Kieran Riley

It's hard to believe that I gave birth to my son Kieran Riley two weeks ago. Although my labor wasn't easy by any means, my recovery has been 100 times easier than I thought it would be.

I was released from the hospital the morning after giving birth to Kieran, it was barely 12 hours. I'm pretty sure this isn't normal, but my body felt good and since I had no tearing the doctor was nice enough to let me leave. This was especially helpful since my son was transferred to another hospital and Sean and we wanted to go see him.

A lot has happened in these last two weeks, most of it I am unwilling to share on a public blog. Most importantly I have become a mother to the most amazing son. It is amazing how quickly you can fall in love with someone, and how amazing a person can make you feel. Kieran has done both of these things. I could stare at him and watch his face all day.

In these last two weeks I have become a milking machine. It is my new full time job. Pumping my mammoth titties every 3-4 hours. The first few days of pumping was difficult and frustrating. I would pump for 15-20 minutes and get nothing, or maybe 1-2 drops. How frustrating! The drops I was told were still salvageable and to keep them since it was colostrum (pre-milk) and it had extra nutrients. Eventually I got more and now you better watch out, if I don't milk them (pump) on time they'll start leaking out saying "please release the milk!"

Also I am almost back to my pre-pregnancy weight, less than 5 lbs away and I can fit into at least a few pairs of my pre-pregnancy jeans...wahoo!!! Once I am given permission to start exercising again I need to work on toning up my abs, but I am currently happy with the way I look. Not sure about my ginormous breasts, I'm still trying to get used to them, it'll be interesting to see how running goes when I try to run with these milk jugs I have attached to my chest. I may need to wear three bras to hold them down.

(Photo taken 10 days Postpartum)

Kieran is now taking my milk from a bottle, breast and feeding tube. The amount he is given is less than my body is producing so I literally have a freezer full of breast milk. Anyone thirsty? Eventually it'll even out, he'll start drinking more and my stash will start running out. Either that or I will have enough milk to keep him full until he's ready to move out of the house.

He is still at the hospital in the NICU, but he is improving everyday and we're hopeful that he'll be home in 2-3 weeks. Currently he just needs to be able to catch on to the whole oral feeding. He's done awesome the last few days, so hopefully this is a trend that continues. We can't wait to get him home so that we can share him with our friends and family.

Oh and if one more person asks me if he's home or when he's coming home they may just get their head bitten off, so if you're reading this don't ask me. If we knew we would share this information, but we don't know and every time someone asks it just reminds me that he isn't home.

And because everyone likes photos here are photos capturing his first few weeks of life.

Thursday 9/9/2010

Proud mother anxiously waiting to hold her son for the first time!

It was an emotional moment

I love him already

Are you my mother?

Kisses for Kieran

First family photo

Daddy gets a turn

Friday 9/10/2010

Saturday 9/10/2010

Hello sweet baby boy!

Sunday 9/12/2010

He loves peaking out of one eye

Daddy gives Kieran some love

Hey guys!

So peaceful

Monday 9/13/2010

First time breastfeeding

Tuesday 9/14/2010

First time bottle feeding

So comfy in my blanket

Wednesday 9/15/2010

First day wearing clothes, such a big boy!

Newborn clothes are just a little big

This kid loves to be swaddled!

Thursday 9/16/2010

Daddy visits and tries to give Kieran his bottle

Naked baby!

Friday 9/17/2010

Saturday 9/18/2010

Daddy's back to hold his boy!

Nap time!

Sean's first time giving Kieran a bath

I hate bath time Dad!

I really, really hate it!

Ok, it's not so bad

Clean, dry and in warm clothes, I'm a happy baby

Finally a good family photo

Hi Daddy!

Nothing cuter than a sleeping baby

Sunday 9/19/2010

Kieran is ready for the Giant's game thanks to his cousin Eileen

He loves looking at his Daddy

Monday 9/20/2010

Morning buddy! You look so cute in your dinosaur PJs

Tuesday 9/21/2010

Passed out!