Leia started off her newborn life as a great sleeper. The first night in the hospital, my amazing night nurse helped me work a solution that allowed us to get hours of perfect sleep. She swaddled her and put her in the crook of my arm and there we slept for hours. We repeated this same process until we were discharged. We repeated a similar process at home until her two week visit when her pediatrician expressed concern about her weight gain. I had to start waking her up every three hours for feedings. Yes, wake a sleep baby! Who does that? So slowly our nighttime sleep eroded and we had nighttime feedings.
After returning to work, I felt blessed that she only would get once or twice during the night which was fine. I am not exactly sure how long that last before a third feeding crept in occasionally right and then sometimes another... So the months crept on and my fear of messing with my milk supply led me to continue to get up and nurse at each whimper until this week. I started to realize I beat! And being exhausted was no better for my milk supply. After a few pep talks from a friend (also a co-co-worker) and a gal who rode home with me that Tuesday evening, I knew it was time. I didn't need to set a date or read a book, just do it!
We went through our normal bedtime routine, (thankfully she goes to sleep fine on her own), until about 10:15 when she woke up. I went in, gave her her pacifier, covered her up, patted her bum and walked out to a fussing baby. I laid in bed for a minute and Daddy offered to rock her. I sleepily agreed and he went into her room. A few seconds later, he come back saying tonight was the night to let her fuss a little and we closed our door. I have no idea how long she cried, we feel asleep! The next thing I knew it was 2:27am and I woke up a little disoriented. I crept out of my room, peeked to make sure she was still in her crib (crazy, huh?), went down to pump, and then checked on her. She was spread out like a starfish, paci in her mouth, and sleeping like a rock. I covered her up and she returned to sleep until 4am. And guess what? The next next nights she didn't even bother! So all my worry and fretting was for nothing, this girl is amazing. She told me, "Hey mama, I got this..stop bugging me while I am trying to get back to sleep. " And now we are both happier, though I am still getting up to pump in the middle of the night for the time being which is fine with me. Once is way better than 3-4 times per night.
Sleep training for babies...for me it was her teaching me!
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Could that be Spring?
I am checking back in after a few crazy weeks of life. It is a gorgeous day here in VA and it looks like the upcoming week is going to be awesome! There is just something about nice weather that makes everything seem better. So here is what has been going on the past few weeks.
-We have visited urgent care 3 times, 2 times per kid. One group visit . E had an ear infection and then most recently was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. Two doses of IV antibiotics and he is back to his superhero self. L has managed to limit herself to a cold for now and we think she is teething.
-Leia is officially crawling, pulling up, and generally moving at a rapid pace. She is making the switch from purees to more solids foods with great voracity. She is still nursing like a champ and wants to eat anything she can get her hands on. Watching her "chew" with no teeth is really cute. She is not sleeping well at night which stinks but Mama is going to work on that soon enough.
-Emory is doing great in spite of his sicknesses. He is excelling in school. He has mastered lots of Spanish words such as body parts, colors, and numbers. He is eating regular dinners with us on a frequent basis. He is taking swim classes and swimming like a fish.
-We made two big purchases at the end of last month...a HARLEY and a playset for the littles. Yes, a Harley. I think I might be more excited than Daddy. It is a 2008 Nightrod. And the best part is we paid CASH. No debt makes it even more awesome. The playset was also paid for in cash. We are trying to decide where to put in the yard and what work will need to be done to get the spot ready. Grandad and Uncle Mike are standing by to help put it together.
-Spend free month went well though I did cave a few times however, I ate out WAY less and made only two trips to Target (one big trip and one for Easter). We stayed pretty close to our grocery budget as well. And another HUGE thing...we paid off two, yes two, credit cards! I am so excited to have that debt gone. We just have one more to go!
-I did not finish any organizing or cleaning projects but oh well! My kids are happy and fed. The cleaning will wait to my furlough days which start in late May, early June.
