Two Weeks In February 24, 2018
It’s been a little over 2 weeks since Austin graced us with his presence, and it’s crazy to think time has gone by that quickly already. I know this is most likely related to my sleep deprived state, but I feel like it was just yesterday that I was pregnant! It also makes me a little sad about the future. I often feel like I can get so caught up in daily life that I’m missing my kiddos grow right before my eyes. I know all of us parents can relate on this level, as we often are so focused on our routines.
At two weeks in, we’re still in an adjustment period (of course). I know we’ll be here for quite some time, but surprisingly my older two have done incredibly well. Landon has been struggling with typical 4 year old emotions, but nothing more than what he was dealing with prior to Austin’s arrival. Noelle acts like a little mommy and is so incredibly caring towards her baby brother. She is always wanting to kiss him, say hi to him, help with him, and asks where he is frequently when he’s napping upstairs. Landon LOVES to help give him a bath and get the diapers and wipes for diaper changes. I’ve been making it a point to have them help so they feel important and confident in their role as big brother and sister. I do think this has help with the transition period. It’s amazing to watch them be so loving and caring towards our new family member, and I don’t think they can picture life without him anymore! The other day Landon asked, “Is baby Austin staying forever?!” And he was so excited when I responded with a big, “YES!” It makes my heart so happy to think that even in a years time they’ll all be playing happily together, like three musketeers.
As far as how I’m adjusting, it’s been quite the challenge if I’m being honest. I’m a routine oriented person, and naturally I knew our routine would change again with Austin’s arrival. We are still working on establishing a new routine (not too far off from our old one, but taking into consideration that we have a 3rd kiddo now), and I know it will take some time. I’ve only been alone with all 3 for short periods of time, and I’m still figuring out how to juggle all of that. I’ve also felt a little guilty that I haven’t been able to spend as much time with the older two since Austin is basically on my boob all day. I’m trying to make it a point to show each of them undivided attention, whether it’s playing Legos with Landon or cuddling with Noelle after her nap, but damn it’s hard with a cluster feeding baby! I know it’s just a season, and I keep reminding myself of that every day. I’m super grateful Pat has a flexible schedule..I know that’s surely not the case for everyone. We’ve also been trying to prepare meals that will last a few days at a time to cut down on dinner prep. There are still some things I need to get a handle on (laundry? ????) but I know that will all come with time. I’m trying to give myself some grace and reminding myself that eventually we’ll have a routine down. Mornings are still a little rough for me in particular, but I know once Austin’s feeding habits regulate a bit they’ll be better (at least it was with the last 2!).
Physically, I feel GREAT. Austin’s birth was by far the easiest for me, and my body’s response is proving that. I had minimal pain, and honestly have to keep reminding myself that I JUST had a baby. I also can function remarkably well on little sleep, so I’ve been having to remind myself to sit down and rest. I’ll share his birth story soon!
Breastfeeding has also been improving every week, which I’m super happy about. I honestly had zero expectations, as I did with Noelle, because I knew I couldn’t exclusively pump again like I did for Landon. My mentality since then has been that I’m 100000% fine with formula if we have breastfeeding struggles. Austin is following in his sister’s footsteps and breastfeeds like a champ! I still have a little soreness from my few days of engorgement and some latch difficulties, but we’ve surpassed that and are in the healing process. He’s also gaining CRAZY weight (a pound a WEEK) so it’s mutually going really well!
One thing that’s annoying me is the damn hormonal night sweats that come in the postpartum stage. I literally feel like a sweaty pig when I wake up in the morning, and NEED to shower to get the stench off of me. Any other mamas experiencing this?! It drives me nuts because I’m a shower at night kinda gal. I can’t be bothered in the morning, and this is adding to throwing my routine off! I’ve tried sleeping in less clothing, sleeping with a fan on, windows open, etc and no matter what I STILL sweat. I can’t remember how long it lasted with my other two, but I literally wake up soaked. If any mamas have tips on handling this, I’d love to know so I don’t have to shower in the morning, haha!
I’ve been asked a few times how I feel about Austin being our last baby, and to be honest I haven’t thought much about that yet. I’ve always felt 3 was our number and I’m pretty confident in that, but I’m sure I’ll have some reservations when we make the “ultimate” decision. For now, I’m just enjoying this newborn phase since it’s most likely the last time I’ll go through it. ????
If you’re a mama going through this stage as well, I’d love to hear how you’re doing! Leave a comment and let’s have a discussion about it! I plan on doing more of these updates, too, in hopes that some of you can relate or even share what’s working for you!
