How I Plan On Getting My Body Back!

Confidence.  That's what this is about.  It's not about being skinny - for me, it's about the FEELING you have when you walk into a room and know that others are thinking to themselves; 'DANG! She looks super happy (and kinda hot)'.

That being said, it's a new year and I'm going for it.  I found these great little daily ‘challenges’ on Instagram.  Every week I’ll post a new picture that I’ll do everyday that week!  Quick, easy, cheap and doable.  This is how I plan on starting to get my pre-pregnancy body back!  Get excited friends. 

Kay first off, I had no clue what a Froggie was...  Yes, this Goodlife Step, Jam and Attack instructor had to look up what the heck that was!  So...off to a great start.  But I digress.  

Today, I did this sequence of movements and it took a total of ten minutes from start to finish (I did a little dress run before I start this thing for real tomorrow).  Ten to fifteen minutes is really all I seem to have these days so I'm really happy it's super quick.  

When I was pregnant, I was often told that breastfeeding would help immensely with weight loss - and I can’t lie, it did.  But unfortunately for me (as badly as I wanted it to happen) I wasn’t one of those girls where the weight just ‘melted’ off in a few weeks like you so often hear about.  I actually really had to work at it, and work HARD.  Especially for those last ten stubborn pounds to disappear.  Even when all the baby weight came off, my measurements were still not back to my healthy normal which was also frustrating. 

So now, after receiving the exercise OK from my OB, my plan of action (and for at least two months until I can pick up the intensity) is to do these really quick and easy ‘challenges’ at some point, any point, during the day, every single day.

With two babes this will be manageable for me and something I can do without leaving the house.  The timing seems about right as well considering its the start of a new year.  If you like, feel free to join me and leave me a comment or a message and we can do it knowing and supporting one another!  I know it’s always a bit easier when you have a buddy doing it too.  

Getting my 'fit' back in 2015!!!

Kate

XOXO

7 weeks post partum

7 Weeks POST-PARTUM

How are you feeling?

Happy and a little tired.  Hosting Xmas was super exhausting but worth it.  Nate and I agreed that we would absolutely do it again.  Pics soon!

Sleep?

Will is giving us four hour stretches at night so that is really nice.  Occasionally he is hard to get back to sleep after a feed but Nate and I tap each other out if it’s going on for too long so at least one of us can get that extra bit of rest.

My Nutrition?

Christmas…the only time I’ve really ever been known to put on a few pounds during the season because of all the incredible delicious, nutritious and not so nutritious food.  But because of breastfeeding that didn’t occur this year.  Regardless, my nutrition was both healthy and very unhealthy this week.  Hello butter in CHRISTMAS WIFESAVER.

 Any weight loss?

1 pound lost this week for a total of 21 pounds putting me at 122

Best moment this week?

Besides the obvious (CHRISTMAS), the best moment this week was watching Scarlet open her first gift on Christmas Eve.  We were all at my parents house and my brother Paul’s girlfriend bought her Minnie Mouse and her reaction was priceless.

It was so adorable to see because last year she was too young to really understand giving and receiving and even opening gifts so this one was really special and lovely.

 How is Scarlet coping?

Fabulously.  That’s a word right?

Baby Will?

Fantastically.  That’s definitely a word.

His weight?

I’m longing for the day he reaches 11 pds as he’ll have doubled his birth weight.  There are very positive changes in babies when they get to that point (less nursing during the night, more predictable nap routine, etc).  Once he gets to this point we’ll make a family decision about whether or not we go to Mexico in Feb with my side.  It would be amazing but we want to strongly consider both positives and negatives of travel with two under two.

His disposition?

He’s totally beginning to engage in everyday activities.  He LOVES his sister and smiles when she’s near or talks to him. Check out these two pics of Will admiring Scarlet during our Xmas family pic section.  This is when he’s just 5 weeks old!!!

We ended up changing Will into these navy blue pants after a little poop made a smelly entrance but luckily got our shot in his cute black pants.

