She often smiles at me and her eyes are full of love following a diaper change or feeding, and I imagine her thinking, "thank you mama. You know what I need." It means the world when she is starting to get fussy in another's arms and then she pauses when she hears my voice. (I suppose I am the one with the milk, ha!) My dad says that she definitely has eyes for me.
We have had some ups and downs these past few weeks, if I'm being honest, but they were relatively minor and all better now! One hiccup was the thrush (oral fungus) that little Natalie had on the sides of her mouth and tongue. It was a mild case, but it did require going to the doctor to get some meds for us both. The night that I noticed it was her fussiest yet. It was also David's return to ice hockey, so I was alone with a restless, unhappy baby and a rebellious 4 year old that refused to go to bed all. night. long. Funny timing on that one, God. I was quickly reminded just how good all of the other nights really had been. The following week, I went to the ER at midnight with incredible boob pain and shivering. It was sudden and odd. I was hit with mastitis, which basically means swelling of the breast tissue and an issue with clogged milk ducts. My guess is that it was due to my oversupply of milk and not fully clearing the ducts each feeding, or not changing her feeding positions enough to clear all ducts. The verdict is still out, but I do know that I felt 90% better within an hour of starting those antibiotics that night. Both the thrush and mastitis definitely gave me my doubts about continuing to nurse. It really, really sucked for a few days.
Once our little issues resolved, I started kickin' with gas and haven't slowed down yet. I feel like I am getting this mommy of two thing down without feeling any of the guilt that I worried about having with time split between both. There's a happy balance with more than enough love to go around. Weeks 5-6 really brought about a newfound energy, and I have started feeling fully like myself again. I still am very surprised at the difference in the timeline for healing and pain with baby 1 vs. 2. Sooo much slower this time! I can now finally get out of bed normally without having to roll on my side first. I'm napping less now too and making a point to stay more active and get out of the house every few days. While we still aren't really supposed to take her out much until Week 8 when she's vaccinated (plus it's been 95+ degrees every day), we have gone out for simple things like Nico's tball games, early dinners at places with minimal crowds, and a few errands.
Another new thing is that she is starting to be awake for longer periods during the day! It's not unusual for her to be awake for a few hours at a time even. Her "schedule" is basically a day full of sleeping and eating with no particular attention paid to the clock for now. It's all baby led based on what she's needing, and it's working for us all. The only consistency is that she is still happily awake for those late night party hours with daddy from 9 to 11! He calls her his chunky monkey and sweets.
I really don't mind getting up throughout the night. Sure, there have been a few times when I'm exhausted and wishing I could sleep instead, but that's when I remember how quickly this season passes. I can't help but also reflect on how many times I wanted to be that mom getting up in the middle of the night, back when we were struggling with getting pregnant. And how many moms feel that way today. Those thoughts keep my perspective real. How can you complain anyways at the chance to spend a little more time with this face?
She's still a big eater and has continued to pack on the pounds! She tries to eat her hand and lets out a cute, little whimper when she is hungry. You've got about 2 minutes to feed her or she gets pretty ticked! With that growing belly, she has stretched out some night time intervals from 3 hours to 4 hours.
She weighed in right at 10 lbs at her monthly checkup, putting her in the 85 %tile. Her height was 21.5 in the 86 %tile. Her head is still nice and big apparently in the 100 %tile! She's growing out of her newborn diapers and clothes already and is onto the next size up already. Please stop growing so fast!
She continues to looove her swing and spends a lot of time in it during the day (when I'm not hogging her.) It is fun to notice her alertness and vision improve as she stares at objects more intently now. She tracks the animals and lights on the mobile and is quick to turn her head in response to our voice or simply walking by her. She loves to stare at ceiling fans and the decor above our bed the most. She's pretty active and spends plenty of time kicking her legs. Her strength is improving, and she's so close to being able to hold her head upright without looking like a bobble head while we hold her in a sitting position.
Content is the word I continue to describe her with to others. Besides what I mentioned above for when she's hungry, she only really gets fussy if she needs a diaper change or needs to burp. Since her idea of needing a diaper change is sometimes the littlest amount of pee, David wonders if she is demanding and impatient like her mother?! On the few fussy occasions, she settles down pretty quickly if she's walked around or just laid down flat to stretch out.
Our first dinner out as a family of 4 - Mexican food at El Rey!
Cindy came to visit during Week 4, right in the midst of some of our more tiring days. She claimed that we looked worn out over Facetime and could use some relief! If this picture doesn't show real life, I don't know what does. Here's Nico talking back to David, and Cindy telling Nico to knock it off. Ha!
We took advantage of our temporary babysitter, and instead of napping, we went on our first date since Natalie's arrival. Drinks on the lake at Abel's was calling our name.
If we're being honest, Nico has been wearing us out at times. I hate to seem like I'm dissing my cute little boy on here, but he has been getting such an attitude, calling us names, and not really listening well. Gotta love him, but he has been a little challenge! Although... when it comes to his sister, he is the sweetest, loving boy ALL of the time. I still am amazed at his genuine interest in holding her often, giving her kisses, and wanting to include her. He's gentle and concerned. I thought the newborn phase would bore him by now. He sure loves her.
And here are a few more of my favorites...
I love the way she lays on me in a perfect little way with her head up against mine and her legs pulled up. Sometimes I sense that all she wants is to be held by her mama. I simply can't get enough of holding her these days, and there are many afternoons that I spend doing just that.
My heart is so full. She is just the best.
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