(Photos by Victoria Gloria)
Loves reading this! My second daughter is 3 weeks old so I can definitely relate! The night sweats are the worst but they seem to be getting better for me. I also exclusively pumped with my first and told myself I would never do that again. I’m so happy that breast feeding is working for me and my baby this time around! Love following you!
Congrats, mama! EPing is so hard!! Glad your babe is breastfeeding, too!
I exclusively pumped with my first too. I’m planning on getting pregnant with my second in the near future and I’m dreading exclusively pumping again. What do you think changed with your other babies that they were able to nurse? I’d love to nurse the next one. TMI I know but my nipples are kind of flat so I assumed that was the reason I couldn’t nurse well the first time around. What are some tips to get that baby to latch!!
Love the pics. Beautiful family. The one of Noelle intently kidding baby Austin is so cute.
Enjoy your time with them all
She loves him so much! Thank you!
I can relate on so many levels. My 3rd is 5 months old now (feels crazy to say!). Life has been a whirlwind. My husband just got a vasectomy so I know this is it. I’m trying to cherish every moment of these little ones and every baby phase. But let’s be honest..they still drive me crazy and this is an intense time to go through motherhood when you have a 4 year old, 2 year old, and baby. So.much.laundry.
We are in the talks of vasectomies too! Sounds like we are in the same boat as far as ages go…this age range is HARD! And I feel you, I could do without all the damn laundry. LOL
I’m in the same boat, except my 3rd is 10 months old. My husband had a vasectomy right before Christmas and just lately it’s really hit me that this is it. So yes, I try to soak it all in but at the same time it can be hard with 3 kids 4 and under. It’s sad to see the baby stage go, but also so exciting to see what’s to come. My youngest is really starting to play with the older two and it’s the sweetest 🙂
We are 2.5 weeks in with our little girl and all of the above is spot on! We have a two year old as well and I’m struggling so much with mom guilt for not being able to spend as much time with him since I feel like I don’t move from the couch from cluster feeding. I know it’ll get easier but it’s hard transitioning from him getting all of my attention to now very little. ????
Hi:) I had my second baby on February 2nd and in the adjustment phase for sure! My babe is dealing with reflux and colic issues which makes it super challenging. I have to hold her upright for long periods of time after feedings and she is just overall pretty fussy. This has made it difficult for me to balance time between our first daughter and new baby. Started her on probiotic colic drops and hoping that helps! I definitely forgot how challenging the newborn phase is! Hang in there mama—it can only get better from here right?! Lol!
I feel you with the overall fussiness! We are 3.5 weeks in with our girl and she is incredibly fussy most of the time too. She doesn’t like the paci, back sleeping, or any of the 5 bassinets/rockers we have tried with her. Basically she just likes being held and cluster feeding. We are hoping it’s just a phase and she grows out of it soon! We did try gripe water tonight so we will see if that seems to help her at all.
I’m right there with you – even cut out dairy and soy to see how it helps! Hang in there mama ❤️
Soon I’ll be experiencing so much of this! I’ll be having my second in May and can’t wait. There will be a three year difference between my kids and I’m praying my daughter will adjust easily but am scarred of everything being hard on her. I’ve loved watching all of your stories and recommendations! Most definitely will be packing depends in my hospital bag!
Congrats! What a beautiful family! I totally can relate to all the emotions and physical challenges (night sweats). Going from 2 kids to 3 was such a beautiful time for us and it melted my heart to see the older two interact with the baby. My baby is 3 now and the older two still treat her with such love and love to play with her. It’s the best truly!!! The night sweats suck. I slept in shorts and a tank…covered myself only with the bed sheet…and even cranked the window open some nights (my poor hubby covered from head to toe with every blanket ????). My babies didn’t really sleep in our room, so that’s why I could do that and it seemed to help with the sweats. I used to get really hot during nursing sessions too so I always had ice water in my hand and dabbed myself with the bottle. It seems ridiculous, but the whole sweaty at night and sweaty when nursing was the most miserable thing about after birth care. Hang in there. It will passs as your hormones normalize! Praying you find a good routine for your family…totally remember nursing so much and feeling guilty about my older two not having time with me. So I’d have them pick books and sit next to me while I nursed and I’d read to them….anything to involve them!
We have a new baby boy, 5 weeks old. Our 4 year old loves being a big brother which is a huge relief!! He really wants to help out….except he won’t go near the diapers haha. My night sweats lasted about 2-3 weeks so hopefully you’re almost done with them. The longest our little one goes at night is 3 hours ( which feels like a full nights sleep to me compared to the every 1-2 hours we started with) I’m really trying to enjoy this newborn stage but I’m also kinda looking forward to the 3month+ mark when the sleep schedule gets a little more predictable. I’ve been breast feeding Successfully this time (I had a hard time with my first) and we just introduced the bottle which he is hesitant about. Hoping he takes to it a little better so my husband can give him a bottle and give my boobs a little bit of a break!!
