Mr. Mom

Larry and I have decided to keep Madeline home for her first year.

It was not an easy decision to make! 

In fact, we already had a spot reserved for her to begin at The Red Barn on January 6. Only we realized over Chrstmas break that we didn't have enough money in our budget to cover daycare costs for both girls.

So, then it was decided. Larry works from home anyway, so he would keep Madeline home her first year just like he did Anna Claire.

With AC, I admit to being a little resentful, wishing I was the one staying home with her. But with this second baby, I know the outcome will be great and that it ends up being a perfect partnership. I'm with the baby from 3:00pm to 5:30am. That means I handle all feeding and diapers in that timeframe, plus all of ACs needs. 

Larry has Madeline solo from 6:00 am to 3:00 pm. He does Your Baby Can Read with her during this time just like he did for Anna Claire. This is another huge reason we wanted Madeline home for year one. A daycare child cannot pull off YBCR. Too much of a time investment.

So here's to having another wonderful beautiful child. We know from experience that this "formula" works! Just look at Anna Claire: 4 year old little reader and all around precious child!

4 months!

Madeline's accomplishments at 4 months:
Can pull out paci with her hand and put it back in
Trying really hard to roll over back to tummy
Started Your Baby Can Read
Tried oatmeal for the first time
Tried exersaucer for the first time

Likes:
Milk
Violet (her talking dog)
Anna Claire
Smiling
Looking in the mirror
Being held

Dislikes:
Waiting for milk
Teething

Ages and Stages

Putting away Madeline's newborn clothes and gear is bittersweet. I can't believe she's almost 4 months!

With Anna Claire, it was easier. We knew we'd have another one. But with Madeline, I am realizing she's my last chance to experience these precious infant milestones.

I am sad as I pack up her 0-3 month and newborn clothes (especially the ones she never wore!)

I've put away the infant sling that attaches to her bathtub. She's too big. 

But what saddens me the most is thinking about the sweet phases she's moved past. 

Now a pro at nursing, she doesn't bobble her head or root around anymore when I feed her. 

I miss her soft peach fuzz hair that now been replaced by a new crop of big girl hair.

I'm also bummed each time she is ready for the next size diaper. I found one of her newborn diapers today and held it up to her. I can't believe how she's grown.

But I also love each phase of a child's development and get excited about each coming phase.

Right now I'm looking forward to introducing solid foods. We're starting oatmeal this week then trying a new yellow or orange fruit or veg every 3 days.

Looking forward to watching her try out her exersaucer for the first time and rolling onto her tummy for the first time. 

And I love living in the moment and appreciating what she can do today. Madeline makes a sweet gurgling sound and a fake cough when she wants to get our attention.

Bottom line, I love being a mommy and treasure every phase. 

The Waking Hour

I secretly love the hour I spend awake in the middle of the night. It's the one time of day I have the house to myself, and time alone with the baby. What a time of ease and peace! 

I wake up around 12:30, like clockwork, each night, usually to Madeline stretching or fussing....rarely crying. 

I feed her and while she nurses I will either binge watch Downton Abbey or Parenthood, or read from my bible app or devotional. 

Then Madeline gets a diaper, and goes back to sleep.

I pump afterward, where I'm able to catch an extra. 3 ounces each night to keep is in surplus.  

I wash parts, freeze milk and grab a glass of juice as a treat and to rehydrate. 

Then I finish watching the episode of whichever show I had on or write as I am now, then go back to sleep. 

Precious time.

Eight Teeth?

With each passing day since Madeline started teething, we rub Baby Orajel on her gums at some point to give her a bit of relief, even if very temporary.

When we do this for her, we can feel the tooth buds where a would-be tooth will be. The ones we are really starting feel are eye teeth, but a total of eight teeth are coming through. No wonder she keeps her hands in her mouth and is such a little drool machine.

But what a sweet and happy baby, to be in so much pain. She has days when she is screaming in pain, but for the most part her sunny disposition shines through. She really does try to be a happy camper in spite of it!

Madeline is 3 months!

Blooming Bath

Not sure what I was waiting on to try out this Blooming Bath, but I won't be using anything else until she's able to sit up in the tub herself.

I can't tell you how much we both enjoyed this precious flower bath. Madeline was so smiley and comfortable. I was totally relaxed and didn't have to worry about her sliding in the little infant hammock like I normally do. It's also handy to have the kitchen sink sprayer nearby to rinse her and to keep her warm.

I can't say enough good things about it. Definitely ranks high on my list for baby shower gifts I'll be giving in the future!

Relaxed.

And happy!