Being a Mom...of two.

 About a week ago, I took a selfie after having both kids all to myself for the day.  It was an extremely stressful afternoon, so I wanted to document in a pic what I was feeling in that moment as a #twoundertwo mommy. (I knew the pic would also act as a reminder if I got the bright idea to start trying for another baby anytime soon.  Honestly - I would be lying if I said that idea would be smart at this point in our lives).

It was a really rough day.  I won't go into details but lets just say I didn't wait for the weekend to have a glass of wine.

Disclosure: This was during the kids nap time so I was able to take a few to get one where I didn't look like a total psycho.

Full Disclosure: I edited the bee-jeepers out of it to hide the black bags under my eyes.  THANKYOU Valencia filter on Instagram and iPhoto editing abilities on my laptop.  

In these past two and a half months, it's been revealed to me that having two kids is much MUCH more work than one - not double, but triple.  I don’t know what it is or why, but I didn’t think having two kids would be that different or that much more work from one.  BUT IT IS!  I don’t know how to describe it, but it’s just a huge miracle when I make it to the end of the day.

I've noticed a few differences in myself too.

  Biggest change:  

My focus.  I was pretty caught up in climbing various career ladders in my life and working 'up' but now, there are much more important things to me.

Biggest surprise: 

My equal and unconditional love for all three 'babes' in my life.  I wondered how I could ever love a second baby as much as I love my first - but again, it's difficult to describe the wonder that you have for the next little soul that comes into your life from the love that you and your mate share.

Biggest hope:

Cause let’s face it - I always hope Scarlet will nap longer and be unusually brilliant and Will would transition to seven feeds in a day and start talking at six months, but my biggest hope is that they are truly happy and love me as much as I love them.  

The pic below reminds me that it can get really (and I mean REALLY) stressful and emotionally messy at our house during the day when I'm the only adult around, but that I can still come out of it laughing - and then take a picture of myself laughing alone...
I'm not crazy I swear.

 I'm pretty sure I was thinking about the former nurse that I met at church who told me her sisters were 13 months apart.  After all of my chaos during the day, all I seemed to be able to do was laugh.  There.  Is.  Just.  No.  WAY!

Anyway friends, that’s my take on it so far.  Life and the 'new normal' will be more manageable as the weeks continue.  I’m truly loving the gift of these two little beings and thank GOD that our time together is even happening.  I wasn’t so sure that I would be able to have children, so as rough as this road gets it’s still the one I want to be on. 

Have a fabulous day!
Kate

XO 

Weekly Workout

ANYTIME.  ANYWHERE.  EVERYDAY.

It's how I plan on getting that BOO-TAY back! 

#BOOTYLUV

Here’s my workout for the week!  I’ll do this challenge twice if possible whenever possible at least once per day.  

Happy Hump Day Friends!

Kate

XO

11 weeks Post-Partum

How are you feeling? 

 Great!  The weather in Calgary is like Spring right now!  A week of 7 degrees or higher and bright blue skies has been lovely, but very unusual for January, so I’m soaking it up.  As far as I’m concerned, it can stay.  It was 15 degrees yesterday!

Sleep?

We had two awesome nights of sleep this week.  Nate and I always talk about how the night went over breakfast.  We discuss it in the morning and twice we both thought that the night was fantastic.  The rest of the nights were ok, but we’ll take what we can get and thankfully there were no ‘bad’ nights.

My Nutrition?

Can I just say how lucky I am to have access to a Sushi restaurant and a Famoso Pizzeria nearby?  After expressing to my sister-in-law that I had a hard time always having to come up with dinner ideas, she suggested having two nights out of the week already planned with take-out.  We gave it a try and it has totally been a lifesaver for us.  Friday night is pizza night (I like the thin-crust prosciutto and arugula pizza) and Saturday is Sushi night.  I popped some pics up in ‘eats’ of our dinner this saturday and it tasted as good as it looks.   

 Any weight loss?

0 pounds this week for a total of 24 pounds keeping me at 119.  

Best moment this week?

WHEN I GOT MY NEW CLOTHES!  If you read last week’s update, I said that I was receiving two larger packages via online shopping (ahem ahem), and they came.  I was so happy to try on all my non-pregnant, non-nursing wear.  I’ll definitely post pictures in ‘Style’ as soon as I get a chance to take some pics.