Also, I downloaded the app The Wonder Weeks. It tells you about different milestones that they are going through and when to expect extra fussy times. We went through some really rough sleepless nights last week and it was nice to look on the app and see the reason why and know it’s just a phase and makes it a little less stressful to understand it’s not just my baby or that I’m doing sotmgibg wrong.
Little babe is a cutie! I have a 3 week old and we’re wdjsuting to being a family of 4. It’s been a challenge as I like my sleep hah! I have zero tips for you on the night sweats but wanted to let you know that I get them too ???? They are definitely getting less intense but I still wake up during the night and have to change my shirt. Just wanted you to know you’re not alone ????
You’re doing s great job, hang in there!!
Hey girl
Congrats on little baby Austin. So beautiful.
I’m on my second babe and she’s six weeks now. We have a two year old little man who has embraced being a big brother most days.
Six weeks in and I’m still trying to adjust my new routine with two. Some days are better then others. Really depends on everyone’s mood that day. Mine mainly. If I’m tired I tend to be more impatient and that seems to trigger tantrums in my two year old.
The baby is so different then my son with eating and sleeping so I feel like I am a first time mom all over relearning everything.
I’m exclusively breastfeeding but one breasts is definitely an over achiever while the other one is a pancake. I’m struggling with that but she’s gaining weight and thriving.
Anyways congrats and I just love following your blog and Instagram.
Hi Lauren! I currently have a two week old baby boy as well, along with an almostnfour year old. I’ve had a pretty similar experience so far. My husband is home on paternity leave with me for the next six weeks and he’s been amazing- cooking, cleaning and entertaining our toddler. I’m not sure how I’m going to handle them both alone when he goes back to work! And to be honest, I’m a little scared about it!
Hello! Love the blog update- my sister suggested I follow you on Instagram since our babies are in the same stage. My 3rd child is a boy and was born on Feb 11th. I’m glad to hear I’m not the only one sweating at night. My other two children are 8 and 6 so I don’t remember all the postpartum symptoms. My hormones are all over the place and so really look forward to the future but truly enjoying our first boy! Thank you for being so informative!
Such a sweet honest post! I know that guilty feeling of not having enough time for your older kiddos when a new baby comes all too well. I had two year old twins when my son was born last June and it was a daily battle to remember to give myself some grace since there’s one of me and 3 of them. Once we FINALLY settled into a good routine I felt like it got so much easier. Hang in there, your new routine will come and you’ll wonder why it used to all feel so hard.
As for the night sweats, uhg, those were the worst. I think my second pregnancy I dreaded those more than labor ????
Gahhhhh yes!!! My third just turned 3 months old and I want a schedule ????. I know it will come, but with two other kiddos it’s hard to get all the other stuff done when you don’t know what the day will look like. He is sleeping great in his crib at night but if I even attempt to put him in his crib during the day he screams bloody murder! I find we are all adjusting well but it’s just tough to do the bedtime stuff and the leaving the house stuff with another kid in tow. My husband is currently gone for 5 days skiing so I am navigating life as a single parent for a few days. I have family near by to help but it’s still a hefty load with no real breaks. You are doing great at this!! I know I have felt this way with all of my kids as newborns but obviously don’t remember because I kept having them ????. I know a schedule will come. I know napping in his crib will come. I know I will eventually be able to go to the store with all 3 of them. It will all come. We’ve got this ????.
Also, had the night sweats something awful with my third. They suck to no end. I have no advice for you on that topic because nothing worked for me! Just one day they were gone and it was the best day ever!!!
Keep it up mama!!!
I have an almost 6 month old (so crazy!) and the night sweats were the WORST! I don’t have any tips… i tried sleeping in light clothing, drinking cold water, etc and ended up having to just let it run its course. I was also a night time shower person :/
Thanks for writing this post! We have a 4 year old boy and 2.5 year old girl and are due with #3 in just a few short weeks so I love hearing how it’s going with #3 and having older children the same ages as mine. I had horrible night sweats after my son was born but not my daughter so we will see how it is when this baby is born! I remember how awful it was!
Such a beautiful post Lauren! Loved reading and as always love keeping up with you! Definitely enjoy these types of posts. Beautiful family photos!
xo
Thank you for posting this! I have a 7 week old and have been dealing with the same things! Night sweats were hell the first month or so! I would have to shower in the middle of the night after our nursing session because I felt so gross! I am also struggling big time with balancing my time between our new daughter and my son who is 2 1/2 and is also going through his terrible twos at the same time. Spending quality time with him while juggling nursing and cluster feeding has been rough as well so it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one! Austin is adorable by the way!
