Ellie 4 Months

Our sweet girl is 4 months old!  

These were her stats at the pediatrician's office today:

Weight: 15 lb, 7 oz (75-90%...wow!)

Height:  25 1/4 inches (75-90%)

(p.s. My pediatrician confirmed my suspicions that Ellie was measured wrongly at birth, as they said she was 19 inches. Dr. Favrot said she was probably 20, maybe 21 inches. Andy says it doesn't matter, and he's right, but I still wanna know! I wish I had re-measured her, but oh well. It's in the past)

Head Circumference: 16 inches (50%)

 Think she likes her fist?!?

With Andy's help, we have now gotten Ellie sleeping in her own crib, pretty much through the night.  We put her down between 6-7 pm, depending on how our night is going, and she wakes up usually around 4:45 a.m.  If she becomes unswaddled and wakes up in the middle of the night, and a pacifier doesn't appease her, I'm guilty of just pulling her into bed with me so we can all get some sleep.  It's called survival, for those of you who don't have children yet.  :)  Fun, but survival.

 Almost over...sweet chunky love

She is a really sweet baby, always happy and smiling (except at bedtime!), nurses ever 3-4 hours during the day, takes a good long nap in the morning with a catnap before lunch, good nap in afternoon with a catnap before dinner.  She loves her brother and is always watching him.  Jackson is super sweet with her, with only a few minor jealous issues that randomly flare up, but overall he is very concerned when she is not in the room, always asking for "sis-turh."  He is also super helpful with me, getting me burp cloths, throwing away any "trash," making sure sister always has her pacifier, asking for sister as soon as he wakes up.  Pure sweetness.  I could eat them both up.

 Below is Ellie with her BFF Anna Grace Menendez.  We are so honored to be her godparents, and we were thrilled to celebrate her joyful day of baptism with her family a few weeks ago.

Emily and I have been best friends since the 7th grade, in each others' weddings, had babies around the same time together, truly a soul mate to me.  I love her dearly and am overjoyed that the Lord blessed us with daughters around the same age.

Overwhelmed

May you find encouragement from this small tidbit from "Loving the Little Years" book by Rachel Jankovic.

I have to admit that there are some days when baby is sleeping, Jackson is quietly playing with toys, and I am at a loss for which task to tackle first:  clean the kitchen, do laundry, do my quiet time, vacuum the house, go read with Jackson, etc.  On those days, I just have to put one foot in front of the other, and repeat to myself that I WILL NOT be overwhelmed. " But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.'" (II Cor. 12:9)  Hope you are encouraged by this little read!

Pre- and Post-Baby "Checklist"

For my own memory, and for those women asking me for packing lists for the hospital, here is my unsolicited advice for pre- and post-baby.

*Note, although I am an RN, and while some of my advice is based on research, these are strictly my opinions. And although I am endorsing specific brands of baby products, I am not paid or compensated by these companies.  (Man, this all sounds so official)

PRE-BABY CHECKLIST

1) Nursery

~Obviously, you are going to start on your nursery.  But no fears if you don't complete it by the time baby comes.  I am STILL working on both of my children's rooms.
*Cribs...make sure there is NO side that drops down.  You want a firm mattress as well.  I do use bumper pads but I believe the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises against the use of bumper pads.  You can buy breathable bumper pads if you'd like something in there so your baby doesn't bump his/her head.  I'd advise getting 2 or 3 crib sheets, as well as a sheet saver for your mattress pad.
*Diaper pails...take 'em or leave 'em.  You'll go through so many diapers, that it's just as easy to re-use your plastic grocery sacks and fill those up with diapers.
*Changing pad and cover...you'll use this multiple times a day
*Summer video monitor...love!  Fun to use, but not a necessity
*Sound machine for baby's room
*Black-out curtains...not only do they block light, but they help with heating & cooling

Jenny Lind Crib.  Easy to assemble, basic, simple.  Love

2) Sterilize Bottles

~For some reason, I'm always straggling home from the hospital, post-delivery, and boiling and sterilizing my baby's bottles.  I wish I had done it beforehand each go around.  So my advice, sterilize ahead of time.  You may not know what kind of bottle your baby will take, so you could try several different bottles.  Another great product is the Medela Quick Steam bags.  It's great to have these after the initial sterilization.

