Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Sunday, February 7, 2016
Madeline-The Newborn-ness
My Maddy,
Oh how I already miss your newborn-ness. The days and weeks have flown by in a flurry that I don't remember with your sister. I feel like I haven't had the opportunity to soak in this time; sleep with you on my chest, have long conversations in bed, and just smell your sweet smell.
A tiny part of me morns this lost time but the majority of me realizes that this is just our normal. Maddy my dear, you are our second baby. This means you're sister will always be a part of the picture. That she will demand my attention at times where I would normally be cuddling you. That she will be impatient in her toddler-ness when you want to feed. That she will forever be pestering you right when you fall asleep.
And Maddy that's the beauty of it. She gets to be a part of those moments. To love on you. To relish this time when you are so small. To marvel at your perfectness. Almost every memory from this past month I have includes your sister. My two girls. Together.
When I first held your sister, I felt like I didn't know her, didn't know this little girl that I already loved so much. Now after having you, I know I was wrong.
I remember all the nights we had together. Just the two of us. You in my belly and me marveling at every movement. I watch you move your arms and legs now and remember how that felt against my skin. I see your perfect little face and recall the images and profile on the ultrasounds. I know you. You are my Madeline.
Love you beautiful girl,
Mommy
Oh how I already miss your newborn-ness. The days and weeks have flown by in a flurry that I don't remember with your sister. I feel like I haven't had the opportunity to soak in this time; sleep with you on my chest, have long conversations in bed, and just smell your sweet smell.
A tiny part of me morns this lost time but the majority of me realizes that this is just our normal. Maddy my dear, you are our second baby. This means you're sister will always be a part of the picture. That she will demand my attention at times where I would normally be cuddling you. That she will be impatient in her toddler-ness when you want to feed. That she will forever be pestering you right when you fall asleep.
And Maddy that's the beauty of it. She gets to be a part of those moments. To love on you. To relish this time when you are so small. To marvel at your perfectness. Almost every memory from this past month I have includes your sister. My two girls. Together.
When I first held your sister, I felt like I didn't know her, didn't know this little girl that I already loved so much. Now after having you, I know I was wrong.
I remember all the nights we had together. Just the two of us. You in my belly and me marveling at every movement. I watch you move your arms and legs now and remember how that felt against my skin. I see your perfect little face and recall the images and profile on the ultrasounds. I know you. You are my Madeline.
Love you beautiful girl,
Mommy
Saturday, February 6, 2016
Tot School-Bedtime
So it's been a long time since we've been serious about tot school. Josh's parents were visiting, the holidays were on us and I was about to have a baby. So you can see we were a bit busy. Now with Madeline here and Josh's parents back in the states, I feel like we can really dive back into our schooling with vigor.
This week our theme was Bedtime. I chose this theme because lately Mara has been having a lot of issue with Bedtime and sleep. Her schedule is stressful at night and in the morning. Although she sleeps through the night, both Josh and I would love to see some progress on the two ends. I thought that some focus on the subject this week may help a little.
Monday we started with a nighttime play dough invitation to play. Mara loves play dough so I pulled out the dark blue dough, some star buttons and shiny beads. I let her go to town "designing" the sky. She loved it! Her first try had all the stars in the play dough. She quickly pulled them all out and then put in the beads. I love her organization and need to just have one type of thing in the play dough at a time.
After nap we did our craft for the day. I like to focus on a bible verse each week as well so this week I chose Psalms 3:5 I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me. I wrote this on a black piece of black construction paper. We talked about the verse and then used star cookie cutters to make the night sky. She dipped different size cutters into yellow paint and then onto the paper. We also used some star stampers that we had laying around.
On Tuesday we started the day with a nighttime sensory bin. I used the star shapes from the play dough, cotton balls, colored pom poms and her sleep sheep. Mara is usually hit or miss with sensory bins. This one was a definite miss. She wasn't interested in it at all. It basically sat around the whole day until the afternoon where she dumped it all out and got in the bin.
