Since bringing home our new baby, I have noticed just how grown up our little girl is becoming. Sure, she didn't exactly mature overnight, but having a newborn in the house certainly puts a new perspective on things. Emma is [usually] a very good helper. Her strong personality makes it evident that she'll always be a great big sister. Some people might say that she's bossy; I agree, at times, and recognize her "strong leadership qualities ". Even more interesting is how Emma suddenly tackles projects on her own. She decided today should be a potty training day, and so, it has been a successful potty training day. Emma decided to wash her hands without me, and she managed to turn the bathroom sink's water on and off. I hear her clattering about in the bathroom right now, and I'm afraid to peek. Earlier, she snatched her bath wash, opened it and played in it. At least the mess smelled good.
Breastfeeding each of my babies has been one of the most special times in my life, and I'm sure other nursing moms agree. However, it can be stressful. Babywearing helps, as does learning to do things with one hand. Why, you ask? Well, some babies like to cluster feed or snack all day. We go with it. I spend several hours per day and night nursing. The frustration comes when I know there are other things on the agenda: dishes, laundry, a shower, writing, spending time with my firstborn, etc. Instead, I am "stuck" nursing this cute little piggy who just wants a few things, one of which is snuggling with me. It can be very difficult, but I have to let go of the frustration. Do the dishes need to be done right now? Does it matter what time I take a shower? My house is clean for now, but I won't be stressing out about its deteriorating condition as the day goes on. This time with my newborn is limited enough, and I shouldn't be worrying about the little things. We'll see how that goes ;)
Live.Laugh.Love. - Heather When you have your first child, everything in your life changes. Ok, maybe not everything, but a lot of things change fast. Your baby comes first, even before your most urgent needs. There isn't always time to shower, get dressed, apply makeup and do your hair before your morning coffee. Scratch that, there's rarely time for that. As your baby grows older, however, you regain some of those little things. Suddenly, you're just about back to normal and you have a crazy toddler on your hands.
Then, before you know it, baby number two has arrived and you're almost back to square one. Except this time, it's easier. You aren't stressing about every little thing. The hours spent holding your newborn are relished. Your toddler seems a tiny bit less crazy. Things slow down again...but the change of pace is welcomed. That's where I am at, anyway. It's not the same for everyone; each parent, child and situation is unique. Things are slower with Colt here, but I am grateful. Pregnancy had its ups and downs, and I spent much of the time impatiently waiting for the end of the third trimester. Sleep seemed nonexistent. My appetite disappeared. I was weak, tired and emotional. The moment my son was born, I felt normal again. In fact, I get more sleep now than when I was pregnant. Of course, everything can't be the way it was before. Things aren't truly "normal" yet, and we won't really be settled for quite some time. I'm not worried. This time around, I accept and welcome the changes and the time it takes to achieve the "new normal". Live. Laugh. Love. - Heather Well...
We have been busy, what can I say? We're expecting a sweet baby boy January 3rd. This pregnancy has been completely different from the first time around... Anemia is not fun. If you have anemia on a normal basis (I've been moderately/severely anemic anytime a test was done), you don't want to wait until pregnancy to treat it...You will likely be very weak, sick and feel like crap. My doc put me on iron 2-3 times per day each day, and it's made a huge difference. I generally feel pretty good and I have just enough energy to survive a day with the toddler ;) We've been working on the house and around the homestead. Caleb has done a ton of work, and he's got lots of projects lined up. This summer, we made the huge decision to work towards moving home [to Louisiana]. The house and property here is amazing. We love it. However, we miss our family. We'll always consider the place we grew up to be home. Our babies should know their family, their extended family, LSU football and all the great cuisine that exists in Louisiana. Here we are, at a point of transition once again. Honestly, by the time Caleb got out of the Navy, I was extremely burnt out on transition....it seemed never-ending. We never felt settled. Here we are, about to start our seventh year of marriage and it seems like we're just getting settled. And then...BOOM. We're going to have a baby and then we're going to move. But, you know what? We're having a son, a new baby, a brother for Emma. And we're moving home. Home sweet home. Live.Laugh.Love. - Heather - |