Also, Nate bought this Snuggy thing for me.  Carrying Will and Scarlet around all day was starting to do a number on my back so this hands free all fabric invention is literally a game-changer.  I wish I had had one for Scar when she was little!  We had the Ergo baby at the time which I really didn't love (you couldn't even sit down in it because of the big band) so this is heavenly.   Here are a few pics of Will and I getting the hang of it.  Don't mind my greasy hair and lack of style - I just wanted to capture a few shots of how amazing this thing is:

Why so serious?

Honestly, I didn't know if the camera was set up and beeping or not.  It captured me staring at the lens  with my resting-bitch-face.  I just got too lazy to take other shots so we're going with these.  HAHA!  

#loweredexpectations

HANDS FREE!

I took another one with a semi-smile.  Clearly I was very tired...

It's called the Baby K-tan and Nate bought me an XS which I freaked out a little bit about thinking I needed a Large (I have a warped body image a bit right now).  But it fits like a glove and Will passes out it it which is amazeballs!

 How is Scarlet coping?

Really well! But unfortunately, she has starting to drop her afternoon nap occasionally.  NOOOOOO!!!!  It happened a few weeks ago.  I thought it might have been because she just wasn’t totally tired, but then she did it again the following week.  Now, it consistently happens once or twice a week and I’m terrified that it will start to be a thing.  (Cue mommy tears…)  Thankfully she is still in her room getting some quiet time in the dark, but I’m honestly a sleep and nap nazi.  When my kids don’t sleep, I stress.  

I have this warped (but somewhat true) notion about kids that don’t get adequate solid sleep during the day and night.  I’ve read research that suggests (but don’t quote me word for word on this) that when babies and toddlers don’t get that deep sleep during the day, they aren’t building brain dendrites and then end up with cognitive disabilities later in life.  When I was teaching, I was CONSTANTLY writing IPP’s (Individualized Program Planning) for kids with cognitive disabilities.  I loved those kids but oh man did they have a rough go at school.  Basic concepts were major challenges for them.  Problem-solving, memory, reading, verbalization turn into daily struggles that would bring kids down.  Not to mention frustration for the parents, teachers and then all this added stress on the student to ‘just get it already’.  So, I’ve got a stigma about sleep.  However, if Scarlet is naturally starting to drop a nap here and there I know it’s not the end of the world.  But man, this momma right here believes in naps for the sanity of us all…

Baby Will?

Here’s a limerick I just made up about him:

There was a new baby who groaned,

and grunted and murmured and moaned.

He rarely complained

but he couldn’t refrain

from continuous sounds he intoned.

HAHA!  Yup - that’s Will, and that’s my creative thing for the day.

His weight?

11 pounds 6 ounces was his last weight measured. 

His disposition?

Curious.  He’s eager to learn.

What are you looking forward to?

Our basement finally getting done.  We are getting carpet as the last item and then I'll be decorating!  We’ll finally FINALLY be done down there.  The basement will include a new media room, a guest bedroom / office, a playroom a bathroom and a storage room.  Can’t wait to take pics of the new space.

Have a happy week everyone!
XO

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

Weekly Workout

Everyday. Anytime. Anywhere.

Here’s this week’s workout. 

Since I’m down to the last four or five annoying baby weight pounds, I wanted to amp up the sweat a little - I know they’ll be very resistant to leave.  So, I plan on doing the daily challenge twice per day (instead of once) and I’m going to cut out dessert on most but not all days of the week.  

Hope you can join in this week too!  Let me know if you are and we can encourage each other often.  I find it's so much easier with a workout buddy.

Kate

XO

10 weeks Post-Partum

10 weeks POST-PARTUM

How are you feeling?

 Nate and I are in recovery mode.  We had a brutal 24 hours with Will.  We were encouraged to refrain from nursing him and feed him formula for a full day to get rid of the breast milk jaundice in his system (his levels were still abnormal).  However, Will absolutely hated the formula and missed his mommy and the comfort that comes with nursing.  He screamed (something that he definitely doesn’t do) and cried so hard I thought there was something seriously wrong.  He was backed up and didn’t poop the entire day (poor boy) and it was one of the hardest days and nights I’ve ever had with a baby.  AWFUL!  I don't know how parents with colicky children cope.  Major props to the poor people that have to deal with that 24/7 for months.  I couldn't handle it... The crying and fussiness affected the next day, but thankfully we are finally back on track with Will.  He’s back to being the sweet, loving boy that we know and I’m so happy that nightmare is over with!  Obviously so is Will.

