Is it Wednesday already?
Where has the time gone? My days and nights blend together. I have to constantly remind myself what day it is to keep all the Dr. appointments and events straight. Whew!
We are all doing well, though still getting used to having a baby in the house. It has not been a smooth ride. There have been many temper tantrums, lots of tears, and countless wakeless moments (due to an infant and a toddler). Alex, who for the past few months has wanted nothing to do with his big boy bed decided that he wanted nothing to do with the crib once Ava was home. This means that he now has the freedom to get out of his bed whenever he wants. Bedtime is hell. So much for routines. All of our routines have been blown out of the water. Oh well, we'll make it.
Lily has adjusted the best, though she has her moments. It takes nothing for her to have a meltdown and she isn't listening very well either. I guess this is to be expected. At least both Lily and Alex have birthdays coming up, to that's something fun for them to look forward to.
Ava still doesn't have the hang of breastfeeding. I cancelled my lactation consultant appointment because the three feedings prior to the appointment she was doing great using the breast shield. As soon as I cancelled she decided to stop all that. We had one good nursing Monday morning, but it has been pretty hit or miss since then. I'm going in tomorrow for some help. It's definitely time to re-evaluate. She is simply a poor feeder. She doesn't do all that great with a bottle either. She still isn't up to her birthweight, but she did gain some weight in the past week. I have to keep looking at the positives.
I've been meaning to post this, but haven't gotten around to it. Here is a lovely gift I received from Alicia:
Isn't it all great? She made two cute burp cloths for the baby, a fabric covered notebook for Lily, a beautiful felt bowl work of art for me, and not pictured was a frog bubble blower for Alex. We all LOVE our gifts, thank you so much Alicia! This gift arrived the day I got home from the hospital, so the timing was perfect. It really brightened my day!
I wish I had come craftiness to show you, but I don't. Gosh, I can't wait for the days where I can craft again! My baby weight is falling off (down 35 lbs so far), so it shouldn't be too long before I start cranking out some new skirts for me.
I hope all the Moms out there had a great Mother's Day. I sure did. As much as I dreaded the day because it was also my birthday, it ended up being a nice day. My day started with breakfast in bed, shared with my kiddos. They gave me some great, generous gifts, and let me relax most of the day. We had family over for a late lunch of grilled hamburgers. A nice time was had by all. The day reminded me of all the blessings I have been given. Being a Mom is great, isn't it?
She is truly gorgeous, Beki. Just a beautiful little doll! Hang in there - everyone will adjust to the changes. It might take some time, but it will happen! You are doing a great job, I am certain! I hope you are getting some rest.
Posted by: Amanda | May 17, 2006 at 12:08 PM
She looks so different every time I see her. She's so cute!
Sorry we couldn't get together yesterday; maybe one day soon. I did get my camera though. I'm excited!
35 lbs already?! WOW. Go, Beki!
Posted by: Renee | May 17, 2006 at 12:34 PM
Happy birthday, happy mother's day! I can imagine how off-kilter everyone must feel--maybe (one can hope!) it will be nice to have them all home, so you can begin to find an easy rhythm to the days. Sending good wishes!
Posted by: Anamaria | May 17, 2006 at 12:43 PM
Beki, Ava is so pretty! She has changed so much since I last saw her. And 35lbs lost already?..WOW! That's great! I hope the trip to the lactation consultant is a good one for you both. Just keep thinking positive.
Posted by: krystal | May 17, 2006 at 12:49 PM
I thought I'd let you know what it is, just in case: the thing in the middle is the pin cushion and the bowl holds the thread or buttons or whatever you're working on. (I saw something like it in a book.)
Enjoy!
Posted by: Alicia A. | May 17, 2006 at 12:50 PM
Oh, I forgot-
That baby is like a baby from a magazine!
Posted by: Alicia A. | May 17, 2006 at 12:51 PM
She's so stunning Beki! Beautiful girl!
Posted by: Judi | May 17, 2006 at 12:58 PM
she is stunning beki!!! absolutely stunning!!
i so know what you mean about the days running together. happens to me every week and i'm not at home with a newborn :)
Posted by: elizabeth | May 17, 2006 at 01:09 PM
Ava just gets more beautiful! wow! Hope things start flowing more easily for your whole family soon. I'm thinking of you. 8-)
Posted by: Angela | May 17, 2006 at 01:28 PM
Oh thanks for keeping us posted - I know it can't be easy to find the time to post!
She is so precious and she IS learning! Hang in there - the little improvements will really add up, you'll see! Hope your appointment with the LC goes well - I love those ladies!
Posted by: linda | May 17, 2006 at 01:38 PM
Ava just gets more beautiful. happy, happy birthday & mother's day Beki... such a wonderful time to celebrate both. I've missed your posts but hope you're enjoying this time with your family.
Lovin' your crafty gifties. :)
Posted by: deb | May 17, 2006 at 01:40 PM
Ava is so adorable! I'm glad you had a good mother's day & birthday. You deserve it having to deal with 3 little ones all the time! Being a mom is the best though!
Posted by: Heather | May 17, 2006 at 01:53 PM
she is gorgeous...bedtime was hell when melana was born as well i finally did the tip that the nanny (tv show) said to do and be consitant and it WORKED!!! I couldn't believe it. They will adjust.. I know what you're going through I just went through it a year or so ago. It will get better.
Posted by: greta | May 17, 2006 at 03:41 PM
She has so much dark hair... she's a very pretty girl!!
Posted by: Mirre | May 17, 2006 at 04:30 PM
Oh man Beki. I hope you are getting enough sleep. Or any sleep. It sounds like you've got your hands full. I wish I lived closer because I'd love to play with that little one myself! My goodness she is adorable.
Posted by: africankelli | May 17, 2006 at 04:39 PM
Even though she's having problems feeding, she looks great! Very healthy and truly beautiful.
Good luck with your routines and older babies/kids. It might take some time, but eventually they all will adjust.
Posted by: Mary | May 17, 2006 at 09:17 PM
I can't believe that I "lost" your birthday :( It was written on my calendar in my kitchen !! Shame on me ! Happy Birthday with delay ! I hope you're fine and all your family ! Big hugs to you and your baby !
Posted by: Sandrine (alias Didine!) | May 18, 2006 at 01:08 AM
Oh, she is breathtakingly beautiful, Beki! And don't worry too much about the feeding issues... my smaller twin was a poor bottle feeder and never could nurse because she had feeding issues. She's still a tiny little thing but she was walking by 9 1/2 months and hasn't looked back! It's hard not to think about it, but keep your perspective. Healthy is more important than size. Ava will have her own way of doing things and she'll end up right where she is supposed to be. All she needs is love and patience and you've got tons of both for her! Hang in there!
Posted by: Leanne | May 18, 2006 at 09:55 AM
she sure is a cutie! I can tell you, just having come through the otherside that the first few weeks were overwhelming. Now at eleven weeks I'm starting to get the hand of it. I know you know this...its just a little reminder.
Posted by: brit | May 18, 2006 at 10:20 AM
Oh Beki she just keeps getting more and more beautiful!
Three kids really IS hard. I remember thinking "What in the hell have I gotten myself in to?" when Aiden was a baby. But things will get better and if anyone can work in craft time eventually it will be you.
I had so many problems with Aiden feeding. He screamed all the time, nonstop. The only person he wanted to hold him was me as well. But it got better and we both lived through it. You can do it just hang in there. (And sleep when ever and where ever you can!)
Posted by: Laurie | May 18, 2006 at 11:27 AM
Cherub...yep, that's what Ava is! Again, I'm so happy for you & your family. Take Care :)
Posted by: Catrina | May 18, 2006 at 02:54 PM
What a beautiful baby!!!
Posted by: Erin | May 22, 2006 at 01:09 PM