Happy Graham 5 Months {5.26.13}

Graham,

I tilt my head and smile when I write your name. Smiling. Cheesing. Just thinking about your right now as you sleep brings so much joy to my heart. Thinking about what you have brought into our lives. Thinking about the relationship that is forming between you and your sister. Just thinking.

It's amazing to me how much faster everything seems to go by the second time around. How, within a blink of an eye, you grow. Just like that. You grow and you learn to do things that I swear you shouldn't be doing. Why? Because I feel as though I just brought you home and that you are supposed to stay a tiny litle helpless newborn that needs his mama... forever.

Okay, now that I have snapped out of fantasy land. Lets talk about what you have been up to lately.

MEASUREMENTS

Weight: 16lns
Clothes: 3-6 months
Shoes: What shoes
Diapers: size 2

FEEDING

You sure love to eat. I used to think that your sister loved to eat {which she still does}, but you my dear, I believe, love to eat even more than her. You BF every 2-3 hours during the day, and wake up once at night. For your papa, when mama works, you will eat at 6pm, and then eat another 4-5 ounces right before bed {around 8pm}, and then wake up again at 5am and eat another 4-5 ounces. Sometimes {rarely}, but sometimes, you may even wake up again at 1am and eat another 4-5 ounces. Like I said... you sure love to eat.

The next big question I get asked is... "When are you going to do cereal?" And my answer is, I'm not sure that I am. I did with Elliana. In fact, she was 3.5 months old when we first introduced it. But I haven't had a strong desire and urge to start with you. We may just skip it all together and go straight to baby food. Mama will be making your food again and I plan to do a mix of mushy homemade organic food and incorporate some ideas of BLW as well.

It will be our own little food plan.

SLEEPING

Since we are mentioning sleeping up there, lets talk about this. We are still not 100% consistent... but we are getting there. I would say 95%. During that 95% consistent, I would say you go to bed at around 8ish, and then wake up once in the night, and then sleep in until 8-9. If mama worked that night before and papa has to meet her with you kiddos, then you are up at 7am to get in the car with your papa. So overall, great sleeper. During that 5% though, you will randomly wake up an extra time in night for an extra feeding. We can't really complain though because you go back down so well.

You start in your pack n play next to our bed, and in the morning when you wake up for that feeding, after you eat you end up in bed with us. I cannot tell you how happy this makes me feel.

When will we transition you to crib? Never. Okay, okay, maybe sometime. Your sissy was transitioned at 5.5 months... which means I have about 15 days. HA. Fat chance.

NAPPING

We nap. That's a great place to start. Consistent? Not so much. Part of that problem being is that you are the second child and you get the "second child gets tagged along to everything" deal. I know, I know. I have a post all about that for another day. But in the meantime, you nap about 3 times a day. 1 hour in the morning, 1 hour in the evening, and 2-3 hours during the afternoon {if mama and sissy nap with you}. That last part is key. If you aren't napping with the two of us, then your nap is about an hour. I guess you like that warm feeling of mama being next to you. Again, I don't blame you. Plus, I love it as well.

SCHEDULE

Do we have you on one? Yes, and no. The reason I say that is because you are in fact on one. However... it is because of your sister's schedule. Not your individual one. You go with the flow depending on what she has going on. But it seems to work pretty well for you. For now at least. When all we do is eat, sleep, poo, pee, and play.

Not a pretty bad gig.

PLAY

Speaking of play, you are really enjoying toys. A lot. Things that light up. Pressing buttons. Holding onto things. Watching the books that we read to Elliana. You light up. Your eyes get big and you are so attentive to what is going on around you. I'm really looking forward to you being able to sit up on your own and decide which toys you want to play with and so forth. For now, I have put you propped up with the boppy and put toys in front of you, and you seem to really enjoy that already.

TEETHING

We are definitely in this stage right now. We have been for about a month now. I would say that it is affecting you much more than it ever did your sister. You have been very fussy throughout the day, your hands {both of them} tend to go straight to your mouth, and there is a whole lot of chewing. I think that is why you wake up randomly in the night sometimes. And why you get so worked up when you're tired. The combination of needing sleep and painful teething just does it for you.

LASTLY

You love to pull on mama's hair, a lot.
You are have the biggest chatter box, ever. All you do is babble babble all day long. Especially if we are at dance or toddler time.

You love the bouncer. You don't last very long in it... but you love it when you do.

You are a hold me always kind of guy. Your sissy was the same way. What can I say.. I raise some needy babies.

