Drew - 1 month

 

Good gracious this is a weird post to write. Not only do I feel like I was just writing Leo's 1 month recap, but I also can't believe I'm not writing a pregnancy update (because that went by fast), and at the same time I cannot believe Drew has been with us an entire month and yet, only a month. 

Overall, the first four weeks have been a blur. Each week has gotten SO much better, and that excites me because I know the same will continue - but the first few weeks are tough. There just isn't a way around it, but despite that being a constant truth (at least for me), it's gone really, really well. 

Weight:  Drew was born at 7lbs even, dropped down to 6.6lbs when we were discharged, and then was up to 7lbs3oz when we had her two week check up. Leo didn't hit his birth weight by 2 weeks, so I was extra relieved that Drew had. She's been a really efficient eater from the beginning, latched right away, and my milk came in soooo much faster this time around, so I think that really helped!

Clothes: We are just now leaving newborn clothes and diapers. There is a lot of room in the 0-3 clothes, but I think they are just overall easier to put on then the newborn clothes at this point.

Sleep:  You've been a great night sleeper for us. The first two weeks we woke you ever 3.5 hours at night (another reason Leo didn't hit his weight, the boy would sleep so long at night, and so this time around we didn't mess around). Once you hit birth weight, we've let you run the night show, and right now you give us two 4.5 hour stretches which has been great. The day time we're still figuring out, but ideally I like to see you take a long morning and a long afternoon nap, and then cat naps in between.

Schedule: I loosely follow Mom's on Call and the EASY method to line up our day. No two days are the same, but if I were to a pull a pattern, this is what we are seeing:

12:45am - Feed

4:45- Feed

6am - up and fussy

7am - Feed

8:30am-9:30am-happy/cat naps

10am- Feed

10:30am-12:30pm - nap

12:40pm- Feed

1:40pm - nap

3:30pm - Feed

catnaps

5:30/5:45pm- Feed

Up/Fussy/Ergo/Catnaps

8:00pm-Feed

Health:  We are SO thankful for your perfect health. I've been a little lots obsessive but I'm trying to calm down a little. We've kept visitors the first month to a bare minimum, haven't had Leo touch her much, have stayed home a lot, and have chapped our hands with the amount of hand washing we are doing.

Crying:  You are LOUD. The day you were born you came out of my stomach LOUD and I remember saying something to the nurses while I was on the OR. We do call you a pterodactyl, but we say it with love. I'd say I see the most of your crying when you are over tired. Thankfully you are taking well to your pacifiers, love to be worn in our wraps, and a white noise maker is our friend.

 

Feeding:  You've been a great eater from the beginning. You are super fast 10-15 minutes total, and have taken very well to a bottle as well. We are going to start introducing a few more bottles during the week (your last feeding), but overall, breastfeeding has been a wonderful experience this time around.

 

Likes:  I'm thankful you like being in the Ergo and Solly - they have been our lifesavers. You also really like your wubanub, miracle blanket, long walks, and the swing!

Dislikes: Being tired or hungry. 

Milestones:  You are SO alert. Everyone comments on how bright eyed you are. You seem to be getting stronger with your neck control each day.

Places You’ve Gone:  Nothing crazy - I did take you into a restaurant this past week and you allowed me to have one glorious glass of wine with Coco, and you also got to go to your brother's favorite place in the world; Barnes and Noble. Otherwise, we've been home, at CocoPops, or in the drive-thru line at Starbucks. 

Visitors:  We've kept most visitors at bay for this first month, but you've gotten to spend lots of time with your grandparents, your Aunt Hannah and Aunt Birdie, you met your Aunt Lauren, Aunt Amanda, and your Great Grandma Kuka. We will meet a few more family members and friends this upcoming month.

 

Postpartum: Honestly, my C-section was a dream (as far as they go!). I recovered very quickly, was able to go home on day 2, and would say that I have zero side effects at this point. The first week was the worst, but when I came home, I was just on an advil regime every 6 hours. At my 2 week check up, I was given permission to drive, pick up Leo, take baths, and begin light exercise again. When they removed the glue at that appointment, I felt immediate relief as well. 

