Going from 1 to 2 & Everything Else...

I'll admit, my oldest was an easy baby and things went smoothly with her, we had no issues adding her into the mix.  When pregnant with Avalynn I had no worries that I'd be able to easily adjust from having one child to two children.  Oh - how I was mistaken.   I feel like only in the past few days we're finally getting into a groove and I'm not feeling like a chicken with my head cut-off.

Things I've learned adding Avalynn into the mix:

- Breastfeeding takes a lot of time and practice.  With the oldest we formula fed, afterwards I wished I'd have tried bf'ing, so I was determined to try and commit to it 100%.  I've heard the first couple weeks are the hardest, and had a couple meltdowns when things weren't going well, but I kept trying and pumping, when we were having difficulties, so I wouldn't lose my supply, I'm happy to say we now are doing great in this dept.

- I now understand why mom's have days where they can't find the time to shower.  I've had many a days where my first moment isn't until 4 in the afternoon.  I never understood this before, but now I do.  Breastfeeding is more time consuming, and sometimes leaves little time in between feedings, to bathe & dress both girls, clean up the house, laundry, cook meals etc.

- You think you can nap some during the day, especially in the beginning when it's long nights with several feedings.  But with a 3 1/2 year old, who doesn't nap daily anymore - THINK AGAIN!  All I can say is power naps & tag teaming with the Hubs, one of us naps while the other is awake...

- It takes an hour or so to actually get out of the house.  I try to feed her right before we leave, esp if running errands, have yet to breastfeed publicly, previously I had a back-up supply, but we've used all of that.

- We've learned to have more patience with my oldest, it's a big adjustment for her and us.  Our families have been great with not showering all of their attention just to Avalynn and making sure that Emma is a priority too.  One thing I've been told is that if the baby and oldest need you, don't always go to the baby first, as they have no clue, but your older child does.  It's hard to do this, but with the help of the Hubs, I think we're managing this well.


Things I'm proud of
- Didn't give up and have 1 month down for breastfeeding.
- Been cloth diapering Avalynn since she was 6 days old when her umbilical cord fell off.
- Avalynn is now only getting up once a night to eat.
- Lost all of my pregnancy weight plus 8 lbs.


Some new pics:

Family Valentine's Day Photo

Emma listening to her music player.

The girls relaxing on the couch.

Sleepy smiles from Avalynn.

Avalynn Grace has ARRIVED!!!!

I finally have a moment to share our wonderful news of our baby girls' birth. 

Birth Story - Last Monday the 25th I went in to the hospital to get the gel stuff.  We came home and the gel, which did nothing for my 1st daughter's delivery, actually was giving me some intense contractions.  Coming every 1 1/2 to 3 minutes lasting a minute or so.  Finally after 2 hours of these I called the Dr's office and they said to head back to the hospital.  When there it ended up I hadn't progressed that much so they had me walk their hallway.  Basically the midwife made sure they'd admit me by breaking my water some.  Was admitted around 4pm.  And then my progression in labor just stopped and nothing was happening.  The midwife would check me every 2 hours and there never was a change.  Finally after the 1am check the midwife told me I could keep waiting since everything was going ok with the baby.  Hubs and me discussed and decided that if nothing changed after the next check then we'd go the c-section route.  Around 3am I was starting to feel the contractions again.  My nurse just went down the whole what to expect for a c-section stuff.  The midwife came in @ 3:30 and by golly I was 9 1/2 almost 10cm.  I pushed through 2 contractions and with her assistance got to the 10cm.  Then 3 contractions later and our baby girl entered the world @ 3:53am, January 26th, 2010, weighing 9lbs 5.2ozs, 20 1/4 inches.  

She's beautiful and a wonderful addition to our family.  Little one is loving being a big sister and overall we haven't had too many issues, like I was afraid we might.  

Here's some pictures: 

Family Shot.

Proud BIG Sister.

Actually awake.

She actually likes tummy time!

1st day in cloth diaper after her umbilical cord fell off.