Also, you have the sweetest giggle ever. The other day when your sister was swinging, and I had you in my arms, I decided to take your little legs and pretend "get her" everytime she would swing towards us, and she would just die laughing, and then you would join in, and then... I melted. Right there and then. Seeing the two of you laugh together like that just gave me a glimpse of the future. Christmas morning. Family vacations. Bedtime stories.

I can envision the future just by closing my eyes.
It's a beautiful one. Even more beautiful since you entered our lives.

We love you more and moe with each passing day, and are so grateful to be your parent.

Love,
Mama and Papa {and sissy and Carson too}

Graham 4 Months

Clothes: 3-6 months
Shoes: What shoes
Diapers: 2
Weight: 14lbs 14 ounces
Length: 24 5/8th
Head: 41cm

You suck on your bottom lip, and it is the cutest thing in the ENTIRE world. I mean, I gigle right now just thinking about you doing it. Because while you do so, I look into your eyes and they are just smiling at me. Those eyes of yours.

You also love to suck on your fingers. Not your thumb, not yet. But your fingers/hand/fist. I swear you are teething already... which you very well could be as your sister started early as well.

Love to blow raspberries.. all the time.

You still enjoy the activity mat, and we can get 20 minute intervals of play time on that. Then it's "please hold me" time. Which is okay, we don't mind.

You have been TALKING so much this past month. Jibber jabber. Especially when we change your diaper {which by the way you looove}. You smile so big when you are on the changing station completely naked.

Which reminds me, you now LOVE your bath. And sissy and you have been taking baths together. Often times she gets an extra wash cloth and helps mama or papa bathe you. She is so gentle and calm with you.

When you see Carson, you instantly light up and get the biggest smile on your face. I think you two will be good friends, just like your sister and him are now.

You hold your head up well.

We put you in the bumbo this month. The pink bumbo, might I add. I do not think you cared what color it was. You were sort of indifferent by it. Just like your sister was.

You are so close to rolling over. You roll so fast onto your side and just haven't grasped the concept of throwing that shoulder over. You will, I'm sure. And then there will be no stopping you.

You love to play with your hands. You put them together like you are praying and then stare at them and laugh. 

You giggled for the first time this past month! And it was so beautiful and so exciting and we clapped and hooted and hollered. You have only done it a few times, but usually when you smile you just open your mouth really big and then make lots of noises while doing so. It's cute. But then again, what is out there that we don't think is cute that you do?

I bet I know one thing:

Sleep.

You start out in the pack-n-play at night and then around 3-4am, you end up in bed with us. I have no complaints to waking up to a snuggly warm baby to kiss on. No complaints at all. Now, when mama is working at night, then you give papa a couple wake up calls. But he reports that you are going back to sleep much quicker than before. But please try to sleep a little better, for his sake, and yours.

During the day, you are awake for about 2-3 hours at a time now {huge change this month from the previous where you slept literally all day and night}, and sleep anywhere from 1-3 hour stretches. I know, I know, what's with the huge range? It all just depends where you are sleeping. On mama, in swing, in car seat, or crib. Crib is always the least amount {lucky if we get an hour}. On mama is usually a couple hours. Swing is 1-2 hours. And car seat? Boy, if we are out and about, we can get a solid 3 hours out of you. Even if this means we are getting you in and out of the car for multiple different stops. You are out.

Not complaining. I like me a good day sleeper.

Feed.

Breastfeeding is going wonderful. Mama is feeding you about every 2-3 hours during the day and 1-2 times at night. For papa it's more like 2-3 times at night. Mama has a quite the stash of frozen milk stored up as well. I guess I have to prepare for when I have to leave you next month for 2 days. TWO days. Lets not talk about it just yet....

Play

You love following people and objects {especially Carson and your sissy}. You love faces and grabbing ours and squeezing it. You bat at the toys on the play mat and will grab on to the lower ones and bring them to your mouth. You love stuffed animals and sophie the giraffe. Belly kisses are another favorite. And just being around mama pretty much makes your day.

Looks.
Handsome. Oh, I mean... well, yes, handsome. But who do you look like? We still get mama a lot. And your sister {who is a copy of your mother}.. I don't know, I don't really see it... when I look at you, I instantly think of your papa.

Overall, I think the one word that your papa and I say often about you is just how darn "quiet" and "content" you are. Really. You will just sit in our laps and not make a peep. Your sister could be screaming at the top of your lungs, and it doesn't phase you. In fact, often times, you just sleep right through it.

