1.22.2015

Mommy Life

 one week old in this pic!

Hi friends! Where to even START?! These past two weeks have been a whirldwind, to say the least, and I feel like I have so much to catch you up on! 

I've so missed this space, but taking off some time in the first few weeks transitioning into mommy hood with Cam has obviously been my first priority. I wanted to, at the very least, give a little update today with what's been going on over here and how we've been doing. I'm still hoping to get his birth story up soon, but for the next few weeks posting might be random and well...inconsistent. Once things start to settle down, my goal is to get back to blogging more consistently. 

So what's been going on?! You know, besides the whole labor thing that I will get into another day (definitely deserves a post, or 10, on it's own!)

Baby

Camden is doing great. We were so happy to have had no complications or any health issues at the hospital so we were able to be discharged at the normal time. We've had two pediatrician appointments so far and he is back up his birth weight (and some more!), which is a relief! He's already grown an inch and is definitely on the taller side! Obviously we are biased, but he is just the cutest little peanut and he is one strong little man! He has the prettiest eyes (I'm hoping they will stay blue-they are a blueish gray right now) and a little dimple on his left cheek. He's already trying to hold his head up at times, has the strongest little kicks, and loves being held up to our chest. He absolutely hates being changed and is sometimes pretty fussy when being put down at night (which our parents say is payback for how we were when we were little.. ;))


We had newborn photos done the other day that I am SO excited to share once we get them back! He was such a champ during the session, luckily, which must mean that he's already getting used to many hours of having his picture taken, which is good considering who he has for a mother. :)

Every single morning we love him a little bit more. and more. and more. Every time I see him I am reminded how much of a miracle he is, and how awesome it is to be his Mommy.

Speaking of...

Mommy

She's (this sleep deprived lady doing the writing here) doing well. However, if you were to ask me this very question the first three days I would NOT have the same answer for you. The first 3 days were ROUGH. I felt like I got hit by a truck (how come no one tells you how horrible you feel after labor?! Seriously! OMG!), was trying to get nursing established, and could barely keep my eyes open enough to enjoy my sweet baby. I cried a lot the first week. More than I expected to. There were times I felt like I couldn't make it through the day. Now, two weeks in, I am starting to finally feel like a normal human again and everyday gets better in some way, shape, or form.

I do NOT miss being pregnant, even though I had a really great pregnancy for the most part. It feels good to have our baby here with us and I'm really enjoying being able to wear normal clothes again! It feels REALLY great actually. Really. My jaw literally dropped when I stepped on the scale the other day and was down 20 pounds. Didn't expect that at all, but am not complaining.

All in all, I love being a Mom to our son. I love having a son. If there is one thing he has taught me so far it's that I can't have a plan. I won't have all the answers right away and maybe never will. Him and his well being is my plan right now.


Nursing

Holy crap...hardest thing I have EVER done. I had no idea how hard and exhausting it would be! Cam latched on great in the hospital and was nursing like a champ, but then when my milk came in he randomly stopped latching and after a few epic meltdowns (on both of our ends) we ended up seeing a lactation consultant at the hospital. She set up a plan for us and has helped us SO much (seriously-we asked her if she would come live with us...ha). After a few concerns about my supply and having to use a nipple shield, things are back to normal and he is nursing every 2-3 hours. Sometimes...okay, most times...it feels like all I do is walk around topless, feed him, look for my nursing bra/tank but can't find it, and repeat. Now that he is back to his birth weight, we don't have to wake him to feed at night and can (hopefully) get a few 4 hour stretches. I am also pumping 1-2 x per day, per the recommendation of my LC. I hope to continue this plan until a few weeks before I go to back to work and at that point I will ease into pumping more often. 

(oh, and while I'm thinking of it-girls who are currently pregnant-take back the boppy and get the breast friend pillow! just trust me on this one!) 

milk drunk ;) those lips! 

Daddy

This guy has been the best partner, spouse, Dad, and so on that I could have ever asked for these first two weeks. He took great care of me in the hospital and has stepped up here at home so much. The first week we were home I think I changed maybe two diapers because he has always been so willing to do it. He gets up with me when I nurse...he cleans up the house...has done so many grocery runs...and is constantly encouraging me and telling me I'm doing a great job. We have both learned so much together and I feel like it's brought us even closer together. When Cam is fussy and not going to sleep or down for a nap, nine times out of ten he will tell me to go take a bath for myself or go rest and he will soothe him. I just don't know what I would do without him...he has just amazed me and I'm so proud of him.