What are you looking forward to?

The other day one of my girlfriends invited me to dinner and then to go see the Ballet afterwards!!!  JUST SHE AND I!  She has three kids so this is like an epic game changer for us - the thought of this night sans kiddos will keep us both plugging through the long days for weeks!  I’m already looking forward to it and already planning my outfit.  

Haha!

Pics of Dec will be up in 'Home' if you are interested ;)

Love

Kate

XOXO

Merry Christmas Friends!!!

Yes - you are right to ask yourself 'is anyone wearing SOCKS in this picture?'  I personally despise socks so no, it wasn't intentional but totally logical that everyone is barefoot.

ANYWHO,

A very Merry Christmas to all of you out there!  This year is such a special one for our little family of four because this will be the first of many holidays together.  We are hosting this amazing few days of Christmas and as always, we're keeping in mind that

 JESUS is the reason for the season

  (I totally thought that I made that up but then I googled it and it 100% already existed) Oh well - I still feel it’s the truth!  Nate and I are so thrilled to have both of our families together under one roof, something that hasn’t ever happened, and even though not everyone is here in Calgary together (missing my bro Teddy and his fam and my sister-in-law Robin and her’s as well), it will still be a very momentous and large gathering including my Grandfather Fred Enns!!!

What you see above is our family photo for 2014.  My Dad has always kept up a tradition in our family to take and send out one group picture to friends and family with a Christmas card and as tough as it is to actually capture a frame where everyone is looking at the lens, I always felt it was well worth the effort.  Especially, looking back on all of the years.  I wanted to continue that family tradition with my little clan.  So that is our first one as a foursome.

This one below was our second choice but I felt that since Scarlet was mid 'CHEESE' and Will looks a little like Gollum from 'Lord of The Rings' (I say that lovingly - but in all truthfulness he's his twin in this shot) we would go with the first to our immediate families and this kinda real-life one to friends

Wishing you and yours the safest most wonderful and joyous holiday.  Looking forward to the New Year and hopefully connecting with many of you in 2015!

LOVE

Kate 

XOX

6 week post-partum update

6 Weeks POST-PARTUM

How are you feeling?

Overall really great.  Getting more sleep (thanks to suggestions for Will from my amazing Mom)and I’ve been cleared to start exercising (lightly).  I have the best plan in place for this and I’ll share it with you guys in the New Year!

Sleep?

Still dealing with both good nights and not so good nights.  I’ve come to realize that I’m a greedy sleeper.  If I don’t get those 8 hours, I can be a little testy.

My Nutrition?

Is really different now with two kids.  I try, but man it's a challenge even getting in the required amount of calories while nursing!  I will do a picture example in 'Eats' soon because of how random my meals are becoming.  

 Any weight loss?

1 pound lost this week for a total of 20 pounds lost putting me at 123

Best moment this week?

Seeing my sister-in-law Kelsey for the first time in almost a year and both of us crying in each other’s arms.  I love that girl.

Also, seeing my middle brother Paul and having him over before Xmas even begins!  This is the best season because of all the family time.

 How is Scarlet coping?

She was sooooooo adorable yesterday.  I put Will down on the couch face up and Scarlet walked over and said in her sweetest high pitched voice ‘HI!’ and then started to shake his hand/arm as if they were meeting for the first time.  She then took his soother (that had fallen out) and roughly stuffed it into his mouth.  #absolutelypriceless

Here's a pic of her while we were out grocery shopping...

Oooo look!  Breakable jam.  My fave.

Baby Will?

He totally completes our family.  Even taking the Christmas family pic this year, we just felt so ‘whole’.  It has been such a blessing meeting and enjoying this little soul.  

He had been struggling with some feeding (my let-down was coming way too fast and he was choking off/fussing) but after Mom’s suggestions things have been much better.  Other than that he has been a pretty perfect little baby.  My mother-in-law was holding him in her arms the other day and she burst into tears and said; ‘He is just so perfect.  He reminds me so much of Nathan as a baby and he was just the best baby’.

