The Lovely Years: October 2017

Monday, October 23, 2017

Footing

It's time to be real folks.

Have you ever been swimming in a pool with a shallow and deep end? The kind in backyards or hotels that usually has a drastic drop on the pool floor to separate the two? Have you ever jumped into the deep end, then swam towards the shallow end, desperately feeling for that edge so you could put your feet down and feel secure because you can start walking instead of swimming?

That's where I am.

Don't get me wrong, whether you have 1 or 8 children, adding a new life in your life and schedule can be really hard. It's not just that you lose sleep, it's also a matter of finding your footing. Are you grateful for that life, and thankful to have that person as a part of your family? Definitely! Is it hard? You better believe it.

With Lexie's arrival, things have just been non-stop. We knew it would be like that to a point, but in our defense, more has happened than it usually does. In fact, more has happened than usual for us as a family!

Jill started Kindergarten.
David started preschool.
We had to put our dog down because of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
I've had to up my anti-depression medicine to help with PPD/PPA.
Phil's job is suddenly a little more hectic.
Lottie started walking.
Lexie was baptized.

Those are just the main things.

I'm making a real effort to get back to myself. Am I successful every day? HAHAHAHA Nope. Do I at least try? Yes!

I'm not striving for perfection, I'm just going for functioning. So far, I'm starting to feel a little more at ease. I finally feel like maybe I could really do this.

Do I consider getting in my car and driving away sometimes? Yes. Do I actually do it? No!

Raising human beings is hard. It takes several of personality traits that I either do not possess, or need to refine within myself in order to get the job done. I don't need to be perfect, and I hope I never make it seem like I think I am. So far, we're functioning. Someday, we may even be thriving!

I look forward to standing up tall and proud in the shallow end of the pool, with a big smile on my face, knowing that we made it to the edge of the pool :)

Tuesday, October 3, 2017

News to Me

Well, turns out my favorite free photo editor online is no longer free. Great.

So, I will be waiting until funds become available, and then I'll edit Lexie's photos for her 2 month update. I will most likely back date the blog, just for posterity's sake.

I have lots on my heart and my mind, but zero time to sit and type. It makes me long for the days of having a laptop that I could just open and type really quickly. It may take me all day to blog, but I'd be able to.

Anyways.

I'll be back, y'all. Promise :)

Lexie: {Two Months}

Lexie –

You are two months old! It's been a challenging month, but we are so glad you are here to be with us through all of it :)

According to our measurements at home, you are 10lbs, 1oz and 21-3/4 inches long. You have a doctor's appointment in 3 days, so I'll update your stats then. Update: As of 10/6, you are 10 lbs 5 oz, and 22 inches long!

You are still in newborn clothing. 0-3 month outfits are a little big for you now, and 3 month clothes are starting to fit a little better! You are still wearing newborn diapers. We'd like to finish off any newborn diapers we have. Let's see if we can make it!

Pumping is still going fairly well for mama, so that's what you eat! We have to add Vitamin D drops to one bottle a day. Otherwise, mama is able to pump exactly what you eat, so we are very happy with that! We'll see how much longer mama can/will pump. After that, you'll go on formula. You do spit up a bit, but we doubt it's extreme reflux that would require medicine. You eat about 3-3.5 oz every 2-4 hours. When you're hungry, you mostly smack your lips with your fists in front of your face. After a few minutes, you start to cry. Once you start crying, we only have a few minutes to get you a bottle. If we don't make it in that time frame, you get really mad! You'll cry loudly, and real tears stream down your cheeks. It's sad, but also cute :) We promise we try to get to you as fast as we can!

Mama is thanking the Lord that you are a good sleeper like your siblings! You sleep about 5-6 hour stretches at night, and usually go back to sleep for a nap shortly after your feedings. We figured out that you like the rain sound on the giraffe toy we've had since your big sister Jill. That's the only white noise that helps you sleep. You tolerate the swing, but will only sleep in it if you are swaddled. You really love napping on mama's chest the best, but mama can't always sit for long periods of time. Thankfully, you're a pretty good trooper :) You do well in the car about 90% of the time.

Bath time is just ok for you. You don't hate it, but don't seem overly excited about it either. You usually don't like getting out because you're cold! Once we get you dried off, and in PJs, you calm down.

You smiled for Daddy first, and give him lots of big smiles! You've smiled for mama a few times, but never when the camera is around! You watch your big siblings very closely, and flinch when Lottie or David are near. I think because they are the most boisterous of the crew. You don't get lots of tummy time because there's just always chaos or stuff on the floor. Mama will hold you against her chest to give you some head control practice. Otherwise, you're not on the floor much.

We did have to put our family pet to sleep. Our dog, Olive, contracted Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and the infection got to her brain. It was pretty hard on the family, but your love and smiles helped us focus on the future :) It may be awhile before we get another pet.

Some things I want to remember about you:

You love MAM pacifiers the best. You don't really keep any other kind in your mouth. You love to snuggle close. You have some serious cradle cap starting to flair up, and you seem to have more unsettled skin on your cheeks. Mama may need to ask for advice at your next appointment. Because you are too young for the flu shot, the rest of the family will be getting them next week. Your first overnight trip to Tulsa will be later this month for TU Homecoming! You smiled for mama when she called you Sugie, so that's your main nickname with mama :) Your cry seems to have gotten louder as you've gotten bigger. Your lungs are definitely well developed ;) We've picked out your Halloween costume, but need to find it! Holidays with 4 young children requires lots of planning and prep work! Our friends had their baby girl 1 month and 1 day after you were born. You and Miss Amelia will be good friends :)

Lexie Grace, we just love you to pieces! You are a wonderful baby, and we're so blessed to have you in our family. As you continue to grow, we look forward to your budding personality. Love you, Sugie!

And some outtakes:

And a few comparisons: