::Macie:: One Month Old

It's here! We've already had little Macie in our lives for one month. Time goes by so fast! Especially when life with a toddler keeps on chugging along. Macie has been a great addition to our family so far!

Weight

At her two week appointment she weighed 9 lbs 2 oz so I imagine she's around 10 lbs, she has gotten noticeably bigger this week. I think we are going through a growth spurt.


Health

Macie appears to be healthy but her crying is leading me to believe otherwise. We are heading to the doctor tomorrow to see if there is anything we can do.


Sleep

Macie has done great with sleep. She is sleeping between 15-17 hours a day total. Our schedules lately have been waking up by 8am. A morning nap around 10 for 1-2 hours, awake for the early afternoon and then sleeping from 1-4, sometimes waking for a quick bite to eat. Down for the night by 8pm. Her first night time stretch is the longest, somewhere between 3-5 hours. Last night she slept over 5 hours in a row for the first time!! Woo hoo!! She wakes for feedings around 2 and 4. She goes right back down for the most part. From 4am on though she is pretty grunty, making all kinds of noises and passing gas.

Clothing

We has officially grown out of all of our newborn clothes. They have been boxed up and ready to go to some of our friends that are pregnant. She is comfortably in 0-3 months. She is definitely longer than Henley was, I don't think we will be in 0-3 months near as long as Henley was because of this.

My Cutie!

Diet

Macie is exclusively breastfed and has been doing great. The few weeks or so we were challenged with sore nipples as expected but once that passed she has been eating every 1.5-2 hours.


Crying

Ok here is where we are going to get real---girlfriend has been crying like there is no tomorrow. Dr. Google and myself along with my gaggle of moms from real life and internet board are thinking colic, gas issues from a dairy intolerance, or silent reflux (hence the dr. appointment tomorrow---clearly we have no idea). Starting around two weeks, Macie started having gas issues. We remembered this from Henley and didn't think much of it. Three to four days later we knew this was something different. She was crying 95% of her awake time. I bounced her and it seemed to help. She loves loud (super loud) white noise so I learned turning the bathroom fan on and bouncing her in the dark was best.

I decided to see if dairy was the culprit so I cut all dairy. Things got a little better during week three but not perfect. I would say she went from crying 95% of her awake time to about 75%. I noticed a difference but still challenging for sure.

This week we are back to crying the majority of her awake time. I think she is going through her four month growth spurt since she is nursing more frequently so I don't know if that is it or if there is something else going on.

I have cut dairy totally from my diet. I have also cut caffeine and have not eaten cabbage or beans. We give her gripe water, gas drops, and colic calm and at different times they seem to help some. Last Friday I started her on probiotic drops. I've read this can take a week or two to show improvement. As you can see I am searching long and hard for a solution. I really hope the pediatrician has some insight tomorrow. It breaks my heart to hear her in so much pain. I can feel her belly gurgling and she is tensing up her whole body in pain. Most nights her and I cry together---some sort of weird mother/daughter bonding activity you could say. Wish us luck tomorrow and say a prayer for my sweet baby girl.


Baby Gear Love

My biggest baby gear love is my Tula carrier. It's so comfortable and at times it's the only thing that will calm her down. Last week I was standing in the driveway with her in the Tula at 9:30 at night just bouncing. She eventually fell asleep. Love it!!

Also loving the Sleep Sheep. Like I said Macie loves white noise so this is a portable little gem that I put with her in the Rock n Play or on the floor. We never really used this for Henley, funny how different these two are already.


Social

Little Macie has met tons of our family and friends. We have also met her future BFF Vivian. Vivian was due two days after Macie and was born ten days after. I can't wait to see these girls grow up together.

She also has taken a few trips to Target with mom. We also went shopping at the mall and the outlet mall with Grandma to get some much needed summer clothes for big sister Henley.


Milestones

This month everything is new and a milestone---first outings and doctors visits, first bath (w. big sister near by to help), first walk in the stroller. She is getting really great at holding up her head and this week has started using her legs to push up.

Postpartum Mama

I'm feeling great! I am down over thirty pounds, I think I gained about 36 pounds overall. My stitches have almost totally healed. I have some serious stretch marks that I am using my super duper lotion on twice daily. I have my six week appointment with the OB on April 10th to see how everything healed.

Big Sister Love

Henley has been so great with Macie. She is gentle and not jealous at all. She sits next to me while I am nursing and sucks her fingers while lightly rubbing Macie's hair. It's so precious. The other morning she laid on the floor just hanging out with her. Last night they took their first bath together and it was seriously the cutest thing. These girls are going to be best friends and I cannot wait to see how their friendship grows over time.

Say a prayer for Macie tonight and thanks for reading!!

xo
Mere

::Macie:: One Week Old

It's been one week since Macie Paige joined our family and it feels like she's been here all along. She's the perfect little addition to our family.