His weight?

He’s sitting at a hefty 9pds 4oz!  WOOO HOO!

His disposition?

I’m a broken record here - lovely, curious, quiet, laid back.

What are you looking forward to?

Can you guess????

HAHHA!!!  

THREE DAY UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

Fourth Trimester Rulebook: I will do my best to implement these rules for the next three months.

1. I will be kind to myself, my mental well-being, my body and my heart.

2. I will do my best to let go of the cleanliness of our house.

3. I will ask for help and ask often.

4. I will do my best to sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.

5. I will resist the urge to feel guilty when I am not with Scarlet and Nate.  I will value and cherish my time with sweet baby William. 

6. I will not workout or be physical ;) for at least 6 weeks

Bald is Beautiful

I’m getting a Patrick Stewart meets major PLAYA vibe in this pic… HAHA!

(If you're under 25 you may need to look up who Patrick Stewart is)

I wanted to do a little extra on Will’s weekly update because there have been some big changes.  Also the post prior to this one is so heavy - it’s good to lighten this blog back up now that THAT part of it is all over with.

So, my Mom has been such a huge help to us and most recently she has taught me the art of ‘newborn with a soother’.  Scarlet never ‘took’ to a soother when she was tiny - in fact it was about six months until she actually liked it so I was thrilled when Will started sucking pretty much immediately.  We were using it to calm him when he was grunting but most recently have found it also helps when I’m trying to burp him after a big breastmilk feed.  SUCH a help.  The burp would hurt his little body so he would arch his back and strain in pain sometimes but now with the help of the soother he is more relaxed and the burp usually comes out.  He still strains a bit if there is more wind or gas in there but man, that soother has been a blessing!  

We’re also encouraging Will to stretch out the time in between feeds a bit more.  He was at the breast almost every two hours (which was getting totally exhausting) so now that he’s a bit bigger we’re going back to three and four stretches of time.  Much happier Momma right here.  Feeding on demand was fine, but the gas build up was causing a few feeding problems so we’re all a bit happier with longer time in between.  

I also wanted to mention that Will has a bit of breastfeeding jaundice which we were told will go away in a few months but do NOT stop nursing.  

Ummmmm… oh kayyyyyyy.  

??? 

  Apparantley there is an enzyme in  my breastmilk that Will’s body has a hard time digesting but will in fact be able to later.  Cool.

Finally, his hair!  As you can see in a few of the very newborn pics he had cute dark brown hair a lot like my brother Paul’s!  But alas, it has all fallen out :(  But the good news is I can see tiny pieces of golden brown - lighter than his newborn hair slowly start to creep in.  Also #baldisbeautiful

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kate

XOXO

A Comparison

Natural Vaginal Delivery vs C-section

WOW - what a title.  Didn’t think I’d ever include the ‘V’ word in ANY of my posts.

This blog just got real.

Here are two comparisons of both ways that I’ve delivered babies.  Both have positives, both have negatives and by no means am I writing this to promote one or the other, just simply give an honest account of my experiences in pretty Christmas colours!  (Green = good, red = not so much).  One thing is for sure, I don’t know that any part of my kids deliveries were alike.  

	Natural Vaginal Delivery	Planned C-Section
Pain During Birth	The ‘pain’ was obvious, but doable.  I like to repeat what a girlfriend told me - intense but manageable.	IV pain, epidural and spinal ‘pokes’. Minimal pain for C-section but worst head/brain pain of my life when I was issued blood pressure meds during the section - yes this head pain was worse than natural childbirth.
Pain Post Birth	I needed stitches after delivering Scarlet and I re-tore running to the crib when I thought she was choking. Pain post birth was difficult.	Constant random stabbing, throbbing, dull and achy pains.
Mental State	I had normal new parent worries but that’s about it.	Not good.  Re-living moments in the operating room, the ER and doc appointments have haunted me for a while.
Recovery Time	4-5 weeks	6 weeks - with a toddler this feels like forever.
Bleeding	4-5 weeks	3-4 weeks
Convienience	Scar’s delivery: No idea what day she would arrive (One week past due date) Middle of the night: 2:37 am	Super convenient.  Picked the date, got child care, was able to ‘prepare’ - 11:15 am excellent.
Meds During	None	Epi, Spinal, IV, various hints from anestheseologist (how the heck do you spell that word?)
Post Birth Meds	Stool softener	Percocet, Oxycodone, Acetaminophen, Extra strength Tylenol, Tylenol, Stool Softener

