Jordan Willow Thomas

Jordan,
          It was 4:30 pm on a rainy Monday evening. Your dad and I packed up the car, dropped your 4-legged brother, Chance, off at Nana and Poppy's and drove the 20 mile trip to the hospital to await your arrival; It was a VERY long wait.
The doctors worried that you  weren't gaining enough weight inside of my tummy so they induced me 2 days before your due date. Daddy and I went in Monday evening, April 7, 2014 to begin the process. You kept us anxiously waiting until 3:24 am Wednesday, April 9, 2014. You entered the world alert as can be. You opened your big blue eyes and looked up at your daddy and me as if you had known us forever. It was love at first sight for all three of us.Weighing in at 6 lbs 11 oz and 18 1/2 inches long, you were the epitome of perfection.

          I was in labor for nearly 17 hours, which was exhausting for me and you both. You were quite the sleepy little girl during your first hours of life, we couldn't even wake you to get you to eat. Your blood sugar dropped and the doctors put you in the NICU for 24 hours. It broke both mommy and daddy's heart, but being the little fighter that you are, you quickly caught up on sleep and began eating like a champ! Within 24 hours your levels were back to normal and you were able to come home with mommy and daddy on Friday, April 11, 2014.

          We've spent the last 13 days watching you grow and discover the world around you. You are such a good little girl. You sleep for 3 hours at a time, you are breastfeeding perfectly,  you love to kick and stretch out your legs, you can stare at your daddy and me for hours, and not a day has gone by since we brought you home that you haven't had visitors.
           We feel like the luckiest people in the world to have you in our lives sweet girl. You already impress us each and every day and we know you will continue to do so. We can't wait to watch you develop and grow!

Chance watching over his little sister

I could watch you sleep for hours

Daddy's girl already

So how am I doing postpartum??? I'm doing GREAT! I'm getting about 5-6 hours of broken sleep a night, but so far it's been enough to keep me going!  I had A LOT of swelling during my first few days postpartum from the pitocin used to induce labor, but I'm pleased to say I can now see my ankles and feet again :)

My final weight gain was 28 pounds and at 13 days postpartum I have lost 23 of the 28 pounds. I attribute most of that weight loss to  gaining the proper amount of weight throughout my pregnancy by maintaining a proper diet and exercise routine. Another factor that is likely playing a role in my weight loss is breastfeeding. Jordan is exclusively breastfeeding which causes my body to burn a lot of calories, up to 500 extra calories a day!
Some women complain that breastfeeding causes an increase in appetite. This has not been the case for myself, but if this happens to you, don't fret; listen to your body and eat, but opt for healthy, low-fat options.

Before Josh and I headed to the hospital we loaded up on healthy, easy to prepare foods for our first few weeks at home.I made a large batch of both chicken salad and tuna salad, stocked up on smoothie ingredients, fruit, veggies, and lean meats. My first few days at home my appetite was fairly low, but I made sure to eat at least 3 nutritious meals daily to keep up my energy level.

Everyone says "Eat when baby eats, and sleep when baby sleeps". Well let me tell you that is MUCH easier said than done, especially when your baby is eating on you for 30-45 minutes at a time! I highly recommend smoothies for days when you just can't find the time to sit down and eat.

Now as far as exercise goes, I was told by my Dr. to wait 4-6 weeks before working out, however,  he encourages walking once I feel up to it. I think this all depends on your personal delivery. Luckily I had a fairly easy delivery and required only 4 stitches. Josh and I went for a 1 mile walk at 5 days postpartum and I was a little sore around my stiches afterwords so I decided to wait another week before trying again. It is KILLING me not being in the gym daily, but I know that if I don't listen to my body now, it will affect my recovery and prolong my time away from the gym. Ask your doctor before returning to your old workout routine. I plan on starting back  slowly with some light strength yoga and walking.

Relaxing on Aunt Pril

A VERY HAPPY TUESDAY FROM

BABY JOJO!!!!