Madeline is nearly 2 months old now...I guess that happens next week. I feel like we're just starting to get into something that resembles a routine around here. Between having a new newborn and vacation, it's only now that the dust is getting a chance to settle.
I'm still trying to figure out Madeline's sleeping schedules. Maybe not figure out as much as mainstream. She sleeps, she wakes, she eats and smiles and then she's ready to sleep again about an hour after she wakes up. Sometimes that stretches to an hour and a half or 2 hours - but rarely. In the mornings, she wakes up and goes down for her first nap 45 mins later. So - the times between naps are relatively consistent, but the time on the clock changes a little day to day. At any rate, a large percentage of my days are spent swaddling, rocking, nursing, and putting her paci back in to settle her back to slumber when she fusses.
She does cry - but, really? Only when she's hungry or tired. She's otherwise, such an easy baby. I dare say she's at least as easy as Abby was if not easier. Definitely easier than E was. In hindsight, that shouldn't shock me. E was a pretty easy baby, but just not as completely chill as Abs was.
Madeline doesn't have any constant nicknames yet. There are several we toss around with reckless abandon. The most common is when we mimic E's pronunciation of "Madi-Lion" Baby Jane, Sweetie, and a barrage of nonsense names that Abby throws at her "Good morning, you little pickle-goose" and the like.
Overall, this transition to 3 kids has gone well. It's been smoother than I've expected. I'm thankful for that for sure.
I was actually going to write about our day. But, I'm drawing a blank on anything blog worthy to write about. We fed our frogs new crickets. They were bigger crickets, and it was unsettling to watch the frogs eat something nearly as big as they are. I don't think I'll watch next time, I feel too bad for the crickets. The frogs have been fun, but I think I'm ready to let them go. Abby won't like that, so it may take a few weeks to work up to that.
I had my official post-baby check up today and all was well. Now it's time to strap on my running shoes and find (I know, I know *make*) time to run again. Or...maybe jog. I'm not looking forward to rebuilding all the endurance I've lost...but I am looking forward to dropping 20 lbs.
That's about it for us today. I'm tired, so I'm gonna wrap things up here, do my last pumping and cleaning duties for the night and go to bed. :)
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
logistically speaking
I've discovered a new problem that's keeping me from blogging as much as I'd like. And, it's actually not having three kids or time management or something like that.
It's the iPad.
Kyle got me an iPad mini for our anniversary and I love it. And much in the same way that Elizabeth looked so much bigger and older when Madeline was born - my laptop now seems an archaic hunk of plastic...or whatever this thing is made of. The problem, of course, is that while I strongly prefer using the iPad for browsing and reading - I don't love it for typing long things like blogs.
And so, when the kids are all in bed, and I sit down - I grab the iPad and I read or browse, but I don't blog.
I compose blogs in my head everyday, and I'm always surprised when I realize I never wrote any of them down. It's sad, and I really need to do better with it, because I won't remember these days if I don't. They're too fast.
that said -
Life is good. We took our vacation to Cocoa Beach and had a great time--
(baby just started crying...that is another reason I don't blog often, I guess)
(ok, I'm back)
The girls are doing well. Abby got her first haircut before vacation - just a trim. It was a positive experience for her - it was a sad one for me. I secretly wish we hadn't cut it...but it so needed it. Elizabeth is just growing and growing. That includes molars, which is what we're blaming some recent epic tantrums on. When she's not tantruming or whining, she's adorable.
Madeline is a super baby. She is sleeping great, which is really the only thing we have to judge her by. She goes down at 6:30pm at the latest and wakes between 6 and 7am. I usually give her a small bottle once during the night - around 3 or 4 am most night. She naps well and is generally just still sleepy...but she's smiling now, and that is super super awesome.
(she's fussing again....I guess she didn't want her paci...She probably wants to wake up from her nap)
Ok. I'm gonna sign off. I'll try to open this big 'ol heavy laptop more often so I can document our days in actual detail instead of large sweeping hand gestures.
peace
It's the iPad.
Kyle got me an iPad mini for our anniversary and I love it. And much in the same way that Elizabeth looked so much bigger and older when Madeline was born - my laptop now seems an archaic hunk of plastic...or whatever this thing is made of. The problem, of course, is that while I strongly prefer using the iPad for browsing and reading - I don't love it for typing long things like blogs.
And so, when the kids are all in bed, and I sit down - I grab the iPad and I read or browse, but I don't blog.
I compose blogs in my head everyday, and I'm always surprised when I realize I never wrote any of them down. It's sad, and I really need to do better with it, because I won't remember these days if I don't. They're too fast.
that said -
Life is good. We took our vacation to Cocoa Beach and had a great time--
(baby just started crying...that is another reason I don't blog often, I guess)
(ok, I'm back)
The girls are doing well. Abby got her first haircut before vacation - just a trim. It was a positive experience for her - it was a sad one for me. I secretly wish we hadn't cut it...but it so needed it. Elizabeth is just growing and growing. That includes molars, which is what we're blaming some recent epic tantrums on. When she's not tantruming or whining, she's adorable.
Madeline is a super baby. She is sleeping great, which is really the only thing we have to judge her by. She goes down at 6:30pm at the latest and wakes between 6 and 7am. I usually give her a small bottle once during the night - around 3 or 4 am most night. She naps well and is generally just still sleepy...but she's smiling now, and that is super super awesome.
(she's fussing again....I guess she didn't want her paci...She probably wants to wake up from her nap)
Ok. I'm gonna sign off. I'll try to open this big 'ol heavy laptop more often so I can document our days in actual detail instead of large sweeping hand gestures.
peace
Thursday, July 11, 2013
I'm here
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. ;)
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. ;)
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
counter