So life around these parts has been busy. In fact, I am going to scoot now so I can get these buggers dressed and get OUTSIDE!
Happy Spring!
-We have visited urgent care 3 times, 2 times per kid. One group visit . E had an ear infection and then most recently was diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. Two doses of IV antibiotics and he is back to his superhero self. L has managed to limit herself to a cold for now and we think she is teething.
-Leia is officially crawling, pulling up, and generally moving at a rapid pace. She is making the switch from purees to more solids foods with great voracity. She is still nursing like a champ and wants to eat anything she can get her hands on. Watching her "chew" with no teeth is really cute. She is not sleeping well at night which stinks but Mama is going to work on that soon enough.
-Emory is doing great in spite of his sicknesses. He is excelling in school. He has mastered lots of Spanish words such as body parts, colors, and numbers. He is eating regular dinners with us on a frequent basis. He is taking swim classes and swimming like a fish.
-We made two big purchases at the end of last month...a HARLEY and a playset for the littles. Yes, a Harley. I think I might be more excited than Daddy. It is a 2008 Nightrod. And the best part is we paid CASH. No debt makes it even more awesome. The playset was also paid for in cash. We are trying to decide where to put in the yard and what work will need to be done to get the spot ready. Grandad and Uncle Mike are standing by to help put it together.
-Spend free month went well though I did cave a few times however, I ate out WAY less and made only two trips to Target (one big trip and one for Easter). We stayed pretty close to our grocery budget as well. And another HUGE thing...we paid off two, yes two, credit cards! I am so excited to have that debt gone. We just have one more to go!
-I did not finish any organizing or cleaning projects but oh well! My kids are happy and fed. The cleaning will wait to my furlough days which start in late May, early June.
So life around these parts has been busy. In fact, I am going to scoot now so I can get these buggers dressed and get OUTSIDE!
Happy Spring!
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Spend Free Month
At the beginning of March, I decided to enact a "spend free month" in order to cut down on my expenses and to prep for my pending furlough ( I will address this in a differnt post). I have done pretty well so far but I did "slip up" this week. It started with a work farewell event which was totally acceptable under tmy terms but it lead to...Wendy's on Thursday, a big salad on Friday, and a few new pairs of underwear at Target yesterday. While none of these things are outrageous, it showed me a what a slippery slope it can be to start to let go. This "letting go" carried over at home when I avoided hitting Traer Joe's this week and let my meal planning slip. We ate out a total of three times since Monday compiled with my "slip ups" and NK's daily eating budget...I don't want to think about how much we wasted this week! So what happens next? I am salivating to buy some organizational items, order a few things from Etsy, and to spend time with my best friend...AMAZON! However, I am going back to spend free. I had allocated $50 to spend on random things for myself in general so I am going to stick with that number and spend nothing else unless I find a way to earn money. Even if it means I have to wait to have Pho...man this is tough! So here is the plan for the week:
1) Make a meal plan
2) Go to Trader Joes and the grocery store
3) Pack lunch and snacks the night before
4) Use the Crock Pot at least once
5) Pick one room and organize/clean it top to bottom.
1) Make a meal plan
2) Go to Trader Joes and the grocery store
3) Pack lunch and snacks the night before
4) Use the Crock Pot at least once
5) Pick one room and organize/clean it top to bottom.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Please Iet me not forget
You know how sometimes the most special memory can slowly fade away after time? I don't want that to happen to me so I am am writing it down so I can remember it always. Today is a "snow day" for us. Snow days are always special for us but even more now that we don't have as much time all together as a family. Please let me not forget...
-Nick calling me yesterday afternoon to see what I was planning for dinner since it was supposed to snow.
-Him prepping for the coming storm by gathering wood right as he came home from work.
-The "snow dance" Em made up and had Daddy join. It was a slow swinging hip dance while singing "Snnoooww"
-Hanging with Nick while we waited for the storm to start, hearing the excitement in his voice when it started.
-Sleeping by the blazing fire.
