I'm still here.
Kyle left for the NFB convention for a week and...surprise, surprise...blogging didn't make the cut at the end of the day.
The day that Kyle left for his conference - early Sunday morning - I was pretty productive that day. I decided not to be chained to the house and I took all three girls to mass on my own. Um - I'm lucky it went well. I rewarded them with a girls lunch at the Cheesecake factory. On day 2-4 we got out everyday. We did easy things like Target and the grocery story, and we played at home, and we made it. Then it was the 4th of July. That day was busy from the get go and we were completely exhausted by day's end. Day 6 - was recovery day, we didn't leave the house or do anything...I think they ate all 3 meals in front of the tv. And then it was the weekend again...but, unlike the beginning of the week, I was now worn down with the exhaustion of tending to 3 on your own all day. I don't think I got out of my PJs for 3 days. On the day Kyle was to come home, the girls were insufferable....I mean, of course they were - we hadn't left the house in days and we were all driving each other a little crazy. Then they shoved plastic beads up their noses and a huge screaming fit of panic ensued from both. Alls well that ends well and the beads came out fine.
And then Kyle got home and we all celebrated...but then he went to work the next morning and we resumed our girls day norms.
Kyle's been home for most of the week now, and things are back to our new normal. The girls are good, I'm good, Kyle's good.
Madeline had her 1 month check up yesterday. She weighed in at about 9lbs 4oz. So, she's gained about a pound. You can tell, her face is rounder and her ankles are slowly filling out. She's battling baby acne pretty bad, but I think it's on the mend as well.
What else? Have I mentioned that Elizabeth is 2 going on 12? She can do so much stuff. She talks and, like, understands us and such. It's incredible and Kyle and I are constantly surprised by some exchange or phrase or concept that she brings up. She's also far more strong willed and defiant than Abby ever was at that age. She will routinely tell me "no" when I tell her to go to timeout. Luckily, once I put her there - she stays and they are still an effective discipline for her - but that initial "NO." is all too common. She's so two.
Oh, and we have frogs now. Jen brought over 4 baby frogs for Abby to watch. Long story short - I ended up buying them a tank and a box of tiny crickets to eat. Craziness. They're fun to watch, I'll admit. I don't know how long we're going to keep them...but, for now, we have 4 frogs. Abby's names for them change on a regular basis and they're all a little crazy anyway...I'll let you know if we settle on anything.
My mind is feeling disjointed at the moment. We just made brownies, so maybe it's just that I can smell them. I dunno. Apologies for the random and scattered stream of consciousness update. I figure it's better than nothing. ;)
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
my madeline
Kyle left for Orlando yesterday. He'll be gone for the week while he stays busy at the NFB national convention down there.
So, it's me and the 3 girls most of the week. I managed to get all three to mass yesterday, and then we went out to lunch together - it all went well, and I was happy for that.
Last night, after I got Abby and E in bed, I came downstairs and held Madeline. She fell asleep on my shoulder - and as I listened to her little baby breaths in my neck and smelled her sweet baby smell, I felt myself bonding with her. It was nearly tangible. My heart swelled, a shot of endorphins or some hormone ran through me and I took a deep breath, smiled, and snuggled her closer.
Then I took a picture. So that I could remember that sweet moment.
So, it's me and the 3 girls most of the week. I managed to get all three to mass yesterday, and then we went out to lunch together - it all went well, and I was happy for that.
Last night, after I got Abby and E in bed, I came downstairs and held Madeline. She fell asleep on my shoulder - and as I listened to her little baby breaths in my neck and smelled her sweet baby smell, I felt myself bonding with her. It was nearly tangible. My heart swelled, a shot of endorphins or some hormone ran through me and I took a deep breath, smiled, and snuggled her closer.
Then I took a picture. So that I could remember that sweet moment.
Monday, June 24, 2013
summer day
Today was a good day.
I didn't sleep enough, but that's ok. I made coffee instead. We all got up this morning and Kyle went off to work. He's still working 1/2 days this week.