Needless to say, you have been just the perfect little addition to our family, and we are so excited for all the milestones ahead of us.

In the meantime, thank you for being my squishy mushy soft cuddle bug.
Love,
Mama, Papa, and big sis Elliana.

***And can we please talk about how amazing a little baby's belly is? Like the picture above? Makes me just want to blow kisses all over the tummy!!! 

One of Many Letters to My Son.

2/15/13

Dear Graham,

Hi baby doll. Hi sweet precious prince of mine. I felt the urge to write to you. Today. This hour. Right now. As your sister and you lay next to me napping with your little arms and legs peeking out from the blankets, I just can't help but soak this all in. And reflect.

On the past {almost} two months. Our lives since you entered this world. On how much you have changed us and everything we know.

And today, something hit me while I was carrying you around the house planting big fat kisses on your squeezable cheeks and I looked into those deep eyes of yours.

I love you more today. I do.

Your papa and I talk about this often. How the more and more days and weeks that go by, the more we  realize how much we love you.

I don't want you to think that this means we didn't love you before. Or that we loved you less yesterday. It just means that our hearts, somehow, grew even bigger for you today.

As your personality unfolds, we feel like we are getting to know you more. You're a serious little guy you know. Sometimes... a lot of the times... we wish we knew what you were thinking. What you felt when you looked at us. What it means to you when you hear our voices.

But the unknown is nice as well.

Sometimes I get lost in your eyes, just staring deep inside them. Sometimes I just hold your little hands and give you an extra little squeeze. Sometimes I'll give you one hundred kisses in a row just because I know that's the only way you will understand right now.

Just how much we love you.

I'd like to think that you know how strong our love is for you. How much you mean to this little family of ours. How special, unique, and perfect you are.

And if you don't know? If you are ever unsure and doubtful? Rest assured,... we will spend the rest of our lives showing you, and your sister, just how much you mean to us.

Words are one thing you know. I could sit here for hours and hours and write about how much I love you and your sister, and every little detail on what you two do to my heart. But words mean nothing unless they are shown. And I want you to know this, that my number one goal in life is for you both to always, every day of your lives, know how much your papa and I love you guys. And the best way for us to do this is to show you.

I think love is a powerful thing. It can get you through the struggles in life, through the hurdles in the road, the obstacles that we encounter. I want to give you kids this powerful tool. That no matter what you may be going through... hold onto the love.

And most importantly, know what true love looks like. The kind of love that will never let you down.

I know you may not understand all of this to its fullest potential until you are grown. Perhaps not until you are a parent yourself. But one day, you will understand. And when that day comes? Call me. Call me and say...

"Hey, Ma... remember when you wrote that letter..."

"Yes, baby, I do. "

With love,
Mama

Graham. 2 months. TWO. How is this Possible.

2.26.13

Weight: 12.2 pounds {50th percentile}
Length: 23.25 inches {50th percentile}
Head: 35cm {10th percentile}

Clothes: 0-3 months
Shoes: HA. Ask me in 10 months.
Diaper: Size 1

Let's talk about that last statistic. I'm not one to talk statistics... as I don't think it's relevant to compare one child to the next, however, this statistic stood out to me. Why? Because your lovely sister is in the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Why? Because mama over her has a larger head. So naturally, your sister does too. I was certain you would too. However, you took the S side of the family who are full of small little noggins. I don't know though, I think your head is perfectly proportionate to the rest of your body. I think it's perfect my dear.

Eyes. They are such an interesting color. Blue, grey, dark. They seem to change around day to day. Definitely as the lighting changes. They are so dreamy to look at. You speak to me through those eyes. You have a lot to say, son.

Hair. Is turning light and lighter every day. Your grandma and I went through your sister's baby books to see at what point she had turned blonde, and surprisingly, it wasn't until she was about 5-6 months old. I had thought sooner. Her hair was actually the same color as yours. Grandma thinks that it will turn blonde. Papa thinks it will stay brown. Mama? Mama has no idea. If we have another little blondie running around, surely, every person at the restaurant when we go out to eat is going to question us. I need to start carrying around a picture of me as a child... with bright blonde hair. 

Eating. Like a champ. Breastfeeding has been smooth sailing {knock on wood} just like it was with your sister and I am so proud of you kiddos. You are a quick eater {just like your sister was}, and normally take 5-10 minutes. This is again due to the fact that I am over-supplying with milk so we normally just eat on one side at a time. And by we, I mean you. I pump a lot, and have a ton already stored.

