And Then There Were Four...

We are so excited to announce the birth of our second daughter!

I was induced Saturday morning and she arrived *quickly* at 1:10 pm,

weighing 8 lbs even and measuring 20 inches long.

We are settling in at home with a very proud big sister.

I can't wait to share more soon!

I hope y'all have a very Happy Fourth of July...we'll be celebrating as a family of four!

xLaura

No.2 Nursery

In true second child fashion, this room has come together at the last minute.  I'm happy with the little touches and, though the furniture remains the same as EB's nursery, I think it still feels special and different.  Here's a peek: 

 xLaura

Second Baby Buys

Today I thought I would share a few of the things we've gotten for Baby Sis.

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Double Stroller

We chose the City Select Double Stroller with the adapters for our Britax B Safe carseat.  With this baby being born in June, I imagine we won't be going on a lot of family walks in the heat, but I think once the weather breaks this Fall we'll begin to get a lot of use.  It also has a second rumble seat, for  when the new baby moves from the infant carrier.  I want to say that was around 5 months with EB.  

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Going Home Outfit

I think EB ended up  going home in a t-shirt the hospital gave us, she was way too small for the outfits we had.  But I still wanted to make the special point of buying a specific outfit for MC.  This sweet little onesie kimono is muslin cotton and I can't wait to see her in it.

 

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Rock N Play

We didn't actually buy this, it's on loan from my sister-in- law.  Last go around we used the detachable bouncer that came with the pack n play for lounging around the house those first couple of months, which we still have.  But it's battery operated and we went through them pretty quickly, so when I found out that the rock n play plugs in, I decided it was a no brainer to borrow.  

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Husband Pillow!

I think I may be most excited about this.  My mom gave it to me for Mother's Day and I think it is going to be so helpful during newborn nights.  I remember getting SO frustrated with not having good back support during night time feedings in bed.  This bad boy will solve the problem, for sure.

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Breast Pump and Formula/Diaper stash

I polled my friends and family and ultimately decided to upgrade to the Spectra breast pump through insurance, for a small additional fee.  With EB I used the Ameda Purely Yours and I'm so curious what impact the pump had on my supply (or lack of in my case.  I was able to provide the ounces she needed, but never had a stash).  So anyway, I've heard good things and fingers crossed I'm just overflowing this time around ;)

 I've also purchased (with coupons) a few packages of supplemental formula to have on hand.  And diapers!  It's nice to not have to buy those for a bit in the beginning. I know it's a bad pic, but I also picked up some gripe water, which we briefly used with EB.  I'm not sure if it was in our heads or not, but we felt like it could help give us a little peace during the witching hour.  

There you have it, our second baby purchases!

Would love to hear your must haves...

Have a great week!

xLaura

One Month Countdown

36 Weeks and savoring the days with my one and only: 

Symptoms:

Misc 

Can I just say generally uncomfortable and leave it at that??

The record breaking May temps we're having have made this last week difficult for me.  I'm feeling tired and sick and READY!  

Weight Gain  

I am 4 lbs heavier at this stage than I was with EB.  I was heavier going into this pregnancy and doing the math makes my head hurt, so that's all I can say.

Nursery:

I still need to wash clothes and get them in the closet and drawers, but otherwise we're ready to roll.  She will be sleeping in the pack n play bassinet in our bedroom to start.  

Anticipation:

 This weekend we are picking up an oversized chair with a pull-out bed for K's office.  I would like to get a carwash and install the infant carseat next week.  I need to practice with my double stroller (folding it, putting it in the trunk, etc) so I can feel confident with that.  EB will be at Summer camp the week of the 17th and I'll use that to take a little time for a mani/pedi and to try and find a few inexpensive, flowy outfits that will make me feel good postpartum.  

Other:

I did some meal prep which includes a few frozen quiches and blueberry muffins.  I was thinking more about easy breakfast and lunch ideas this go around.  I also compiled a list of easy dinner options that don't require the oven.  Oh, and EB and I made a huge batch of Chex puppy chow, but at this point I'm thinking it will be long gone before baby is here.  

