Nothing like becoming a mom to make you appreciate yours.

How is my baby two and a half weeks old now? I honestly do not know how I would have gotten through this time with Rob and Mom's monumental help. Recovering from delivery has not been a picnic, and I am convinced it is the universe's joke that we have to be in so much pain as we deal with the steep learning curve of taking care of a high-maintenance newborn (Sorry George! But it's true. Man, you sure know how to dirty a diaper right after we just changed it ten minutes ago). Add to that the fact that breastfeeding is not going well (four lactation consultations, one oral motor specialist, low milk supply, herbs and prescription medications, pumping, supplementing with bottles, people who go "Just switch to formula!" OH MY LORD this kid better be getting all those immunity benefits) and I am one tired new mama.

Which makes me appreciate my own mom that much more. Rob went back to work Monday and his thoughts of going back part-time the first few days did not pan out, so I am exceedingly grateful my mom was able to be with me during the day most of this week. She has enough on her own plate with her crazy busy job and looking after my dad, but she made the time to help me out this week. My mom held George when I needed rest, gave him the bottles that made me want to break down into tears, ran errands for us, prepared wonderful food, and helped keep the laundry and other household messes from exploding. Even more than that, she has been my cheerleader and assured me I am doing my best at the times when I needed to hear it the most. Who else but a mother, right?

So thank you, Mom. At a time when I am figuring out what kind of mother I want to be, I hope I can be as supportive of George as you have been to me my whole life.