When I was pregnant with Henry, I wasn’t sure I would have that severe obsession with Baby #2 like I did/do with C. How would my heart handle that?
Well, no worries… I’m obsessed. He’s the cutest little love and I just can’t even handle it. So much love and sweetness in my world! I’m a lucky gal.
Oooey gooey rant over. Now, some pics of Henry and I playing today…
I think things are improving. Don’t get me wrong, Charlotte still ran away from me in the school parking lot and had more than a couple whiney meltdowns… BUT, it really felt better.
By this afternoon, despite waking up from her nap like a total bear, we turned things around and she was a good listener and even quite sweet. She felt a lot more like my girl today.
Progress…
And as for my Henry, who I feel like I never get to write about because I’m too distracted, he’s just the sweetest little love. We have such a great routine together and I feel like I know his cries and his patterns. He feels super easy to predict and handle (baby #2 is SO much easier – like a different species). Not to mention the fact that he’s totally just my little love. He’s so smiley and just loves his mommy and is the cutest most kissable little dude (even though his head smells like cradle cap).
Today after we dropped C at school, we went on a quick shopping trip to Old Navy and Nordstrom Rack. Henry was trying to beef up my confidence, and in doing so showed me that I can in fact push a stroller, shop and breastfeed my 12+ lb baby simultaneously. The ultimate multitask.
Look how cute he was helping me pick out clothes in the dressing room…
Apparently he did not approve of whatever I had tried on.
Once we picked C up and put her down for her nap, Henry decided we would spend the remainder of the afternoon snuggling. He wouldn’t have it any other way!
In conclusion, I got a great little tote from Old Navy and really enjoyed my babies today. Big win.
6 weeks… That’s how long it took for the reality of baby brother Henry to really sink in for Charlotte. Since last week, we’ve been dealing with a green mutant version of our girl.
I’m talking hitting, scratching, hair pulling. Mutant Charlie.
At first, Mark and I were annoyed. All the whining and misbehaving. Oy. It wears on you. Especially when so sleep-deprived. But yesterday, I read about 40 different articles about jealousy when a new baby comes and it just left me feeling really sad for Charlotte.
She is very clearly testing us, but what I didn’t think about was that it likely stems from an insecurity regarding her current situation. Do mommy and daddy still love me? Do they love me the same? Will they love me no matter what? Why does Henry get all of mommy’s attention? And so on…
The gist of what I read is to just shower her with love… But let me tell you, it’s not always easy. She’s got SUCH spice. One minute she’s our sweet little girl and the next, she gets this look in her eye and does something so naughty.
This morning’s victims? Mark and Ollie. Mark got kicks on the changing table and hits when he tried to put her in her car seat and Ollie got his tail pulled.
Ugh. Please, please, please tell me this is a phase… A short-lived phase.
To all you mommas of two… Any advice? I know I need to find just mommy/Charlie time. But what else? Ignore the hitting? Timeouts? Any advice is welcome!
It’s called, “Wait a Minute… I’ve Seen that Photo Before” and I’ve been playing for the past two days.
Here’s how it works… I take a photo of Henry and as I’m admiring it, I realize… I think I took the same photo with Charlie when she was a babe. So I search and I find said picture and spend the rest of the day marveling at how my children look pretty damn similar to one another.
Here are the photos…
Mark and I had our first “date” last weekend… After we put Charlotte to bed, Mark drove 35 minutes to our favorite ramen joint for takeout.
In that time, I got Henry to sleep. When he got home at 9 pm, we enjoyed a delicious and kid-free dinner 🙂
Not exactly what it used to be, but it’s something!
It’s crazy that it’s already been three weeks. Or maybe it’s crazy that it’s only been three weeks? Who knows…
Either way, we’re settling into our new life as a family of 4. Seriously, I know I’ve said this before, but we would be lost without my mother in law. She’s been absolutely invaluable in helping care for Charlie during the transition… And just provide all around help and support at home. Not to mention all the help from the other grandparents (picking C up from school, bringing dinners, picking up things from the store, etc). We are very lucky.
Anyway, little man is definitely way more alert this week! He’s been having more awake times and seems to be way more aware during those awake times.