I have a now 8 week old baby boy…. I can’t believe he is that old already. The night sweats for me lasted 3 weeks and then got better every night after that. I struggled a lot with breast feeding, he wasn’t happy, he wasn’t satisfied, I was a grumpy first time mom and felt 100% ok with switching to formula after trying breast feeding for 3 weeks, pumping and breast feeding for another 3, then finding I had to supplement anyway… he was 8lbs 6oz at birth and has grown rapidly since then. I’m 125lbs, how I had such a big baby Is still a mystery to me. He still wasn’t sleeping well and at week 7 I switched to formula only and he is now sleeping 3.5-4 hour stretches at night and I am one happy mama.
Your little one is so adorable and I love following your journey through motherhood. It’s encouraging to know you had trouble with breastfeeding the first time and it worked out the following two times. I am hoping to try again with our next child.
Good to know about the night sweats, thank you! And that’s amazing that formula is working out so well! Fed is best, mama! And yes, every kiddo is different 🙂
Right there in the trenches with you! The night sweats are driving Me nuts and the fact that I’m surviving on an average of 4-5 hours of sleep is mind blowing to Me! Nervous about when My Husband goes back to work in a week and I am on my own with 4 kiddos 5, 3, 20 months and Newborn and still only just shy of 3 weeks post 3rd C-Section. Love your posts and your taste in things so I look forward to listening to your daily Insta stories!
Yeah, I’m nervous about when Pat returns to his normal schedule too. Hopefully things will be a little more sorted out then, or that I can at least wake up earlier to get things in order! And congrats!!!!
I am also going through the newborn season. It is wonderful, trying, exhausting, and beautiful all at the same time. My little guy is 6 weeks old. Like you, I too, like a routine so not having one established yet is something I am struggling with as well. I keep reminding myself it is only temporary and I am trying to soak up all the newborn snuggles I can cause I know soon they will be gone. I am a breastfeeding mom as well. I have been questioning whether my supply is low for a couple weeks now. I feel like I have been doing everything under the sun to increase it but I’m not sure I can keep up.. I actually just introduced formula for the first time today. This was emotionally very hard for me. Of course, I also believe that fed is best but it is hard to feel like you and your body are not providing what your baby needs. Motherhood can be really tough, I am learning this quickly. It honestly really helps to have bloggers like you who are going through the same things to relate to. It makes us moms feel less alone. I look forward to watching your stories everyday. Thanks for being so real and honest. It is very much appreciated!
I’m so sorry mama, I totally understand that feeling like your body is failing you! Have you tried Oat Mama bars? You might have, so if so just disregard. But they REALLY helped me when my milk supply was lower than I wanted. After eating 1 a day for 3 days, I noticed a significant increase. Worth a shot? http://bit.ly/2rJ5TZD
I am so enjoying the newborn phase with my first baby! He is four weeks old! This is my first time going through all the postpartum crap and I enjoy reading about your journey. This newborn phase is going so fast, but I pray we will get to experience this affect more times!I love your recommendations of nursing friendly clothing on Instagram. Keep em coming!
Congrats!!! I’ll be sure to share more 😉
Hi Lauren. Congratulations and beautiful pictures , My second is 3 mo and the mom guilt is real as far as trying to have that quality time with my 3 yo and tending to my new baby I’m also nursing and it’s as you know very time consuming I’m also trying to get some sort of a routine down I just went back to work (I’m an independent hair stylist ) and Life was much easier on maternity leave so still trying to figure it all out !
Going back to work is always such a challenge. I never wanted to come off maternity leave! Praying it gets easier for you, mama! <3
I’m 1 week in to my 2nd baby and I totally can relate to the mom guilt of not being able to give the 1st one my undevided attention, it’s terrible but I know it’s part of the process and the “new normal” for us. Don’t have night sweats but these baby blues have hit once again and it’s just as annoying!!! But I’m definitely making it a point to enjoy all the baby snuggles and newborn smell because this is our last baby too ❤️
Yes those baby blues can hit hard sometimes! Hormones are a B!
The pictures are just darling! We had twins, went for a 3rd and got twins again and I was thinking done st 3 so to have 4 now the hubs got a vasectomy right away! And even though I know 4 is tapping me out it did mess with my emotions! I’m glad breast feeding is going so well for you… It’s SO hard and the night sweats. OMG! Hang in there, mine passed between the 3rd and 4th wk.
OMG! What are the chances! We are thinking vasectomy here shortly too. Good to know about the night sweats, praying that ends in the next couple of weeks!
Photos are just precious!!????????????