I'll also mention that nursing was somewhat effected this second time around.  When the uterus contracts it also stimulates milk production and when the baby is 'air lifted' right out of the body, it doesn't really get that chance.  But I'm happy to report that we're all good now.  Milk and milk production are not issues thankfully.

So there it is.  The gory and honest facts about Vag vs. Section.  If we ever (and I can't even believe I'm saying this) decide to have another babe, the delivery would be one thing that I would have to think LOOOOOONG and hard about.  But we're not there right now, and I'm just happy we've made it out alive for this one.

THANK YOU LORD!

Kate
XOXO

5 weeks Post Partum

5 Weeks POST-PARTUM

How are you feeling?

Alive!  Finally doing some ’normal’ Kate things like light activity, more photography and 

planning family getaways!!!  

Sleep?

Will is still up once or twice during the night so it’s disruptive sleep but my afternoon nap saves me.

My Nutrition?

 I’m currently a garborater right now.  Like for example last night I ate not one, but TWO BBQ’ed steaks.  Big steaks!  We’re talking thick 9 or 10 oz beefy ones!  It’s frightening…  Breastfeeding is clearly the cause and I’m wondering if there might be a slight iron deficiency present as well.

Any weight loss?

Shockingly I’ve lost another pound which blows my mind considering the amount of food down the hatch this week.

1 pound lost for a total of 19 pounds putting me at 124

Best and WORST moment this week?

Best: 

The four of us (MOM, DAD, Scarly and Will) went out as a group for the whole day!  We developed pics, went for lunch and even went clothes shopping! 

Worst: 

I got the ok to start to try to lay down on my stomach to sleep so I was beyond excited to give it a go.  I went really slowly to start, pelvis first and all was well, stomach next and it was great!  Ribs - oh my gosh things were going so well.  Then the twins…

NOOOOOOO!!  The milk girls were beyond squished and screaming at me.  Uncomfortable is an understatement.  I tried three or four attempts at repositioning myself but nothing worked.  Looks like it will be at least another year or until I stop nursing that I will be able to sleep on my stomach.  After 10 months of pregnancy, this is the worst realization ever. Tears…

How is Scarlet coping?

So unfortunately, she has discovered with Will that any type of whimper or crying gets immediate attention.  She has started to do a really fake cry to get what she wants with us.  We’ve had to tell her no and encourage her to use her words, but it’s hard not to laugh.

Baby Will?

He’s grunting less and less which has been a great blessing.  He is starting to smile and really connect eye to eye with the person who is holding him.  He’s also a total poop machine!  Boys.

His weight?

Is absolutely going up!  No doc appointments this past week so I don’t know exact numbers but I would guess 9 or 10 pounds.

His disposition?

I know I keep saying this but he is just so sweet!  He rarely ever cries (knock on wood) and when he does it’s for about a minute long and will totally settle if I just pick him up and we dance together.  He’s 100% a momma’s boy.  Both Nate and I have mentioned and observed his willingness to relax when he’s near or on me. #LOVEIT

What are you looking forward to?

I hate to be repetitive but I’m SOOOO looking forward to Christmas!  Families are all coming and the food and the conversations (and photo opportunities) - I’m going to be busy but I love this type of busy.

Fourth Trimester Rulebook: I will do my best to implement these rules for the next three months.