One thing I didn't really anticipate was how not fun nursing the second time around is as your uterus goes back to normal. I had bad period cramps for about 3 weeks, and honestly stayed on the advil for that more than the C-section recovery.

Leo: The first two weeks were a tough adjustment. We had the Christmas craziness, and I do believe that added to it, but not being able to hold Leo or carry him really bothered him. We had helpers at the house for one straight week after Joel went back to work, and Leo just wanted nothing to do with me, but also acted out because of it. He even jumped out of his crib which I couldn't believe! Since I've been able to carry him and resume normal activity, it's gotten a lot better. We're still hearing a lot more "NO", then we've ever heard but that may be more of his age than his new brother status.

Weekend Recap - and winner!

I remember when Leo was a newborn feeling like I truly lived for the weekends - and now, I can say again - I am living for the weekends. Having Joel homes make a world of a difference. 

This weekend we had glorious weather and were able to get outside for long walks and fun Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It was HEAVEN! 

Friday after nap time (even though someone didn't sleep, even after school, a pet store visit, long bath and big lunch!), we walked over to my parents house.

My mom took Leo out on the lake, and Leo just had the best time ever. 

 

When we got home, we decided to pop in a frozen meal that Joel's mom had made us had both of the kids in bed and sleeping by 8pm, and then put on a fire, made a martini and watched Top Chef. It was perfect and we were in bed before 9:30. 

 

My favorite cocktail: a french martini. Just heavenly! 

 

 

Saturday morning was the first morning that I was able to just lounge in bed, nurse, and have a cup of coffee and just hang out with Drew. It was so nice to have some quiet one on one time with her and she was just the absolute sweetest. 

 

For right now, I'm nursing Drew for every feeding, but soon we are going to start introducing a bottle at night time. We did that with Leo and I really think it helped "load him up" before bed and sleep really long stretches. I've been starting to add to my supply by pumping in the morning - and I always think of Heidi Klum's instagram picture of "multitasking" when I'm pumping, eating, tending to the baby, etc. etc. etc. 

 

 

Saturday morning after a long walk (!), we decided to take Leo out on the lake with his sled and snow pants. It was the first time the entire season that we have been able to play and enjoy the snow and we all had such a good time.

 

Drew and I stayed on the beach, but it felt great to just be outside in the sun and enjoy the perfect day. 

 

I lined up Leo and Drew to nap (and they both did!) at the same time and then ran out of the house as fast as I could. 

Trader Joes, TJ. Maxx and the liqour store never felt so fun! 

We made pizza's with Joel's parents Saturday night and watched basketball and just hung out. 

Sunday was a bit of a catch all day: walks, laundry, grocery stores, showers, and a great dinner with my parents. 

Major Sunday Scaries around here, but here goes nothing this week!

And - we have a winner for the giveaway on Friday. Again, if you need a precious bow for your daughter, or a perfect addition to a baby shower gift - you should really check out Kenzie Baby Bows.

It's my new go-to shop, and I have no doubt it'll be the winner's too. 

Congrats to my friend Katie at The Southland Life (commmme back!). The perfect winner since she'll be needing more bows in her life this summer! 

Five on Friday - and a giveaway!

::: 1 :::

When I was pregnant, especially the last month or two, I was obsessed with taking baths. Easily I was taking one a day - so I was so excited when this bathtub caddy was under my Christmas tree. It's made taking a glass of wine and magazine upstairs feel like a damn trip to the spa! I've loved it! 

::: 2 :::

 We have decided to buy a treadmill, and I need some suggestions. Do you have one that you love? Joel is a pretty serious runner so he has some requirements that I would've never really thought/cared about, but I'd love to know if you have one that is somewhat affordable that you would recommend. Bonus points if it can get here soon and be set up for us! 

The being stuck inside with kids/no gym is killing both Joel and I so we are SO excited to find the right machine and get it here sooner than later. 

::: 3 :::

Ok, while we are on the topic of advice, anyone got napping tips for me? Leo is all but dropping his nap and I just cannnnnnnnot allow that to happen. He will maybe nap 2-3 times a week but the conditions have to be perfect (extra dark, busy/active morning, etc.). He's happy in his crib, he doesn't yell or cry, but he just plays and jumps and walks around in it the entire time. Any thoughts????

