Seriously. Time...what the heck. This might go down in the books as one of the fastest flying months yet. Can't believe the little rascal has been alive for a full 30 days now! There was one point today I took note of our little family through all the crazy playing we did and felt so blessed and overwhelmed with how fun this stage of life is.
So (mainly for my record books), he's what the little 30-day-older is up to:
* still nursing like a champ! eating about every 2-4 hours
* sleeps, on average, about 4 hours straight through the night
* to aid in this luxury, I feed him more often in the evening hours to get his little belly nice and full
* he takes great naps that can be from 1-3 hours at a time (Lincoln never napped longer than 30-minute segments at this age!)
* he naps in his cradle swing or in his bassinet
* now for the scary part - WARNING - at night, he 90% of the time is sleeping in our bed. crap. where did we go wrong. Justification? I'm tired. BUUUTTTT - after his two month appointment when we get the okay that he doesn't need night feedings, it's off to the bassinet. Yes, I know some might be saying "Oh - but he won't be able to adjust by then!" Well, we have our ways and I feel pretty confident it won't be an all that bad adjustment (totally understand I might be eating my words...check back for the 3-month post).
* He's been pretty easy going and easy to sooth - but not so much a fan of the car.
* He poops like a champ. Sometimes I call him "sire-poop-a-lot" because it really is phenomenal how much he poops throughout the day! (we're talking 12-15 times a day people).
* I feel like the nursing supplements are working, but still a little nervous because Lincoln started having trouble at 6 weeks (when supply went way down)...so I'm still holding my breath for two more weeks!!
* As far as my recovery goes, everything seems okay, but i am NOT losing the weight as fast as I did with Lincoln (which I think was somewhat not the norm, but still). One week after Lincoln's birth I was 8 pounds heavier than pre-pregnancy. With Noah - one month out - I still have 15 to go.
* Thanks to the easy name, Lincoln says "Noah" all the time! It warms my heart. Perhaps the most precious thing is when we go somewhere in the car and I get Lincoln out first, he frantically says "Noah, Noah, Noah!" while pointing to Noah, as if he's reminding me not forget his brother.
* Speaking of Lincoln, the first couple of days were a little rough with extra tantrums and Klingon's, but for about a weeks now, Lincoln has been FABULOUS. He's been in the greatest moods, is helpful, and just loads of fun. I really feel like we've actually bonded more since Noah's arrival (I was scared it would be the opposite). He's increasingly shown more and more interest in Noah...will bring him his pacy when he cries, tried to give him some drink from his sippy cup, and when he wakes up from naps, the first thing he says now is "Noah??" (yes, with a question mark)...and we go find Noah together. So cute.
Today was a great celebration. We all got to take a fabulously long nap, ate a late lunch at the casino buffet, and headed to the park to play. Within 5 minutes of being at the park, Lincoln made a friend, and by the time we left, he had about 8 friends he was playing ring around the rosie with...quite the social one. One of my favorite things: family + Saturdays.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Almost a Month!
That's right. Can't believe this weekend it will have already been a whole month as a family of four! Unbelievable. Today I ventured out with the two rascals on my own...running errands around town. Now, I have gone out with them both alone before - only once - to a BHS game, but help was there and waiting when I arrived. Today - it was just us. And I'll admit, I was a little nervous of how I was going to carry both, were they going to fit in the shopping carts, what if they both started screaming at the same time (heaven forbid)...but I've had it being in the house, and, frankly, I needed more milk supply vitamins and trash bags - underrated, but we freaking needed trash bags.
So out we went to the health food store and then to Walmart (I didn't mention the fabulous places out first outing entailed when I started this post, no, did I?).
Verdict? Health Food Store - I carried them both in one arm/hand. Yes. I didn't think I could do this, but it felt quite natural, actually (probably not to the shoppers watching me). But the carrying of the toddler and infant in carrier was short-lived as (Thank goodness!) they had a tiny little cart that we snug into perfectly. Lincoln got to just stand in the open part, and all went smoothly until we had paid and were on our way out that I realized Lincoln had snatched some supplements off the shelf when I wasn't looking, I was looking for first shop-lifting attempt int he accomplishment section of his baby book, but couldn't find that one to record his big event.
And Walmart? Yeah. Not so terrifying. Lincoln sat where he always does in the front and I threw Noah's carrier in the open part. Worked like a charm - you just can't get more than trash bags and a box of Life cereal. :)
And while I'm on the update post, I'm going to add something about the rascal's sleeping habits these days. Noah still sleeps in our room. I feed him one last feeding around 11:00pm before we all go to bed, and then he usually sleeps until about 4:00am before he is hungry again. Then he sleeps till about 8:00 which is fantastic. Lincoln wakes up somewhere between 7:30-8:00 as well so this works great! And guess what, they both are on a schedule where they take a LONG (between 2-3 hours) nap - one from about 9:30-12:00 and the later from about 2:30-5:00. Did I mention they both do this AT THE SAME TIME?! I wonder how long this will last...I'm amazed it even happens this way!
During this first nap time, I bought a jogging stroller (thanks to reviews and suggestions form friends!) and when I went to check-out, found a pleasant surprise that for the next few days or so (almost missed the deal!) this stroller was 50% off!! How fabulous is that?! It will be here next week, and I can't wait to use it! I started working out again at the gym with Bethany last night, so this will fit perfectly into our new routine once the weather gets warmer.
Speaking of this schedule, it's 5:00 and I hear the darling toddler throwing things in his crib. :) Gotta run.
So out we went to the health food store and then to Walmart (I didn't mention the fabulous places out first outing entailed when I started this post, no, did I?).
Verdict? Health Food Store - I carried them both in one arm/hand. Yes. I didn't think I could do this, but it felt quite natural, actually (probably not to the shoppers watching me). But the carrying of the toddler and infant in carrier was short-lived as (Thank goodness!) they had a tiny little cart that we snug into perfectly. Lincoln got to just stand in the open part, and all went smoothly until we had paid and were on our way out that I realized Lincoln had snatched some supplements off the shelf when I wasn't looking, I was looking for first shop-lifting attempt int he accomplishment section of his baby book, but couldn't find that one to record his big event.
And Walmart? Yeah. Not so terrifying. Lincoln sat where he always does in the front and I threw Noah's carrier in the open part. Worked like a charm - you just can't get more than trash bags and a box of Life cereal. :)
And while I'm on the update post, I'm going to add something about the rascal's sleeping habits these days. Noah still sleeps in our room. I feed him one last feeding around 11:00pm before we all go to bed, and then he usually sleeps until about 4:00am before he is hungry again. Then he sleeps till about 8:00 which is fantastic. Lincoln wakes up somewhere between 7:30-8:00 as well so this works great! And guess what, they both are on a schedule where they take a LONG (between 2-3 hours) nap - one from about 9:30-12:00 and the later from about 2:30-5:00. Did I mention they both do this AT THE SAME TIME?! I wonder how long this will last...I'm amazed it even happens this way!
During this first nap time, I bought a jogging stroller (thanks to reviews and suggestions form friends!) and when I went to check-out, found a pleasant surprise that for the next few days or so (almost missed the deal!) this stroller was 50% off!! How fabulous is that?! It will be here next week, and I can't wait to use it! I started working out again at the gym with Bethany last night, so this will fit perfectly into our new routine once the weather gets warmer.
Speaking of this schedule, it's 5:00 and I hear the darling toddler throwing things in his crib. :) Gotta run.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Walmart High School
My husband is the head basketball coach at Bentonville High School and since being there, I've continually heard it referred to as Walmart High...which last night proved to be a good thing. Bentonville has been hosting the Sam's Club manager's meeting all week long, and, in good ole Walmart fashion - they always have to provide some sort of nightly entertainment. Last night the used BHS performing arts center to host Arkansas's finest - Mr. Kris Allen ("Huh? Who's Kris Allen?? Christine & Brian - he's the winner of freaking American Idol last season!).
So maybe not everyone knows this little bundle of talent, but my husband and I (who are avid AI watchers) LOVED this guy last season and truly have an appreciation for his abilities. So we were pumped when Sam's Club gave all faculty members one ticket (yes - one, which meant spouses were out of luck). The venue was so small, they couldn't afford to let them bring their spouses. But my loving husband came home yesterday with 2 ticket bracelets, told me he would watch the kids, and let Bethany and I go enjoy the fun! She's a pretty avid fan too.
It was a fantastic night...we were a little early so we quickly got grouped with the handful of screaming high school girls whose parents were faculty and gave up their ticket. It was quite humorous and reminded me of what I must look like while watching Chris Martin perform. Oh dear.
After Kris, Jim Brewer from SNL did a stand-up comedy act that was absolutely HILARIOUS which was fantastic given stand-up is usually hit or miss (in my experience in LA comedy clubs, usually a miss - Bob Saget just really isn't that funny).
And for those that don't remember Jim Brewer - he's the goat guy! :)
So maybe not everyone knows this little bundle of talent, but my husband and I (who are avid AI watchers) LOVED this guy last season and truly have an appreciation for his abilities. So we were pumped when Sam's Club gave all faculty members one ticket (yes - one, which meant spouses were out of luck). The venue was so small, they couldn't afford to let them bring their spouses. But my loving husband came home yesterday with 2 ticket bracelets, told me he would watch the kids, and let Bethany and I go enjoy the fun! She's a pretty avid fan too.