1. I will be kind to myself, my mental well-being, my body and my heart.

2. I will do my best to let go of the cleanliness of our house.

3. I will ask for help and ask often.

4. I will do my best to sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.

5. I will resist the urge to feel guilty when I am not with Scarlet and Nate.  I will value and cherish my time with sweet baby William. 

6. I will not workout or be physical ;) for at least 6 weeks

1 Month Post-Partum!

ONE MONTH POST-PARTUM!

How are you feeling?

Everyday I feel more capable and confident - it doesn’t hurt that my Mom is basically LIVING with us at this point (which is the best ever), and it’s also really wonderful that Nate has taken almost this entire month off work to help out with my recovery and settling in with two under two.  So things are feeling manageable.  I have to say, I don't know how single moms out there do it.  Major heroes in my books.

Sleep?

Is both good and bad.  Luckily, I nap most days for about a half an hour.  It’s tricky getting the kids down at the same time but it does happen occasionally, it’s just a small window.  Nights have become party time for Will.  He literally sleeps all day and parties all night.  Nate and I are always invited to his parties but I’d really like to decline next time and tell him that nights are for SLEEPING!  haha.  I’ve read that prolactin is produced in my breast milk at this time so it’s like he can smell an all night Vegas buffet (and it’s free). 

My Nutrition?

Pretty good.  Eating well and feeling hungry all the time.  

Any weight loss?

1 pound loss this week for a total of 18 pds putting me at 125.

Best moment this week?

There were a few.

Spending an early Xmas with my side of the fam.  My very busy brother Ted (he’s a med school student) was in Calgary with his wife Laura and their son Charlie (my amazing little nephew who will be Will's future B.F.F). It was so good to see them.

When Will went to the doc and got weighed! (see below)  

Getting some Xmas shopping done online and shopping for me too!  My wardrobe is totally up in arms right now - I feel like I've been every size and shape over the last year so I'm looking forward to getting some pre-pregnancy clothing in the mix.

How is Scarlet coping?

Still really well.  I noticed that when I go into her room to pick her up from a nap or her night sleep she needs to see just me without a baby in my arms or she gets confused and cries a little. 

Baby Will?

Oh my goodness the love I have for this soul!  He is absolutely a momma’s boy already.  He’ll moan or groan in others arms and then I'll take him and he'll be as content as ever.  It’s so nice!!!  I feel like he thinks I’m the bomb - but really it’s probably just my massive lady twins that he smells or feels.  Haha!

1 month of Kisses!  They say "It's a Boy" on them! A gift from a girlfriend! #idied

His weight?

8 pds 4 oz!  YAYYYYY!  

His disposition?

Still honeymoon phase so he’s basically still the perfect baby but he is begin to start to groan and fuss when he’s hungry.   I don’t want to jinx anything by saying this but he cries very rarely - still just groaning which is nice…

What are you looking forward to?

XMAS XMAS XMAS!  

and sleeping on my stomach.

Kate

XOXO

Fourth Trimester Rulebook: I will do my best to implement these rules for the next three months.

1. I will be kind to myself, my mental well-being, my body and my heart.

2. I will do my best to let go of the cleanliness of our house.

3. I will ask for help and ask often.

4. I will do my best to sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.

5. I will resist the urge to feel guilty when I am not with Scarlet and Nate.  I will value and cherish my time with sweet baby William. 

6. I will not workout or be physical ;) for at least 6 weeks

Let the Winter Hauls begin!

Crispy cool weather encourages cozy knits, baggy sweaters and well tailored coats, well at least for Scarly and I - wait proper grammar is actually Scarly and ME... right?  That just sounds wrong though.  (Cue rolling of my own eyes).

Anywho, here is the start of some of Scarlet's winter hauls.  I did two little groupings - one from Joe and the other from Gap kids.  Enjoy!

 I have a matching peacoat and I must say, we look like little blonde twinsies in these.  I'll try to get a pic of it at some point.

  #blondetwinsies

 In honour of all of the sweet little fur babies out there XOXO

3 weeks postpartum

THREE WEEKS POST-PARTUM UPDATE

How are you feeling?