Yes the sweats! No answer for that. Hated it. Lasted about a month- 6 weeks. Slept w my hair up to avoid getting it too sweaty. Slept on a chuck pad so I wasn’t changing sheets every night, and had to shower often… ????????♀️ Lovely hormones… ????????
So sweet about the kiddos! I’ve always been told by my aunts and grandparents that a happy family makes for happy kids. So I think involvement and inclusion and fun, even while your strapped to the sofa, makes for an easy transition. Lots of movie nights/days together, dance competitions (daddy and the kiddos while I judged), funniest videos or vines were always a great way to break the grumpies while stuck to the sofa too.
Also, I supplemented and pumped me with the twins so the big kiddos could feed them! They absolutely loved that!!
So fun to follow along! Thanks for sharing!
I need to find chuck pads, thats genius!!!!!! Love the stuck to the couch ideas, those are brilliant! Totally using that!
First of all, congrats Mama — he is absolutely beautiful. My daughter is now 9 days old so I am feeling all of this so much. It’s wonderful to know that I’m not alone during those sleepless nights. I’m so glad things are going well for you guys ❤️
You’re not alone! I’m here with ya! 😉 Congrats!
Congratulations mama! Your sweet boy is adorable! I am a first time mom to my 3 week old girl. I had no idea how incredible, frightening, amazing, worrisome, and down right unbelievable being a mom could be! There is nothing that could have prepared me for this journey I am on! Thankfully my husband is helpful and supportive through it all. Although I can’t relate to having multiple children, those night sweats are some serious business! No one told me that was a thing until I woke up in the hospital bed drenched in sweat. I panicked and hit my “call” button for the nurse. She assured me it was normal and that it wasn’t going away for awhile. Eek! I’m a night time shower kind of girl as well so any tips or tricks on this would be fantastic! Nursing is going well for us too, but it seems like she’s on the boob all. day. long. I love the snuggles and all but my nips could use a break! I look forward to reading along and following along on your journey!
Hi Lauren,
I had my second the day after Austin was born ( with a 1.5 yo at home) so I am feeling super similar! My husband is home for the first month (yay Canadian parental leave!) but I’m terrified for when he goes back to work and I am juggling both kids by myself. In particular, how will I manage nursing with no free hands (ps. How do you master the hands free latch?!) and a toddler getting into everything? I’m thinking routine, routine, routine and making sure as much is prepped the night before as possible to make the day go smoothly.
Looking forward to following along on your journey!
Great pictures! Makes me feel pressure to get family photos done. The last time we did was two kids ago. I’m a mom of 5 sons and a little angel boy, so technically 6 sons. My youngest is 10 months old now. It went by faster than I could have ever imagined. My husband is getting his vasectomy on March 27th! He’s nervous, but I’m looking forward to him getting a taste of being uncomfortable, hopefully that doesn’t make me too bad of a person. Haha! Also, my nightsweats got increasingly worse after each pregnancy; this last time seemed to last about 4-5 weeks. Unfortunately. Congrats to you and yours!
Loved your update! It’s definitely an adjustment having three kiddos. I had my third – a daughter – a year ago. My boys are older (8 & 10) but have been the biggest helpers and adore their baby sister. Considering having a fourth but we are a Navy family and our time frame would pretty much force us to wait until Baby Girl is four! I’m not sure how that would go!! Life is so crazy…even aside from the laundry. But your heart only grows and you make the best of each situation. Having children is so much work but so worth it, even on the hard days. And you’re absolutely right: everything is a season. Every difficulty will pass. It’s hard to focus on living in the moment and enjoying each day…some days are harder than others! But your family is beautiful and the joy, love, and happiness you and your husband share in this adventure together shines through to all who see your posts.
He is so gorgeous Lauren!
My third just turned 5 months and it has gotten SO much easier with her the last 2 months. Three babies really kicked my a*s. I was literally terrified being alone with all of them the first couple weeks. Now that my youngest daughter is (slightly) mobile, the three of them are thick as thieves and obsessed with each other. I totally feel like the shift from two to three was the worst for me. Just a little light at the end of the tunnel for you, even though you already knew it was there 😉
You have such a beautiful family! Congrats!
Our biggest adjustment so far is bed time with all 3 kiddos! New baby is almost 4 weeks and I swear bed time takes almost twice as long now! Other than that things are going well. New baby is nursing like a champ. Nights sweats and postpartum cramping were actually better this time around then with my second. Everyone said they’d be worse.
Our kids are the same ages, and I am about a week ahead of you with my third so I love reading your blog and following you on Instagram. Since we are kind of staying in due to the cold/flu season, I am feeling pretty isolated so I am enjoying the outlet of Instagram. It is also cracking me up how much I kind of forgot what having a newborn is like and the witching hour caught me off guard this week????