That's about it for this update!

Per my appointment yesterday I am already 1 cm dilated.  My hospital bag is packed and I'm on top of the few things left to do.  I'll try to share nursery photos next week, and I've also got a post of a few #2 purchases I've made. Let's start countin' down!

xLaura

Pregnancy Journal: 30 Weeks

Lots going on since my last update...let's catch up!

30 weeks:

Symptoms:

Nausea

 It has dissipated these past several weeks!

Sleep 

OMG...I was up 5 times to the bathroom last night.  

Exhaustion  

3:30 pm I hit a wall, pretty much like clockwork everyday.  It sounds weird but usually if I brush my teeth and chug some cold water it revives me to get through the next few hours.  

Food Aversions  

I've been eating and cooking (mostly) normally these past few weeks so I think I'm through the worst of these.  I know once I have the baby my taste buds will officially return! 

Weight Gain  

I honestly don't know what I weighed going into this pregnancy, so it's hard to say.  I am up about 7 lbs in the last 10 weeks, putting me at 19 total.  I am very close to my top weight with EB, which I know I will surpass...I'm hoping by no more than 5 lbs...  

Movement  

Yes.  This is my favorite part of pregnancy!

Nursery: 

I am going to do a couple of posts sharing EB's new room AND MB's nursery.  We had a productive weekend working on them and I hope to share pics soon.

Anticipation:

I am feeling really good about where we are in regards to preparation.  I'm organized with the few remaining items we need to buy, and I've got small list of household "to-dos" that I'm feeling on top of...

Other:

We had a sprinkle for little sis a couple weeks back, which was very sweet.

Oh, and I have to mention these #pregnancybrain moments... Every week when I pick up my groceries I find a surprise of something ridiculous that I ordered.  4 containers of different brands of sour cream?  OK.  And this past week:  8 lbs of rice!

Pregnancy Journal: 24 Weeks and Counting

Happy Tuesday!  I'm popping in to share a pregnancy update at 24 weeks! My due date was adjusted from 7/3 to 6/29 at a recent appointment due to some new measurements.  I anticipate she'll be born some time in that last week of June. 

Symptoms:

Nausea

  For the most part, the nausea has passed but, I'll be honest, there are some days when I still just feel...sick. 

Sleep 

 It's hard to get comfortable.  I'm up to pee several times a night.  And my brain has a hard time turning off.  Otherwise, it's great!  ;)  EB has also been waking up around 10ish this past couple of weeks. She settles quickly after a little comforting but still...  I think she may be cutting her molars because she has been unusually irritable as well.  Who knows!? But overall sleep is not going great in the Nielson House.  Better get used to it, right!?

Exhaustion  

See above.  But also YES, pregnancy with a toddler is exhausting.  I fight napping while EB is down because it puts me in a funk for the remainder of the afternoon but it's hard.  I've been laying on the couch listening to podcasts instead.  

Food Aversions  

Not terrible, but my natural gusto for food is gone.  This is just the way my body handles pregnancy and I know the passion will return once she's born.  

Weight Gain  

I'm going to go with somewhere around 12 lbs.  It's probably less but I know I was heavier to start with this go around.  I'm still trying to keep the "end weight" around the same so I'm keeping things in check.  I have to say that I've had a strong sweet tooth this pregnancy and I have been reeeeally giving into it.  We'll see how my glucose test goes next week...

Hair Growth

I have to mention that this pregnancy my hair seems to be growing at a normal pace!  You may recall that with EB my hair was at a stand still...

Movement  

Lots of kicks, getting stronger every day.   This is my favorite part of pregnancy!

Nursery: 

We are keeping the nursery where it is.  It shares a wall with our bedroom which is convenient for night time feedings.  EB will move down the hall to the guest room.  She is still currently happy in her crib SO we will be borrowing my parents' crib for her new room.  There's no sense in buying one for such a short period of time.  I also do not want to try and push a "big girl bed" if she's content in a crib.  There is enough change a comin'.  Once she does make the switch we will put two twin beds in her room. 