-Snuggling in bed just the two of us as the snow continued to fall.
-The excitement as Nick realized there was enough snow to warrant a "snow day"
-Snuggling with baby Leia as we waited for Emory to wake up, unable to go back to sleep ourselves
-Hearing E's entire mood change from crabby wake up boy to excited lovable boy once he saw the tons of snow
-Calling Grammy to wake her up and talk about the snow.
-Breakfast together, the four of us
Snow days are an awesome opportunity to slow down and enjoy your family if you are blessed enough to be able to stay home. It's like God giving you a chance to not "have to" do anything.
Thank you for the day...
-Nick calling me yesterday afternoon to see what I was planning for dinner since it was supposed to snow.
-Him prepping for the coming storm by gathering wood right as he came home from work.
-The "snow dance" Em made up and had Daddy join. It was a slow swinging hip dance while singing "Snnoooww"
-Hanging with Nick while we waited for the storm to start, hearing the excitement in his voice when it started.
-Sleeping by the blazing fire.
-Snuggling in bed just the two of us as the snow continued to fall.
-The excitement as Nick realized there was enough snow to warrant a "snow day"
-Snuggling with baby Leia as we waited for Emory to wake up, unable to go back to sleep ourselves
-Hearing E's entire mood change from crabby wake up boy to excited lovable boy once he saw the tons of snow
-Calling Grammy to wake her up and talk about the snow.
-Breakfast together, the four of us
Snow days are an awesome opportunity to slow down and enjoy your family if you are blessed enough to be able to stay home. It's like God giving you a chance to not "have to" do anything.
Thank you for the day...
Sunday, February 10, 2013
A positive week
I am really proud of the progress I have made in just a week on my goal of homemaking! I finished up our grocery shopping on Sunday and made a meal plan for 10 days. I also kept the house a little more clean, did a little organizing and putting things away. I made baby food for L and even brewed up some homemade fabric softener! We used mostly cloth diapers on evenings and weekends. I even tried a new recipe that NK loved.
In addition to working on the things in our home, I have started getting up earlier and with a better attitude. Baby girl tends to wake up close to her normal school day schedule on my days off and I have committed to getting up and enjoying our time time together. Usually, I am able to nurse her (if we haven't already) and let her play while I get in my morning cup of coffee. I read my morning scripture, complete my devotional, and also scour my favorite blogs for inspiration on topics that interest me. A little while later, E gets up and eases into the day. He eats breakfast and chooses how he would like to spend the morning. My husband, a chronic night owl, is the usually last to get up. Rather than being resentful, I have chosen to accept this and work with him on a plan that suits us. For example, on Saturday I was early and hosted a play date for this kids. He slept in late but did the dreaded trip to Costco. He stays up late and listens for L. When she wakes up, he attempts to soothe her first before bringing her to me for her feeding. Win for all! After 14 years, I am finding it is much easier to accept my husband and to stop trying to change him in favor of working towards a rhythm of mutual happiness. I am discovering my sense of peace is contagious in our home. Everyone is benefiting and I feel so much better.
So as the weekend ends and I start a new week, I plan to continue my progress and build on it. My short term goals for the week are to get out of the house on time (no later than 6:20 AM), exercise 4 times (2x at work, 2x at home), pick out cloths for the week (E, L, and myself) and to file all those papers staring at me from my filing cabinet!
In addition to working on the things in our home, I have started getting up earlier and with a better attitude. Baby girl tends to wake up close to her normal school day schedule on my days off and I have committed to getting up and enjoying our time time together. Usually, I am able to nurse her (if we haven't already) and let her play while I get in my morning cup of coffee. I read my morning scripture, complete my devotional, and also scour my favorite blogs for inspiration on topics that interest me. A little while later, E gets up and eases into the day. He eats breakfast and chooses how he would like to spend the morning. My husband, a chronic night owl, is the usually last to get up. Rather than being resentful, I have chosen to accept this and work with him on a plan that suits us. For example, on Saturday I was early and hosted a play date for this kids. He slept in late but did the dreaded trip to Costco. He stays up late and listens for L. When she wakes up, he attempts to soothe her first before bringing her to me for her feeding. Win for all! After 14 years, I am finding it is much easier to accept my husband and to stop trying to change him in favor of working towards a rhythm of mutual happiness. I am discovering my sense of peace is contagious in our home. Everyone is benefiting and I feel so much better.