I decided that it was as good a day as any to try to potty train E a little. I put her little potty in the living room and stripped her down to a t-shirt. The girls played while Madeline slept upstairs and I had planned to do a lot of cleaning and clothes sorting (fun!). Luckily, a friend invited us to go to a splash park with them instead. It was a little spontaneous - but I managed to get everyone dressed, bags packed for a splash park/ playground, and out the door in an hour. If that doesn't sound impressive to you, then you are much more organized than myself.
We had never been to this particular splash park before - which is surprising, because it's 1.3 miles from our house. The girls LOVED it. It was jam packed though. We left the house at 9:30 and it was already in the mid 80s. Pretty hot for us Northern folk. The girls played with their friends and got wet and played on the playground and dried off, then got wet some more. We eventually got them to a second (fenced-in) playground where we hung out until it was time to go.
E threw a huge fit over leaving. Poor thing. You know it's a fun time when I get that level of tantrum over leaving. Epic stuff. Plus she was hot, and tired, and hungry. A winning combo for sure.
We decided that lunch out sounded better than mac-n-cheese and our friends agreed. I picked up Kyle on the way and we all enjoyed some Chipotle for lunch. Yummo.
Once home, E went to nap, I went to feed Madeline, and Abby went to play with her friend down the street. Once E and M were both napping - I joined in. I got a full hour before I woke up. Felt nice.
Our awesome playgroup has arranged for people to bring us meals twice a week through mid July. This is amazing and generous, and I feel guilty about it but am really thankful on days like today when dinner just showed up and I didn't have to do anything. So nice. We all enjoyed dinner, and then it was time to clean up and go to bed.
And here I am. Logging our day while Madeline tries to drift off next to me in her baby chair. It was a good day - full and busy, hot and tiring. I'd much rather spend the day outside and keeping the girls active than cooped up inside with too much Disney Jr. (again). It makes the time fly by- and they're so much happier for it.
I sadly forgot my phone at home while we were out and about today - so no fun splash park pics. Here are a few others from yesterday and today though.
I didn't sleep enough, but that's ok. I made coffee instead. We all got up this morning and Kyle went off to work. He's still working 1/2 days this week.
I decided that it was as good a day as any to try to potty train E a little. I put her little potty in the living room and stripped her down to a t-shirt. The girls played while Madeline slept upstairs and I had planned to do a lot of cleaning and clothes sorting (fun!). Luckily, a friend invited us to go to a splash park with them instead. It was a little spontaneous - but I managed to get everyone dressed, bags packed for a splash park/ playground, and out the door in an hour. If that doesn't sound impressive to you, then you are much more organized than myself.
We had never been to this particular splash park before - which is surprising, because it's 1.3 miles from our house. The girls LOVED it. It was jam packed though. We left the house at 9:30 and it was already in the mid 80s. Pretty hot for us Northern folk. The girls played with their friends and got wet and played on the playground and dried off, then got wet some more. We eventually got them to a second (fenced-in) playground where we hung out until it was time to go.
E threw a huge fit over leaving. Poor thing. You know it's a fun time when I get that level of tantrum over leaving. Epic stuff. Plus she was hot, and tired, and hungry. A winning combo for sure.
We decided that lunch out sounded better than mac-n-cheese and our friends agreed. I picked up Kyle on the way and we all enjoyed some Chipotle for lunch. Yummo.
Once home, E went to nap, I went to feed Madeline, and Abby went to play with her friend down the street. Once E and M were both napping - I joined in. I got a full hour before I woke up. Felt nice.
Our awesome playgroup has arranged for people to bring us meals twice a week through mid July. This is amazing and generous, and I feel guilty about it but am really thankful on days like today when dinner just showed up and I didn't have to do anything. So nice. We all enjoyed dinner, and then it was time to clean up and go to bed.
And here I am. Logging our day while Madeline tries to drift off next to me in her baby chair. It was a good day - full and busy, hot and tiring. I'd much rather spend the day outside and keeping the girls active than cooped up inside with too much Disney Jr. (again). It makes the time fly by- and they're so much happier for it.
I sadly forgot my phone at home while we were out and about today - so no fun splash park pics. Here are a few others from yesterday and today though.
Madeline's belly button stump fell off yesterday - so we were excited to see if all 3 fit in the tub.