Weight

Macie weighed 8 lbs 4 oz at birth. We took her to the pediatrician on Friday at 5 days old and she was already back to birth weight! The doctor seemed very impressed.

Health

Macie is healthy as can be!

Sleep

Macie has been settling into a pretty solid sleep routine. She's sleeping for 2-3 hours at a time most of the day/night and we've have a few runs of 3-5 hours. I've found if I wake her to nurse on both sides she will sleep at least 3 hours. She is sleeping in the Rock n' Play next to our bed during the night and we bring it into the living room during the day. She loves the Rock n' Play just as much as her sister did.

Clothing

Macie is a little longer than Henley was and Newborn PJ's are already too short for her. Newborn onesies and outfits are fitting just perfectly. 

Diet

Macie is nursing around the clock. She is going about 2 hours in between feedings. My nipples are finally starting to feel normal and pain-free. The milk coma look afterwards to seriously the best!

Baby Gear Love

The Rock n' Play is definitely getting the most use. The boppy pillow is coming in handy for nursing and propping her up as well. She's also been getting hiccups a lot and we've used just the smallest drop of gripe water and they go away instantly.

Crying

She cries when she is hungry mostly. She is very vocal though--grunting and squeaking as she is starting to wake up.

Social

This week we tried to limit visitors as I was very overwhelmed with Henley during the first week. We did have a few visitors. Grandma Gail visited a few times and Gigi Patricia stopped by for 2 days to say hello. Grandpa Rick and Grandma Toni came by on Friday too. Uncle Grant came by with Charlee too. 

On Saturday we had our newborn photo session. I cannot wait to see the great shots that our photographer captured. 

We've also started getting out of the house and taking mellow walks around the block. Mama is looking forward to getting out more often in the next week.

Postpartum

Mama is feeling pretty good, I feel like I am healing faster this time around despite the labor being more painful. I'm getting into the hang of breastfeeding again. I feel like my belly is finally going down and all of the swelling is out of my feet.

Milestones

This week was full of firsts---first time meeting everyone, first doctor's visit, first time meeting big sister Henley.

::Macie:: Birth Story

On Saturday, February 28th I was 39 weeks pregnant, due in exactly one week. I have to admit that I was highly disappointed to still be pregnant. After all, Henley was over two weeks early---I thought for sure Macie would come at the same time as Henley if not sooner.

I had an appointment Monday and during my cervical check my Dr. told me I was still only 50% effaced and only 3cm dilated. He asked what I wanted to do as far as going another week or planning for an induction. I left the doctor totally upset and disappointed. I didn't even return to work from just being overall a mess.

Once I realized I need to get this baby moving, I started walking and bouncing on a birthing ball. I walked and bounced every single night last week and still nada, until Friday. Friday night around 9pm I was having regular contractions that were getting a little worse and were coming every 10 minutes or so. I called my mom to come over to be on call just in case. She ended up spending the night. I got everything ready to go to the hospital should we need to go. Hubs told me to go rest just in case this is the real deal. I woke up at 11:30 with nothing---no contractions and no signs of labor. To say I was disappointed is the understatement of the year.

Saturday my one mission was to get baby Macie out. I was so totally uncomfortable. Everything was swollen and everything hurt. I went to Target to get a few things and walk some more. I tried on some nursing bras and this image in the mirror cracked me up---my belly was hanging out and my feet look like sausages.

I also cleaned the windows, did laundry, and ate Chinese food (which per Google has been known to induce labor). I went to bed with no signs of labor, still huge and uncomfortable.

Around 1am I woke up and had to pee. I had been dreaming about labor and was a little disoriented when I woke as to what was real and what was fake. I laid back down for a minute but instantly felt like I had to pee again. When I stood up a second time, my water broke all over the floor, just like in the movies. I was so shocked. Ted woke up and so did Henley (who was in our bed, surprise surprise). I called my mom to come over while Ted put Henley back in her bed. 

I instantly started having contractions and they were about 10-11 minutes apart. I brushed my teeth and gathered some things we would need like phone chargers and camera. By the time my mom got to our house, the contractions were 8-9 minutes apart. I texted Teddy while he was with Henley and told him I think we need to go asap.

We got in the car around 1:30am and headed to the hospital which is about 20-25 minutes away. It had been raining so the roads were wet, adding another obstacle on our way. We called labor and delivery to let them know we were on the way. My contractions were getting closer and closer. After getting stuck behind a cop and dodging traffic lights the whole way there, we ended up making it to the hospital in 15 minutes. At this point my contractions were 1:30 apart. On the ride to the hospital I was honestly scared and didn't think I was going to make it. I remember looking at Ted in the car and trying to read his expression---he was officially freaked out as well.

