hoppy, sure. Nap on his belly, sure. Sleep in the bouncy seat at night to help reflux, absolutely. Use burp cloth to help keep paci in mouth, yep.
3. When people ask if he's a happy baby, it's ok that he's not there just yet. Turns out he's a little bit of a 'Crank'-enstein (again due to gas and reflux).
Your friends' babies will lay quiet and content on a play mat or in a swing without being entertained. Declan will holler and demand your attention. Just take it to mean that he loves your face and likes having it nearby to adore :) And remember, he's happy just as often as he's cranky; it's just the cranky stands out more.
4. You are used to taking care of small and/or ill babies, of which Declan is neither.
He is a big, healthy baby and will act as such. Meaning, when he wants to eat every 2 hours all day long, it's because he's hungry and growing. There's nothing wrong with him. Again, this won't last forever either. Be thankful he's such a great feeder!
5. Breastfeeding sucks sometimes.
You're still his life line and are tied to him essentially 24/7. It will be uncomfortable for a few weeks but it will get better (seeing the trend yet?). Go with what feels right and what works for you. Not every baby is a textbook model.
Keep these things in mind and try not to worry about everything so much (easier said than done). It will only make you more worried and sleep deprived. And one more time, this won't last forever and you will surely miss it all, although you can hardly imagine that right now! You never thought you'd be sentimental about being pregnant until you saw the pregnant lady at the grocery store and all the good memories came flooding back (somehow all the negative things have evaporated from your brain!). Look at this picture anytime you feel discouraged and remember even though it's hard right now, he's worth all of it :)