You are serious. Ha. I think we say that all the time, but really. You make the most serious faces. Elliana and you are like night and day. That girl was all... well... girl. And you? You're more like.... "whatcha lookin at ma, I'm just a baby. Take a picture, it will last longer." Yes, I figured all that out just by looking into your eyes.

You do smile though. Yes you do. Mainly just for your mama. And it's the cutest little grin ever. Such a little stud muffin you are.

We talked about your right shoulder with the doctor. Remember how you broke your clavicle during birth? Yes. Well papa thought it was more stiff than the other, so I spoke more in depth with the doctor. He said this is completely normal and to continue to do little arm exercises with you. So we are doing just that.

Your Grandma came to visit from Texas! How exciting was that! And you also met your great Uncle Billy! Oh and you met your Aunt Ali and Uncle B! You had quite the month of meetings little stud. People drove long distances just to see your pretty face. And I don't blame them. You are pretty special after all.

SLEEPING machine. One time we went to toddler time, you ate when we got back, then went back to sleep and slept until 3. 9:30-3. After already sleeping all night and only waking up to eat twice and going back to sleep. I thought that, surely, this meant that you would be up all night {which we have never experienced since you were born}, and again, you proved me wrong. You woke up a few times to eat, but would go right back to sleep.

We are co-sleeping. Yes. It's what works for us right now. Plus, how could I not love having you right next to me? We never did with your sister {after the first couple of weeks} and at this age she was sleeping in the pack-n-play next to our bed. Yours is next to our bed as well. Problem is, you aren't in it. We are going to try this weekend to start transitioning you to the pack-n-play, and around the six month stage get you in your crib at night. I am starting to try naps in the crib, however, you aren't a fan just yet. We will get there.

Your sister. Continues to adore you. She talks to you all day every day. She goes over to you in the swing and says "Hugs and kisses baby bruda." She tells you "you so cute wittle guy" on a daily basis. She caresses you and is so gentle. I just hope and pray that you two have a special bond growing up. And I have a stinking suspicion that you will.

Some of your favorite things. Your mama, papa, and sister. Of course. The swing. The vibrating rocker. The activity mat. Mama's arms. Baby wearing.

Bath time. Is a hit or miss... but lately has been more of a hit. You are kind of learning to love it. Kind of. But I don't blame you. I promise it will get more fun once you can sit up in it! Promise!

Who do you look like? Oh gosh. Everyone it seems says on a daily basis that you are a copy of me and your sister. But it's so hard for me to tell these things. Although you may look like me now, I hope you grow up to look like your handsome father.

You don't like going down the stairs. Ha. I just laughed out loud as I typed that. It's the strangest thing ever, but when I carry you down the stairs, you tense up, and make a grunting noise, and on the verge of tears. Strangest thing ever.

You are the best little tag-along-traveler. I could sit and write books about this. I can't thank you enough. I want to shower you with ten-million-kisses because of this. You see, one of my biggest fears before you were born was that I wouldn't be able to continue all the fun activities with your big sister... not for a while at least. I thought we would be cooped up in the house and that your sister would just have to "wait." But you completely proved us wrong. You have been everywhere, from gymnastics every Saturday, to toddler time on Tuesdays, park dates, play dates, and more. And 90% of the time? You just sleep right through it. And although that may not mean anything to you... it means everything to me. So thank you. You are already such an amazing little brother at such a young age.

You are the best little man I know, period. I wrote you a letter.... flip a few more pages and you will read it there my dear. It talks about my love for you. How it's grown. How it continues to grow. You have fit so perfectly in our family and have made this whole family of four business look easy. We couldn't and wouldn't imagine our lives without you. Your sister lights up when she sees you. Your papa thinks the world of you. Your mama adores and admires every little thing that you do.

We love you little man, little guy, little brother.
We love you Graham.

If Graham Could Talk.

Happy 1 Month Graham Man!

Remind me to never look down like that again {hence the double chin}. But seriously, look at that sweet smile in his sleep! 

1.26.13

Graham,

A month. Has it been a month since Christmas, really? A month since the big snow storm? A month since I laid eyes on you? Say it isn't so.

It has been a wonderful month, and you have truly made this so easy on us. Truly. I know I have recapped your life week after week, but from here on out, we are to monthly bud. But I am just as excited to keep track of everything you are doing, all your little milestones and achievements, and documenting our every day lives since your arrival.

So this past week....

We mastered the bottle. Yes! Why is this important? Because with Elliana it took a whole two days {and lots of crying} before she would take one. With you? It took a whole two tries. I wanted to make sure we practiced this since I will be going back to work in a couple of months and you will have to take mama's milk in a bottle 3 nights a week. You are a champ!

