Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Becoming a Mom of Two

Jude is almost 4 weeks old, I just can't believe it! Time needs to slow down!

I was asked today by another mom who's expecting her second baby: "What has been the most difficult part of becoming a mother of two?" This is my response:

One thing that was surprisingly difficult in the first week or so was watching my "baby" (Eli) grow up before my eyes and become a big boy. I cried over that more than once. I know that bringing Jude home was the greatest gift we could ever give Eli and becoming a big brother has come so naturally to him. Seeing Eli take on this role has been an amazing experience as a mom. He has adapted more gracefully than I, without a doubt! 

I would say the hardest thing for me has been trying to establish a new normal. I've been recovering from my c-section (with some minor complications) and nursing a bad cold, which has probably made it a little bit harder on me.
It is a difficult thing to feel like you are being s
tretched thin; Between Eli and Jude both needing me in different ways (and sometimes at the same time), keeping up the house (not really a negotiable thing for me since a clean house brings me peace), trying to be an attentive/kind/loving wife, and still holding on to my identity outside of mom and wife I have felt in high demand from every angle.
I think this is normal? To have this crazy period of adjustment. Feel free to chime in, other moms of two!?
Thankfully I have a patient and understanding husband who is active in his role as father, Eli adores his little brother, and Jude is a very easy-going baby... all of those things make my job a little easier.

The easiest part, of course, is enjoying my family. Watching Eli take his brother under his wing, sweet baby snuggles, almost getting my first real smile today from Jude, seeing Daniel interact with his sons... nothing beats watching your family grow in size and love. There are growing pains, of course, but it is more than worth it!


I am so thankful for my family! I have been blessed beyond measure and I pray that I can continue to see the beauty in the chaos, at least until we find our new normal.



Saturday, December 1, 2012

Update on Jude (3 weeks)

I wanted to have a record of some of Jude's stats, so here we go!

Weight-
Birth: 7 lbs 7 oz
2 days: 6 lbs 15 oz
4 days: 6 lbs 8 oz
5 days: 6 lbs 14 oz
12 days: 7 lbs 9 oz

Length-
Birth: 21 inches
12 Days: 21.5 inches

One Week
Stopped having to wake him up to eat
Wakes every 3 hours throughout the day/night
Loves his hands by his face when sleeping

Two Weeks
Finally awake more often - awake period from 9pm - 12:30am
Sleeps 3-4 hour stretches at night
Cord stump fell off at 15 days
Loved his first bath, not one fuss or tear

Three Weeks
Growth spurt! Eating all the time, fussing more often!
Even more periods of wakefulness - one in the morning and one in the evening
Still sleeping 3-4 hours at night
Tried out his swing and loves it
Gave a little half smile while looking at mommy

You are so patient with your big brother who wants to constantly touch, hold, and kiss you! You are such a peaceful little boy and seem to have it all figured out. We love you, little man!