Oh Dear

Well, it looks like either the cow is on production strike or the milk-ee is one hungry fella. For those of you that know me or read my blog a year ago, you're familiar that I had issues producing milk with Lincoln. This time around I came armed and ready with multiple natural supplements, ample water, and a fighting attitude which seems to have been sufficient...until recently. After chatting with some moms this morning at a play group, I realized that Noah's had more trouble nursing as of the past few days and doesn't seem to get full, easy feedings like he used to. So after one of his struggling ones (there's been about 4 of those today), I decided to give him a bottle. Sure enough, he sucked it down. He has now done this twice after nursing today and today has also been the day he has not been fussy hardly AT ALL and has slept phenomenally. He's truly been a happier baby today. While I've loved the smiles and coos and pure satisfaction, I HATE it might be my milk! So I start looking for the culprits: birth control maybe? needing to increase supplements (that I had decreased some)? My body just doesn't naturally produce adequate milk supplies?
Not sure.
But tomorrow I am arming myself with the supplements and water again in a valiant attempt to attack my milk making abilities! My goal was at least 6 months and we're just not there yet!

2 Month Update: Postpartum and Baby Style

Today's was Noah's 2 month well-check and...poor baby - his first round of shots from the ped clinic. I was a tee bit nervous the rascal would scream from start to finish from this appointment because, well, he's a cryer and a sucker for being held by his mother AT ALL TIMES POSSIBLE. But surprise! He did FANTASTIC and only cried when he was being weighed, getting pricked, and prodded with the stethoscope. But each of those times was instantly consolable but the warmth pf mommy's arms (not always the case).
So his stats (I just know you're dying to know)...?

Height = 23'' (50%)
Weight = 9'11 (15%)
Head = 15.5'' (15%)

I chart Noah's in blue ink on Lincoln's same chart since he was born to see the comparisons. It was SO interesting because Lincoln and Noah were dead on EXACT on the weight and height measurements at this age!!! The head, you ask? Um, no. It looks like Noah's not going to get the crazy extra large melon his brother has. :)

All in all, the appointment went great with Dr. Davis (yet another ped I LOVE)! Aunt Amy came to the appointment to help tame Lincoln (who also deserves props for his good behavior and telling the doctor "thank you" when he was complimented on his outfit - already making momma beam with pride!). Then we all went out for lunch to Flying Burrito, where kids eat free and there's a caged-in outside patio for Lincoln to roam.

Now for the mom update: This mother is a tad frustrated with the post-partum weight loss. You see, with Lincoln, I lost all of my weight plus a few extra pounds even, within a month. I know that's fast, but I'd say I was lying if I didn't expect the same this time around. But it's not the same (of course). I have hung on to about 12 extra pounds now pretty consistently for the past 6 weeks and no matter how healthy I eat (which I always have and this hasn't changed), or the fact that I exercise almost everyday (something else I've always done already) - the scale is not budging - not even one pound! I have a slight pooch for the first time in my life that makes me self conscious and still can't comfortably (or attractively) fit into my pants. And I'm refusing to buy new pants so when you see me constantly in workout pants or sweatpants - now you know why. I don't have any others that fit!
You see, I've always been under the impression that breastfeeding helps you lose weight faster. I am still breastfeeding and not losing it faster and I only breastfed 6 weeks with Lincoln and lost it all FAST. So to all of you breastfeeding moms, when did the weight start to fall off? Was it a slower process? I'd love advice/opinions on this matter! :)

Which is Worse?

Tonight's post regards the following characters:
This guy...
And his buddy, Mr. Papi...

Now that you've been introduced, sit back and enjoy this TRUE story of some events that took place in our house this evening.

The evening was eventful, including a 2-hour family workout/park play time for character #1, wal-mart trip, cleaning house (in case we show it this week), dad grilling/mom cooking dinner, laundry, and then Jason took on Lincoln's bath responsibilities tonight in the bathroom, while I set up shop to bathe Noah in the sink (BTW - I got the shorter end of the stick on this deal cause Lincoln LOVES baths and Noah screams through his!).

As I was getting Noah's tub in the sink ready (by which he was swinging nearby already screaming), Lincoln runs into the kitchen, a flash of lightening, all giggles, zipping behind me. I do a double take and instantly realize the cause of the sheer joy coming from his giggles - he's stark naked. Daddy had stripped him down and let him run like a freebird while his water was being drawn. Being naked is on Lincoln's top 10 most favorite things list.

However we all now you can't let this adventure drag because HE WILL eventually pee in the floor/tile/wall - you name it. So I notice we're approaching that critical threshold and that our darling son has been crouched in the corner of our kitchen behind the kitchen table for a good while now, and call to daddy "Babe, if he hasn't already, he's gonna pee if you don't get him soon!"

Jason, who was already on his way to get him, went to the corner to pick up naked character #1 and when he got to the corner, Jason started laughing in a way that told me he was too late.

As he was walking with the baby to the tub, he grinned at me and told me to look in the corner.

Fully preparing to see the puddle of pee I knew was inevitable, I was instead met with TWO TURDS people! MY lovely son dropped TWO TURDS in our kitchen! Oh my gosh.

I continue my bath preparations for Noah at the sink.

Dad's got this.

Dad runs back in the kitchen (mind you only about 30 seconds have passed), to clean up the turds. When he gets to the corner, he goes "Where are the turds? Did you already clean them up?"

No...I'm still at the sink.

Enter Character #2

Yes my friends, our dearest Papi took care of them.

So I ask you, which is worse...the fact that our son took a crap in our kitchen or that our chocolate lab at it????