Good.  We’re getting settled nicely and we have a bit of a schedule (kinda sorta) which is reassuring.  It’s nice having an idea about what is coming up.  

Sleep?

Let me just say some nights are better than others.  Two nights ago for example was NOT a good night because Will couldn’t stop grunting and moaning all night long - nonstop.  It sounds like he is constipated but he has regular bowel movements.  He’s got us a little confused.  We’re seeing a paediatrician tomorrow so hopefully he’ll give us some insight on these peculiar sounds.

My Nutrition?

Has improved.  I’m eating more which is essential and it’s mostly all very healthy.  I’ve been enjoying muffins and cookies for some fast sugar and treats so that right now is my vice - and wine.  I want to write a whole blog post about my renewed relationship with a few ounces a day. P.S - Full support from La Leche League International so zero guilt too.

Any weight loss?

This week I lost 4 pounds for a total of 17 pounds putting me at 126.

Best moment this week?

When Will became too BIG for his Premie Onesies and diapers!!!  He finally outgrew them and I cried a little out of happiness.  Also, when my B.F.F came by with gifts, dinner and words of advice about Will’s grunting.  Her first son Steele had some similar issues so she shared what worked for them.   

How is Scarlet coping?

Like a boss.  Seriously thought it would be harder for her but she is just owning the whole big sister role.  The most humorous thing she is doing now is upon hearing Will grunt or moan or cry she looks at us and does a massive ‘sour’ face and says “SAD BABY!” and then whimpers a little herself.  

Baby Will?

We’re definitely in the honeymoon phase of his life - so really I keep saying he’s such an easy baby.  But of course at this stage all they ever do is sleep so…

  I swoon whenever he makes a peep or a cry and I agree with strangers when they say ‘He’s so BEAUTIFUL’ or ‘Oh he’s the most adorable baby I’ve seen!’  Yes - they said that about Scarlet too and I whole-heartedly believed it.  #mommyglasses

His weight?

We’re getting his weight done tonight so I will TRY to remember to post it.  If not, I’ll have it for next week.  He feels and looks fuller though.  I’m one proud momma.  

His disposition?

Still cool and calm.  He makes eye contact with me when he’s nursing and I swear he can see into my heart and soul.  He has the deepest dark steal blue eyes.  They’re kinda mesmerizing.

What are you looking forward to?

Ted, Laura and Charlie coming home this week!  

Christmas with both families

Fourth Trimester Rulebook: I will do my best to implement these rules for the next three months.

1. I will be kind to myself, my mental well-being, my body and my heart.

2. I will do my best to let go of the cleanliness of our house.

3. I will ask for help and ask often.

4. I will do my best to sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.

5. I will resist the urge to feel guilty when I am not with Scarlet and Nate.  I will value and cherish my time with sweet baby William. 

6. I will not workout or be physical ;) for at least 6 weeks

Sorel Sista

Mommy Matching Madness

Having a daughter is something that I could only hope for and dream about.  I was continually tested when Mom and Dad brought boy after boy after boy home from the hospital when all I wanted was a sister.  So I feel really lucky to finally have an abundance of estrogen floating around our house; hence, I feel completely validated to live out my Mommy Daughter matching fantasies as long as Scarlet is young enough to have no clue what’s going on allow it.

Here's a cute 'matching' combo for the winter months.  I love doing exact colours with Scar, but it's also fun to do matching brands.

 Mommy's and dots

In the end - Scarlet didn't actually love getting all bundled up but I can't blame her - she's definitely our daughter in that she prefers sand and surf vs. snow.

First time ever walking in the snow - she didn't love it.

Not totally impressed.

But hey, we're doing it in style right?  Haha!

Kate
XOXO

Busy Busy Girl

Caution - the biggest understatement of the century

The four of us went out for lunch a few days ago just to get out of the house for a few hours (and by out for lunch I mean going to Mucho Burrito and stuffing our faces with delicious mexican cuisine).  