It was a fantastic night...we were a little early so we quickly got grouped with the handful of screaming high school girls whose parents were faculty and gave up their ticket. It was quite humorous and reminded me of what I must look like while watching Chris Martin perform. Oh dear.
After Kris, Jim Brewer from SNL did a stand-up comedy act that was absolutely HILARIOUS which was fantastic given stand-up is usually hit or miss (in my experience in LA comedy clubs, usually a miss - Bob Saget just really isn't that funny).
And for those that don't remember Jim Brewer - he's the goat guy! :)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
The Moon
Tonight we went to my parent's house for dinner. We loaded up the kids (so weird I say that plural now!) and set out on our way in the Expedition. As we started driving, you couldn't help but notice the absolutely gorgeous moon that was out! Clear skies, sun 97% set, and crisp, beautiful, full moon dead center in front of us. I made a comment about how amazing it looked, followed by Jason's comment of recognition...then we hear Lincoln in the back who decided to add his own two cents on the scene:
His eyes filled with wonder, he dropped the pacy out of his mouth, unable to get the word out fast enough - "Ball! Ball! Ball!" he exclaimed pointing up toward the sky. Yes, darling...the moon is in the shape of a ball, and no - you're gonna have to skip playing with this one.
His eyes filled with wonder, he dropped the pacy out of his mouth, unable to get the word out fast enough - "Ball! Ball! Ball!" he exclaimed pointing up toward the sky. Yes, darling...the moon is in the shape of a ball, and no - you're gonna have to skip playing with this one.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Baby Art
We are blessed to have great friends with fabulous talents! Jonathan and Becky Seauve are in our home fellowship group and wanted to take some pictures of Baby Noah. Though he wasn't super cooperative with all the shots we wanted (we so should have done it when he slept through his whole first week of life!), they still managed to get some pretty cute shots. Note none are of him naked - the boy HATES being naked! I mean - despises it. Which is hilarious because I believe if Lincoln had his way, he's never put on clothes again!
Nonetheless, enjoy my two favorites! And check them out @ www.JEPhotography.net
Nonetheless, enjoy my two favorites! And check them out @ www.JEPhotography.net
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Lawless
It seems I've heard a handful of times from others with multiple children (including my mother) how your "rules" change with the second child and things you were once overly paranoid and anal about suddenly just don't seem that important.
And I have found I am no exception.
Maybe I'm making a big mistake by not sticking to the book or trying to emulate what we did previously (being that Lincoln is a fantastic sleep/eater/adjuster), and just maybe we'll pay for it dearly in the near future (I'll keep ya posted on that one with updates soon to come), but with Noah we have already found ourselves doing things I never would have allowed with Lincoln. And frankly, I'm happier, more relaxed, and he's doing just fine (so far).
For instance, I grimaced (first mistake) when I would hear of parents allowing their kids in their beds - even if briefly - thinking this would ruin all chance of parents ever having their bed to themselves again (thinking baby wouldn't be able to adjust even on into their middle school years without sleeping in their parents bed!). Second time around with us? Guilty of the unmentionable "sin". Yes. Since I breastfeed every couple of hours, my laziness has landed Noah a spot on the bed for the past two nights. It's so easy - I just reach over, feed him, and back he goes. He's already a much better sleeper than Lincoln was in that first month and as well as Lincoln adjusted to sleeping in his crib/through the night (only took 2 days), I'm not worried about the transition when it comes. And yes, I do understand this could majorly backfire and I'll be writing a post soon on how this was in fact the biggest mistake! We don't do it every night. Usually he ends up in the bed from the 3:00 feeding till the morning. It's working and we're rested.
Another thing I was overly anal about was Lincoln's feeding schedule (which is probably in the end why my milk dried up at 4 months!). I was a clock watcher and didn't budge much from "the schedule". With Noah, I use the clock as a reminder of when to feed him since he sleeps a lot, but I have already in the first two weeks flexed an insane amount of that schedule! Sometimes he eats every hour, sometimes 2, and sometimes 3...the past two nights he has slept 5 hours in between feedings which is fabulous! I do the stack feeding at night where i feed him every hour/hour and a half the last 3 before I go to bed so he'll sleep longer at night and it has worked like a charm thus far.
I do plan in a month or so to start getting into more of a set routine to help him sleep through the night, but I'm so far enjoying not being married to a schedule and the freedom it entails.
And now, after all that blabbing - some pictures. :)
Of all of my "no rules" with Noah, I did set a new rule with Lincoln - pacy stays in the crib, unless we're going in the car. He only gets it to sleep or ride. It's been working fantastic - until yesterday. Yesterday was a DAY, folks. He woke up irritable and fussy and things just didn't change much as the day progressed! So I declared it a pacy-before it was mall said and done (mainly for my sanity!). Thus is the below picture of my little love bug.
Noah got in on the indulgence himself.
One of the highlights in Lincoln's day that is greatly anticipated is daddy's homecoming from work - he runs to the window when he hear his car pull up and watches him come in while yelling and stomping his feet.
This is what happens when you try and take his pacy after you've given it to him - he gets in his best defensive stance with it.
Lincoln has so far been extremely sweet with Noah. I'm kind of shocked because he can be rough with the dogs sometimes. Last night, Noah started crying and Lincoln went over to him, gave him a kiss, and tried to sooth him - precious.
We had our first "double stroller" outing at the mall yesterday with my mom. Lincoln wasn't so sure about his new ride at first, but soon adjusted
And Noah was just wide awake while strolling through the mall - eyebrows raised, as always (the poor kid's gonna have wrinkles by age 5).
On Valentine's Day, Noah got to wear what Lincoln wore the year before - really? It was just one year ago? Geez.
And I have found I am no exception.
Maybe I'm making a big mistake by not sticking to the book or trying to emulate what we did previously (being that Lincoln is a fantastic sleep/eater/adjuster), and just maybe we'll pay for it dearly in the near future (I'll keep ya posted on that one with updates soon to come), but with Noah we have already found ourselves doing things I never would have allowed with Lincoln. And frankly, I'm happier, more relaxed, and he's doing just fine (so far).
For instance, I grimaced (first mistake) when I would hear of parents allowing their kids in their beds - even if briefly - thinking this would ruin all chance of parents ever having their bed to themselves again (thinking baby wouldn't be able to adjust even on into their middle school years without sleeping in their parents bed!). Second time around with us? Guilty of the unmentionable "sin". Yes. Since I breastfeed every couple of hours, my laziness has landed Noah a spot on the bed for the past two nights. It's so easy - I just reach over, feed him, and back he goes. He's already a much better sleeper than Lincoln was in that first month and as well as Lincoln adjusted to sleeping in his crib/through the night (only took 2 days), I'm not worried about the transition when it comes. And yes, I do understand this could majorly backfire and I'll be writing a post soon on how this was in fact the biggest mistake! We don't do it every night. Usually he ends up in the bed from the 3:00 feeding till the morning. It's working and we're rested.
Another thing I was overly anal about was Lincoln's feeding schedule (which is probably in the end why my milk dried up at 4 months!). I was a clock watcher and didn't budge much from "the schedule". With Noah, I use the clock as a reminder of when to feed him since he sleeps a lot, but I have already in the first two weeks flexed an insane amount of that schedule! Sometimes he eats every hour, sometimes 2, and sometimes 3...the past two nights he has slept 5 hours in between feedings which is fabulous! I do the stack feeding at night where i feed him every hour/hour and a half the last 3 before I go to bed so he'll sleep longer at night and it has worked like a charm thus far.
I do plan in a month or so to start getting into more of a set routine to help him sleep through the night, but I'm so far enjoying not being married to a schedule and the freedom it entails.
And now, after all that blabbing - some pictures. :)
Of all of my "no rules" with Noah, I did set a new rule with Lincoln - pacy stays in the crib, unless we're going in the car. He only gets it to sleep or ride. It's been working fantastic - until yesterday. Yesterday was a DAY, folks. He woke up irritable and fussy and things just didn't change much as the day progressed! So I declared it a pacy-before it was mall said and done (mainly for my sanity!). Thus is the below picture of my little love bug.
Noah got in on the indulgence himself.
One of the highlights in Lincoln's day that is greatly anticipated is daddy's homecoming from work - he runs to the window when he hear his car pull up and watches him come in while yelling and stomping his feet.
This is what happens when you try and take his pacy after you've given it to him - he gets in his best defensive stance with it.
Lincoln has so far been extremely sweet with Noah. I'm kind of shocked because he can be rough with the dogs sometimes. Last night, Noah started crying and Lincoln went over to him, gave him a kiss, and tried to sooth him - precious.
We had our first "double stroller" outing at the mall yesterday with my mom. Lincoln wasn't so sure about his new ride at first, but soon adjusted
And Noah was just wide awake while strolling through the mall - eyebrows raised, as always (the poor kid's gonna have wrinkles by age 5).
On Valentine's Day, Noah got to wear what Lincoln wore the year before - really? It was just one year ago? Geez.
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