hard at play, hard at work

While I was putting CJV down for her afternoon nap, I encouraged Natalie to find something to play by herself until I was able to read her story and put her down for a nap.  Assuming she would entertain herself for all of about 5 minutes ... 

Boy, was I surprised {and very entertained} when my three year old spent the next 45 minutes ...

• Loading every piece of play food into her {super cute REI} backpack.
• Announcing she was hiking into the Highlands.
• Emptying our "cuddling" bin to find two baby dolls.
• Introducing me to her new babies - one is a boy and the other is a girl.
• Telling me the baby's names: Tim & Buddah.
• Finding another baby doll and naming her Charlotte.
• Lining up a bunch of small pillows and blankets with great determination and focus - chatting to herself and her babies all the while :)
• Putting each baby down for a nap - with a story and a song.
• Finding a fourth and fifth baby doll - named Sign-eey and Part-dee.
• Solving a pillow shortage dilemma by having the babies share.
• Scurrying around the downstairs picking up toys (without being asked!)
• Deciding - in her words, "Being a mommy is really hard work!"

So true, my little love.  But it is also very rewarding!

Big Kids & Babies

Rain cancelled my Red, White, and YOU playdate today - had crafts all ready to go, made the mistake of telling Natalie about it last night.  I was seriously bummed, and Natalie was more than a little distraught (it is so hard to be three)!  When we got a very impromptu invitation to hang out with a few friends - indoors - we jumped at the chance.  This little gathering included a photo session.

Here are the "big kids"* - all nearing their third birthdays** - who have known each other since the days of tummy time and rolling over!

* Matthew is not pictured.

** Morgan (far left) is only two and a half, but she hangs with this "older" crowd!

And here are the Babies ... all born since December. 

Charlotte is the oldest, but not the biggest, thanks to Alex ;)

Of course, she is also not the smallest, either.

Before I became a mom, I never realized just how special
my relationships with other moms would be ...
sharing, celebrating, commiserating, supporting, enjoying, ...

That our children would be playmates who look forward
to seeing each other almost as much as we do.

That our babies are growing up side-by-side, making memories. 

Watching their interactions and their individual personalities is a absolute wonder!  

This is a very special (and unexpected) part of my motherhood journey! 

Divide & Conquer

Most evenings - after dinner - Chad and I go our separate ways.  I take care of Charlotte, while he takes on the bigger challenge of getting Natalie ready for bed.  Some evenings I really miss that time with Natalie, but mostly I cherish this one-on-one time with Charlotte.  Tonight happened to be bath night (we do this every other night for the sake of sensitive skin), which prolongs the process but also gives me even more reasons to love my share of the Divide & Conquer  ...

1. It's calm and quiet - no screaming or whining or questioning.
2. My second born gets my full attention, which is hard to come by during the hustle and bustle of our day.
3. My little baby - all 11.5 pounds of her - is so adorable in all her naked glory!
4. Infant splashing is fun and cute - even when water gets all over the mirror! 



5. Did I mention it's calm and quiet?
6. Putting lotion, a diaper, and then pajamas on a toddler involves a chase scene. That's definitely not the case with CJV - at least not yet!
7. I don't have to answer any questions.
8. That fresh from the tub smell!  Well, I get that from Natalie, too ... but it's just different on a baby ... mainly because she puts up with my sniffing. 
9. Which book we read and which song I sing ... yep, those are both MY choice :)
10. I am finished and typing this blog post while Chad is still upstairs reading a second book and answering a bunch of questions!  The trade-off of which is that Charlotte and I will get even more "alone" time in the middle of the night and in the early morning.  Now we're even!

Say it with Song Sunday, a Flashback

Ah, it's Mother's Day, and I can't help thinking about the fact that - in the past year - I became the mom of  a second daughter. Our family of three grew to a family of four.  I am so blessed with two beautiful daughters. 

This time last year I was experiencing the not-so-delightful first trimester blues (or greens) which left me exhausted and very nauseous!  Today I enjoyed an incredible afternoon at the park wearing Charlotte Jane in the carrier while chasing (an almost three-year-old) Natalie from the swings to the slides and back again. 

When - about a year ago - Natalie announced the upcoming arrival of a new sibling, she used this wonderful song by Francis England.  It's called Family Tree, and it just makes me feel like a proud mama. It seems perfect for this Mother's Day and BJ_Mamas song meme ... so here's a flashback ...

This movie was created using Google Picasa.
This extraordinary and perfect song is titled Family Tree by Francis England.
I apologize for the not-so-great quality of the audio. It sounds great on my computer ... go figure! Oh, and the timing of the lyrics is right-on, too ... so aggravating!

Over the shoulder ...

... milk jug holder

Prior to yesterday - and since giving birth for the second time - I have been wearing the cheapest, flimsiest, non-supportive nursing bras.  There are three in my collection: 

• the cotton ultra-cheapy from Target with the non-existent band around the rib-cage so it slides up constantly
• the pretty pink one from some department store where I was "fitted" by a woman who didn't know what she was doing - purchased when nursing number one.
• the nude colored (my personal bra color preference) underwire from a maternity store; they didn't have my size, so I bought the next closest size - again, purchased with my first.

All of that changed when I walked into the woman's clinic here in town.  I had heard from plenty of mommy friends about their great nursing bra fitting service - how it was so worth the extra dollars, etc.  But I just couldn't manage to get there - by myself.  Baring my breasts and trying on a dozen bras while entertaining a two year old and hoping the 4 month old doesn't get any ideas ... that is not my idea of a good time.  Yesterday I took advantage of a little daddy daycare time ...

The very nice, soft-spoken lady started out by measuring me ... while commenting on how well I've done to regain my figure after having a baby.  It's always nice to be lied to by the bra-fitter in your life, huh?  I am so out-of-shape and still struggling with a wardrobe that does not fit me.  But she was being nice, so I won't begrudge her that.  

Brace yourself for this.  According to her measurements, I needed a 32 G.  Wish she had told me to sit down first; I was stunned.  I am NOT that big.  I mean, the girls are in their full glory, all milk-jugged and what-not.  But G?  Isn't that porno star size?  The bra I wore into her little boutique is a 34 D.  And then, suddenly, I remember an Oprah show about women and their ill-fitting bras.  I knew I would have to trust this "professional bra fitter" who was telling me G.

In the end, and after trying on five different bras, I ended up with a 32 F that makes the girls feel lifted, supported, and always-at-the-ready.

Yes, I am finally a believer, and I distinctly regret not checking it out sooner!  A new, well-fitting bra changes everything.  Slight exaggeration, but seriously, it does make a huge difference.  If you are currently wearing a bra that doesn't quite fit you right, I encourage you to seek professional help, spend a little extra money, and give the girls the support they deserve.  You'll be glad you did.  They'll be glad you did.

This has been a MommyBrain public service announcement on behalf of all the unsupported boobies out there!

Hat Trick

The girls both managed to pull a hat trick today.

Just to be clear, we're talking about number 2 here, people!

File this under ...

• T.M.I.
• Joys of Motherhood, the sarcastic edition

Yep, that pretty much sums up my day.  How was yours?

Sweet Frustration

Just look at that sweet face.  

How in world could that peaceful, adorable face 

be causing me such frustration? 

It's petty, really, and I know that.

It's just that she only sleeps like that when I either hold her or Ergo her or cuddle her in my bed.  When one of those three options are employed, she's a great sleeper.  In her bassinet, I can only count on about 30 minutes of peaceful sleep ... before she needs me to help her fall back to sleep. 

Today I feel like every moment of my free time is spent helping her to sleep and keeping her that way.  And I am feeling frustrated.

A big part of my current predicament is my fault ... but I rationalize it mostly because of her age and size.

CJV is still so young and small.  She's nearly two months old, but she's only weighing in the mid seven pound range - a weight that is typical of - if not smaller than - most newborns.  And so I continue to treat her like a newborn.  I hold her and cuddle her and watch her sleep.  I know that I should be empowering her to put herself to sleep ... that transition should probably be happening now.  But I am not sure I am ready to give her that slice of independence.  Part of me loves knowing that she so completely depends on me.

In the back of my mind and squeezing at my heart is the fact I won't be the mommy of a newborn ever again; at least we've semi-made that decision.  Selfishly, I just want to soak up every moment.

But, just as selfishly, I could also use a few moments to myself.  Oh, what's a momma to do?!

Two-Hand Fun

Aaaaahhh yeah ... I've been having myself a little two-hand fun.

Is it just me or does that sound kind of racy?!  Is my mind in the gutter?!  Is yours?!

Well, this isn't nearly as obscene as it sounds ...  

but it sure is exciting to me ...

But before I share with you exactly what the heck I am talking about ... allow me to tell you the back story.

There's this hilarious chica named Laryl ... she's one of my dearest friends from college ... and did I mention that she is so ridiculously funny?!  I can't be in a room (or on the phone, for that matter) with her for more than a minute or two without absolutely cracking up.  She's my kind of funny, and I love her for it.

Well, Laryl is as practical as she is funny ... which makes a great combination for some serious laughs ... at with her.  Because here's the thing, I think we all wish we could pull off practical as well as she does ... especially in this particular case.  You see, Laryl wears rocks a fanny (pack).  She dropped the pack and refers to it as just her "fanny."  I am cracking up just thinking about the mannerisms / dance moves she uses when speaking of her "fanny."  Wish I had video ... because I am fairly certain it's one of those "you had to be there" kind of things.

Anyway, as a result of rocking the "fanny," Laryl is the one in our group who always has whatever we happen to need, and she has it close at hand.  She's a freakin' boy scout in disguise, I tell ya.  Do you have one of those friends?  I always wish I could be that person.  The one who carries everything we may need and comes to the rescue when we need it.  But that's just not me ... especially if it means carrying a backpack or fanny pack ... just not going to happen.  I just can't pull off "that look," and we all know what you carry is a fashion statement, right?

Well, as Laryl so eloquently points out, with a fanny pack you've always got two hands free ... for, what else, but some Two-Hand Fun!  And really, two hands are always more fun!

After three days of wearing Charlotte in the Ergo Carrier, I emphatically agree.  And after more than a month of figuring out how to do everything one-handed (filling my water bottle, brushing my teeth,  making a bottle, putting cream cheese on a bagel, replying to emails, writing thank you cards, even going to the bathroom) because CJV was too tiny to be in the carrier ... boy, did I need some Two-Hand Fun!

Let the good times roll 'cause I've got 1, 2 hands free!

Clearly, the Ergo is my Fanny, and I am loving life!

Oh, and I think Charlotte looks so darn cute when I look down on her ... all snuggled up in there ...

P.S.  Minimum weight for the Ergo with Infant Insert is 6 pounds ... you know what that means, right!?  My little peanut is getting chunky :)  CJV weighed in at 6 pounds 7.5 ounces this morning ... woo hoo!

P.P.S.  That little hood-deal-io on the Ergo ... is absolutely genius!  Most often I refer to it as the "crumb-catcher" ... many meals have been eaten with the little one strapped in.  At dinnertime I do one heck of a Rain Man impersonation to keep her content while we eat ... rock, take a bite, rock, ... but her cute head always manages to be free of crumbs :)

P.P.P.S.  Can't thank my friend SC enough for loaning me her Ergo ... these things may be fabulous but they aren't cheap!

Solo Day 1 & a Nap Rebellion

It has been so nice having a second adult - either my mom or my MIL or my husband - in the house since CJV was born.  I am fairly certain that I would not have survived the month of December without all that help.  It's amazing how much better I feel - physically, emotionally, hormonally, and mentally - one whole month (and a few days) after giving birth ... but I was still very sad and a little anxious to have CPV return to work today.

Today was my first official full day of "flying solo" with two little ones.  And throwing my good intentions, reality check, and resolution out the window, we started our day with a trip to my friend Deann's house.  Probably should've been one of those lounge in our jammies kind-of-days.  But instead, I managed to get all three of us fed, washed, dressed, bundled, and out the door by 10:10 am ... only 10 minutes behind schedule.

We had a fantastic - and much-needed - visit with Dee, her daughter Cee-Cee, and her new baby boy Jordan.  The girls greeted each other so excitedly - neither has spent much time with their little friends since becoming big sisters - and played with only a few minor disagreements.  And I got the chance to chat and commiserate and celebrate with my fellow new mommy friend.  Our littlest nuggets slept away the morning side-by-side in their car seats.  I packed up the girls and headed home just in time for Charlotte's next feeding.

Which takes us to nap time, a cherished time at our house.  By cherished I mean by me and by Natalie.  It's quite normal for her to ask for a nap after lunch.  It's quite rare for her to fuss or refuse a nap.  Ah, rarity ... ain't it grand?  After putting NHV down in her room, I headed to my room with CJV to snuggle in and catch up on the sleep I am not getting in the middle of the night.  All was blissful ... until I hear Natalie on the monitor.  She was jumping on her bed.  A big no-no.  Went in and told her to lay back down.  Same thing happened again ... and my brain suddenly flashed to Elmo because his show was all about jumping today.  Darn that adorable red monster!  My request for the jumping to stop was met with disobedience and more gleeful jumping ... to which I weakly responded with a swat on the leg (oh, the guilt!) and a firm reprimand.

Feeling lousy about the swat, I returned to my own bed and shed a few tears as I tried to fall asleep.  Only minutes later, I hear Natalie rummaging around in her room.  Not jumping but definitely not sleeping, either.  I gave her some time and pulled myself together before going in ... and finding her reading books to her stuffed animals ... and smelling something decidedly stinky disgusting.   Changed her poopy diaper and put her back in bed with minimal conversation.

She had already been in her room for 45 minutes, when the game started in full force.  A full hour of up-and-down and opening the door (a huge no-no) and lots of tears and tantrums and my resilient say nothing approach ... we both finally fell asleep. 

That left me a grand total of about 45 minutes before Charlotte woke up to be fed again.  I am quickly discovering the "joys" and scheduling conflicts of dual motherhood.

I had enough time to take care of CJV's needs before having to wake up NHV at 4:30 - we don't let her sleep past that time for fear of bedtime issues.  The three of us played for a while, and then I started dinner.  Yes, friends, I broke my resolution again.  There were plenty of leftovers in the fridge but I also had a new recipe and all the ingredients ... and I chose to cook ... with two kiddos and no other adult to help. 

Thankfully Charlotte slept in the carrier almost the entire time and Natalie was totally enthralled with her new baby doll bassinet, a gift from Deann.  Dinner was delicious.  The kitchen was an absolute mess.  And I was beyond relieved and happy to see my husband walk through the front door ... about ten minutes earlier than expected.

Tomorrow is another day.  Solo Day 2 ... hoping for less excitement and more rest.

Sisters

Oh, that first meeting.

Words cannot express.

NHV has taken to big sisterhood with much enthusiasm and love.

She giggled and smiled and just gazed with such awe.

She must've said the words, "babee sistah" at least a dozen times.

"Babee sistah grew in mommy's be-yy-y."

"Babee sistah ... Charlotte." 

"See babee sistah's tootsies."

"Babee sistah's tootsies ... t-I-ny."

She then counted her toes and leaned in for a tootsie kiss.

"Dat babee sistah's naket (blanket)."

And her best observation ...

"Mommy work hard ... get babee sistah out her tummy."

---------------------------------------------------------

I cried.  I smiled.  I suddenly understand ...

A mother's love is infinite.

FFF: Happy Mother's Day!

This week's FFF theme is Mommy, and it only seemed fitting for me to take a little stroll down memory lane ... to the day I "labored" my beautiful girl into this world!

Not sure I would say this is the day I became a mommy, but the photos bring back truly wonderful memories and they certainly evoke some strong mommy emotions. It's amazing how the human mind just blocks out the pain. Guessing that's the best way to ensure mommy's will do it again, huh?!

Anyway, I can really only remember JOY ... and that stupid IV in my hand was driving me crazy ... and I was really, really hot - hotter than I had ever been in my life. Most of that four and a half hours of my life are such a blur; other moments are so crystal clear.

Be sure to head over to Kiss the Frog 4 Me to see more of this week's great Mommy photos.

If you're interested in more of my labor story, this is from the journal I kept of Natalie's first year:

Your Birthday

At about 8:00 pm on July 14th, I was in the loft above our garage when my water broke - what a surprise! With a bit of panic in my voice, I yelled to your dad - he was in his workshop - “Babe, my water just broke!” As I expected, he was shocked but also calm, and he immediately came up with a plan. Call the doctor, take showers, and pack a bag. So that’s just what we did. While I showered, daddy started putting all kinds of things in a suitcase - books, CD’s, clothes, snacks, … none of which we needed, but I’ll get to that. And then while daddy showered, I called your Auntie Heather and our friend Liza; it was so good to hear the voices of friends who had been through this before. I must admit, I was getting a little nervous at this point.

In the car on the way to the hospital, I called Grammy to tell her the exciting news, and that's when it really hit me ... "I'm having a baby!" I started to cry - tears of both happiness and nervousness. I was about to become a mom and talking to my own mom gave me a sense of calm. Grammy was very surprised and a little sad; she was disappointed that you were early and she wasn't here to go to the hospital with us.

I had 5 hard contractions on the way to the hospital; to be honest, they didn't hurt as much as I expected.

We didn't really hurry to the hospital because we assumed that many hours would pass before you actually arrived. That's why daddy packed so much stuff! But it ended up that he barely set our suitcase down before "things got interesting" and a very short time later you were born.

To my shock and surprise, I was already dilated 7 centimeters; more than halfway to being ready to push! The nurses asked me if I wanted something for the pain - an epidural - but I looked at your daddy, which made me feel very brave, and decided to give birth naturally.

Doctor M arrived at about 11:00 pm. I pushed until 12:36am on July 15, 2007.

Those first few minutes after you were born are kind of a blur for me. I look back at the pictures that daddy took, and I am so glad to have them. He really captured the excitement and chaos ...