I’m right there with you!! I’m such a type A/routine person too! We’re expecting our 2nd this summer and I know it will cause a routine change, I’m okay with it I just know I’ll need to find my new rhythm ASAP! lol.
We always thought 2 would be our number but now I’m thinking 3… lol I just don’t think I can make this one out last. Is it weird I enjoy it too much!? Lol. I mean I miss wine and sushi a lot but I just enjoy the pregnancy process too.
Congrats, momma! Austin is precious and making me get so excited for our little one to get here!!
I had no idea that the postpartum night sweats was a thing, but it definitely happened for me!! Fortunately my little girl (also third child!) is finally spacing her feedings out at night around 7 weeks old, and I feel like that’s what ultimately helped stop them. Also, I can relate to your Instagram stories comment about buying things online that I don’t really need during nighttime feedings! I do that all. the. time. One last comment. I love how unashamed you are about your postpartum body. I’ve never seen a blogger be so open and honest after pregnancy, and it’s so refreshing. Thank you for that.
I am first time Mom of twins that are almost
Two weeks old and my babes were born pretty small so I have been exclusively pumping since that is all that works for now and I’m hoping we can work on Breast feeding over the next few weeks. I totally look forward to your insta stories because it’s nice to know other mamas are going through the sleepless nights as well. Thank you for always making me laugh, you make motherhood fun.
It’s been a while (19+ years) but I seem to remember a nurse telling me the night sweats were not only from the hormones but also the body shedding all that extra fluid from the pregnancy. Her recommendation was to drink LOTS of water. I think that did help. I can tell you that postpartum night sweats are definitely more intense than premenopausal ones. They also finish up much faster! ???? Twelve years and counting over here.
Haha girl you’re my spirit animal
My third is almost 6 months and I can’t believe it. I hear ya on not even realizing you had a baby. But what that actually indicates for me is that I need physio haha
The night sweats for me were terrible with my boys but this time with a girl weren’t nearly as bad. My hormones were prob the worst with her though and kicked in around 2 weeks. 3 is not for the faint of heart but it’s the magic number for us too. I feel so complete. You look amazing. Congratulations
Nearly 6months post partum with my 4th and I’m still getting the sweats off an on. I have to dress so strategically for bed and even then it works against me. Super cold for the first few hours to hot sweats in the middle of the night. So annoying, but it was like this with my 3rd for while too. I think you’re doing fantastic and keep giving yourself grace. So happy that Landon and Noelle are adjusting so well. Built in best friends is the best thing ever!
Beautiful photos! Congratulations! My little one was born just a few days after Austin and I have to say I so appreciate reading your posts and feeling like I’m not alone in this wonderful, crazy, stressful, hormonal, trying newborn stage (this is my first!).
With ya on cluster feeding, sore nipples (that dang latch!) and night sweats. Getting better day by day!
Can you share your experiences with your post partum body? How much weight did you gain, how long does it take you to lose it? And even more than the number on the scale how about to look more like yourself – especially the tummy! I’m 6 weeks postpartum, and I have about 7 pounds more to lose, but my body looks a lot different than it used to and I’m having to adjust to it. I’m looking forward to getting cleared to workout but I’m a first time mama and want to focus on the baby and not obsessively dieting/exercising. What are some realistic expectations I can set for myself?
Will you sleep train once the baby gets old enough? I’m expecting my first, and my husband and I love to sleep so I’m already reading up on this…I know the beginning will be rough ????
All of this!! ???????? My second baby, our first girl, was born the same day as Austin. I’ve been following you for quite some time and love how real you are and how I can relate to SO much of what you share on so many levels. My breastfeeding experience with my first was awful, I EPed for quite some time and I absolutely still have PTSD from it (almost 2.5 years later!). I knew in order to be my best self so I could in turn be the best mother (and wife) for my family that I needed to formula feed this time (which is still somewhat of a struggle for me because my supply with my son was ridiculous and I still have some mom guilt about this decision), but my mental and emotional state is 100% better today than it was at this time with my first born! I could do without the leaky boobs and horrendous night sweats though ha!! I’m looking forward to journeying through another season of motherhood while following along with yours. Thank you for being so real, always look forward to reading/watching your posts/stories! Xo!
My first is almost 2 weeks old so I definitely relate to being in the trenches of postpartum stuff. What surprised me the most was how much this babe eats! I’m pretty sure she wanted to eat every hour yesterday.
I’m one of the first of my friends to have kids, so thanks for writing blog posts I can relate to!