This is my favorite bottle drying rack, ordered off of Amazon.com

I personally use the Born Free bottles, both glass and plastic.

3) Packing list for hospital

~Sound machine...helps diminish the many hospital noises and allows for "better" sleep in hospital
~Toiletries, hair dryer (which I never use...too lazy to do in hospital), make-up, toothbrush, etc.
~Camera, fully charged
~Cell phones, fully charged
~Going home outfit for you, for baby.  Honestly, I am so ready to get OUT of the hospital, that I have never had some special outfit.  But many people like to take going home pics.  I, for one, rush straight into my own shower at home and wash off all hospital germs, then wash baby and all hospital germs. *Note, Expect to be about 6 months pregnant-looking/feeling when you leave the hospital. AKA, bring maternity clothes with you. So grateful my sister-in-law told me that. Also, bring looser fitting shoes in case you swell post-delivery from IV fluids/anesthesia, etc.
~Nursing tanks/bras.  These Gilligan O'Malley tanks from Target are simply the best, and it's so nice to wear under cardigans and other shirts and still be covered when you're nursing.

~Nursing pads.  If you forget you can ask your nurse in hospital for some. I personally like the Lansinoh disposable nursing pads from Amazon.com.  I've also found these can help with sensitivity when you're first beginning nursing.

~Lansinoh ointment.  One tube should suffice, and you can get a smaller size in hospital if you forget.  Both this item and above item I'm always ordering last minute from Amazon.  When will I learn to plan ahead?!  Next child??

~Pump.  If you plan on breastfeeding, have your pump ready, assembled, parts sterilized, etc.  (Read directions on what you can actually sterilize and what you are NOT supposed to get wet.)  Many women will bring their pumps to the hospital and if they need help or have questions, they will ask their post-partum or lactation nurse.  Your hospital room should also have a pump available for you.  When buying a pump, buy name brand.  Usually if it's a dirt cheap pump, there is a reason, and you are wasting your money and could potentially be causing yourself a great deal of physical pain.  At my hospital, we recommend Medela Pump In Style.  (Note, It is highly discouraged to share personal pumps, as there is no way to fully clean the pump. If you do share, please please please make sure you get all new tubing.)  If you are unsure if you will pump, a great option is to rent the hospital grade pump from your hospital.  It's an affordable way to use the "Cadillac" of all pumps, and you can see if you can establish a milk supply before buying your own pricey pump.

 ~If you are not planning on breastfeeding or pumping, I would not advise buying formula ahead of time, or at least buy limited quantities but don't open it in case you need to take it back. You can get formula in the hospital, and you'll need to see what specific formula your baby tolerates.
~Outfits for baby, hats, warm blankets.  Babies are notorious for pooping on and spitting up on outfits, so have several.  Babies typically grow quickly, so you will only need about 3-4 newborn outfits/gowns, and then you'll quickly be dressing them in 0-3 month outfits, etc.

~Outfits for you (and pack for your husband too if he hasn't packed :)...old pairs of larger sized underwear, cute PJ's (although I usually wore the hospital gown for comfort and ease of feeding, and I put a lightweight robe over the gown; you'll most likely be hot post-delivery so lightweight cotton is best); slippers, a couple of outfits to wear.  But like I stated earlier, you'll mainly be in bed, visiting with friends and family and resting as much as you can.  Think COMFORT.
~Door hanger for outside your door. Have a family member or friend bring this up to the hospital once baby is born. One less thing for your hubby to bring in to the hospital.
~Car seat.  Doesn't matter what state you live in, whether you own a car or not. Everyone MUST have a car seat in order to leave the hospital.  If it's used, make sure it is not more than 5 years old, is in great condition, and has never been in a wreck. I recommend calling your local fire department and getting them to install it for free. Not only will they do it amazingly correct, but they will tell you good tips about safety with car seats. I actually learned a great deal.
~Diaper bag...have this be your suitcase for baby items

4) Animals

~If you have pets, arrange ahead of time for someone to take care of them.  While you may think that your husband or significant other will easily dash home to check on animals and the house, it's alot easier said than done.  You, new mama, will be needing alot of help, and daddies are great at changing diapers, handing you the baby, being the "bouncer" at the door for your many visitors, be they hospital employees, family, friends. So arrange for someone to check on your animals just in case daddy doesn't make it home as easily as he would like.