So as the weekend ends and I start a new week, I plan to continue my progress and build on it. My short term goals for the week are to get out of the house on time (no later than 6:20 AM), exercise 4 times (2x at work, 2x at home), pick out cloths for the week (E, L, and myself) and to file all those papers staring at me from my filing cabinet!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Perspective Changes Everything
The balancing act between home and work can be extremely challenging for mother and I am no exception. The past few months since I returned to work have been all about allowing our family and myself to get adjusted. Now that the children have settled into their routine and the parents are into their groove, I want to begin focusing on our home. So this has emerged as another one of my goals for 2013. My goal is certainly not to start remodeling or spending lots of money decorating but something much more basic. I would like to develop a little better routine for cleaning, start meal planning/cooking more often, and making my home even more comfortable to the people who live here. Chaos and clutter make me anxious which then leads to a less than positive attitude towards my family. Luckily, my husband is more than happy to chip in and help. I have a good idea of the things that he has adapted as his chores so I just need to plan the rest accordingly. And to be completely honest, I am excited! I have always felt a calling to keep a nice home from almost the first day we were married. Our first home was a small trailer in North Carolina. It wasn't much to look at it but I did my best to keep it clean and looking nice each day. It brought me joy to have my bed made, floors vacuumed, and a meal ready to make (even if it was just hot dogs, baked beans, and Kool Aid). I have tried to carry that on into each place we have lived throughout our marriage but it has been more challenging here because we moved in right before having Emory. Our primary concern was getting the house to be livable before his arrival so there was little time for well thought out organizing. So now two babies later, I am getting to it! As I go down this path of "homemaking" I am starting to see things a little differently. The mountain of laundry isn't quite to awful, the idea of scrubbing the bathroom doesn't make me want to run...you get the idea. As I was washing dishes last night a few thoughts came into my mind.
Washing bottles (and all their parts) isn't so bad. Think about the woman who isn't able to have children.
Cleaning the house is really a blessing. Think about the family who is homeless.
Planning meals, cooking and grocery shopping shouldn't be a dreaded task. Think about the person who can't afford food.
So for me it is all about a little perspective.
Washing bottles (and all their parts) isn't so bad. Think about the woman who isn't able to have children.
Cleaning the house is really a blessing. Think about the family who is homeless.
Planning meals, cooking and grocery shopping shouldn't be a dreaded task. Think about the person who can't afford food.
So for me it is all about a little perspective.
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Half a Year!
Despite my slight mental break down ;o), she is still nursing like a champ! She is up about twice per night and most nights I really enjoy that time together, no E, no Daddy, just mama and baby together. She is rolls over, she scoots backward (stop that), and has incredible hand-eye coordination. She lights up when she sees me and gives me big smiles however we both know I am not really here favorite. She loves her Daddy, like loves, loves her Daddy. If he enters the room, she is all grins. If she hears his voice but can't see him she starts tracking until she finds him. When he is holding her she nuzzles her face on his chest. Yes, my friends I have the makings of a Daddy's Girl and I am cool with that. She also loves her big brother. She is fascinated by him and thinks his is so funny. And oh my, how I love the clothes the tiny, adorable girl clothes. Leia is my little doll baby. One days she is in a smocked dress, the next in leopard print. And normally no matter what she has on, she is wearing a headband.
Six Months Stats
Weight 13 lbs, 9 oz
Height 24 inches
Food- Still using breastmilk as her primary source of food but she has started solids, so far so good. She hasn't tried a food yet that she doesn't like.
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