You love to hang out in mama's lap while big sissy naps. This is our time together. Of course I smother you with tons of kisses and talk and sing to you. Often times you drift off to sleep, but I won't move you. I like you hanging out with me while I do some work on the computer. I don't think you mind either.

Last week I had mentioned how I was started to over-supply in breast milk like I had with your sister. So I knew it was time to start pumping and saving for when I would go back to work. That and you were having trouble with choking, as my milk was too much and too fast at times. We have worked on this, and it is much improved.

You love to sleep on our chests and sleep the best and longest on there. We are spoiling rotten with love, and you know what... that's quite alright!

I haven't mentioned in any of your letters about your puppy dog Carson. You know the one that your mama scolds all the time for his bad behavior. That one. Anyways, I do want to make note of the fact that he has been amazing with you since day one, never bothers you, and really overall leaves you alone. Such a difference in comparison to when we brought Elliana home. Huge difference.

You still love your sleep. A lot. Look at these pictures... it's like you are a brand new spankin baby. The sad thing is that most of my pictures are of you sleeping! I mean, honestly, you probably still sleep 20 hours a day. Really, it's a strange thing. You are super alert when you are awake, but boy do you sure love your sleep. Which reminds me of a certain special someone... your papa. Two peas in a pod. And honey, I'm not complaining. 

We are going on two weeks and counting of mama getting sprayed during a diaper change. I am thoroughly impressed. And no more leaking on clothes. The folding the diaper down is the best trick out there! Thank you Dr. Google.

You don't seem to mind car rides or trips. In fact you can sleep 2-3 hours in your car seat without making a peep. This has proven to be a lifesaver for when we take your big sissy out for her activities.

I know last week that your eyes were more of a grey-blue color, and this week we have really noticed how they are turning more blue. I may have been wrong in my prediction... we may have another blue-eyed baby.

But the hair? I don't see it turning blonde like your sisters. I could always be wrong, but I just don't see you as a blonde. I went ahead and looked back at your sister's baby books... and it looks like her hair was exactly like yours until she turned about 5 months old. So? I could be wrong. But I truly can't picture you as a blonde. What do I know anyway.

A lot of people have been saying that you look very much like your mama, however I just don't see it. Most days though when I look at you, I think of your papa. Maybe it's because you are a "boy." but I never had that feeling with Elliana. I just feel like you are a mini version of him. And I hope so... because he's a pretty special guy little man.

Your sweet smiles while you sleep are contagious. And they happen a lot.

I am really looking forward to all the little milestones to come. The one that I am really excited for is your first laugh. I can't imagine, but I know I will fall in love with you even more when I hear that little giggle. You want to know another little secret? Just between me and you? I love calling you little man and little guy. It's so much fun. Your big sister also calls you that all day. So does your papa. I'm beginning to think that you may not know that your real name is actually Graham, and not "little guy."

Thank you for blessing us with such a wonderful month. You have made our lives so much richer and memorable since you came into this world. We are so thankful for your life.

Love,
Your mama, papa, and big sister Elliana.

Little Guy's Third Week

1.16.13

Dear Graham,

You are still what I like to call the "perfect" baby. Sometimes I forget that we even have a newborn in our house. You have fit so perfectly in our lives that we feel like you have been around forever. Yet, it's only been 3 weeks.

The most beautiful, wonderful, and memorable three weeks.

Your sister is still so utterly in love with you. I don't see that changing anytime soon, or ever, so I'm not sure why I even bring it up anymore. I mean, I'm not sure what I expected... but definitely not this. She is in love with her "little guy." She mommies you. Adores you. Soothes you. She is the everything and more we ever hoped for our children. I can already tell you two will have one special, special, bond.

Chunky thighs. Wish I could tell you how much you weigh. We were more on top of these things with your little sister. But I think that your rolls speak for themselves. Little miniature rolls at this time.

Getting more fussy when awake. Which means you are also awake more often. Which means that you are stuck to our arms. Something we were trying to avoid this time around. But how could we resist those snuggles? You love them. We love them. And if that means that we will have yet another very attached child, then we welcome it with open arms!

I didn't get pee-pee'd on this week. Is that sad that I am writing this in your letter. Is it sad that this is the third time I am writing this in your letter. About your pee pee situation.

