3 Months

I'll make a post later about NEDA week 2015, but first.....

My baby is 3 months old!!!

It feels like the time flew by but then it also feels like the right amount of time.  It's weird. 

But I have to say.... the hardest part of new mommyhood, hands down, was breastfeeding.  I cannot believe I've made it 3 months after the incredibly rocky, painful, flat-out unpleasant beginning I had with it.  The pain was horrendous.  I would walk up the stairs to feed Mara (because at the beginning I only did it in this one specific spot) and I would start crying before I even made it up the first 2 or 3 stairs.  The pain was the worst I've ever felt - worse than labor. 

At the beginning I had to use a nipple guard.  It's this little silicon shield thing that kind of looks like a teeny sombrero with holes in the top and it goes over your nipple to keep it from chafing so much.  I also used a breastfeeding pillow.

Now, however, I just haul out my boob and pop her on with no guard, no pillow, no paraphernalia at all!  I use a nursing cover when I'm out in public but other than that... nothing.  It's gotten so much easier! I didn't believe it was possible but I hung on. I almost quit a million times but I didn't and I'm so glad!

Little Mara is growing like a sunflower and learning new things every day. She is trying to sit up and roll over on her own.  She can grab things (and does... often!) and likes to play with toys.  She's doing great with tummy time.  She's a smart little girl.  She knows who her parents are and cries whenever anyone else tried to hold her.  She's my little buddy and I love her so much!!