Abby and E's expressions are priceless here, and pretty much sum up everything right now. :)
Madeline's first trip to the abandoned flower shop that A&E love to visit every Sunday.
Also - showing off their pretty butterfly dresses from Granny and Grandpa (thanks!)
Going on a 5+ hour nap. She sleeps all the time right now.
Another gift from Granny and Grandpa -
making miss Madeline the best smelling member of the family.
Abby asked "Mom? Why do you want her to smell like BEES?"
Potty training. Rain boots optional, but preferred.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
So, how are things?
Things are good. Thanks for asking.
The transition to three has been pretty good so far. We are, I believe, still in the honeymoon phase of it all. Madeline sleeps all the time. Today, she was awake for about 2-3 hours. total. Not consecutively. Her naps come in 4-6 hour chunks most of the time.
We're not quite yet at the 2-week mark though. I believe somewhere between 2-4 weeks, they're supposed to start waking up more.
But, for now, it has made things pretty manageable.
Abby is still head over heels in love with her new baby. She dotes on her every chance she gets. She talks to her in a baby voice and calls her "Miss Madeline" and "Little Chicka" amongst other nicknames. She strokes her head, tickles her feet, and smothers her with kisses.
Elizabeth has been more reserved. She acknowledges Madeline, but doesn't go out of her way to dote on her like Abby does. Elizabeth well give us the play by play "Oh. She crying" or "She hungry" Every time Madeline sneezes, Elizabeth enthusiastically says "Oh! Bless you Again!" Don't get me wrong - Elizabeth hasn't shown any animosity towards Madeline yet. There has been no hitting, etc. But, Elizabeth is just not as sure about this whole thing yet.
Having said that - tonight, she was really excited to see that madeline was awake. She and Abby both sat down with her and stared at her. We compared their feet to her tiny feet, and they enjoyed that. Elizabeth comments that she is "so tiny" and "so coot"
As I mentioned - Madeline sleeps most of the time, which means she's not crying much. She cries, y'know, when she needs something. Typically when she's hungry - or tired. That's about all she needs.
Today, we gave her a "real" bath. Her belly button stump finally fell off, so we put her in the tub with the girls this morning. Abby thought it was great. E kinda just stared at her. Madeline liked the tub bath leaps and bounds more than the sponge bath she got last week.
What else?
Nursing is still up and down. Because she sleeps so much, I'm pumping more often just to keep my supply up. This is good because it's giving me a chance to heal my battle wounds, too. Madeline is not a good latcher. I'm going to blame our nursing difficulties on her since she's too young to say otherwise. Although, I'm sure I'm not doing everything right either. We're working through it - and I think things are getting better...but it's not easy yet. Far from easy.
How am I doing you ask? I'm doing pretty well. This recovery has been the easiest so far. Kyle has done a nice job taking care of me and helping me with the girls quite a bit. He's going to be gone for a week soon - and that will probably be the real test. My hormones seem to be mostly in check. I haven't had any melt-downs or overly emotional outbursts yet. I don't feel baby blue, I feel happy. I feel, knock on wood, calm.
So far, the transition to three hasn't been as chaotic as I'd imagined. But, I'm not so naive to think that it will stay this way. On the contrary, I'm trying to soak up these sleepy days and store them in my memory to pull out on the days where I want to pull my hair out.
So. Things are good. We're happy. And it already seems like little MJ has been here forever...she was totally meant to be here. It just feels right.
The transition to three has been pretty good so far. We are, I believe, still in the honeymoon phase of it all. Madeline sleeps all the time. Today, she was awake for about 2-3 hours. total. Not consecutively. Her naps come in 4-6 hour chunks most of the time.
We're not quite yet at the 2-week mark though. I believe somewhere between 2-4 weeks, they're supposed to start waking up more.
But, for now, it has made things pretty manageable.
Abby is still head over heels in love with her new baby. She dotes on her every chance she gets. She talks to her in a baby voice and calls her "Miss Madeline" and "Little Chicka" amongst other nicknames. She strokes her head, tickles her feet, and smothers her with kisses.