::: 4 :::

 We will be home this weekend. I think we have a few cousins that are going to come out to meet the baby, but otherwise, we're still hanging at home most of the time and just laying low. I'm hoping the weather allows for a walk or two because we need some fresh freaking air around here!

::: 5 ::: 

 

If you would like to win one of these adorable baby girl bows from Kenzie Baby Bows - entering is super easy. 

1. Make sure you are following this blog

2. Visit the Kenzie Baby Bows here and leave a comment with which bow color you would select if you won

Winner will be announced Monday! 

My Favorite 10 Things (for baby #2)

This past weekend I was helping my girlfriend get her registry in order when she asked me what my favorite baby things were.

Now that I'm a month into having two, I've got my list of things I swear by .... some that I registered for when I was pregnant with Leo, and some that I've learned about along the way.

Here are my top ten favorite things that you should seriously think about stocking up on.

The Rock and Play 

 

- a few people have sent me notes about the Dock a Tot and if I was using it or why I wasn't, and that's truly just because a. it's expensive and b. I don't see a purpose for our needs. We have 4 Rock and Plays (two at home, and one at both grandparents) and I swear by them. I like that they're on an incline, I like that they fold, I like that they're affordable, easy to clean, and both of my babies have slept great in them. 

The Lectrofan  

I have the Dohm sound machine too, and that's actually the one that I prefer to sleep with myself, but the Lectrofan gets LOUD and it can drown out ALL of the noise. If you have a loud dog, or loud toddler, or loud husband.....go with this one!

The Ubbi Diaper Pail 

We're still going strong with this one two years later. It has my vote as far as diaper pails go.

The Miracle Blanket 

Remains my favorite - and while they're expensive - I'm reusing all of Leo's for baby Drew, so they've held up well. I would highly suggest having at least two. We transitioned out of the Miracle Blanket with the help of the Magic Merlin Sleep Suit - but we haven't used it on Drew yet and likely won't for a few more months.

WubaNubs  

You need 3. And bring one to the hospital too.

MotherLove Nipple Cream 

 This one is by far my favorite and something I would suggest grabbing, bringing to the hospital, and keeping near by for the first 3 weeks.

PiyoPiyo Nail Scissors  

 these may take some getting used to because they're small and baby nails are SO small but they're what I've used for Baby Drew from the day she came home and what I use for Leo too. These are one of my favorite things to include as a gift for new mom friends because they turn out to be one of those things you never could've dreamed you needed so badly.

The Solly Wrap and The Ergo 360 

baby Leo! 

 

 I'm using both everyday. If I need to fold laundry with Drew, or if I'm playing with Leo I prefer the Ergo because it's sturdier and I don't have to worry about readjusting the baby. We also have taken walks with Drew in the Ergo and Leo in the stroller, and i's a great option. I love the Solly too for quick cat naps when we're hanging out at the house. It's light and really comfortable for both of us. I'm a big fan of baby wearing, so I would recommend both, but you could probably get by with just the Ergo 360 (with the infant insert).

These bows from Kenzie Baby Bows 

 

A reader of my blog owns this shop and sent me two bows to try out - and no joke, they're our favorite bows that we own. I have a huge box of bows that we were gifted or that I bought while I was pregnant, and these are the only two bows that fit Drew's head (and her head is in the 75% tile!). They're perfect for new babies, come in tons of darling colors and patterns, I believe are the perfect sized bow, and are incredibly affordable. Current orders over $25 ship free, but regardless, they normally ship for less than $4! Check out her shop here, or come back on Friday to enter the giveaway to win one!

Other notables: A lot of Aden & Anais muslin blankets, a sturdy diaper caddy if you have two floors (I like this one), Zutano booties, Bamboobies, and the Boon bathtub. 

Would love to hear your favorites/thoughts too! 

Weekend Recap

Since the weekends as a family of four are so new for us, I want to try and recap them before they all become a blur in our fog of newborn craziness.

And I figure a day late isn't half bad for these times! 

 

This is Leo's TGIF face.

Friday after nap I took both kids over to my parents house. We were going to stay for just a drink but Joel stopped by after word and we decided to stay for dinner and order pizza. My parents house is the perfect safe place for us because I feel like we are "out" without really going out. 