We celebrated your third week of life on the same day that we celebrated your aunt's 18th birthday. You have to know something special about this aunt of yours. I helped raise her basically. Changed her diapers. Babysat her when I was 9/10 years old. And have watched her grow. So, to see her an adult now, just brings tears to my eyes. Because that means that you guys grow up just as fast, if not faster.

Your eyes. They are a dark grey eyes. Although they are bound to change in the next 9 months, they are definitely quite different than Elliana's were at this age which makes me come to the conclusion that you two will have different color eyes. My guess? Hazel blue.

You are wearing 0-3 month clothes and size 1 diapers. You could still wear the newborns but we ran out of those last week, so be it.

Not a fan of bath time. But then again do I blame you? I don't think it would be exactly very fun to sit in a tub that's not really full of water and therefore you are hanging in the air waiting for the "sponge bath" in the tub. Yup. No fun.

You have been making a lot of cute little baby sounds and we absolutely adore it.

You smile so much in your sleep.
Hiccup still quite a bit, but definitely less often. And those newborn sneezes are now few and far between.

You know what isn't few and far between? Your poopy diapers. Enough about that.

I bet you are also wondering what mama Dr. Googled this week? Well it went something like this.... "Three week old passes tons of gas...." Like lots. Like o-m-g every hour, multiple times an hour. And they are loud. And adult-man like. Not stinky. Just there. So I turned to my favorite doctor, google who explained to me that I am an over-producer in milk. True statement, I am. I was with your sister too. You are getting a lot of the foremilk and not enough of the hindmilk. Which means... I need to start pumping!

Might I mention how much of a boob man you are already. "Ah mam, there you go embarrassing me again." I'm sorry my sweetheart. But really, you are. It's your soothing mechanism. Even if you aren't hungry... you just want to fall asleep on the boob.

We tried the pacifier with you as we did your sister, and just like your big sis, you have been x'ing that idea since day one. We still try... hopeful, but I have a feeling we won't be winning this one.

Alas, another week is over and the next time we do a post like this you will be a month old! I just can't believe it. Which reminds me that I will be going back to working nights at the hospital in two months. That means we better buckle up son and start pumping lots of milk, start training you on the bottle for when papa will need to feed you, and hopefully get you sleeping through the night.

No pressure.

Oh how we love you so. Words aren't enough. We are so excited to watch you grow!

Love,
Your Mama, Papa, and your dearest big sister Elliana.

Birth Announcement Reveal

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Prior to Graham's arrival, I was in search of birth announcements. I'm a little planner you know when it comes to these things. Because if I do not plan ahead? Believe me, it just won't get done.

I chalked it up to me being nine months pregnant and very much into the whole nesting stage. Whatever the reason though, a birth announcement was picked out and all I needed was my little man here in my arms, snap a photo, and make it official.

And official we made it. It didn't take long for me to look through tiny print's birth announcements and find one that fit perfectly for our little man.

This was the first time that I had worked with Tiny Prints, and I must say I was thoroughly impressed from start to finish. Quick shipment. Great quality cards. Great options {rounded corners with a shiny glitter coating and address labels to match}.

I will most definitely be turning to Tiny Prints for future birth announcements. I mean..... ;)

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***I was not compensated to write this post. I was simply given a product to review and all opinions and statements in this post are that of my own.

The difference between the two labor and deliveries

Before my labor, during, and after, I couldn't help but think about how similar yet different my two birth experiences were with my son and daughter. I want to go ahead and jot some of these differences/similarities down so I can closely compare the two.

Would I change anything about either one? Absolutely not.

I think I had two very beautiful birth experiences and I am happy for their differences as I am really able to look back on both days and smile.

Both= Green
First= Pink
Second= Blue

With my both pregnancies, I had "false alarms." With both pregnancies when I went to the hospital, I was told that I wasn't in "active labor." With both pregnancies, they kept me due to my "favorable cervix." With my first pregnancy, I delivered at 39 weeks. With my second, I delivered at 38. To the day.

With both pregnancies I worked an entire shift {well 1 hour left for my second} and then headed to the hospital across the street to deliver. With my first I worked day shift. With my second I worked night shift. With my first, I drove myself across the street. With my second, the doctors made security drive me. Stubborn, I was.

With my first they started pitocin on me {only the smallest dose and had to be turned off}. With my second, I never had pitocin.

With my first my water broke on it's own {the audible POP and gush of fluid}... and that's when everything happened quickly. With my second, the doctor broke my water, and it was just a "trickle."

