First off, I have to apologize to our faithful readers (hi Mom and Dad!) for being absent. As you know, I've got my hands full with our adorable baby girl...and her lungs. She's opinionated and loud...traits that she gets from both of us, I'm sure! Today marks a week that I've been home from the hospital, so I thought I would write about some of the things that I have learned so far.
1. Breastfeeding HURTS. I think that there is plenty of information printed about how great it is for the baby and even some about how great it is for the mom, i.e. her weight loss. Proponents of breastfeedings have to emphasize these benefits, as no one would do it if the first things they heard about included words such as: engorgement, cracked, or bloody. Okay, I'm sure that was too much information for some of you, but I feel like everyone needs to be properly informed of the risks of breastfeeding. Now, that being said, I'm glad that I'm attempting it and get really upset at the prospect of not being about to do it for some reason. I'm not sure what that means, but we're soldiering on.
2. Changing diapers requires strategery. At least with our dirty little poo monster! First, open the diaper and assess the current situation. Second, arm yourself with the first of potentially many wipes and go in for the strike. Third, wipe area swiftly and quickly remove your hand from the danger zone. An aside, do not, I repeat, DO NOT lean in for a closer look. At this point, you want to put the wipe to the side (yes I know the baby's strike area is not completely clean) and position the dirty diaper such that it will catch any leakage or projectiles. Now you can go back in with a clean wipe. Please be aware that you may need to repeat steps 2-end multiple times before you have the clean diaper in place.
3. Thank God for this motorized swing-thing. Do I really need to say anything else about it?? We need to make a trip to Costco to stock up on "D" batteries.
4. Laundry. Lots of laundry. Of course it's full of cute little baby things, so that makes it a little better :) One should never underestimate the need for burpy cloths, especially if breastfeeding. It might be that I'm, or rather we're, especially messy, but we can't do it without having milk EVERWHERE! I had to use a warm washcloth and wipe her head this morning because it had dried milk in it. However, the pediatrician said that it was also good for baby acne (which results from fluctuating hormone levels after birth) so essentially it's beneficial for babies to have breastmilk facials. Yeah for us!
5. It's hard to differentiate between smiles and pre-screaming grimaces. Sometimes I look at her and think, "look at her pretty smile! I can't wait until she's old enough to smile at me." Of course this immediately precedes loud, intense screaming. I don't mean fussing, or even crying. I mean screaming reminiscent of a wild animal whose leg is caught in a trap. Perhaps a wild animal whose leg is caught in a trap who sees a bigger, starving, wild animal approaching...licking it's chops.
6. It was easier when she was inside. I know, I know...all I wanted was to have her out in the world, but now I'm not so sure. Is it too late to change my mind? Okay, let me explain. When she was in there, I could take good care of her by taking good care of myself. But now it's so scary...I'm completely responsible for this little creature who can't tell me anything that she wants or needs. When she cries I feel like there is a really offensive-sounding alarm clock lodged at the base of my spine. I walk, I rock, I bounce, but nothing makes it stop until she stops crying. Things brings us back to our undying love and devotion to the inventor of the swingy-thing.
7. The love for your baby is like no other love. Of this there is no question. It takes you over immediately and is completely overwhelming. Everything in life takes on a different perspective. It's amazing and at the same time terrifying. I'm sure all parents will understand what I mean.
8. Daytime tv is not nearly as entertaining as it was when I was in college. I've gotten so used to reading the one or two-paragraph recaps of my soaps on http://www.abc.com/ that the one-hour version seems like overkill. Soaps are not terribly efficient. I say this knowing full well that I will watch them from 1-4 pm faithfully every day until the last day of May marks my return to the "real world."
Those are all of the lessons I can think of at the moment...I'm sure there are many more that I'm forgetting. In fact, I was thinking of them so fast when I started writing that I was forgetting them as soon as I thought of a new one!
And, as an apology for my tardiness in posting...a gratuitous baby Isabella picture. Or 3. :) 
Loved the way you presented your lessons. They gave me a good laugh. Yes, there is no other love like the love for your child, and it is terrifying at the same time. The best advice I can give you is take it a day at a time (sometimes, an hour at a time)and trust your instincts.
So glad to get new pictures. We were at M'boro Republican Headquarters for election returns for City Council and City School Board. I had the opportunity to show my "Proud Grandma" book to everyone I worked with at the law firm.
When you get the time, I need a picture of the three of you for my desk at school.
You are quickly becoming the skilled mommy we all knew you would be :) The first pic of Isabella in the car seat is adorable, she's too cute! Love reading up on your new family!
I laughed, and I cried when I read this post. Now you know how your mama and daddy feel about you. You will always feel that unconditional love for Isabella. You are both doing such a good job. You are so patient and gentle. I was very proud of the two of you while I was there last week. Remember, it gets easier when you get the bugs worked out. Loved the pictures!
Les - as always your writings are very entertaining! You should write a book about the trials and tribulations of new motherhood, it would be really fun to read! You have time for that don't you???? Glad to hear you are okay and it's all being taken care of! I love the "shoe" socks on Izzy - too cute:) Hang in there and ask for help when you need it, it's hard to do sometimes, but we all love you guys and are here for you. I still have days when I'm clueless (most days actually:) Your love for her will carry you far! Take care - Becky