He also seems to be entertained by his sister… Or comforted or something. Despite the fact that she appears to be all over him and shoving paci’s in his mouth or just “loving him too hard”… He seems to be at peace with her… Until he isn’t! Haha I mean, let’s be honest, there are only so many 26 lb hugs an infant can take before he’s had enough.
Henry had 4 or 5 nights in a row of sleeping 5-6 hour spans followed by 2-3.5 hour spans; however, last night was only 4 hours. So, we’ll see what happens tonight.
He is still eating like a little monster and getting G some good naps in during the day.
He also seems so dang strong. He pushes off on me with his legs and hangs out in a standing position. He also sits upright in my arms with his head totally self-supported. He’s a tough cookie.
Other than that, it’s business as usual. Lots of eating, peeing, pooping, spitting up… Ya know, the fun stuff!
On Tuesday, Henry had his two-week check up with the Doctor. Before his appointment, the little guy and I spent nearly 3 hours at work.
He was SUCH a good boy. He slept the full 2.5 hours at work until I woke him for a milk snack before his doctors appointment. Then, at the doc, he was great! No screaming… Just dealt with the pokes and prods.
As for his stats, brace yourself… He’s our little giant!
Weight: 11 lbs, 10.5 ounces!! Woah! – 98th percentile
Height: 23″ (up .75″) – 100th percentile
Head Circumference: 38.6 cm – 98th percentile
Who would have thought a 5’1″ (if I’m being generous) momma and 5’9″ daddy could create such big babies?
Time is flying! Sweet Henry is already two weeks old and our spunky toddler is just one month shy of being a two year old. How is that possible?
I need to do a full Charlie update, but for now, she’s doing great. This past month, her language has just exploded and I swear, she’s just become a little girl. And seriously, such a big helper.
As for Henry pie, he was SUCH a little love last night and decided to do his long awake time at 930pm instead of 2am! We were up together until 1130ish, at which point, I put him in bed awake (but sleepy).
Little man didn’t wake up until after 4 am! 5 hours!! We were up for a little over an hour and then he slept another 3 hours. Such a good boy.
We’ll see what happens tonight… I’m not holding my breath.
Otherwise, life with two has been great so far! With the help of my MIL (I would not survive without her here every day), our amazing family and friends and of course the hubby, we’ve had a pretty seamless transition.
Of course, there are hard and tiring days, but overall, things are happy and good. Loving our incredible family of four.
We’ve survived the first 11 days! And honestly, it’s been going really well. There have been moments where the exhaustion sets in, but really, it’s been going well!
Mark just went back to work today, so we’ll see what tune I’m humming come Friday… But for now, things are going well.
Charlotte is still LOVING her brother (aka “my baby”). She loves to hold him and give him hugs and kisses. She’s been a great helper and is even making improvements in terms of being more gentle. Progress!
As for Henry… The boy loves his milk. LOVES his milk. He sleeps 2.5-3.5ish hours at a time during the night, which isn’t too bad! I think I get up 2-3 times per night? Maybe more? Honestly, I have no idea. I try to pay attention, but never seem to remember. I haven’t been tracking his nursing, which I think is part of it. But whatever it is, it doesn’t feel too bad. Although, tonight, he’s literally been nursing nonstop. Maybe he’ll sleep a longer stretch? Haha I’m not getting my hopes up.
He also has reflux. Poor cookie. He’ll howl out cries when his tummy hurts. Mostly it affects him at night. I’ve been trying to nurse him in an upright position and then hold him upright for 10-30 minutes after.
Regardless, he’s a super chill little man. Such a lovey. Also, he has the softest head and is just a total sweetie pie.
Anyway, here are some photos from the past week or so…
Photos from Henry’s Bris
A couple preview pics from Henry’s newborn photo shoot
Fun at home…
Our little ice cream outing
Today we took Henry to the doctor for his first post-hospital visit. Henry was such a good little man. He was well behaved and lovely and adorable.
Our little Mr. Moo is already back to his birth weight of 10 lbs 5 ounces… can you believe it? They said this is particularly impressive, as big babies tend to lose a bit more… but not our Henry! His non-stop milk snacks have really done well for him these past few days.
Other than that, it was business as usual… nothing too huge to report.
Henry’s stats are literally off the charts! He’s over 100th percentile for height (22.25″) and head circumference and is 98th for weight.
(Henry hates three things: 1) being naked, 2) being hungry and 3) having his balls wiped… FYI)
Playing House 