DD has really gotten into the My First Little House series, which is an adaptation of the LHOTP books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. Each picture book is based on a story from the series, like Sugar Snow, Dance at Grandpa's, Going West, County Fair, etc. and has snippets of the original text with gorgeous illustrations.
I need to decide if I want my mom to get DS a play kitchen or a Children's Museum membership. DH and I have talked about it for like 4 hours and can't make a decision. We go to the museum fairly often because it's only 10 minutes away but I'm going to have a newborn next year and don't know if I'll want to bring the baby too? DH is really averse to clutter and thinks we already have enough toys (lol, no). Our problem is that we have toys that DS just doesn't play with, ever. But I think he would enjoy a kitchen? Ugh, I'm so indecisive!
Does the membership come with a parking pass? That is my main hesitation when going to visit the CM because I am cheap and hate paying for parking downtown (dumb, I know).
I love our play kitchen and think that 2 is the perfect age to really get into pretend cooking - DD plays with it daily.
I cried a little bit last night while doing laundry and shifting DS's clothes around; he is officially out of NB sizes and into 3m. I keep comparing him to DD who was very petite and struggled to gain weight during the first few months after birth. Having a chunky baby is brand new territory for me!
I loved things that were individually portioned like muffins, breakfast burritos, mini quiches, etc. A huge container of soup or a casserole is nice, but stuff you can eat one-handed is so helpful when you're holding a baby or wrangling a toddler (or both at once).
We had a great time ToTing and having a bonfire with a group of neighbors. DD loved showing off her costume and saying "trick or treat" and DS snoozed the evening away in the K'tan wearing his pumpkin hat. Oh, and ToT is way more enjoyable with drinks in hand (spiked apple cider FTW).
1. 1 month today! He's 9lbs 11oz - a 2.5lb weight gain from hospital discharge
2. I feel pretty good with just a little bit of soreness around my incision
3. He is a great sleeper so far and usually wakes up twice (occasionally only once!) in the MOTN to nurse and goes right back to sleep
4. DD is very interested in her little brother and loves to "help" by bringing pacifiers and blankets over to him. We do have to remind her to be gentle with him, such as the other day when she threw a (soft) ball at his head (later she said "just playing! Sam catch the ball!" so there's a bit of disconnect there). It's been a challenge to juggle both kids by myself, but it's getting easier each day; also DH has two weeks off before he starts his new job, so we are having lots of quality family time right now.
Today is DH's last day of paternity leave and he is going with DD to her ECFE class while I hang out at Starbucks with the baby and finish writing thank you notes. DD is losing her mind and keeps exclaiming "daddy coming to school with me!"
I am simultaneously excited and terrified to be on my own with two kids tomorrow.
Right away, but she was a summer baby, so I didn't have to worry about tights or cardigans. I loved those one-piece Carters dresses with the attached bloomers when DD was tiny.
Both times I was able to do skin-to-skin while I was being stitched up; nursing happened right away in recovery (it would not have been comfortable at all to nurse while in surgery). I used the recline on the hospital bed to my advantage so I didn't have to try and sit up right away. The Boppy was also extremely helpful and comfortable. I know a lot of moms like the laid-back position, but I always felt like I got a better latch/position from a traditional cradle hold.
I have to AW here because I can't share IRL yet: DH accepted a new job today. It comes with a huge pay increase (nearly double his current salary), better benefits, and tons of opportunity for growth. We are celebrating with Mexican food and margaritas tonight. Yay!