The activity she liked the most this day was making our own prayer jar. We have tried to be more intentional about praying with Mara before she goes to sleep at night. I saw this idea and instantly thought it would one serve as a reminder for us to do it and two be a fun way to pray with her. We decorated popcycle sticks with markers and then I asked her what things she wanted to pray for. I was shocked when her answers were pretty reasonable. lol We wrote out things like: Mommy, Daddy, Madeline, Nana, Papa, Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Mary, Buddy, Friends, etc. We used it that night and she liked picking a stick from the jar!
Wednesday started with a fun craft. I grabbed two coffee filters and her do a dot markers. Then I let her go to town on decorating them. The final step was to take water and brush it all over the filters. This gave the whole project a water color look. While Mara did this I read her A Peek inside Nighttime. We talked about nighttime animals, especially bats as that is what we are going to create from the filters! She really loved this activity especially painting with the water. I was surprised how engaged she was the entire time.
Right before nap we decided to do some pretend play. We went to our bedroom and tucked each other in for bed. This activity was great for this sleepy mommy. I managed to catch some quick cat naps while Mara was content in the bed. She loved tucking us both in and we played like this for close to an hour!
In the afternoon we finished our bats by coloring clothespins black and adding the filters. We also trimmed the sides so that they looked more bat like.
Thursday was a slow morning but we managed to fit in a bedtime craft. Since making the bats yesterday Mara had been requesting an owl. I hadn't planned on making an owl but was impressed with her concept of bedtime animals so we rolled with it. I quickly grabbed some toilet paper rolls and construction paper. I then cut out shapes out of the paper to make the owl. Mara helped me by gluing the pieces on the roll and then decorating the final project.
On Friday we had a slow start. Mara had a rougher night and we didn't drag ourselves out of bed till nearly nine. Despite this I threw together an activity centered around the book, "Goodnight Moon". I made some simple shapes that fit the story and created a storyboard so to speak. While we read the book Mara placed the objects into our picture to recreate the story. Although my storyboard was really homemade, she loved it! We have tried to include books in all our weekly themes but this activity has thus far been the most successful. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to continue this!
This week we didn't get done all the activities I had planned but I'm pretty proud of what we did. It was a great week back and I am looking forward to next week where we will be focusing on LOVE. I figured since Valentine's Day is upon us it's only fitting. We'll do a ton of crafts and hopefully fit a few activities in there too!
This week our theme was Bedtime. I chose this theme because lately Mara has been having a lot of issue with Bedtime and sleep. Her schedule is stressful at night and in the morning. Although she sleeps through the night, both Josh and I would love to see some progress on the two ends. I thought that some focus on the subject this week may help a little.
Monday we started with a nighttime play dough invitation to play. Mara loves play dough so I pulled out the dark blue dough, some star buttons and shiny beads. I let her go to town "designing" the sky. She loved it! Her first try had all the stars in the play dough. She quickly pulled them all out and then put in the beads. I love her organization and need to just have one type of thing in the play dough at a time.
In the afternoon we finished our bats by coloring clothespins black and adding the filters. We also trimmed the sides so that they looked more bat like.
Thursday was a slow morning but we managed to fit in a bedtime craft. Since making the bats yesterday Mara had been requesting an owl. I hadn't planned on making an owl but was impressed with her concept of bedtime animals so we rolled with it. I quickly grabbed some toilet paper rolls and construction paper. I then cut out shapes out of the paper to make the owl. Mara helped me by gluing the pieces on the roll and then decorating the final project.
On Friday we had a slow start. Mara had a rougher night and we didn't drag ourselves out of bed till nearly nine. Despite this I threw together an activity centered around the book, "Goodnight Moon". I made some simple shapes that fit the story and created a storyboard so to speak. While we read the book Mara placed the objects into our picture to recreate the story. Although my storyboard was really homemade, she loved it! We have tried to include books in all our weekly themes but this activity has thus far been the most successful. Hopefully in the future I'll be able to continue this!