With both pregnancies, I received the epidural. With my first it was after my water broke and I was in agonizing, excruciating pain {and had gone from 4cm-10cm within 30 minutes}. Therefore, with my first my epidural never fully kicked in, but gave me just enough relief. I could still feel every contraction and control my pushing. With my second I received my epidural before my water was broken, and therefore was not in much pain. However, once I became numb I became anxious {as I had never experienced this with my first} and begged for it to be turned down {it was already at it's lowest dose}. Eventually the medicine wore off and I could again feel the contractions {much more painful than the first time} and knew when to push/control my legs.

With my first delivery, I had 5 people in the room. Andrew, my mom, sister, MIL, and SIL. With my second, just Andrew and myself.

With both pregnancies, I had a mirror out and watched as my babies came out. With both, they required only 3 contractions of pushing.

With both pregnancies, a labor and delivery nurse by the name of Erin had a role during my births. She was my delivery nurse with my first and my triage nurse with my second. So great to see a familiar face. Not to mention... we were sorority sisters in college!

With my first, they had issues with getting Elliana's "shoulder" out. Her right one. All went okay after a few pushes from the doctors on my belly. With my second, no issues at all, however he came out with bruising on his right arm and swelling on right side of face. We later found out he had a broken right clavicle!

With my first, I delivered early in the morning {1:41 am} , with my second, early in the afternoon {2:20 PM}.

With my first, she came out as quiet as can be. With my second, he was a screaming machine instantly!

Although my first was 39 weeks gestation, she came out weighing 6 pounds 15 ounces and 20 inches long. My second at 38 weeks gestation, came out weighing 7 pounds 11 ounces and 21 inches long.

With my first pregnancy I had a first degree tear requiring stitches. With my second, I had an "abrasion" that did not require any kind of stitching and healed on its own.

With both pregnancies, Dr. G was able to deliver my babies. I hope he delivers our next as well :)

Litte Guy's Second Week

January 9th, 2013

Dear Graham,

This week I feel like we were able to enjoy you more. This is a little hard for me to put into words and describe. I shall try. Last week just seemed so hectic, busy, fast, and a lot of lets get our bases covered type days. Lots of organizing. Lots of "tasky items." Lots of adjusting. And therefore the week flew by, and I felt like it really didn't sink in that we were now a family of four. This week, however, it did. We really got to lounge around a lot and hang out as a family. Watch as your big sister fell more and more in love with you. And as a result, we fell more and more in love with you. We really got to look at your features. Your tiny toes. Your long fingers. Your soft lips. Your smooth skin. We watched as you slept. We talked about you a lot. We felt like we got this. We soaked it in, and as a result, it was a good week.

Let's take a look at this week a little further.

We had your two week appointment yesterday. You weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces {50th percentile}, and 21.5 inches long {75th percentile}. Doctor said you are a thriving, happy, healthy baby. And your clavicle is healed! We are so thankful.

Mama got your first book finished. I don't want to fall behind or ever make you feel second best to your sister {who's baby books take over our home}, so I am going to try to stay on top of it and work as we go on these. I'm proud to say that your BIRTH-day {and the hospital stay} pictures are all in a hard book with your birth story in it. Now it sits right next to your sister's.

Your umbilical cord fell off on day 8! Much sooner than your sister's which was day 22.

We noticed a huge change in how alert you have been this week. There have been a few instances where you were wide awake for two hours at a time. Huge difference compared to last week where the longest period was 10 minutes. But still. You sleep most of the day and all night. We've had the adjustment as far as where you sleep. So far you can sleep in the swing, car seat, and of course on mama and papa. That is by far you favorite spot. There was a breakthrough the other day though where you slept in your crib for the first time during one of your naps for nearly 2 hours!

Speaking of sleep, you are absolutely amazing. You can go 3-4 hours at a time at night, and I let you. During the day, I let you sleep about 2-3 hours. Then you wake up to eat, get your diaper changed {sometimes your outfit as well}, and then back to sleep you go.

Breastfeeding is still going wonderful and we have finally reached the point where it no longer hurts anymore when you latch on or nurse. I knew the day was coming, as I remember with your big sister it taking about a week and a half, and at about day 9 we reached that point.

You have great head control. Very impressive. I have to make sure to always have my hand back there because you always want to fling your head all around.

You have been an absolute angel and your papa and I are just sitting on edge waiting for you to become the fussy baby that we had been used to with Elliana. You see, when we had your sister, we thought that she was the most perfect baby. Of course we still think that. But when we compare your sleeping patterns, eating patterns, and overall demeanor, you definitely get the prize little dude. Our little secret.