But, just to give you an idea of how BUSY this little lady is, I tried to get a shot of Scarlet in her new jacket and cute new shoes (picked out by Daddy) and the following pics are literally the best that I could do.  This is on a high speed athletic setting on my camera!  It’s actually meant to take fast moving action shots and blur is all I get.  

Haha.  This is my new reality.

Have a great day friends!

Kate 

XOXO

Post Partum Weekly Update

TWO WEEKS POST-PARTUM

How are you feeling?

Pretty good.  Not great, but good.  I’m still paranoid about random stuff happening like an infection on one of the layers of my insides or having one of them split open if I move in a weird way.  It’s not fun imagining negative things going on inside your body.  I’m eager to finish ‘recovering’.  But, happily  - the multitude of tests and exams that have been issued have all been coming back negative.  We’re just working on managing the hypertension/eclampsia and that too is coming down.  Very positive. 

Sleep?

Thankfully we’re getting some.  Will wakes twice in the night (which is hard but totally doable since I was waking about four or five times in the pregnancy to go to the washroom).  He’s up once at around 1:30 am and the other at around 4:30am.  It takes him about an hour total to feed because we fool around with various holds and with his hands being in his face or trying to burp him, so it can be a little red eye-ish.  He’s just so tiny it can be hard to get him to latch when he’s sleepy or to hold him properly.  I’m not sleeping on my stomach yet (major tears here) because my incision is still just too new, but come week 6, I’m all tummy time!

Nutrition?

Sad to say my appetite hasn’t quite come back.  I’m one of those girls that when something bad or scary happens I lose my appetite.  I’m literally forcing stuff down just to keep milk production up.  It’s so weird knowing I should be eating but not being hungry.  My appetite will come back though - with a vengeance!  Haha.

Any weight loss?

This week I lost 5 pounds for a total of 13 pounds putting me at 130.

Best moment this week?

Getting the info that Will had gained back his birthweight before the allotted 10 days and taking him off of the supplement (formula top-up).  We were STRONGLY encouraged to give him formula as well as the breast for the first few days of his life.  He had super low blood sugar levels and this just helped regulate that until my milk came in.  The colostrum that he received was helping, but he still needed a touch more for the docs and nurses to feel like he was in the safe zone.  It KILLED me giving formula to him because I didn't feel like I was enough and i was also told hospitals push formula - but deep down I didn’t want to be stubborn and put him in danger.  It was for the best.  I’m just happy we don’t have to do it anymore.

How is Scarlet coping?

Really well!  I can finally nurse in front of her and she doesn’t mind or freak out.  Occasionally if Will cries or fusses she copies him and looks to us for attention.  It’s hilarious.

Baby Will?

Is SOOO sweet!  My only issue are his diapers.  Boys are about a gazillion times harder to clean than girls!!!  There are so many nooks and crannies that you have to dig around but be extremely careful not to go too hard and I’ve been peed on almost every single time I’ve changed him!  I laugh and then I look at all of the wasted diapers and feel guilty about the environment.  It’s true - babies are so bad for the environment.  

His weight?

Last time he was weighed (on Friday) he was 6pds 4oz!  WOO HOO!  Still not even close to Scarlet’s birth weight and he’s two weeks old.  But still.  Wow.

His disposition?

Calm cool and collected almost all the time - exactly like his Daddy.  When he cries it sounds like a squeak, just like a little mouse.  

What are you looking forward to?

Christmas

Picking up Scarly properly

Getting more and more adjusted to our new normal

Fourth Trimester Rulebook: I will do my best to implement these rules for the next three months.

1. I will be kind to myself, my mental well-being, my body and my heart.

2. I will do my best to let go of the cleanliness of our house.

3. I will ask for help and ask often.

4. I will do my best to sleep or rest when the baby sleeps.

5. I will resist the urge to feel guilty when I am not with Scarlet and Nate.  I will value and cherish my time with sweet baby William. 

6. I will not workout or be physical ;) for at least 6 weeks