TEAM WALKENHORST: 3 weeks

I can't believe Tayler has been hanging out with us the past three weeks. At the same time, it feels like it's been forever. The best way I can think to describe those first weeks with a newborn is that it feels like one day. One really long day. That starts the moment you see them, and then continues. Endlessly. With brief naps mixed in. Sometimes those naps happen to be when it's dark outside.

The second night I was in the hospital, Tayler really struggled to sleep. Dang fussy. The night nurse even seemed a bit surprised, and told me good luck before she left her shift the next morning (not sure if that's the best news you want to hear). Mentioned it to the pediatrician the next day, and who replied that it was probably a one time deal and she was just "transitioning into the world."

Let's just say her "transition" has taken longer than one night. Is she healthy? You bet. Is she eating? You bet. But she's been fussy. I still wouldn't put her in the category of colic, but would label her as fussy. Very particular about how to be swaddled, the position she wants to sleep in, where she wants to sleep, how she wants to be rocked, everything seems like it just needs to be certain way. Sometimes it reminds me of Max as a baby, but she's still her own thing with her own quirks. I think if it were all up to her, she would be held 24/7. I'm pretty sure I've convinced her that sleeping solo isn't so bad. And, for the rest of the time - thank goodness she's light and that there are handy things like baby carriers. I'm thinking she might have uncomfortable reflux or something, although she's not spitting up huge amounts. We'll see how it progresses.

Three weeks into this, and the most consecutive sleep I've had has been 2 hours. But luckily, I've started to get some of those back to back between feedings during night napping hours. And, she's figuring out a bottle here or there isn't so bad, so I'm hoping to time that right soon to snag some extra sleep while dad hangs out with her.

And here's where I start to get a bit teary eyed as I type. Mike has been a rock star dad with his help every minute he's around. And, I can't even express thanks enough to everyone that has made our family a part of their lives these last few weeks. From stopping in to pick up the older two for some much needed playtime, to pick up and drop off at the bus stop, to dropping off dinners, to just checking in -- I am amazed at how much making the choice to help a little here or there has become a huge help for us. One of my biggest fears pre-baby was that I'd be doing it all solo. I think that's a common concern when you're tackling something like this away from extended family. And, yes, there are some things that just mom can do, but I've been overwhelmed with how much support we've received for all of the other things.

I'd mentioned to one friend in particular that staying in the hospital this time would feel so different since my only visitors would be Mike and the kids. She jumped at the chance to be a visitor (the day after she'd already had my kids for a full day). It meant so much. On one of the countless times I thanked her for help she paused and said, "I know it's hard to be in your shoes and ask someone to help you. But I want you to know how much I enjoy being on this end as the one that can help."

Another friend, after dropping off my two kids that she'd had for the afternoon said, "Seeing you in this phase has brought back so many memories of when I had a newborn. I've just tried to remember what I would have liked during that time." And she's been spot on with her help!

I'm so grateful to be where we are, and welcome the chance to pay it forward during another chapter of life.

Will Tayler improve? You bet. And, I've honestly seen glimpses of it the past couple of days. Look forward to when those glimpses get a bit bigger and longer.

Mike and I celebrated our three weeks of three kids by taking Tayler on a walk. It was a snowy and windy day, so we kept it indoors around the track at the gym, while the two older kiddos got their "gym time." My own personal celebration included a shower and curling my hair. Capped off the night with some take out from our favorite Mexican restaurant. And the knowledge that I'm only a week away from getting back into some workouts.

I've tried to snap some photos of Tayler. Need to do more. Her eyes started gray and seem to be turning blue, although it's still too early to tell. Mike and I keep checking her hair for any signs of red, but it looks like she's sticking with the brown (for now).