5) Attend prenatal classes

~While my lucky hubby got to bypass all prenatal classes because I worked for years at the hospital where I delivered, so he already knew his way around, I do recommend signing up for all the classes your hospital offers.  They really are great.  It helps for dads to know their way around the hospital, it helps for them to know what to expect in breastfeeding, in labor, in post-delivery days. So don't follow my example of not going, and attend your classes!

6) Take full advantage of your nesting instincts

~Many women experience a "nesting" urge in their second trimester, when they have more energy, and then in the few weeks before delivery in their third trimester. Take FULL advantage of these motherly nesting instincts and energy boosts.  Cook all you can and store in freezer, as you will not feel like cooking for about the first 6 weeks after baby comes.  Clean your house top to bottom, without overdoing it and going into early labor!, as this is the cleanest your house will be for a while.  Take advantage of "spring cleaning" and organize closets, donate clothes you haven't worn since junior high, clean out that closet you've been avoiding the past 5 years.  Finish any and all projects you have had lined up, because those will be put on the back burner post-baby.

7) Finish up your registry

~While you will probably still be getting gifts after you have the baby, especially if the gender is a surprise at delivery, it still is good to "clean up" your registry.  Hold on to your diapers, unopened, in case you need to return sizes.  (For instance, you'll need one or two packages of newborn sized diapers, and then you'll quickly move onto size 1 diapers.  You'll stay in size 2 a little longer.  It all depends on how quickly your baby is growing.)  Go ahead and return multiples of items you may have received.  You more than likely will not need 8 bath towels, so return all but 2 or 3 and use that store credit to purchase baby wash, lotion, diaper ointment, diapers, etc.  Also, catch up on your thank you notes from showers and try to knock those out before delivery.

8) Don't forget

~Might be best to get these items ahead of time:
a) Q-tips and rubbing alcohol...to wipe the baby's cord
b) Pads, thick and thin...TMI, I know, but no matter how that baby is delivered, you will need pads/pantiliners for a few weeks after delivery.
c) Arrange for a friend/family member to put a blue or pink ribbon on your front door or mailbox once baby is here. I always forget this and someone usually graciously does it for me.
d) Make sure a friend is setting up a meal plan for you (takethemameal.com is a great and free site). Our church Sunday school does it for all of our moms, and it's wonderful to have meals.
e) Draft a mass email or text with your fun baby announcement that baby is here with name, date of birth, time of birth, weight, length, possibly room information in case of visitors. This has helped, because in the excitement and chaotic frenzy after delivery, it's easy to forget to notify friends and extended family. Once you've drafted this, it's easy to fill in the blanks and click "send." (Unless, of course, your hospital's internet was slow and the file was too big, and you thought you sent it to friends, but realize a few weeks later the email never sent.  Sorry to EVERYONE that you missed the crazy delivery story and birth of our sweet Ellie.)
f) Baby Tylenol...good to have for later on down the road
g) Ibuprofen for mom (if you're allowed to take it)...most recommended pain reliever post-delivery

9) Baby Items

~By no means are these baby items a necessity...just fun to have and very convenient

a) Baby Swing

b) Baby Carriers

Below is the Ergo carrier.  We don't have one but know of many people who use it and love it.

Moby Wrap, below. I love it, as it's more comfortable for my back. Can be tricky to learn how to use it at first, but it comes with a great tutorial.

Above is Baby Bjorn. Great for moms or dads.  I use it often second time around when running errands with both kids and needing more free space in the shopping cart (Ellie in Bjorn, Jackson in front seat of shopping cart).

There are so many baby carriers to choose from.  Read reviews, talk to friends, do what's best for you.

c) Bouncy Seat

A convenient and safe place to set your baby down.

d) Strollers.
Oh where to begin, there are so many.  A jogging stroller and an easy-fold-up umbrella stroller are the two you'd really need.

