Kate is making typing up long posts quite difficult – not because I don’t have time, but because she is developing a strong preference for sleeping on me on the rocking recliner. I frequently nurse her ar my desk and can do plenty of web surfing, but only one-handed. I hate typing one-handed. I may have to get used to writing up posts from my blackberry (as I am now). My blackberry has been so wonderful to have while stuck here in the recliner half the day, it keeps me connected to the world.

I am starting to get the hang of things and am feeling much less intimidated by the thought of Den going back to work. Kate has settled into more of a predictable pattern plus I’m able to read her better, making it easier for me to know what to do. It’s rewarding to be the person who understands her best – I know how she likes to be held, what soothes her, when she wants what.

Unfortunately just as I’m figuring her out she has hit what I suspect is a growth spurt. She’s constantly fussy and fighting sleep, which makes it worse. She’ll finally fall asleep only to wake up 5 minutes later fussing and crying. Sometimes I think it’s gas, but last night there was definitely a period of those pathetic half-hearted cries that clearly say “I have no idea why I’m upset, but I’m really tired.” It was kind of funny, actually; she had a sad pout on her lips that was utterly pathetic. She fell asleep quickly, after I rocked and soothed her.

Breastfeeding is going well. Today I realized my nipples aren’t burning like they were, though they’re still sensitive. Kate eats well and certainly seems healthy – plenty of dirty diapers, for sure. She loves the boobie, though thankfully has been taking the pacifier when she just needs to suck (she spits it out and screams if she actually wants to eat). I never intended to give a pacifier but it works for her, it gives my poor boobs a much-needed break, and it hasn’t caused any problems with breastfeeding, so it seems to be working well for us. (We’re using the Soothie brand, in case you’re wondering. More like the boob than the other types.)

She’s continuing to get more clingy (and I don’t mean that in a bad way). The first week she would sleep anywhere, anytime. The second week she preferred to be held but loved the swing and did great in the carseat. This week even those are iffy – she wants to be held and cuddled or she just won’t sleep. Thankfully I have a ringsling and moby wrap, both of which she is really appreciating. I wore her in the moby when we went grocery shopping, she was tired and slept the whole time. I really really prefer wearing her so that if she does wake up I can easily sway and comfort her – unlike the carseat/stroller, when I have to lean over to talk to her… It doesn’t work nearly as well (and no wonder).

This is going to be a busy couple of days coming up, with some social commitments and appointments. I have no idea how it’s going to go with her fussing as she is lately. Hopefully she’ll chill out in the moby and all will be well.