I will keep the same furniture in the current nursery, but switch out the rug and artwork to give the new baby some special attention.  That's the plan!  I think we will get to work on it in April.

Anticipation:

I've got a sprinkle coming up early April...which will be fun!  I've got a short list of home projects (separate from the nursery) that I'd like to get started with soon.  Otherwise just savoring our time as a family of three. <3

Other:

I don't know if this is new or not (new to me at any rate) but H&M has an in-store Maternity section.  Other than Target, Charleston is totally deprived of Maternity clothes so I thought this was worth sharing.

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Have a great week!

xLaura

P.S. EB's 25 Week Update Here.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We are thrilled (EB especially!) to announce that LITTLE SISTER will be arriving in June!!!!!

 

Let the matching outfits begin!

In all seriousness, we are so happy to give EB a sister and can't wait to see the bond they share.

 I have no doubt she will be the best big sister from Day 1.

She was not feeling our photoshoot, but she is definitely excited for a real baby to hold and love.

What a blessing!

xLaura

5 Things I *plan* to do different with #2

Well, you know what they say about best laid plans...but I figure I'll still post some of my thoughts on the things I think I'll do differently second time around!

Now that we've reached the halfway mark, I'm feeling the urge to get organized and prepared.

Here is a 20 week bump shot:

1.

Prioritize Self Care  

I am listing this as #1 because I truly think it is SO important.  Newborn days are H A R D.  If I'm not taking care of myself, there is absolutely no way I can take care of a baby (and a toddler).  Self care means to me: Making sure I'm eating enough and eating things that make me feel good AND make me happy.  Resting/Sleeping as much as possible.  Making sure I get fresh air and spend time in the sun.  Making sure I maintain a certain level of cleanliness and order in my home.  Beyond that, it's indulging in nice shampoos and body washes in the shower-because those first few weeks, it's going to be my ONLY alone time.  It's taking 15 minutes to get myself ready for the day so I feel GOOD about myself.  It is very easy, and honestly inevitable, to be run down those first couple of months... I am determined to prioritize self care, so I can be a better mom to my two kids.

2. 

Keep it Convenient

I'm stocking up on Paper plates, cups, cutlery.  Anything and everything I can do to simplify.  I also foresee EB spending a lot of time in her birthday suit in the backyard on late summer afternoons-  less clothes to wash.  I'm not one of those *dishes can wait* people...Mess=Stress to me.  SO I am going to make things as easy as possible.  Do you have any tips??

I once read a blogger describe how, in the newborn days, she kept a mini fridge and bottle warmer bedside, to make things easier for night time feedings.  I remember, pre-baby, thinking that sounded crazy/lazy.  Now?  YOU GO GIRL!  While I won't be doing that exactly, it's the sort of thing I'm looking at... ways to make things as easy as possible...WITHOUT compromising anything for my kids (if that needs to be noted).

3.

Supplement

I didn't supplement formula with EB until she was 4 months old.  I was, and still am, happy to have given her breast milk for as long as I did, BUT...

Breastfeeding did not come easily to me and, even with pumping, I never had a surplus.  Now, this go around may be completely different and I will take it as it comes, BUT...

I *plan* to immediately supplement with formula, like on night one at home.  I KNOW that those first few days I'll need to build my supply, etc. etc. etc but I'm simply not going to put that pressure on myself to be the only source of survival for my child.  I will have a toddler to contend with and I'm not going to stress more than I have to.  I really do hope to breastfeed baby number 2 until at least 3 months.  But the all or nothing approach just ain't gonna happen as I will have to divide my attention this go around.  Note: We plan to supplement with Gerber Soothe, which we used with EB at 4 months.  It has the probiotics in the formula, which I love.  With breastmilk, we would add Gerber probiotic drops, so this eliminates that step. Once the baby begins to eat solids we will probably switch to the Kirkland brand formula, which is identical ingredient-wise to Similac...only HALF the price.
Oh! and one tip that I found extremely helpful once we switched to formula:  Pre-make all of your bottles for the day and store in the fridge.  I think so many people read the instructions on formula packaging that "baby must drink bottle within an hour of preparing."  If you read the label in it's entirety, you'll see that you CAN store prepared formula for up to 24 hours in the fridge.  This was a sanity saver for me!

