Lets try this again...

I swear one of my goals in life is to keep a consistent blog but I'm lazy and I let that get in my way.

Anyways, here is a recent pic that was taken of me and my brood on Mothers Day 2012. As you can see my second cub is significantly larger than last shown. She was a glorious handful the past 9 months. She was and remains the classic high needs baby and it has totally changed some of my perspectives and views on parenting. Just when you think you've got it all figured out... you don't!

My first daughter was a completely different child compared to my second.  Independent almost from the womb, she much prefers to do things herself,  which included sleeping and such when she was little.  She wasn't one to be held and coddled about at all.  In fact I used to complain to anyone who would listen about how I wished she was more "cuddly."  I tried and failed to breast feed her and tried and failed with co-sleeping with her. She was (and is) such a light sleeper that no one was getting any sleep in our house while she was co-sleeping with us. Seems like the second we moved her to her own room in her own crib she began sleeping through the night. 

Now my youngest was the complete opposite. She was placed on my breast shortly after birth and hasn't left it since it seems like.  For the first 3 months of her life, if she wasn't on my breast eating or on my chest sleeping, she was screaming. My husband and I actually asked ourselves "What exactly did we do?" It honestly felt like she upset the balance of our home for those first 90 days.  But for 90 days, I gritted my teeth and tried to enjoy every moment. I soon grew accustomed to her rhythm and we survived. Soon things began to get better. Sure she still hated the carseat and still doesn't like it, but she started to smile and laugh and is currently growing into a little trouble maker just like her big sister. (Just never ever remind my husband of our 2 day epic drive to New Jersey. Never...)

Breastfeeding was a bit rocky at first but I was so determined this time to follow through.  I breastfed this girl like there was no tomorrow and in fact I still do! She eats like a champ and my supply is perfect.  I never could however pump more than 2 drops. So if you're like me and one of those moms discouraged by the amount you get from a pump, don't be. Your little one is getting the proper amount that they need. Nature knows that a baby is the real thing and that plastic flange is not. 

At 12 days old she became very ill and I have to admit that, that time was the most scary time I've ever had in my entire life. For 3 days I laid with her in the hospital.  I don't think she left my chest the entire time for except maybe 10 mins here and there where I got up to use the rest room. It was terrifying but she pulled through, Thank God. 

Another thing that broke my heart during this time period was that I couldn't be at home with my oldest. It impacted her even though she wasn't quite 2 at the time. The above photo was of her waiting for me to come home. She fell asleep in her grandma's arms. 

Seems like these crazy events happened just yesterday but we are almost at the one year mark.

I couldn't be happier!