I'm totally being that wife and "spying" on him at times too when he talks to Cam. It is just the cutest thing in the world when I hear him talking about future plans together,  how much he loves him, or talking about the day. Just love it.


Big Brother (Rocky)

Rocky seems to be adjusting really well to his new little brother! He kind of ignored him for a bit at first, but now gives him kisses often and they've even napped together on the couch with me a few times (one baby in each of my arms side by side!) It melts my heart. We have been really trying to make sure he is still getting a lot of love and attention and doesn't feel left out. I can only hope it stays this way and that they become best buds! 


Again, thank you all for all your love. Cam says thanks, too!

Be back soon. :)

PS: Last chance to enter the philosophy gift card giveaway! Enter here-don't miss out! 

31 comments

  1. You're doing agreat job mama! No one tells you how HARD nursing is but each week brings more relief and an easier time. I remember waking up one day and thinking wow! Nursing doesn't hurt and we've got it down! He will be sleeping morebefore you know it!

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  2. Awww, he's so sweet Katie! Sounds like you are doing an AMAZING job! Those first few weeks are hard, but I promise you it gets better! And breastfeeding gets easier too!

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  3. I had the EXACT same experience in the beginning... I cried (it felt like constantly) for about the first week and then I finally started to feel back to normal. I don't think I realized how hard it would be (and I had no idea what I was doing) and on top of that, H-O-R-M-O-N-E-S. HOLY BEJEES those things are legit. And, Ellie latched perfectly at the hospital, then once my milk came in, she just refused and stopped. We saw LCs and nothing seemed to help, so I ended up pumping for her. That is amazing that he is back at it! You are doing a fantastic job! Camden is beyond precious! You are one lucky lady! Congrats! :)

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  4. Katie, Cam is absolutely ADORABLE! I love seeing his little face on my IG :) I know you are doing an amazing job and I'm so happy for your lil fam!!!

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  5. SO glad to hear that you are all doing well!! I'm due in 3 weeks so its nice to hear someone being super real about the first few days after delivery, though I'm not going to lie I'm slightly terrified. haha! It's all worth it for that sweet babe though :) Love the pics of Cam and Rocky.. so sweet!

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  6. Cam is totally cute, so I know that helps with everything :) I cried, and cried, and cried some more. If you aren't really feeling back to yourself yet - don't worry and beat yourself up because things you read say you "should" feel more normal. I'm glad he's back to nursing and gaining weight. Totally hear you on the topless thing, hahaha :P As for your hubby, it sounds like we are married to the same guy. I don't know what I would have done the past many months if my husband hadn't been so great and I'm glad you have him as a support!

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  7. Oh my gosh, those photos of Billy and Camden are PERFECTION. So happy for you!

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  8. So awesome. I said the same things about recovery from labor (why do I feel like I had it harder than most because no one tells you how hard it will be to even sit up or walk to the bathroom?!) and about breastfeeding (IMO, totally harder than pregnancy AND labor!). But yay for you feeling like yourself again!! Way to go, momma!

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  9. I love this post for some many reasons! First, you are doing such an amazing job! I just get so proud of all new mommies because it's incredible what we go through physically, emotionally, etc. It's like you're part of a special club that you can't really explain to others what it's like unless they've birthed a child themselves. I fee like I want to comment on everything since my memories from those early days are still so vivid. I was also SHOCKED how hard the 1st 2 weeks were and how much I cried! No one tells you how scary it is, so I felt completely unprepared for what I went through. Though, who really wants to be the bearer of bad news/negative news???? Plus, there's not much you can do to prepare anyway. And finally... we all get through it, right? There will still be challenging days, but you go girl b/c you are through the toughest part (in my humble opinion). So nursing.... yes, it's the hardest darn thing on earth, but it's so rewarding and so special too! I was in the same boat, nursing went great in hospital, milk comes in at home and BAM! boobs are too big for baby to latch.... we worked through it and you will too! I'm almost 6 months in with my Camden solely on breastmilk, and though it's gotten SO much easier, I'm always working on something (e.g., Supply some times takes a dip - thank goodness for Fenugreek!). PS - My Camden is definitely a fussy little baby, so if you need any tips or advice, let me know! Ok, I'll stop rambling now.... congratulations to you once again! I am so happy for you! Enjoy those snuggles!

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  10. I love seeing pictures of lil C. He's SO cute! The last one with Rocky...oh my goodness...melt my heart!

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  11. Wonderful to hear how you are all doing (now) and at first too, because as someone who's due in June it's good to hear all possibilities of how this might go down haha. Love the pictures :)

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  12. Sounds like you are all adjusting super well! The first few weeks are rough, but they only get better with each day! I'm right there in the thick with you!! xoxox

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  13. YAY! :) So glad everything is going well in new parent land!! :) He's precious!

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  14. I am so glad to hear that things are turning around for y'all & going much smoother!! Camden is just the cutest thing ever & him & Rocky together... I die!! & I have to admit I choked up with you talking about Billy & Camden together... Melt my heart (& looking into my future a bit!). Thanks for the rec on the Brest friends pillow... I was gifted one & was a little overwhelmed by it but, couldn't return it bc it was purchased from amazon so, I figured I would try it out. But, I'm glad to hear you like it so much!!

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  15. So glad to hear things are going well! I found myself sitting here nodding in agreement about so many of the things I read. The BREAST FRIEND is amazing and I was so glad the LC had me try one and I bought one on the spot. I also agree with not understanding how hormonal and emotional I would feel afterwards. Scared, overjoyed, and overwhelmed can all happen at once, who knew!? I definitely think he is looking like you right now!

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  16. Oh my goodness that is seriously one cute baby! And the picture of him & Rocky? I die. This post brought happy tears to my eyes. It is so obvious how in love you are. :)

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  17. I always tell people I rather push out the baby than relive those first two weeks of nursing. Ugh I absolutely wanted to cry with each and every latch. I would dread the moment I knew she was hungry. However around day 14 it was like my little black cloud decided to peace out! And 5 months in we are still exclusively nursing (and pumping at work). In fact I remember on the first nurse visit I was instructed to feed her. I looked at the lady all sad and said "okay, it just might take awhile" and she asked why. I said it's excruciating and my milk wasn't in yet (day 5!). She asked if I had a nipple shield to which I said "yes, but yesterday it filled with blood" UGH! To which she responded - totally okay! (Here I am thinking WTF NOOOOOOO!) Ironically enough, Presley latched on and when she pulled off...milk! It was a miracle. I told her she was my milk fairy. haha That was probably all TMI but us mom's gotta stick together! It gets so much better (and thank goodness otherwise Presley would be an only child)

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  18. Everything you are feeling (right down to walking around without a shirt on!!) is so completely normal!! Everything that our bodies go through is just amazing!!! And seriously, there is nothing better then seeing our husbands as fathers! I always feel like I fall more in love everytime I see him with the baby. Enjoy each day, and yes, it is the best the first time you step on a scale and see that weight coming off!!!! Cheers to wine and regular clothes again..while holding an adorable baby!

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  19. ok. that last picture is just precious. i mean, they are all precious, but that one is my favorite. So happy to hear you and daddy are doing well. I bet you are a terrific mommy.

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  20. Love your update, Katie! Glad you're all doing well. Thanks for the tips. Helpful as I'm right behind yah.

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  21. I am so happy to see an updated on you, baby, daddy, and brother. I absolutely adore that photo of Rocky and Cam. Melt my heart!! He is just so stinking precious friend. So happy for you and your beautiful little family.

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  22. Amazing, mommy! So happy for y'all!
    Can't wait to hear about the Boppy v. My Breast Friend decision. I think I've only registered for the Boppy, but I really want to hear about My Breast Friend.
    Can't WAIT to hear the birth story! That's what I'm freaking out about most these days....7 more weeks until we meet our little man....

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  23. So happy to hear y’all are doing great and sweet Camden is adjusting. Hang in there mama!

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  24. SOOOO proud of you, momma!! You're doing great! XOXOXO

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  25. So happy for you and your beautiful little family!

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  26. So proud of you Katie - what a special mommy you are already! Little Cam is just perfect - enjoy this time together as a family x

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  27. Katie, I'm not entirely sure why, but reading this post made me get a little teary eyed!!! Maybe it's because after following along with you for so long, it's incredible to see just where you are now. Congratulations on the sweetest boy! Glad to hear the four of you are doing good! :)

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  28. There aren't words for how happy this post makes me! I am just so very excited that your perfect baby boy is here and you get to experience all the amazingness of being a mama! The first 4 weeks were kind of a blur for me, but it was literally like second K turned 4 weeks everything seemed to just work and be OK and we got in a rhythm. I am so glad you are all transitioning well! This is the best thing you will ever do and you are going ROCK this hot mama thing! :)

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  29. So so precious!! Glad to hear you are all doing well!

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