4.

Sleeping Arrangements

Last go around we had the bassinet next to our bed for 6 weeks.  K slept in the guest room often during this time, as he had no paternity leave.  This go around, the guest room will be EB's new big girl room.  So we are going to get a loveseat sleeper for K's office, to be a makeshift place for him to sleep on hairy nights.  We are also planning to move the baby into their crib sooner than 6 weeks.  I don't really have a time frame in mind but I'll just say that as soon as EB was in her own room, everything seemed to go smoother.  I'd like to start that sooner this time.

5.

Things I'll do again...

Have a professional cleaning done on the house before baby arrives

Frozen Meal Prep

Mani/Pedi the week before due date

AND

Hang on for the ride!

xLaura

New Year, New Nielson

 Today I'm kicking off my Pregnancy Journal for Baby Number 2!

I am referencing the format from my pregnancy posts with EB...if you're interested, here is my first post from then.

TTC (Trying to Conceive):
I actually used an app to track my cycles this go around.  We feel lucky and blessed that this was another "easy" conception. 

Finding Out: 
I could literally copy and paste the same exact paragraph from my first pregnancy here.   Yet again, I tested early and got mixed results.  A faint line that made me cross-eyed and crazy.   See for yourself.

Do the arrows help?? ;)  Yet again, I waited a week and got a true positive.

Symptoms:

This go around, the symptoms kicked in right around 6 weeks, aka the beginning of November.  Having the first trimester overlap with the holiday season is not something I would recommend...

Severe nausea 

Sleep Trouble  It's hard for me to get comfortable and I'm up to pee often

Food Aversions  

Exhaustion  
Headaches I have had 2 TERRIBLE headaches this pregnancy so far, I do not remember anything this intense the first time.
Smell Sensitivity  I can smell a febreeze scented trashbag from a mile away, and it makes me want to gag. 

Sharing the News:

We told family right away, and waited until the first ultrasound at 8 weeks to tell friends!
Here's a snap from the 12 week scan.

We can't wait to find out the sex (soon! we just have to go and pick up the envelope from my OB) and to get rolling on the nursery and EB's big girl room.
I am 16 weeks and ready for that second trimester energy boost...any day now right?!

That's all for now, gotta go chase my 2 year old.
xoxo,
Laura

Second Month Reflections

EB is now two and a half months old and I wanted to back up and post my "Second Month Reflections".

Away we go!

EBN at Two Months

Two months has brought with it so much joy and laughter, and a sense of a new normal.  My girl is as sweet as it gets, and I'm feeling so lucky that I'm her mom.  As is obvious from the photo above, she began smiling right around the 8 week mark.  Hallelujah!! It's like a light went off and now I swear I see her winking and blowing me kisses all the time. ;)  She loves it when I stick out my tongue at her and her imitation is to die for.  She is a gift from above, I swear.  So let's see...We have moved into size one diapers, sweet thing is around 10 lbs.  She is wearing NB and 0-3 month clothes and starting to fill them out perfectly.  We have gotten ourselves into a nice routine where we spend our mornings hanging out at home and we get out of the house daily around noon for errands or a nice walk.  As far as favorite things/toys/activities, we are still a little young for that.  She has enjoyed laying on her play mat, kick kick kicking away.  Little girl wants to be held and walked around to look at things all the time.  I give her a tour of our house daily, pointing out the projects we finished just in time for her arrival.  We have started daily bathtimes which are hit or miss, but we are sticking with them as it's something to fill a bit of the witching hour.  And gf loves to eat, and I absolutely love the sweet sounds as she drinks her bottles.  EBN, you are our pride and joy and your dad and I love you more than we can even say!

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And now a few postpartum updates:
Physical Recovery
I am finally feeling back to normal physically.  I haven't been to the gym yet but plan to return after the New Year, it's been so long!  My stomach is still relatively bloated looking, but I think that is to be expected when you're not working out/watching what you eat.  Oh, I wanted to mention that my food aversions disappeared immediately after birth.  I forgot to include that in my One Month Update.  

Exhaustion
I am still tired as all hell, but I've adjusted.  We have a nice routine where K gives EB her last bottle of the night so that I am "off duty" for at least a six hour stretch and I'm able to relax and get some extra sleep.  She is not sleeping through the night consistently yet, so I take what I can get.

Breastfeeding
I am still exclusively pumping, but only 3 times a day.  I am planning to drop one pump session and introduce formula at the 3 month mark.

Emotional State

I am feeling much steadier on my feet, gaining confidence in my new role daily.  I feel like I have learned SO MUCH in the past two months and I'm not nearly as nervous or anxious. Word to yo momma.

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Some photos:

An outtake from the 2 month photo session:

Her favorite place, Daddy's warm arms:

 

We are so excited about our baby's First Christmas and all that her THIRD month of life brings!

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All Baby Posts here.

First Month Reflections

Hello out there!

I am poking my head out from our baby bubble and wanted to catch up a bit.

Big news: Our daughter is one month old today!  This is truly a celebration... we survived our first month as a family of three and wow, what a month it was!

I wanted to talk a little bit about my postpartum experience and share some photos.

Physical Recovery

I have written out a "birth story" but I'm unsure about publishing here.  It's filled with so many mundane details that I won't even pretend to think anyone else but K and I would care about.  But I'm still considering sharing it...Stay tuned.  Anyway, in a nut shell EB's birth was fairly "standard". I did push for 2 hours though.  A couple of things of note that no one had ever mentioned to me:  The epidural can bring on full body shakes.  The whole "afterbirth" part is the grossest thing I've ever experienced.  The first time you try to use the restroom after a vaginal delivery you may feel like you are going to die.  Once home, I felt like I healed relatively quickly.  I relied on our retractable showerhead a lot when bathing.  One terrible side effect for me was a diaper rash of sorts, as I was wearing the hospital issued pads basically around the clock.  Not a fun thing to deal with on top of a newborn.   I will have my 6 week follow up next Monday, hoping for a good report.  

Exhaustion

The past month has proven to me that I have never, ever even scratched the surface of true sleep deprivation until now.  I have been operating on an average of 6 broken hours a day which, quite frankly, isn't terrible for newborn life.  I knew I would be tired, but I had no way to know what that would really feel like until experiencing it.  I think we are all so accustomed to getting through a difficult day and being able to crash at night...But having a baby is a never ending 24 hour loop.  Day/Night?  Baby don't care!  In my case, due to breastfeeding and pumping, I have lived on a 2 hour stopwatch:  diaper change, feed, pump, repeat.  Hello, exhaustion.  

Breastfeeding

I went into breastfeeding with the attitude that I would give it my best shot.  I have no qualms about using formula (I was raised on it myself) but I wanted to atleast try for breastmilk, for the health benefits and also to save some money.  I have heard nothing but struggle stories regarding breastfeeding and I'm here to report: The struggle is real! First for me, it was all about nipple pain.  For the first 2 weeks of EB's life, I nursed on demand using a nipple shield (due to flat nipples).  The pain was so intense- but I had resolved to stick it out through the two week mark, as I'd heard that it only got better from there.  Well, I made it to two weeks and it simply wasn't getting better.  I was holding so much tension in my upper body every time she fed.  One night she pulled off my breast with blood dripping down her chin.  It was so unsettling that right then and there I decided I would be pumping and bottle feeding my breastmilk.  I also want to mention that another factor in my final decision to pump exclusively was due to her not gaining weight very well during her second week and wanting to measure out the ounces.  I met with a lactation consultant to help me with building my supply and ensuring she got enough.  For anyone in Charleston, I would be happy to send you her information, she was great!  I am very happy with my decision and thrilled that, for her first month of life, she has received nothing but my milk.  I am proud of myself and will be sticking with it as long as it works. One day at a time, y'all.