Let's talk about that big sister of yours. If Elliana hears you fussing, she will stop what she is doing, run to you, and say "Don't cwy little guy, I'm coming." It's seriously the cutest thing on earth. Then she caresses your little head, gives you the softest kisses, and tells you "It's okay baby brother, don't cwy." If you sneeze? "BESS YOU GAM, BESS YOU LITTLE GUY!"  How lucky are you little man? Very.

The pee situation? Gah, MOM, again with the pee-pee talk?! Yes, son, I apologize again. But this sort of stuff is important. You see, this boy thing is all new territory to us. Even to your papa, who is, as you know, a boy. Although last week we were able to solve the problem of constant outfit changes, this week we are really struggling with containing the "surprises." Just when we think we are done with a diaper change and about to close it up, you have something else up your sleeve. I've had to throw away pillows because of this.  We've tried to always have something there as a cover. We try to be quick. We try and we try. One day, we will get it.


Dr. Google this week? Yes. Last week Dr. Google told us that we were putting on your diaper wrong, and that was quickly fixed. This week? We were concerned about your right eye and the increased drainage. Dr. Google told us that it was just a blocked tear duct {as suspected} and to massage, warm compresses, and even breast milk. I later confirmed this with some other twitter mothers. But guess what? After two days your sweet beautiful eye cleared up! Dr. Google to the rescue.

Another thing I Dr. Googled this week?

"Is it normal for my baby to sleep this much!"

I knew the answer to this. But honestly, it's just a whole new world for your papa and I. This whole having a baby that actually sleeps and is content. Elliana was always needy. Needed to be held. And never slept that often when she was your age.

Other big news? Your papa went back to work on Monday. So, it was just me, your sister, and you of course. And that little doggy Carson. And? We have been doing wonderful since. It helped that I had stopped waking up your papa for help at night last week, so that I could get used it to the sporadic sleeping and life at home with two little ones. But I have to say... it's because you make it easy on me little guy. I will certainly not complain if you continue to do so :)

You love to snuggle on mama's chest. Love. If I would let you? You would do it for 3-4 hours straight. Really. It's like the best sleep you ever get, and I have one little guess as to why. It reminds you of being in my belly.

You know what I am loving so much this time around? No worries about cute outfits and hair bows! Ah, yes. You are my white onesie and blanket little man. And? I love it. It's so much fun to dress your sister every day in her cute get-ups and matching hair bows, boots, and all sorts of accessories. And then there's you. Easy. One minute to get ready. And? Still looking handsome. No worries though, once you start walking... get ready for some skinny jeans and leather jackets. I smile. And giggle. Oh boyyy.

Thank you for being YOU. We love you more and more with each passing day.

Love,
Mama & Papa

Products we love this week: I meant to do this last week and totally spaced it. But as we recap some of little man's weeks, months, and milestones, I'd like to continue to add products that we are loving so that other mama's out there can get an idea of what works for us.

{Portable} Swing. Swaddle wraps. Dr. Google.

Our Hospital Stay & Coming Home

Little man was still swollen on his right side of face for a couple of days

48 hours is a long time. Too long. I remember thinking the same thing when he had Elliana. Must we stay this full time? Can we just check out? Can I be that patient that goes AMA? Against medical advice.

Only kidding. About the AMA part. Although it would be nice to be discharged after say 24 hours, I completely understand why sometimes it's medically necessary. At the same time, I see a great positive for all those women who have home births. Every first in the comfort of their own home.

Enough of that. Lets talk about our hospital stay.

Uneventful is all I have to say about that. Aside from Elliana visiting both days and other visitors from family members, it was just Andrew, myself, and the little man. It felt eerily familiar as we had just done this 2 years prior, but definitely felt unusual as Elliana wasn't there with us the whole time.

Little man stayed with us throughout the two days, just as Elliana did. I had no intention of "sleeping" through the night, as I felt it was my duty as his mother to have him, hold him, console him, and nurture him. He made it easy though. Very peaceful, calm, and sure loved to sleep. So unlike the first time around, I actually did get to sneak in some zz's.

Once it was time to go, I couldn't have signed my name any faster. We were able to leave early in the afternoon, exactly 48 hours after the birth of our son, and I had that nervous feeling in my stomach. Butterflies. Excitement.

We were finally coming home to our daughter and starting our lives as a family of four. I was ready for this. I wanted to get started, and driving 30 minutes was almost too long. Two days at the hospital was too long. Two days too long.

I was ready the minute the little man was born.

And being home never felt so good.