I’m due in April with my second, and also
Handling my husband graduating a live-in police academy the day before I’m due, and then moving to a whole new city with in 10 days after his graduation! I’m trying not to panic HAHA! I have a two year old as well and am also nervous about adjusting to two kids! I breastfed 24/7 with my first and I’m wondering what I’m going to do with my oldest while
I’m nursing all day! Thank you for always giving the best advice!
Baby number 2 is now 8 days old! No night sweats yet but I remember them with my first and they were awful so I’m dreading them! Breastfeeding is going better this time around. I foolishly was so stubborn and never got help with my first because even though I was in excruciating pain for the first 6-8 weeks from his shallow latch, he was gaining weight like a champ so I just pushed through. I know better this time not to be a martyr! But baby girl is gaining weight like crazy. Already up about 10oz from birth weight within 6 days, so I’m feeling grateful not to have supply or weight issues. The hardest thing for me will be my husband going back to work this week because he’s been a rockstar and has done everything around here so that I can recover!
Have you started using the bellefit yet? I’m 38 weeks and trying to decide if I should order one or not. Thanks for your posts. I know they will be so helpful when I feel like I’m on the hamster wheel in a few weeks with baby 3
Can totally relate.. first time mom to a 4 wk old little man. Was definitely not prepared for the night sweats. They’ve seemed to slow down thank god ! I’m bf and pumping bc my guy was jaundice and needed to be rehospitalized, I also find myself just streaming the web during those hours and trying not to buy stuff, defiantly looking for better outlets by its hard w your arms full w the babe.
Congrats Lauren on your adorable addition to the family! My third baby is 4weeks old & we also have a 4yr old & 2yr old. Definitely busy times! But I will say adding the third hasn’t been that bad. I’ve already gotten used to multitasking & my kids love the baby. Though it’s crazy at times I try Not focus on that & focus on the good things each day. I try hard to talk to my kids when nursing – with books or just giving them eye contact when they are playing with toys next to me. I got A few puzzles for my 4yr old & we will do those together while nursing. Trying to cuddle lots with my 2yr cause that ages needs it lol! When baby is sleeping I wear him in a baby carrier & we do activities for the big kids. I’ve planned special outings each day for the big kids – park, library, trip to the toy shop. This is the first time I’ve been intentional about rotating the days activities with each kid – it’s paying off! Especially for those times they have to wait while I take care of baby. Also, laundry everyday is a new normal lol! The night sweats are gone now but now there’s the spit-up phase – usually change my outfit a couple times a day lol. After 2 weeks I felt baby feel into a rhythm so I’m sure it’s just around the corner for you!
Thank you for the update! So glad things are going well for you guys with 3. I’m pregnant with #2 and my husband and I are already freaking out about how it will work. Based on how it’s going so far, do you think it’s harder going from 0 to 1, 1 to 2 or 2 to 3 kids?
Being up all night, i really like having things to look at or watch or what have you, so it’s been nice keeping up with your journey. My daughter is now four weeks old. It is my second child, my son will be five tomorrow. Adjustments have been challenging because i too am a routine very type A person but I’m learning to slow down and embrace it since it is our last. My
Hormones are
Playing tricks on me lately and making me
Feel like I’m failing everywhere else but again….grace. I’m struggling with my
Post partum body image and the fact that my supply is pretty much gone. I had a csection and three weeks later had my gallbladder
Removed and it has just ruined my
Milk supply. I’ve tried everything but at this point i have to be ok with formula for my
Sanity. For night sweats, try a blend of peppermint oil and clary sage on the neck it works! Or it did for me! Austin is adorable and i love how real you are in this journey congrats momma
Hi Lauren! I love your blog 🙂 I’m so curious what is yourcurrently childcare situation? You said you have only been alone with all 3 kids a few times? I have three kids and always had to jump right into it as my husband went back to work quit and I don’t have a babysitter etc so I’m always curious! It sounds heavenly !!!
Love this post! My oldest is 4 and my second is 10 months. I’m still breastfeeding her and she just recently started sleeping the night. So I feel you on the, “I can function on 4 hours of sleep.” ???? I love how you have said before that your family feels complete now. Deep down I feel like ours isn’t complete just yet. I think my husband will have a heart attack. But I have heard that you just know when your family is complete. I wanted another one right after I had her. I blamed it on the lack of sleep, but that feeling isn’t going away. Thank you for being so open and honest with everything along the way of your journey in motherhood. So happy to see your cute family ????
I’m expecting baby boy #3 in April. I’m really nervous about the postpartum stage with 3 littles! My first will be 3 in June, the next is 18 months now. I suffered from PPD with my 18 month old- mostly due to lack of sleep and a baby with reflux. Oh boy, those were tough days! I’m hoping to implement a few different things to maybe avoid that this time around. It’s always tough asking for help, and that’s what I’m planning on changing for sure.