This week we didn't get done all the activities I had planned but I'm pretty proud of what we did. It was a great week back and I am looking forward to next week where we will be focusing on LOVE. I figured since Valentine's Day is upon us it's only fitting. We'll do a ton of crafts and hopefully fit a few activities in there too!
Friday, February 5, 2016
Madeline's First Bath
Madeline's first bath was somewhat uneventful compared to Mara's. After her cord fell off we decided to wipe her down one night while we were also bathing Mara. She had quite the audience as Mara was super concerned about her sissy and what we were doing to her.
We have yet to use soap with Maddie as her skin seems to be a little sensitive. We simply just wiped her down with water making sure we got in all those crevices. She doesn't really spit up so I feel like routine baths at this point aren't really a priority.
Unlike Mara we didn't get peed on this time and she quickly got used to the water. She especially loved when Josh gave her the towel to suck on.
We have yet to use soap with Maddie as her skin seems to be a little sensitive. We simply just wiped her down with water making sure we got in all those crevices. She doesn't really spit up so I feel like routine baths at this point aren't really a priority.
Unlike Mara we didn't get peed on this time and she quickly got used to the water. She especially loved when Josh gave her the towel to suck on.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Madeline-1 Month
Weight: I weighed you the other day and you are somewhere between 9.5 and 10 pounds. It's hard to get the weight exactly as we only have our home scale and I am holding you on it. You'll go in for your first doctor's appointment shortly and we'll get the exact numbers then.
Health: You are doing great in this department! You missed the little wave of colds that seemed to be going around the embassy community as of late. We do have a few birthday parties coming up but I think you'll be fine if I keep you close.
You are still a great nurser. You have started to be a bit of a slower nurser if you really aren't hungry. You kind of take the nipple into your mouth and just hang out there till you're ready. You still have quite a bit of gas but again you know how to get rid of it. Burping is easy for you and frankly you sound like a man when you do. When you do get some gas stuck up in there I've found that laying you on your belly on my legs and patting your back helps a lot. After a bit of this you usually let one rip.
I need to be more stricter with the dairy but again you seem to be handling it well. I'm still laying off the milk but have had some cheese lately. My main vice is chocolate. Gosh I had a week where I couldn't get enough. Sorry little one :(
Social: You have continued to be super alert with increasingly longer awake times. What's funny is you'll have a day where you're super alert and the next it seems like you sleep all day. It's a good balance. For the most part you are content to hang out in your bouncer, on the floor or under the play mat while I focus on your sister. Thank you!
Diet: Breast milk!
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| I don't know how she ends up like this |
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| Tummy time always attracts a crowd |
You are still a great nurser. You have started to be a bit of a slower nurser if you really aren't hungry. You kind of take the nipple into your mouth and just hang out there till you're ready. You still have quite a bit of gas but again you know how to get rid of it. Burping is easy for you and frankly you sound like a man when you do. When you do get some gas stuck up in there I've found that laying you on your belly on my legs and patting your back helps a lot. After a bit of this you usually let one rip.
I need to be more stricter with the dairy but again you seem to be handling it well. I'm still laying off the milk but have had some cheese lately. My main vice is chocolate. Gosh I had a week where I couldn't get enough. Sorry little one :(
Social: You have continued to be super alert with increasingly longer awake times. What's funny is you'll have a day where you're super alert and the next it seems like you sleep all day. It's a good balance. For the most part you are content to hang out in your bouncer, on the floor or under the play mat while I focus on your sister. Thank you!
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| We have the same picture with Mara |
Clothes: I think we'll be moving up to 0-3 month clothes really soon. You still have a bit of space in your newborn clothes but are getting too long for the onesies. I've been trying to really par down some of your clothes. We really have way to many (cough cough Grandma) and there's no need to hang on to all of them.
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| I can't believe how much she looks like Mara here |
You're starting to love the carriers! You are exactly like your sister in this regard. You push off my chest to see the world. She did this too. It's actually kind of funny as it then negates the whole hands free thing as I have to support your head with my hands.