Jason thinks most definitely the latter...verdict's still out in my opinion.

My Sweet Nana Coats

This past Wednesday night our Nana went to be with her Savior. She has suffered from major stroke effects for the past year of her life that have left her unable to care for herself and communicate effectively. I can only imagine the smile on her face as she finally found herself home...home with her loving Jesus and our Papa that I know she's mourned for many years now.
Though death is never absent of sadness, I can't help but feel and overwhelming sense of excitement for my Nana! I've found myself picturing her these past few days in Heaven...what did she think when she longer felt pain? Just how big was the smile on her face when she embraced my Papa? And how in awe she must be to be singing (something she did so beautifully) with angels and in the arms of the Most Holy...I can help but smile and long for the same someday!
The picture below is special to me because it was one of 2 times Nana got to meet Lincoln. She was in perfect health when I found out I was pregnant. I remember calling her immediately and both of us sharing in the joy and excitement. But her stroke hit her right before Lincoln was born, drastically effecting her ability to speak and take care of herself. She had to have around-the-clock care. I took Lincoln up to meet her and though she couldn't verbalize it, she was very excited to meet him! This is the only 4 generational picture I have of all of us:

We will miss you Nana, but know that you are experiencing a vast amount of joy and rejoicing our minds cannot even yet fathom!
someday...someday.

In a Food Rut

Okay moms...I feel like I'm in a food rut of what to feed my 17-month old for breakfast and lunch (he usually eats what we all eat for dinner). I can eat the same thing for both every single day for over a year before I get bored but I feel like this might not be so good for the little one. :) So I'm curious...what are some fun things you feed your toddler that they actually enjoy (ha. that's the key)?

Easter

Beautiful weather this weekend resulted in lots of playing outside, fun Easter outfits, joyful celebrations of our risen Savior, and of course - candy and some good food. I got the pleasure of getting to help lead worship Sunday morning and though Lincoln may have had his fingers in his ears (those that are FB friends with me know what I am talking about!), my prayer was that I could at least make a joyful noise unto the Lord! :) I know they don't understand the gravity of Easter now, but I am so excited to one day be able to explain to Noah and Lincoln what Jesus did for each of them...what precious moments those will be!
And of course there were pictures:

Noah was pretty pleased with his first Easter - check out that adorable grin!

After church we changed into play clothes and played with new Easter toys...this is one of Lincoln's hiding spots. Hide and Seek is definitely his current favorite game.

This was about the extent of Noah's Easter church experience...how exciting.

Playing the piano with mommy on stage after the service...Lincoln's favorite part of church is roaming the stage with all the fun instruments. I can't blame him :)

Jason's parents sent the Lincoln and Noah a huge Easter basket full of fun toys and candy...Lincoln is still currently indulging in this fun present!

He DESPERATELY wanted me to open the chocolates - how does he know it's something yummy to eat in there?! But I was the mean mommy and made him wait the next day since we opened this before bedtime. I know...I'm terrible.

Unfortunately, plans with my family for Easter did not pan out because my grandmother has recently become very sick and had to be moved to hospice care a few days ago. My mom has been staying with her and the doctors do not think she will live much longer. While it is a sad thing, she has been sick for over a year now and I can't imagine how exciting it must be for her to soon meet our Savior face to face!!!

Noah is 8 Weeks!

I always struggled with these "monthly posts" with Lincoln...Noah was born on Feb. 6th, so it's not April 6th yet, but today was exactly 2 months ago. So do I wait until the sixth of go by the fact that it was now been exactly 8 weeks? Hmmm...I'm obviously going with the latter on this one.

The major milestone met in the past week has been SMILES!!!! And oh my goodness how yummy he is when he lights up! Usually there's about a 20-minute window when he's full of smiles right after he eats. Then he gets fussy trying to move the milk through his belly and then he falls asleep.

Speaking of milk, I've kind of gotten away from feeding schedules (or at least not as neurotic with them as I was with Lincoln) and let me tell you - it is liberating!!!! Go figure...he eats when he wants to. :) This has worked for us because Noah likes to take monster naps throughout the day. Typically, he wakes up when Lincoln does, I feed him while Lincoln runs around the living room, then we all move into the kitchen together, turn on the ipod and dance while I make breakfast. Noah is wake this whole time watching how crazy we can be (though this is when he has smiled the most!), but soon crashes (usually in his swing but sometimes i put him in his bassinet) sometime during Lincoln's bathtime. Then Lincoln goes to bed and they both sleep for about 3 hours - it's pretty phenomenal actually.

At night, I usually feed him around 1, and then Jason will give him a bottle around midnight. T=He wakes up once around 3:30-4:00 to eat and then usually doesn't wake up again until 7-something. So the routine works out pretty nice, but after we get the okay from the doc in a week, we're probably going to start working to get rid of that early morning feeding (which means lots of screaming for a few nights in our house!).

Also pleased to say that Noah has resulted to the fact that we are going to work out in the jogger every day and he has finally started to not cry hardly at all (he might actually like it now!). He is also getting tons better about this in the car.

He has gone from pooping 20 times a day to only once which works for me!

He still has some tummy troubles (these never resided for Lincoln until he was 4 months), but we have become experts on helping him with this so it doesn't seem as bad as it did with Lincoln.

Lincoln is at such a fun playful age right now (we're loving it!) and everyday I watch him play and discover, I get more and more excited for the upcoming days of watching him and his baby brother do it together. How precious will that be...

BTW, I'm SUPER excited about their Easter outfits tomorrow!