Vegan Baby: Weeks Six and Seven

  Week six brought my maternal grandparents, Tallulah's great-grandparents. They spoiled her with hugs, Christmas dresses, and a hi-tech baby monitor. We both enjoyed seeing them. Plus, we were able to go to few more restaurants. Now, the grandparents are not too keen on all-vegan fare--so, I had to find some places to accommodate both sides. We went to Suzy Wong's House of Yum, Battered and Fried, and Sloco. As much as I prefer a completely veg restaurant, it is nice to know that there are spots in town that we are able to eat and that your omnivorous family approves of. We can fight the go-vegan battle when we have more than thee hour sleep stretches.

  During week six, we hit a couple of milestones. We ditched the preemie stuff. That's right, she wore her last preemie diaper and we really struggled to squeeze her into the onesies. She's a real newborn now! :)

  Her seventh week was a huge milestone--it was the week she was due. I've heard from other preemie moms that the due date is super emotional and almost traumatic. We didn't experience either of those--just a sort of surreal feeling. That's the day she was expected, but we are so much more familiar with each other now. We have been incredibly lucky with her preemie experience, for which I am so thankful.

  These past couple of weeks hit on the center of my maternity leave. I can't believe it's already halfway over. I have to admit, it will be nice to be a part of civilization that gets dressed and speaks in more than coos and euphemisms for bodily functions. Although, the larger part of me is dreading leaving Tallulah. Can't I just wear her in the Moby at work? Or, can I hurry up with these novel revisions? I have been hitting the writing as hard as I can--but it is a challenge with a baby's feeding schedule. I have finally admitted to myself that I can't do it all--if there are some dishes in the sink or clumps of dog hair on the floor, the world will not collapse. I also want to utilize my remaining maternity time for writing. It will be much more challenging when I am balancing work and mommyhood.

  We are finding our routine, or trying to. Sleeping is non-existent and breastfeeding is still a trying process. I know one day we'll look back without bags under our eyes and a well-latched baby, and think We did it. It was so easy. Or something like that.

Vegan Baby: Week Five

  Tallulah had her first houseguest: her grandfather! Her grandfather (my father) came to visit from the vegan mecca, Portland. Sadly, he didn't arrive with Voodoo Doughnuts slipped into his carry-on, but he did bring some vegan recipes along for the ride--which was a pleasant surprise. You see, my dad isn't the biggest advocate for veganism--but he was willing to find a veggie recipe that he would like as well. Dad's recipes were for soups. We had time to make the carrot-ginger soup, and he left the recipe for a mushroom soup. I was able to impress him with my vegan shepherd's pie. Dad also brought doggie treats, which made him a friend for life with Gustav. Gustav was on his best behavior the entire week my dad was visiting.

 We used this trip to test out doing things with Tallulah. We took her to local tourist/rock star attraction, Third Man Records--where she had her first photo booth experience. She slept throughout the whole thing. We ate at a couple of restaurants and ran a few errands. Before my dad arrived, Tallulah and I even went to our first birthday party. All of these events would not be possible without my Moby. It enables me to not be stuck in the house, but also keep Tallulah less exposed. As she is a preemie, that is still something that has to be considered.

 The fifth week marked a huge milestone for us--Tallulah latched! We have been struggling through feedings. I am on a constant cycle of preparing bottles, pumping, and nursing with a messy nipple shield. My entire existence is measured in feedings. It gets exhausting. Her latching would at least mean I could ditch the nipple shield--and I did for about four days. Unfortunately, then she had troubles latching again. It's been inconsistent since then. I have to just tell myself that it's a sign that she is getting there. It's a struggle, though. On the breastfeeding note, how do breastfeeding moms do it while out and about. I feel like all of my clothes would make for an awkward display. I'm thinking I need to invest in a nursing cover. And I definitely don't think I could handle the nipple shield in public. It is so messy.

 Tallulah is anticipating a long weekend visit from her great-grandparents this weekend. We'll let you know how it goes!