We got to the hospital around 2:20am and apparently another woman had arrived in similar fashion to me right before I did so there was no one at the front to buzz us in. At this point the contractions felt almost constant and were very painful. A few minutes later we were buzzed in, checked in triage, and admitted to a room. My doctor who happened to be on call was paged and was on his way.

Since I tested positive for GBS (Group B Strep) I had to be placed on antibiotics. The nurses took a while to get the IV in and left me with quite the bruising. Contractions were coming on so hard and I was trying my best to breathe and count through them. I was 7-8cm when I was admitted and therefore it was too late for any pain medication. I remember telling Ted that I didn't want to do it. I was scared. I think last time going in blind was better as I didn't really know what to expect.

After not too long I felt the need to push. My doctor had arrived and I was about 9cm. He told me to go ahead and push if I feel the need. I don't think he was taking me seriously though as he still wasn't dressed in all of the gear. I felt the contraction coming on but it turned out to be a "dud" as the doctor put it. He then said that if this one was a dud, the next was going to be serious. He was so right. I had another shortly after and it was serious. I pushed and could feel baby Macie entering this world. I felt every piece of her pushing out. It was the most excruciating pain that I have ever felt. After one super painful push, Macie was here and was placed on my belly. I saw her laying there and my husband was saying---she's here she's here but I think I was in so much pain I couldn't even comprehend that. After a few second I held her in my arms. She was here and it was all over!

She was a little bigger than Henley weighing in at 8lbs 4oz and 20.5 inches long, born on 3/1/2015 at 3:13am. Welcome to this world baby! We have been waiting a long time for you!

We got quite a bit of time with her before my mom brought Henley, around 8am. Henley was so excited, this picture pretty much sums it all up.

It's been only a week and I can't remember a time without her. She feels like the perfect addition to our family. And as Ted puts it like a quote from Harry Goldenblatt: It's my lot in life to be surrounded by beautiful women.

Can't wait to share this journey with you all.

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 38

How far along? 38 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 32.5 lbs (from last week, Dr. visit tomorrow)

Stretch marks? Yes

Symptoms: Heartburn, swollen feet, shooting pains in my special parts, overall discomfort! Same as last week.

Sleep: Sleeping ok, last night I only got up one time to pee!! (Yay!)

Best moment this week: Being another week closer to meeting Macie---will this be my last post!?

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything: I miss being comfortable, ready to be back to myself

Movement: She is beating me from the inside out, super painful!

Food cravings: Ice, I've been eating a lot of ice, also craving strawberry shortcake today.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: Happy! So close

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Nursery is Complete

It's done! Albeit, much later than it was done with Henley but either way we are good to go with Macie's Nursery. Here are some pictures and details :-)

dresser, changing table, and crib all from Henley's nursery

Rug from Ikea

Curtains blackout from Target

Turquoise bin for toys from Ikea

Wooden sign DIY

  

Elephant DIY

Monogram Etsy shop 'A Charmed Nest'

Crib skirt DIY

Sheet Babies r Us

Blanket DIY

Recliner Ashley Furniture

Changing pad cover Babies r us

Organization bins Ikea

Decal from Etsy shop 'Leen the Graphics Queen'

Prints from Etsy shop 'Daphne Graphics'

Enjoy! 

Mere :-)

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 37

How far along? 37 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 32.5 lbs

Stretch marks? Yes

Symptoms: Heartburn, swollen feet, shooting pains in my special parts, overall discomfort!

Sleep: Sleep has been ok. Some nights up once, others up every hour, especially if Fitz is snoring! (ugh!!)

Best moment this week: Hearing that m cervix is getting ready, although it also is freaking me out. This is so real!

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything: I miss being comfortable, ready to be back to myself

Movement: Kicks have slowly changed into rolls and stretches.

Food cravings: Nothing specific.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: This week has been better but I've had some emotional moments as well. 

::Baby G Take 2:: Week 36

How far along? 36 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 30 lbs

Stretch marks? Yes, they are starting to feel darker and bigger every week :-(

Symptoms: Back pain started up this week, I've also had some crazy shooting pains when she moves. I am assuming she is just that long now. 

Sleep: Sleep is still hit or miss, I have a little insomnia a couple nights a week but I think that's pretty typical.

Best moment this week: Getting everything done. Hubs and I worked together and the nursery is complete (pictures coming soon!)

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything: I miss my body and I know that it will still be a while but I can't wait to hold Henley on my lap and hug hubs.

Movement: Kicks have slowly changed into rolls and stretches.

Food cravings: Nothing specific.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope

Have you started to show yet: Yep

Gender: GIRL! Macie Paige

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Out for sure

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off

Happy or Moody: This week I've felt a little anxious and stressed. I worked a little later than normal and the realization it's so close hit this week. Hopefully having everything done will make me relax for these last few weeks. 

Looking forward to: Having a baby!!