Adjusting

I have to keep reminding myself that Elle is only 2 1/2 weeks old. It already feels like she's been with our family for so much longer. As much as I love the newborn stage and don't want Elle to get another day older, having a new baby is definitely an adjustment. So far the biggest adjustment has been the lack of time I have to myself. I know that sounds pretty selfish, but I thrive on schedules and keeping things orderly. In the past when I'd have a stressful or frustrating morning, I knew that I only had to survive until nap time. Then I'd have a good 3 hours to regroup, relax, and get done whatever I needed to do. Ya, that's no longer the case. It seems that as soon as Madi goes down for her nap, I get about 15 minutes before Elle's up and wanting my attention! Then in the evenings after Madi's asleep, the same holds true. Now don't get me wrong, I love how it gives me alone time with each of my girls, but it's definitely an adjustment with knowing how to get things done while enjoying my girls (which I'm sure all gets easier with age)! 

Another adjustment started a few days ago around Elle's 2 week mark. She's become super needy in the evenings. After every feeding she grunts and groans in pain. Her face goes red and she cries really loud if set down. Makes me worry about if what I'm eating is having a negative effect on her. She acts like she's still hungry but I think it's more just the need of sucking to soothe herself. It's hard getting her to sleep and even harder keeping her asleep. I'm guessing it's just gas. Otherwise it could be the "night colic" which my doc suggested, and should disappear after she's 6 weeks.

We're currently working on getting her to take a binky. For some reason my mom and Spencer have had success, but she never seems to want to take it from me. Spencer says I'm not patient enough, I say she knows I have something better!

Even though I'm continually reminded that I just had a baby, it's hard not to want some normalcy back. Saturdays are my new favorite day of the week- just because we get to have Spencer around. This past weekend flew by way too fast, leaving me already looking forward to the upcoming weekend (and it's only Tuesday)!

With all the frustrations that come with feeling like a zombie, smelling like spit up, and looking like a slob, I know that it's not a permanent thing. I just gotta give it time.  Regardless of the craziness, I must say how lucky I feel to be able to spend my days with these 2 girls!


Aside from all the changes and occasional freak-outs, Madi's been the biggest helper ever. She really is an incredibly loving big sister. Every morning she wakes up super happy, with her first request being to see her sister. She sits on the bed with me while I nurse Elle and then Madi helps to burp. Anytime Elle starts to cry, Madi busts out into song with hopes of soothing her distraught baby sister (it actually works sometimes)! She "helps" with diaper changes- getting the diaper for me and then happily disposing of it afterwards. She'll bring my water bottle to me while I nurse and of course she begs to hold Elle several times throughout the day. I'm especially grateful for how gentle Madi is with her little sister. 

She's also such a good sharer! Madi's new thing is to let us know whose is whose. She says, "That's yours and this is mines." 

And even though Elle's already got quite a temper and a nice set of lungs, she also has the sweetest smiles ever (none that I've gotten pictures of yet though- I'm always enjoying them way too much to grab the camera)! And there's nothing better than when she's awake, alert, and wanting to talk. I love that newborn baby stare that makes you feel like they know what you're saying and have something to tell you as well.