Pumping

First of all, there is just sooooo much to learn!  It seems like every day I could get out something else that I need to figure out.  Or as soon as I think I have things with Rudy figured out, he's already older and now things are different and there is more to learn, read, etc.  

I started pumping about a week ago.  In order to try and increase my supply, I pump after 2-3 feedings each day.  I have been able to get about 2.5 - 4.5 ounces each day (enough for approximately 1 bottle).  Its been going pretty well.  The whole pumping thing is just bizarre.  Talk about feeling like a milk cow hooked up to a machine!  The feeling, noises...just weird.  And its a pain having to clean all the parts every time.  I spend probably 10-15 minutes pumping and 10 minutes cleaning after each of the feedings.  Like everything else so far, I am sure it will get easier.  The point of pumping so soon is to start giving Rudy 1 bottle a day for the next couple weeks and depending on how that goes, about 3-4 times a week until I go back to work.  I am not supposed to be the one to give him the bottle, though.  There is a concern for "nipple confusion," Rudy deciding he would rather have the bottle and not return back to me to nurse, or being selective of who he will take a bottle from.  Over the next couple weeks, LeeAnn or my mom is going to come over to feed him on the days John works.  This will get both of them used to feeding him, Rudy used to taking it from them, and me peace of mind that I can show them how to do it, where everything is, and be around in case Rudy has trouble.  Eventually I am going to have to leave Rudy...I don't even like thinking about it!...but I am trying to be prepared enough for it so I don't freak out when that time comes.  Anyway, John gave him his first bottle today.  They both did great!

At first we gave him 3 ounces.  He sucked that down so we gave him 2 more.  He seemed content after that so we are going to try for 3-5 ounces each feeding...more on days when he goes longer between feedings, less on days when he is close to the 3 hour schedule.  Of course last night he ate every 3 hours and wasn't quick to go back to sleep, but then slept all morning and went 5 hours between.  At least John had gotten home and I was able to take a nap.

Speaking of John getting home...he started back to his regular schedule yesterday.  I did SOO much better this time.  Of course I missed him terribly and wished he could have been home several times during the day, but I wasn't in tears (well...maybe just a couple quick tears).  

Here are some more recent pictures of Rudy...he is getting bigger every day!  He has started to make noises, beyond the grunting, and makes more facial expressions.  I can't wait for him to start smiling at us, not just smiling for reasons we will never know.  When he is awake, he seems to always be squirming around.  He wiggles so much -- kicking his legs, flinging his arms around, moving his head every which way -- can be pretty adorable!  (or annoying if you are trying to hold him -- but mostly cute)

 Rufus is getting better with him...as long as its just us.  Get any visitors around and it all changes.  Some say Rufus is protecting Rudy, others say Rufus is jealous.  I tend to side with the jealousy theory.  I'm sure it will get better...like everything else.