 

Saturday was kind of a big day for me. I actually took the baby and left the house! I had a lot of clothes that I needed to return after Christmas, so my mom, Drew, and I went out on our first girls trip! 

We had to dress for the occasion - and more on Drew's darling bow this week. 

We had a ton of success shopping, mainly because Nordstrom is so accommodating to newborns and mothers. I had to feed Drew twice while we were there, and we had our own little Mother's room that made it so comfortable to do so.  

We were home by 2pm, but it felt SO good to leave the house. I've been really bunkered down and it just felt refreshing to escape for a little bit. 

Saturday night, Joel's parents brought us dinner which was a nice little treat, and we hung out with them and watched a few of the games that were on.

 

Sunday, my sisters came out to Crystal Lake and Joel's brother's family came into town for their fourth daughters baptism.

I left Drew home with my sisters while Joel, Leo, and I went to church and then attended sweet Lillie's baptism. 

 

Once we got home from church, Leo took a great nap at the same time that Drew was sleeping so I got to play some games with my sisters and open some champagne. 

Once the kids woke up, we went back to my parents house and my dad made us all dinner. We hung out, watched a bit of a movie (Ratatouille, which held everyone's attention so much that Joel snuck a picture of us all enjoying it), and then we were back home by 8pm. 

It was such a fun weekend - and the first where I felt like a pretty functioning human again - so it was really nice to be able to enjoy that too.

New Year Improvements

 

I'm so excited for this year to unfold. 2017 was beyond eventful for us.  We started it off with a bang packing up our apartment in Los Angeles in January to move into our first home in the Chicago suburbs.

Then, just three months into our move, we found out we were pregnant! It was a whirlwind year and I had my focus on my pregnancy and delivery and Leo, Joel started a new job, and everything else took a major back seat.

This year, I'm ready to focus back on a lot of the things I put on the back burner: our house, our relationship, adventures, and my bod. 

The house

When you look at the house we moved into just about exactly a year ago today - a lot has changed. We have made some significant improvements that have made a huge difference. I love my house. I love pulling up to it and I love living in it, we've made it a home and we're really, really happy here.  As the months have passed, we've filled the house with more furniture, more touches that make it home, and have gotten sort of organized as we've gone. But, there's still a long list of things I'd like to improve.

The list is actually a little too long (and intimidating) to really focus on, so I'm going to focus on the few things that I want to do sooner than later. 

First major project we've got to get done is changing out the door handles and hinges. It's a total DIY job, but one that I just keep putting off, but it's getting done Q1! Force me! 

Other things that need to happen this year- prints/gallery wall for the dining room and kids bathrooms, guest room needs new bedding, and our bedroom needs some serious attention. We also need to really figure out our basement and deck. Ok, already starting to feel overwhelmed......moving on!

Our relationship

I really want to have fun with Joel this year. I want to go out on fun dates, mix things up a little, and just enjoy ourselves a bit more. Last year was big, and eventful, and amazing, but it was stressful and took a lot out of both of us and this year, I want to lighten it up a little and get out of the routine a bit more. 

We are young and we need to spice it up a little - get a little drunker, kiss a little more, stay out a little later, get out of our routine a little more often.

Adventures

This is rich coming from a new mom of two who can barely get everyone loaded into the car to the drive-thru Starbucks BUT once I figure that stuff out, I want to make sure that we make rich memories this year. I want to take a few weekend trips, a family vacation, do fun things with friends and family, and take advantage of everything our area offers.

My Bod

Also rich since I can't really exercise right now, or even fathom how I ever will find the time to again, but in the coming months I really want to get my body back. I want to clean up my eating, shrink my portions, and really get into a great exercise groove. I miss running and want to get back to being able to easily run 4-5 miles. I was loving kickboxing while I was pregnant so I really hope I can get back to the gym after a while and kick it into high gear. I'd love to feel stronger and see some actual muscles again.

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I'm exhausted just writing this list - but here's hoping I can take a stab at each area. You gotta start somewhere! 

 

P.S. This list is also somewhat hilarious because I'm pretty sure every expert....ever.... has said you need to have specific and measurable in order to see any type of improvement, but we're going with a very tired stream of thoughts and I'm hoping that's better than nothing!