Giving thanks for the first six weeks

Beyond birth . . . more reasons to praise God!

* I felt connected with the baby from the first day, with all those warm feelings you hope for, whereas I felt distant from Elnathan for some weeks until his precious first smile.
* Dave has four weeks of paid paternal leave – wow!
* God answered my prayers for no mastitis or thrush this time. While there were a few other breastfeeding problems, they were resolved in the second week of Mercy’s life.
* Mercy feeds more quickly. She can eat her fill in half an hour rather than an hour, something that I prayed for often.
* While feeding I have enjoyed using the little book of Scriptures and prayer points I prepared during pregnancy, and have learnt Colossians 3. Nancy Campbell's devotional book "100 Days of Blessing" has also helped me meditate on God's word.
* The nursing chair we purchased has helped me to have less back pain while feeding this time, and the pockets on the sides have been great for keeping books nearby.
* The routine I established for Elnathan has worked well, and he has mostly responded positively to his new sister.
* Mercy mainly sleeps well at night, only feeding once. 
* My recovery has seemed easier.
* Like Natey, Mercy has gained weight rapidly and is the picture of health! When I took her for the six week check, the doctor said she was the strongest and most alert six week old she had seen for years. That is music to a mummy's ears!