Taken right before bed last night ;)

Sleep?

We're getting a four to five hour stretch at the beginning of the night and then three hours after that.  

My Nutrition?

Can't lie - I drank a fair amount (ahem) on the day that we had such a wicked trial with the formula feeding.  But, it was kinda the time that I was really able to enjoy the dry reds since I wasn't nursing anyway.  It was nice, but I had a bit of a headache the next day.

#pumpanddump

 Any weight loss?

1 pound lost this week for a total of 24 pounds putting me at 119.  I'll be upping the intensity of my mini workouts because the last five pounds are always the hardest for me.  More on that in the Workout Wednesday Post this week.

Best moment this week?

When Will calmed down after all the madness.  

Second best moment this week was when I got to eat my Mom's cooking on Sunday night at their home and I sat down for I think 20 minutes and ate without getting up.

 How is Scarlet coping?

She's still coping very well but that teething is rough!  She has skipped a few afternoon naps because of it.  But, she is putting words together and creating sentences which is so cute.  She says:  'Brush Mommy's Hair' and runs up to me with her little baby brush.  I let her do it and my hair looks awesome afterwards, and by awesome I mean messier than a robin's nest in april.

Baby Will?

Happily WAYYY better.  Honestly guys, it was awful.  

His weight?

11 pounds 6 ounces!  We’re thrilled about this!  

His disposition?

This kid is a smile machine.  I love it.  He is much more smiley than Scarly was at this age.  I hate to compare the two babies but when it comes to grinning and smiling, Will takes the cake hands down.

What are you looking forward to?

I have two big online shopping shipments coming that are just for me!!!  No baby clothes, no man boxers for Nate, just cute fun clothing for ME!!!  I'm finally down to a reasonable size in terms of my measurements and did a little online order (or two) ;)  I think they will arrive tomorrow!

Have a happy Monday friends!
Kate
XO

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

A few new Instagram features!

Guys, I’m not bragging, I’m just SUPER excited!  And honestly, what better place to brag,  'share' these little photography accomplishments than your own blog?  All were chosen by the amazing account @mom_hub but picked by different photography mentors.  

This first one had a 'STRIPES' theme.  

 This second pic was under the theme 'Girly Things'.  Scarlet is in the upper right hand corner wearing a beautiful beanie gift from my friend Tiffany Eng.  I really REALLY think she should think about selling her gorgeous items ;)

This next pic was chosen for the theme: 'White'.  I took it of Scarlet quite a while ago but thought I would give it a go anyhow because the majority of the shot is of the door to her bedroom.  Low and behold it was chosen!!!

The final pic was chosen for the theme: Lay it out.  I was playing around with our cutlery in our kitchen and took a few shots of the fork, knife and spoon and submitted it.  I think it's cause I'm left handed that all these weird and strange ideas come to me.  I secretly want Scarlet and Will to be left-handed because of the creative side but if they do, I need to be prepared for some serious messes in our home because of it. ;)

Have a fantastic day friends and thanks for indulging me in my little celebrations of my pictures.

Kate 

XOXO

This Week's Workout

Wednesday Workout for the week!

 Once a day.  Anytime of day. Everyday this week.
It's how I'm getting my bootay back!

Hope you're having a great day friends.

Love,
Kate
XO

9 weeks Post Partum

How are you feeling?

Pretty darn good!  

Sleep?

Has been reasonable.  The stretches during the night are still at about a four or five hour stretch and he’s still up twice each night, but we’re getting there.  I should mention that I’ve figured out a way to sleep on my stomach!!!  I position the pillows just ‘so’ and I can do it!  Heavenly.

My Nutrition?

Better than last week.  I took pics (which are awful) but I’ll still post them.  I’ve been so rushed that I would forget to take the pic before scarfing down my food and then get half-way if not totally through it and then remember last minute.  I still took the pic though haha.

 Any weight loss?

1 pound lost this week for a total of 23 pounds putting me at 120.  Talk about consistent.  I think it's been like this the last four or five weeks.  geez.  Down to the last five pesky pounds and I’ll be at pre-preggo weight.  These will be the most annoying...

Best moment this week?