Awesome instastories! It’s always so good to know there are others rooting for you, and in the same situation ????
I just had baby number 5 (five!!) 2 months ago and I have to say this is my easiest adjustment. Not easy adjusting to having five kids but the easiest to get into a routine. I now feel like we have a huuuge pile of kids – but I know what I need and what I need to do to feel sane and to take care of myself along with them. I’m more relaxed than I have been for the others and I am enjoying this newborn stage even more. I have a two yr old and five-year-old at home during the day while the other two are at school and while the 2yo does get into things sometimes while I’m nursing I like to use that time to read her stories which keeps her busy and it’s a great excuse for fitting in reading time.
Love the post and all the amazing pics! Great family:)! I had my 3rd little boy a little over a month ago, and also two other boys (3 and 2 year old). It’s so challenging and the tiredness I feel is nothing I have felt before. I am sleeping but I just don’t have the energy. We are still adjusting so I know it will get better. I didn’t feel done or like we were complete with this baby, but I’m slowly realizing that I probably won’t be the greatest mom to 4 little kiddos under 5. That is a tough pill to swallow and that choice will be difficult when we have to make it. Thank you for allowing a place to share our struggles. Love your blog and insta stories!!
I’ll be going through the newborn phase for the second time in about 5 weeks and I’m already tired thinking about not sleeping! I have a 2.5 year old daughter who didn’t sleep through the night until I stopped nursing at 14 months! I remember the shift from not having children to having a baby being much harder than I thought it would be. You go from just caring for yourself to meeting the demands of a tiny human 24/7 and that can be so overwhelming. When she was about 4 weeks old I think I realized I’d never be the person I was before she was born. It such a good shift but it never dawned on me how much I would change after having a baby. Did you experience anything similar? I’m wondering if it happens after having each baby or mainly just the first as that’s such an enormous change.
That last photo of the 5 of you is incredible ❤️ So happy for you and your sweet family.
Hi! Ive been following you for awhile – love your insta-stories/blogs/life stories etc. 😛 I too am two weeks in, with my third boy! I have 3 kids – first one is a boy – 33 months, second is a girl – 18 months and now our third 🙂 … Funny i really don’t remember the post-partum sweats from my other two, and it wasn’t that long ago i had either of them! But this time around omg, the nighttime sweating is real and gross! Ugh!! i am with you on that one! Breastfeeding is going great so far – he was tongue tie, but the hospital quickly caught it and we had it corrected right then and there. No surprise there, since my first was tongue tie (must be a boy thing in our family!) It was a rough first week for our lil baby, he was in the NICU for hypoglycemia 🙁 it was so sad to not bring him home when i was discharged – but he was able to come home after a week and he’s doing so much better! We are slowly adjusting to three – its hard to give me other two attention when i’m attached to feeding all the time. But it is so nice to know i am NOT the only one up from 12-5AM breastfeeding and feeling like my nipples are going to fall off. Thanks for being real!! AND you’re not alone, all of us mamas are all in the same boat, just trying to survive. 😉
I also had my 3rd child on 2/8 and saw your post saying you have/had diastasis recti. I’m curious if I have it and am assuming I’ll be cleared to exercise in 3/4 weeks so am wondering what you will be doing? I though I saw you like to workout. I love planks/burpees etc but am unsure if I should be doing them if I have DR. Any advice? Did you just ask your OB at your check up?
I have a one-month old, my second. It amazing how much you forget of the early days. My biggest struggle, as it was with my first, is milk supply. It slightly more this time but not by much. I try to pump three times a day, but my LO refuses to nap anywhere but in our arms.
Thanks for sharing Lauren, I just had my first last week, almost exactly a week behind Austin! Breastfeeding is a big goal of mine and we have been off to a rough start with a lip and tongue tie that wasn’t correctly taken care of in the hospital and my lactation consultant was concerned about a potential breast infection. I am in the healing process and pumping and I totally understand your feelings about exclusive pumping. What a pain! I am so glad you previously posted about a lactation consultant at home because that was a HUGE help. Thanks for sharing your experiences, it gives me something to watch/read when doing those late night feedings (rather than buying stuff! lol).
Giving yourself grace is the best thing you can do! I know it’s super hard though, so way to go momma!! I don’t remember the night sweats with my first, but my goodness they were awful this time around!! (I’m 2 months PP) I feel like mine lasted at least 6 weeks!
Thanks for sharing this wonderful experience in having a baby and breastfeeding experience. everyone must remain healthy especially to those moms out there who breastfeed their babies. Moms and even babies can try taking in probiotics, it is proven and tested already.