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| A little baby acne |
Sleep: Sleep is still going great! You now consistently sleep 5 hours straight at night. You go down at midnight for the night. From there you wake around 5 (sometimes 6!) and then sleep for another 2-3 hours. It's glorious. Other nights you fall asleep around 10 and sleep till I head upstairs with you sometime after 11. On these nights I wake you slightly for a quick "dream feed" and then it's off to bed. You are so funny these nights. I move you so much taking you upstairs, changing you, dressing you, swaddling you and nursing you. YOU DON'T wake! IT's CRAZY! Now if your sister could sleep till 9 we'd be in business.
I'm already trying to instigate a bedtime routine for you as I can see how necessary it is (ehemmm your sister). We change your diaper, swaddle and nurse. I already usually lay you down awake but sleepy. Your sleep sheep goes on and the light goes out. Nighttime!
Other things to remember: You like to sleep on your side and do best taking naps this way. You also almost always go to sleep if we do the rapid butt pat.
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| First run with the wrap |
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| Starting her off right with Usborne! |
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| Ready for church |
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| Just hanging in Big Sister's room |
Milestones: No major milestones yet but sleeping longer stretches. Your body control is getting better by the day and you seem to be enjoying tummy time. You also had your first bath!
Best of Times: I've loved our quiet times after your sister goes to sleep. Mommy and Daddy then have the opportunity to really focus on you and bond. For the last few days we've been really trying to get you to smile. No luck yet!
Sister Diaries: Your older sister still continues to adore you with little to no jealousy. She wants to be right there where you are and wants to hold your hand constantly. This week I caught her trying to pinch your elbows. lol We do get a bit of jealousy if I am feeding you and she can't get what she wants immeaditily. This has happened a few times after Mara's nap. She is notorious for waking in a bad mood and can get quite angry if someone isn't there to be with her.
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| Tummy time is exhausting! |
Usborne in 2016
When I started this business I honestly was just in it for the books. I have always had shelves full of books and wanted that for my girls too. I want them to love reading as much as I do and appreciate the beauty of getting lost in a great book in our high tech world.
Quickly this little "book discount" turned into an expanding business which I absolutely loved doing. I got to share these amazing books with not only my family and friends but others who may not have heard of Usborne if they hadn't attended one of my parties.
Since we've been married I've stayed at home instead of working full time. I have completely loved this role but in the last few months have found a whole new level of fulfillment in my ability to contribute to our family financially. It's just a small thing but I am so proud to be able to say that yes I earned that....doing something I love!
The next few months are looking to be some of the most exciting in my business thus far. I have made a commitment to promote and will be working extra hard to not only meet the requirements of this promotion but to also meet the lofty goals I've set for myself!
I'm dreaming large this new year and would love if you could be a part of it! If you like our books and would love to add to your collection, please place an order on my website today HERE!
Love our books? Why don't you consider hosting your own Facebook party with me today? February hostess rewards are pretty amazing with an extra $50 in FREE BOOKS with shows totaling $350 or more. On top of your hostess rewards I am giving each of my February hostess a FREE shine a light book as my thank you to you for helping me reach my goals. Message me today or comment on this post to set up your party date today!
Want it all? Join my team!! I'm looking for fellow book junkies who are passionate about this business and want to share the love of literacy with others. Join up costs are low and there are no monthly sales requirements. You really can make this business your own! Check out my website HERE for more information. Can't find the answer to your question? Shoot me an email and I'd love to chat!!
Quickly this little "book discount" turned into an expanding business which I absolutely loved doing. I got to share these amazing books with not only my family and friends but others who may not have heard of Usborne if they hadn't attended one of my parties.
Since we've been married I've stayed at home instead of working full time. I have completely loved this role but in the last few months have found a whole new level of fulfillment in my ability to contribute to our family financially. It's just a small thing but I am so proud to be able to say that yes I earned that....doing something I love!
The next few months are looking to be some of the most exciting in my business thus far. I have made a commitment to promote and will be working extra hard to not only meet the requirements of this promotion but to also meet the lofty goals I've set for myself!