Emotional State

Hmmm, How can I put into words my state of mind over the last month?  It's hard because this whole experience has given new definition to "emotional rollercoaster" for me.  I have become completely connected to this tiny little lady.  It is an overwhelming love, a tremendous responsibility, and unlike anything I've ever known or could imagine.  Hormones were raging the first two weeks and I found myself showering twice daily just so I could be alone and cry.  The tears were not of sadness or happiness but pure hormonal emotion.  I would find myself looking at her crying while thinking "I miss her!"  So yea, it doesn't make any sense and you are basically a big mess.  As a first time mother, I had no idea how much I would question my every move.  I should screenshot my google history so you can get a real vision of what I mean.  I found this piece and it's comments particularly encouraging around week 2.  This first month was absolutely the most challenging time of my life but it's getting better every day and baby girl is really starting to get a little sparkle in her eye, which makes it all worth it one hundred times over.

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Ok so now on to the fun part, some pictures!  I initially had 15 photos in this post but narrowed it down to a few faves.   

First family photo:

Home before the hurricane: Daddy's mini me:

 EB's first bath, she seems to really like them.

Happy Halloween from me and my squirmy girl!  And my massive pumpkin. 

 West Ashley Farmer's Market!  This was our first real outing as a family, we had dinner at the Mellow Mushroom afterwards and she slept (like a baby!) the entire time:

And one last snap of our first baby who is adjusting quite well to the new addition:

 I am going to try to get back into a groove of posting our weekly happenings.

These days are precious and I want to do my best to keep a record of them!

Hope you are all well :)

xLaura 

The Perfect Storm

We are shouting from the rooftops: She's here, She's here!!!!

We joyfully welcomed our daughter into the world one week ago today.  She arrived at 11:55 a.m. on Monday, October 3rd, 2016, weighing 6.1 pounds and measuring 19 inches long.

Our perfect, precious peach.

 We were released early Wednesday morning and were immediately tossed into Hurricane Matthew madness.  Quite the welcome wagon... 

Luckily we are safe and sound, and surrounded by sweetness.

 I am still fully in the newborn bubble, but I will share more soon.  

This has been the most beautifully chaotic week of my life...the perfect storm, if you will.

xLaura

House Tour: Nursery

Attention: There is a still a baby in my belly.  I had my weekly appointment on Tuesday and still holding at 3 cm, 70% effaced.  

Today I want to share my girl's sweet sweet nursery that we have spent much time preparing and anticipating for her.  I loosely deem the theme "beach babe", but really it's a modge podge of special pieces that I love.  The beach vibe comes in solely from the artwork, which was chosen because I love it and will repurpose elsewhere in our home once she decides she loves giraffes or ladybugs or whatever may be(just please no owls, little love).

So without further ado, the photos!  I wish I had a professional photographer on hand to capture this room in it's true, well lit glory, but phone snaps will have to do for y'all.  Sources below.  "Before Photo" at the very end.  Enjoy!

^ Alfie is ready for his little sister!

^This mobile is very very special.  K surprised me with this finishing touch on the nursery and I think it will become a treasured family hand me down.  I love it so much!

^These 2 pieces from Teil Duncan's collection were the first things I bought for the nursery early this year.

EBN, We are ready for you!

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SOURCES

Crib- Bassett, Family hand me down

Crib Sheet- Cotton Tale Designs

Crib Skirt- Ikea

Mobile- BlaBla  

Rocker/Glider- Family hand me down

Rug- Costco

Dresser/Changing Table- Estate Sale

Bookshelves-Clear Displays

White Fringe basket- Homegoods

Lamp- Estate Sale

Artwork above crib- World Market

Artwork above dresser/changing table- Teil Duncan

Zebra rocker- Silent Auction
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BEFORE PHOTO

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Quick Summary:  I would say that this room was one of the easiest for us. All we did was paint, deep clean, and decorate.  

BEFORE AND AFTER: