I have handled my hormones and emotions SO much better this time around. With Avery, I dealt with Post Partum Depression and had a REALLY hard time with the newborn stage. I didn't feel adequate, I didn't feel like I could fully love, I wasn't happy....I was just plain MISERABLE. I felt like I was gyping my child!
Thank God for modern medicine! By the time Avery was 10 months old, I was put on medicine and felt happy again!
This pregnancy, I wanted things to be differently. I knew this was going to be my last child, so I am trying to enjoy every minute. Now that doesn't mean every second of every day is a walk in the park; but I am trying my best to not stress about every little thing. I haven't had the baby blues quite to level I did with Avery. (Which is nice!) I haven't had to be put on medicine (yet) and have actually bounced back fairly quickly!
I CANNOT stop producing milk. This is a good and bad thing! I am pumping about 30 oz a day, on TOP of nursing Liam. But, this also led to me getting mastitis. I have been dealing with this for about 5 days now. I felt like I was on my deathbed on Friday! My temperature reached 104! I literally didn't think I was going to make it. I think I am finally out of the woods, but I am having a hard time keeping my energy up!
Liam is growing up so fast! Last Tuesday was his 2 week appointment. He weighed 9 pounds already!! (54 percentile.) He gained 3/4 of an inch, which put him at 21-3/4! (88 percentile!) And his head measured in the 44th percentile. I want him to slow down!
He eats, poops and sleeps more than Avery ever did. These two are so different as babies! Avery cried and cried for 6 months straight. She had colic and gas so bad! Liam is the most calm little child. He really only cries when he is naked, hungry or can't latch on right away. Other than that, he stares at you all googly eyed. (He's probably mimmicking me! I just love to stare at him!)
The adjustment with Avery has been a struggle, to say the least. The first day I was alone with the kids, Avery tried pushing me down a flight of stairs while I was holding Liam! She has also tried slamming the front door with him in my arms too! Her bouts of tantrums have gone from a 10 to a 100! Bed time has turned into a war zone and she is much more demanding, hyper and sassy! It has been exhausting, but I know it'll get better. (I'm praying that it does!!!)
Avery starts school tomorrow, so I think getting back into a routine will help. A TON! She will go Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2-1/2 hours. I will Co-Op 1-2 times a month, then in January I'll be bumped up to 4 times a month. I'm excited to get those alone moments with each child!
As bad as I have made this all sound (SORRY!), my heart feels complete. I finally feel like my family is complete and that nothing is missing! My heart is so full and I love being a mom! Each day brings its challenges and triumphs.
Here are some pictures to document our journey so far:
Not gonna lie, when they said it was about time to push...I got really nervous!
But then I remembered, I was SO done being prego!!
Poor Liam had the worst cone head!
The Doctors' had to monitor him because his breathing was shallow.
We were nervous his head was going to need a helmet to reshape it. Poor buddy!
Look at that bruising on his head!!
Yep, lungs are working now!
Proud Daddy.
Sissy fell in love at first sight!
Nana Teri.
And, she couldn't keep her hands off of him! (Still can't!)
Aunt Smash.
And then there were FOUR!
First Bath!!
My husband is so handsome!
First poop!
Dr. Cox. The best!
Tired much?!?
Nana Vickie.
Cousin Mia.
Friend Andy.
Proud Sissy!
Uncle Ty.
Grandma Dee Dee.
Uncle Paul.
Oh HEY!
My Dream Boat!
Papa Dale.
Nana Sheri.
Grandpa Steve.
This is how a lot of our days look. Tears-a-flowing!
But then she remembers she LOVES her baby brover!