I'm dreaming large this new year and would love if you could be a part of it! If you like our books and would love to add to your collection, please place an order on my website today HERE!
Love our books? Why don't you consider hosting your own Facebook party with me today? February hostess rewards are pretty amazing with an extra $50 in FREE BOOKS with shows totaling $350 or more. On top of your hostess rewards I am giving each of my February hostess a FREE shine a light book as my thank you to you for helping me reach my goals. Message me today or comment on this post to set up your party date today!
Want it all? Join my team!! I'm looking for fellow book junkies who are passionate about this business and want to share the love of literacy with others. Join up costs are low and there are no monthly sales requirements. You really can make this business your own! Check out my website HERE for more information. Can't find the answer to your question? Shoot me an email and I'd love to chat!!
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
Life Lately
I feel like we've been on turbo here since before the holidays. Josh's parents were able to join us for Christmas/Madeline's birth and we were so thankful to have them around. Mara was spoiled having two around 24/7. Here two days after they left she is still asking for them nonstop.
While they were around we tried to see as much as the city and the country as Madeline and Mom's back would allow. We managed some great day trips and Dad and Josh got away for a few days to ski. Besides the trips we had a lot of great family time here at the house. Mom helped me a bunch in the kitchen, preparing freezer meals and helping me cook for the day.
Now that they are gone, we're trying to get settled into life as a family of four. Josh is back to full time at work and I'm trying to figure out what life looks like at home with two. Thankfully Madeline is a dream and I've been able to really focus on Mara the last few days. We've dived back into tot school and already I am super impressed at her much her comprehension and attention span have grown in the last 6 weeks.
Mara has been the best big sister. She absolutely adores Madeline and has been so gentle with her. She constantly wants to hold her hand and always comes over to her when we bring her into a room. It makes my heart so happy and I can't wait till they get at ages where they can really interact. Madeline already loves to watch Mara and she always focuses on her when she's in the room.
On the horizon we're just trying to settle back into life here. We have a few fun things planned with friends and we may try to potty training again (yeah try number 1 was a failure). My mom and aunt Mary are planning on heading our way at the beginning of March and Josh may head back to the states around that time as well. I've been knee deep in all things Usborne as well. It's an exciting time for my business and I cannot wait to see where it takes me (but more on that later).
Overall life is great here. Madeline is a dream and we cannot imagine a time without her already. Mara is getting to such a fun age and I love seeing her grow and develop. It feels so good to jump back on the blog train again!
While they were around we tried to see as much as the city and the country as Madeline and Mom's back would allow. We managed some great day trips and Dad and Josh got away for a few days to ski. Besides the trips we had a lot of great family time here at the house. Mom helped me a bunch in the kitchen, preparing freezer meals and helping me cook for the day.
Now that they are gone, we're trying to get settled into life as a family of four. Josh is back to full time at work and I'm trying to figure out what life looks like at home with two. Thankfully Madeline is a dream and I've been able to really focus on Mara the last few days. We've dived back into tot school and already I am super impressed at her much her comprehension and attention span have grown in the last 6 weeks.
Mara has been the best big sister. She absolutely adores Madeline and has been so gentle with her. She constantly wants to hold her hand and always comes over to her when we bring her into a room. It makes my heart so happy and I can't wait till they get at ages where they can really interact. Madeline already loves to watch Mara and she always focuses on her when she's in the room.
On the horizon we're just trying to settle back into life here. We have a few fun things planned with friends and we may try to potty training again (yeah try number 1 was a failure). My mom and aunt Mary are planning on heading our way at the beginning of March and Josh may head back to the states around that time as well. I've been knee deep in all things Usborne as well. It's an exciting time for my business and I cannot wait to see where it takes me (but more on that later).
Overall life is great here. Madeline is a dream and we cannot imagine a time without her already. Mara is getting to such a fun age and I love seeing her grow and develop. It feels so good to jump back on the blog train again!
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