 

e) Boon Spoon

Greatest feeding device (won't need until baby is 6 months of age, but great to register for)

f) Beaba
Awesome and super convenient for making your own baby food.

g) Pack-n-Play
Great for taking to grandma's house or vacation

h) Exersaucer
Great visual stimulation for baby, good exercise for their legs and torso, and an easy and safe place to set them while you cook dinner (I usually use it when my babies are around 4 months old)

i) Play mat
Great visual stimulation, good for tummy time as well

j) Doorway jumper
Great exercise. We used this all the time starting when Jackson was around 6 months old until about age 1.

Whew, this is an exhaustive list, and if you've made it this far in this post, way to go!  Happy baby planning.  I'm off to enjoy this beautiful weekend.  "This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it!"

Life with Two Children

This blog post has been in my head for 4 months now, and I've been ruminating on it and editing it in my head, so now is the time to put it out there for the world to see.

Life with 2 Kids!

I know, you mamas of 3, 4, 5+ kids are saying "Honey, you ain't seen nuthin' yet."  And they are right!  But, I do know I was really anxious right before delivering Ellie about what life with be like as a family of four, not sure how I'd handle a toddler and a newborn, so I wanted to pass on encouragement to mamas who are about to have their second child (don't worry!  It's fun and manageable!)

Because I have SO many thoughts in my head, I decided to do a Q&A session, with myself.  Ha!  But it's the only way I can think to organize.

1) What about the lack of sleep?

~My college roommates can attest to the fact that I NEED SLEEP!  Seriously, I was the one who went to bed early, got up early, and I was a big cranky ball of nerves if I got less than 7 hours of sleep.

But, the Lord has been so gracious in giving me an abundance of energy, despite going on approximately 3 hours of sleep for the first two months of Ellie's life.  The difference this time around is that you realize the newborn stage won't last forever.  In fact, it goes by rather quickly.  The sleepless nights won't last forever.  So hang in there, become best friends with your TIVO'd shows at 2 a.m., and pray pray pray for grace, mercy, and patience with your toddler.  The Lord is faithful, trust in Him.  "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength."  Philippians 2:13

 Ellie, Christmas Day 2012

2) Scheduling your newborn?

~For those of you who know me, I am a fairly organized, type A firstborn, Neonatal ICU nurse, so I'm used to babies being on a schedule.  But surprisingly, I haven't scheduled with my babies.  I really have not followed the BabyWise model at all.  I feed my newborns when they are hungry, and they have honestly scheduled themselves.  It's amazing how Ellie has stretched for longer periods, and around 10 weeks of age, she stretched longer at night in her sleeping habits.  I didn't stress over it, and it just happened.

I actually enjoy my more laid back approach, since I don't stress if my baby gets "off schedule."  Some moms can't handle that, so if you enjoy a schedule, then go for it.  I think all moms need to give each other LOTS of grace in this area, lots of grace being mamas, and be careful with the many opinions and advice it's easy to throw out there.  There is no right way to the newborn stage.

Jackson, 2 days old, January 2011

3)  How do you cook with 2 kids?

~Ha, you don't.  :)  I have learned that when someone offers help or to bring a meal, I graciously say "Yes, thank you!"  Don't feel bad in receiving help during this stage.  I think you honestly need 2 weeks of help in the beginning as you're recovering from your delivery.  And you need someone to play with your toddler while you adjust and recover.  Back to cooking...thankfully I got on a huge nesting kick right before Ellie came and I cooked and froze a bunch of meals.  After our church meals stopped (which were amazing and we appreciated every single meal!), I have been pulling the frozen meals out.  Or I'm cooking what is in the pantry, even if it's easy tacos or spaghetti. 

Interestingly, I have wanted to cook this time around.  With Jackson I thought I would NEVER be able to cook again.  This time around, I guess I feel more "normal" in my routine.  So I cook mainly when Andy is home, or after the kids have gone to bed.  

Don't you love these random pictures I'm putting in here?  A blog without pictures is pretty boring.

4)  How to balance time with toddler and newborn?

~ Most kids regress a little when there is an addition to their family.  My parents quickly realized they needed to focus on Jackson first when they came over.  Then they could give their attention to Ellie. My friend Barbie correctly and wisely told us that 2nd children are hardest on the Dads.  With the first child, the dad could pretty much relax when they came home from work, since the baby just slept and ate and that's about it.  With the second child, the toddler is running to daddy when he gets home from work, demanding his time and attention, and mommies need daddies to play with the toddler while they finish up dinner and take care of the newborn.

In regards to balancing time, I try to spend quality and intentional time with Jackson in the morning while Ellie naps.  We read read read, play, he will help me clean the house.  Sometimes Mickey Mouse will help to babysit Jackson while I go put on make-up and finish getting ready before we run errands.  Speaking of running errands, it took me about 6 weeks before taking both kids someplace.  I will still mainly go to the grocery store with one child or after both kids go to bed.  Running errands is a slow business, but again, give yourself grace here, and if you can only run one errand a day, then so be it.  Don't wear yourself out.

Also, toddlers do well with a schedule.  I'm still thinking and praying about what a schedule looks like with our new family, and I'd LOVE input from other mamas.  But our days look like this:  Breakfast, nap time for Ellie and mommy time with Jackson (whether it's cooking, cleaning, reading, etc), feeding Ellie, late morning nap for Ellie while we run one errand (and really, I can only do one errand a day with both kids, for now at least), lunch, nap time for all!, then play in afternoon, all the while nursing Ellie and then getting her to sleep.

5)  When do you do quiet times?

~I'm still figuring that out.  On a very rare morning I have gotten up early, but that is very rare.  Usually I listen to lots of praise music, and that has been my time of ministering to me and worshiping the Lord, as well as instilling praise music in my kids.  Every morning and night when I'm brushing my teeth and washing my face, I look at this verse I have posted on my bathroom mirror:

"Pour out your heart like water before the face of the Lord; lift your hands toward Him for the life of your young children."  Lamentations 2:19

I feel it's very important to pray without ceasing (as Paul admonishes us in the New Testament), especially over all aspects of your childrens' lives.  It is a learned discipline and one I'm constantly trying to do.

Okay, that's all the Q&A I can think of now, but if y'all have any questions, please don't hesitate to comment, and we can even discuss privately.  But know that you can do it and that God's grace is sufficient for you!

Easter 2013

"He is Risen; He is Risen Indeed!"

 

 Of course the Easter grass was the best part in Jackson's basket

 Identical faces

 Not thrilled with her bunny coat

Reflections

As I reflect on this Palm Sunday of our Lord's graciousness, mercies, and provisions for us, I have had these thoughts, and I would love your input from other mama's with toddlers.

We are reaching the picky toddler stage, wanting certain things, certain textures, not wanting our food touching, not finishing all of our food, etc etc.  And yet my heart hurts for the children all over the world who would love to devour the applesauce, blueberries, cottage cheese, and cantaloupe that I set in front of Jackson in the morning.  Truly hurts and aches for those mamas who go without food so their famished children can eat a few morsels to sustain them for another day.  Breaks for those who are perishing from unclean water, when I have the cleanest water in the world freely flowing from my faucets.

While I am enjoying these toddler days and don't wish them away by any means, I am looking forward to the day when I can "reason" with Jackson, and I pray he and Ellie have hearts of sensitivity for those who are suffering, hearts that are sensitive to the Holy Spirit and His moving.

In the morning, we watch this Hillsong song "Hosanna" on YouTube while I finish prepping Jackson's breakfast, and it truly ministers to me, touching deep places in my heart.  May this stanza in the lyrics encourage you:

"Heal my heart and make it clean
Open up my eyes to the things unseen
Show me how to love like You have loved me

Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom's cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest
Hosanna, hosanna
Hosanna in the highest"


Blessings to all of you as you reflect on this sacred Holy Week and our Lord's graciousness to us.

Note, for a great devotional read with your children, I highly recommend Jesus Storybook Bible. For a solid devotional with your family, check out Redeemer's devotional.