Elizabeth has been more reserved. She acknowledges Madeline, but doesn't go out of her way to dote on her like Abby does. Elizabeth well give us the play by play "Oh. She crying" or "She hungry" Every time Madeline sneezes, Elizabeth enthusiastically says "Oh! Bless you Again!" Don't get me wrong - Elizabeth hasn't shown any animosity towards Madeline yet. There has been no hitting, etc. But, Elizabeth is just not as sure about this whole thing yet.
Having said that - tonight, she was really excited to see that madeline was awake. She and Abby both sat down with her and stared at her. We compared their feet to her tiny feet, and they enjoyed that. Elizabeth comments that she is "so tiny" and "so coot"
As I mentioned - Madeline sleeps most of the time, which means she's not crying much. She cries, y'know, when she needs something. Typically when she's hungry - or tired. That's about all she needs.
Today, we gave her a "real" bath. Her belly button stump finally fell off, so we put her in the tub with the girls this morning. Abby thought it was great. E kinda just stared at her. Madeline liked the tub bath leaps and bounds more than the sponge bath she got last week.
What else?
Nursing is still up and down. Because she sleeps so much, I'm pumping more often just to keep my supply up. This is good because it's giving me a chance to heal my battle wounds, too. Madeline is not a good latcher. I'm going to blame our nursing difficulties on her since she's too young to say otherwise. Although, I'm sure I'm not doing everything right either. We're working through it - and I think things are getting better...but it's not easy yet. Far from easy.
How am I doing you ask? I'm doing pretty well. This recovery has been the easiest so far. Kyle has done a nice job taking care of me and helping me with the girls quite a bit. He's going to be gone for a week soon - and that will probably be the real test. My hormones seem to be mostly in check. I haven't had any melt-downs or overly emotional outbursts yet. I don't feel baby blue, I feel happy. I feel, knock on wood, calm.
So far, the transition to three hasn't been as chaotic as I'd imagined. But, I'm not so naive to think that it will stay this way. On the contrary, I'm trying to soak up these sleepy days and store them in my memory to pull out on the days where I want to pull my hair out.
So. Things are good. We're happy. And it already seems like little MJ has been here forever...she was totally meant to be here. It just feels right.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
a week in (mostly) pictures
In no particular order - here are a bunch of photos I've taken since we've been home with Madeline. It's random and unorganized - but so is life right now. :)
This double rainbow made local headlines this week. I happened to see it while doing dishes after the girls were all in bed. I went and stood in the rain in the middle of the street to take a few phone pics. Rainbows are always special
E said she was a robot - and insisted on playing with this bucket on her head.
Our first day home with Madeline
nursing is serious business
the first picture of me and my three girls
Abby and E giving me a morning rock concert.
I love watching them play.
Madeline's first bath - Abby was, as always, very helpful.
Madeline did not like it. Any of it. Not one bit. ;)
3 days old and we couldn't stay inside on such a beautiful day.
We all went to the park and had a picnic lunch. It was lovely.
Abby drew me a birthday cake.
She said she couldn't quite remember how old I was - but she though 15 was close. <3 p="">
Daddy-Madeline fist bump. 1 day old
Jen has come over to help some this week.
She is so good with the girls, we feel really lucky to have her in our lives.
This is my little tom-boy ragmuffin E. Who knew? She has become such a big girl in the last week, and I can't seem to find a way to stop her from growing.
Jen decorated the front of the house for our homecoming
....and to let curious neighbors know the news :)
This is exactly where I was the minute Madeline turned 1 week old. We were on a family walk - stopped at the bridge to watch and wave at trains.
I love this picture, it captures Abby's sweet and caring personality so truly.
Abby was showing Madeline her bird book - to keep her from crying. She was explaining that we have a baby hawk that lives nearby - and that it's a baby just like Madeline - except baby hawks are fuzzy and baby Madelines are not.
Abby put Madeline's first sticker on.
You're welcome, paralyzed veterans of america.
more front door decor
We finally opened the gender envelope that has been sitting in our kitchen since January.
Madeline's first sunrise at home
The girls color every day during snack time. E colored this goldfish - and while I'm not 100% sure she meant for it to look So much like a goldfish - I was pretty impressed.
fell asleep
3 days old - first froyo trip with the fam.
Grilling out to celebrate the official start of summer. Good stuff :)
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