Going to church!  I know it sounds funny but I had/have been finding some aspects of attending church really challenging:

 a) how do you do it with TWO babes???, 

b) not feeling totally ‘fed’ after service, 

c) struggling with new leadership.  

BUT this past sunday was an absolute blessing for us as a family.  I don’t really know how to explain it, but I left feeling so happy and excited and eager to get back into worship again.  Something just clicked for me during the sermon.  I really felt the life and power of my saviour and haven’t felt that for some time in church.   I had been praying about it, and it didn’t seem like God was answering, but I’m really feeling like things are starting to turn around for the better.  He was listening and I know He loves me. 

 How is Scarlet coping?

 She’s teething, so this week was fun.  2-year molars are PAINFUL for kiddies.  But we had numerous sweet moment with Scarly and Will together.  I captured a few with her kissing Will’s face.  He was basking in the attention.

Baby Will?

Ok, so this little nugget is a total champ.  AGAIN he had to have his blood drawn for a Billy Ruben (sp?) test to determine if his Jaundice was declining.  We will get the results this week.  Also, he had a hip ultrasound because breech babies are all examined closely after birth for dislocated hips.  He had a doc appointment where they prided and poked and measured and took his weight (10pounds 9oz…COME ON 11 POUNDS), AND, he gets vaccinated this week!  Sheesh.  You’re born and it’s hardships right from the get-go! ;)

His weight?

I’m sure it’s up from the 10 pounds 9 oz taken on Tuesday.  We will have it measured tomorrow.

His disposition?

Happy happy happy.  Check it out:

This is him like 70% of the time - the other 30% he's usually grunting.  AHHAHAH!  but it's the truth.

What are you looking forward to?

Brunch on Wed with my B.F.F Jenny and all the kids!  Omg can’t wait.

Kate

XOX

Nov 10th 2 Months Old!

…and then she put this ridiculous hat on me and told me it was ‘Fun’. 

HAPPY 2 MONTHS MY GORGEOUS SON!

Scarlet was right beside him and he couldn't take his eyes off of her.

I said to Scar: 'Try to make baby Will smile!' and this is what she did...

He loved it!

Happy 2 months babe WE LOVE YOU!

Kate 

XO

Toddler and Baby Winter Haul

Ok - it’s officially freezing outside.  We’re talking -18C and lower.  BUT, we’re staying warm inside and making the most of our time packed together.  It's supposed to be 2C at some point this week so we’ll layer our warm leggings with a long-sleeved tee and a sweater under a snowsuit and go out for a sleigh ride with Grandma!  I’m dying to get some shots of that.  Here’s what I will have Scarlet and Will dressed in for the next few weeks.

 Mostly Zara baby, Carter's and Etsy

Have a great weekend everyone!

How I'm getting my BOOTAY back!

Workout of the Week   

EVERY DAY THIS WEEK!

Join me if you like!  Whenever you can, wherever you are, whatever time of day - just once per day.  

Step one for me:  Look up 'Diamond Push Ups'

HAHA!

Have a great one friends 

Kate

XO

Two Months Post-Partum

Two Months Update

Outfit details in 'Style'

How are you feeling?

Sleepy but confident.  I’m learning tricks about how to manage Scarlet and Will’s needs at the same time.  It’s been challenging and I haven’t got it down perfectly yet but we’re all learning together which is good and fun.  Another thing that I’m discovering is that I can really keep my cool when things are going badly -  mainly because I know I can have a glass of wine later on.  

Sleep?

Better and better.  He’s occasionally done a one-waker-upper here and there.  It’s HEAVEN when he only gets up once.  I hope we stay on this path for a while.

My Nutrition?

Can’t lie - hasn’t been great.  It’s whatever is easiest and fastest these days.  I found myself eating sushi rice off of Scarlet’s highchair seat while I was cleaning up because I was so hungry and couldn’t really remember when or what I had eaten last.  Like, wow.  Obviously not totally healthy, but my needs have been coming in last place these days.  These kids are priority.

 Any weight loss?

1 pound lost this week for a total of 22 pounds putting me at 121 which I find a little frustrating.  I know I should be thankful that I can even be loosing while breastfeeding, but I just really want to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and measurements.  Especially since I’m not pregnant anymore, but I know it takes time.  I have to remember it took me a full six/seven months to get back to my measurements after Scarly was born.  It may be the same or longer with Will.  

Best moment this week?

We went to the mall as a foursome and Nate watched the two babes while I tried on clothes in Zara, TopShop, Banana Republic and Club Monaco!  It was amazing.  I bought some great transitional pieces.  Items that are perfect for getting me from the end of my pregnancy back to my pre-pregnancy size.  These types of things are HARD to find, but I ended up with a few great relaxed and modern tops, a pretty pink sweater and a bunch of different pairs of leggings.  I left the mall feeling confident and that was the best.

 How is Scarlet coping?

Still like an all-star.  This girl is unstoppable and such a light in our eyes.  We couldn’t have asked for an easier transition from one babe to two.  Yup - I’m bragging about her.

Baby Will?

He’s so SMILEY!  It’s crazy.  It was happening so often this week that I actually started to count how many times he made eye contact with me and just started smiling - it was over 10 times in one day!  A lot of you are probably like whoop dee do, but for a two month old, that is fairly unheard of unless they have gas.  It is so amazing.  It’s really the best part of my day.  He gives the biggest open mouth grin I’ve ever seen.  I’m trying so hard to catch it either via video or on camera, but I get into such a trance when he does it for me.  I can’t think about anything else but how adorable he is.  It’s very similar to the pic to the right of these blog posts entitled BIG SMILES - he’s in a grey and white outfit.  

His weight?

We’ve got a doc check-up tomorrow so I’ll have exact numbers after that.  I’m crossing my fingers for that 11 pound mark. AHHHH!

His disposition?

Perfect.  This boy is perfect.  I know I know, I’m the mom - and all mom’s say that about their sons, but seriously, he is perfect.  Ok, you can all barf now.

What are you looking forward to?

More shopping for myself.  Yes - that sounds awful and shallow, but I need it so badly.  I honestly feel like I have been pregnant for forever (I did the math - since conceiving Scarlet, I have been preggers 20 months out of 29 months.  That is 600 out of 870 days friends.  #eff), and all I seem to have in my closet is maternity and/or nursing attire and I’m SOOOO sick of it.  I need a major overhaul and come hell or high water it’s going to happen people.

I’m also looking forward to making a decision about an upcoming vacation with my famjam.  Final decision will be made after figuring out Will’s progress and talking it over fully with Nate after weighing pros and cons.  I already know one of the cons is that not one of us is going to sleep for an entire week if we go because hotels have to be the loudest places on earth at night and during the day when kids take naps, but again, we’ll weigh that against the pros and see.

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

no Pooh?

Tears...

So, I think Will is trying to tell me he’s not totally comfortable in his Tigger onesie. 

That’s fine.  Scarlet calls Pooh bear ‘Phil’ anyway, so I’m starting to feel like my kids aren’t all that into Winnie The Pooh.  I, on the other hand LOVED Winnie and still do.  I mean a fuzzy bear that eats honey all day?  Come on!  Adorable.

These sweet gifts were bestowed on us by my brother Paul’s girlfriend Marian who I love and have nicknamed MerMar.  She bought Will and Scarlet both stuffed animals and outfits from the Disney store for Christmas!  What a sweetheart.  I hope one day she will become another ‘sister’ to me.  Hint hint PAUL.  Put a ring on the girl’s finger!  Just kidding.  Kinda.  

In the meantime, I’ll work on this boy’s affinity for Disney characters.  

There we go - a little grin.

Have a great day friends!

Kate 

XOXO

Pants Problems

Daddy Long Legs.  

Clearly, she has Nate's thin long legs.  #iwish

This cutie pie is growing pretty quickly.  As you can see, her pants are becoming a problem.  Scarlet is growing long - like really long.  It's strange because in the waist, she is fitting a regular 18-24 month size, but the length of the her leggings seems to just be way too short these days.  Guess I’m going to have to get some custom new ones from Etsy so this cutie has some clothing!  HAHA.  

OOOoooo!  Will's soother.  Should I take it myself?  

YUP I'M OUTTA HERE MOM!  

Try to catch me...

Kate

XOXO

p.s  Look at her Blonde hair coming it!  AHHHH!!!  I'm so excited.  Lately I've been putting it in little top knots and she looks like Pebbles from the Flintstones meets Cindy-Lou Who from The Grinch!  Oh my goodness I'm dying of all her cuteness.  #lovemygirl