Our First 8 Weeks Together
It’s hard to believe our little Kendall is already 8 weeks old! Time moves differently when you’re a parent – somehow the days feel endless while the weeks fly by. As I write this, I’m watching him sleep peacefully after his evening feeding, and I can’t help but marvel at how much our lives have changed since May 10th.
People always tell you that having a baby changes everything, but until you’re living it, you can’t really understand what that means. It’s not just the sleepless nights – though we do have our 2 AM and 4:30 AM wake-up calls – it’s the complete reorganization of time, priorities, and even how you think about the simplest daily activities.
The good news? Kendall has been relatively good about his night schedule, usually only waking twice before his 6 AM start to the day.
🌅 Finding Our Rhythm
After weeks of trial and error, we’ve finally settled into a routine that works for us. I wouldn’t call it a strict schedule – babies have their own agenda, after all – but having some structure has been a lifesaver for my sanity and Kendall’s development.
Our days start early at 6:00 AM with Kendall’s first feeding. There’s something magical about those early morning moments when the world is quiet and it’s just the two of us. After his bottle, we do a quick diaper change (which has become an opportunity for some gentle leg exercises – who knew baby care could be so multifaceted?), and then we step outside for our morning walk.
That sunlight isn’t just nice for photos – it’s actually important for his developing circadian rhythm and helps with vitamin D synthesis. Plus, the fresh air seems to make him more alert and happy for the activities that follow.
👶 The Art of Baby Development
One thing I didn’t expect about newborn life was how intentional every interaction could be. At 6 weeks, Kendall is becoming so much more aware of his surroundings. His eyes track movement now, he’s starting to focus on faces (especially mine – my heart!), and he’s even beginning to “talk” back when I chat with him.
We’ve incorporated simple development activities throughout our day:
👁️ Visual Play
Right after our walk, when he’s most alert, I spend time making exaggerated facial expressions at him. It sounds silly, but watching him study my face and occasionally try to mimic expressions is absolutely fascinating.
🤱 Tummy Time Adventures
I was nervous about this at first, but Kendall has turned out to be a tummy time champion! He actually seems to enjoy these sessions now. We do 3-5 minute sessions when he’s alert, and he’s gotten so strong – lifting his head confidently and even turning it from side to side to look at different toys. I love getting down on his level and watching him work those little neck muscles. His determination is already showing!
👐 Sensory Experiences
After bath time, I give him a gentle massage with baby lotion. It’s become one of my favorite parts of the day – he’s so relaxed and content, and it feels like such a bonding moment.
🍼 The Feeding Dance
Formula feeding has become second nature now, though it took some time to get the preparation down to a science. We’re using HiPP Organic formula, and Kendall takes 3oz every 2-3 hours. The key I’ve learned is consistency – same ratio every time (3 scoops to 3oz of distilled water), test the temperature religiously, and never rush the process.
Feeding times have become more than just nutrition – they’re opportunities for connection. I narrate what we’re doing, sing little songs, or just talk about our plans for the day. He watches my face intently during feeds now, and sometimes I swear he’s actually listening.
One thing that brings me so much peace is how well Kendall burps after his feedings. Getting a good burp means I can lay him down for sleep without worrying about an upset tummy or discomfort. It’s one of those small parenting wins that makes such a big difference in both our comfort levels – he sleeps better, and I sleep better knowing he’s comfortable.
💊 The Vitamin Routine
At 10:45 AM each day, we do our vitamin routine: Nutrilin, Celeen, and Baby Ddrops. It took a few tries to get the timing right, but doing it before bath time means if things get messy (they sometimes do), we can clean up right after.
Pro tip: Having everything ready beforehand makes the whole process smoother for everyone.
🌙 Evening Wind-Down
Our evenings have become sacred time. Around 7:00 PM, we start our bonding activities – peek-a-boo games (he’s just starting to show some recognition of the pattern), gentle conversation where I pause for his little coos and gurgles, and visual tracking games with colorful toys.
The pre-bedtime routine at 9:00 PM is all about calm energy. A gentle massage, some mirror time (self-recognition is developing!), and soft lullabies while we dim the lights. It signals to his little system that sleep time is coming.
💫 The Beautiful Chaos
Not every day goes according to plan. Sometimes Kendall decides he wants to cluster feed. Sometimes our carefully planned development activities are interrupted by a diaper blowout that requires a complete outfit change (for both of us). But thankfully, some things are going really well – like his excellent tummy time skills and his reliable burping after feeds, which gives me such peace of mind.
But that’s the beauty of this new life – it’s teaching me to be present, to be flexible, and to find joy in the unexpected moments. Like when he gave me his first real smile last week during one of our 2 AM feedings. Or when he fell asleep holding my finger after his bath yesterday. These moments remind me that even though it’s just the two of us now, we’re building something beautiful together.
✨ What I’m Learning
Six weeks in, here’s what I wish someone had told me:
- Babies are more resilient than you think – They don’t break if you don’t get everything perfect
- Routines are guides, not rules – Flexibility is your friend
- Document everything – The small moments are the ones you’ll want to remember
- Trust your instincts – You know your baby better than anyone
- Every baby is different – What works for others might not work for you, and that’s okay
🔮 Looking Ahead
As I watch Kendall grow and change daily, I’m excited about what’s coming next. Soon we’ll introduce more interactive play, longer tummy time sessions, and maybe even some outdoor adventures beyond our morning walks.
This blog is going to be our space to document this incredible journey – the wins, the challenges, the 3 AM philosophical thoughts that come with newborn life, and all the beautiful chaos in between.
For now, I hear him moving and making little noises beside me. This parenting gig never stops, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Until next time,
Living life one beautiful moment at a time
💕 Follow our journey and share your own parenting wins and challenges in the comments below. 💕
The Diaries of Kimberly 
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