the one with a long overdue update

Man its been awhile! 

Life has been fast and furious. Three kids ages 5 and under is pretty nutty. 

Tori is in kindergarten all day but guess what kindergarten has brought? Room mom, PTO, kid writing, class parties, holiday events and so on. I have been having a lot of fun with it and I really enjoy getting to be a part of Toris school life. It is busy. She is also in girl scouts now and its so cute! I like the "girl power" mentality of the group. I love that they discuss ways the girls can be involved in making the world a better place. I also like that the Daisies and Brownies do their meetings together. Tori really loves being with big girls.
Ava is in preschool twice a week. She is also testing us a lot with her attitude. THREENAGER to the tenth degree. Shes fully potty trained and just doing all she can to keep up with big sister Tori. 
Mila is doing great. Hearing aid appointments every three months to maintain the hearing aid size and make sure it is doing its job. She is walking more and more. Shes been sleeping significantly better. She is obsessed with Mommy. 

Spring is around the corner so work is getting busy. I love that. Im grateful for that. Its also the first year that while Im working Dan has to take over with three mobile children. Haha. Three mobile children is a completely different ballgame.

We have a LOT of really fun things coming up over the next couple of months. TORI TURNS 6 IN THREE DAYS! I CANNOT HANDLE THIS. Why does six seem SO OLD?! Not ready. Dan and I keep telling her we are celebrating her 5th birthday. She is not having it. There is nothing more in the world that girl wants than to get bigger/older lol. Baby showers, bridal showers, sprinkles, birthday parties... BUSY BUSY BUSY but FUN and Im so thankful life is so good for not just my little fam but everyone we love. 

the one where Mila is ONE!!

 Mila Soleil

 

ONE YEAR!

Size:

Over 19lbs (60th %) and 30 in long.. wearing size 12-18 months 

Health:

All of Milas testing has been pretty much perfect. CAT/MRI totally fine & other than her hearing loss she is a healthy clam. Thank God! She has her hearing aid now and she hates it and is REALLY good at ripping it out lol. Im trying to get it in her ear every day but it doesn't last long. She'll do better with it as she gets older.
 

Feeding:

Milk and food. Loves cheerios, yogurt bites, chicken, fruit and chocolate... 3 musketeers to be exact lol.

Sleep:

Her naps are either once a day or twice a day. She goes to sleep around 7 every night and sometimes gets up once in the middle of the night and sometimes she doesn't. I don't know if even a year into her life we are really feeling like her sleep is consistent.

Extras:
-Still growling (lol)
-Is becoming more interested in toys
-her hair on the back of her head is growing in curly
-not a fan of wearing anything on her head
-loves bathtime
-can work her eyebrows
-lives in footie pajamas

And just like that, my baby is one!

the one where Mila is 11 months old

Yes, yes, Im late, I know.... but only by a week, so I feel like thats not too bad.

Mila Soleil

Eleven Months Old

Size:

Over 19lbs (60th %) and 30 in long.. wearing size 12-18 months 

Health:

Two bottom teeth have finally broken through and the doctor just said today that it looks like her top two are going to pop through any day now.
Mila gets her MRI on Monday, please send positive vibes her way. 2nd time under anesthesia before age 1. All in an attempt to figure out what caused our babys partial hearing loss. Thats more big news: She gets her hearing aid in about a week and a half. 

Feeding:

Formula and food! If she is ever cranky and doesnt want to be on the floor, we stick her in her high chair and give her food. The girl gets HANGRY and nothing makes her happier than food. Fact. 

Sleep:

Her naps are either once a day or twice a day. She goes to sleep around 7 every night and wakes up at about 6:15 no matter what. Every attempt we have made at keeping her up later in hopes of her sleeping in later have failed. Girlfriend is an early bird.

Extras:
-She is STANDING and now officially pulling herself up into standing position all the time.
-Her eyelashes are still the first thing about her that people comment on.
-Loves to wrestle with anyone who will get on the floor with her.
-Growls and grunts anytime shes mad. Or happy. Or trying to make you laugh.
-Claps for herself.
-Says "yay" and "dada" 
-Not a huge fan of being held by anyone but Mommy
-Makes the cutest scrunchy faces
-Loves the kids club at the gym

My baby will be ONE in less than a month.
I can hardly believe it!

the one where Mila is 10 months old

Mila Soleil

Ten Months Old

Size:

Over 19lbs.. wearing size 9-12 months 

Health:

We are currently seeing specialists in the process of trying to figure out what has caused Milas partial hearing loss. Cat scan, MRI, cardiologist, opthomologist, a fitting for a temporary hearing aid.. we are a little overwhelmed but hopeful for answers! Other than all of the ear business, shes doing so great. She is SO happy.

Feeding:

Formula and food! If she is ever cranky and doesnt want to be on the floor, we stick her in her high chair and give her food. The girl gets HANGRY and nothing makes her happier than food. Fact. 

Sleep:

Her naps are either once a day or twice a day. She still needs twice a day but Im finding it harder and harder to let her do two naps a day because our schedules are just so crazy. With both Tori and Ava in school, my work schedule, etc. we are busy bees! Evenings are typically that she goes to sleep around 7/7:30 and then wakes up around 6/7am.

Extras:
-She loves to roll around on the floor w her sisters and lay her head on them.
-Loves to pull Avas hair. We havent quite figured out why but for some reason, its just Ava she likes to do that to.
-Likes to blow raspberries.
-Mommy is her favorite
-Likes bathtime with her sisters
-Shes making a lot more baby talk
-She wants to stand SO bad. She gets on all fours and then pushes her little butt up in the air. It is SO cute.

Her 1st birthday party invitations are ordered and I can hardly believe she will be one in two months. She is an angel. A real life, living angel.

the one where Mila is 9 months old!

Mila Soleil

 

Nine Months Old

 

Size:

18lbs 9oz (size 9 months clothing) 

 

Health:

Mila had tubes put in her ears a few weeks ago. We had a checkup this week where her hearing tests were done again and she is still failing in her left ear. It is showing MODERATE hearing loss. What this means is that it is not fluid causing her issues afterall. It is actual partial hearing loss and we go back to the ear doctor (who has a very fancy name) in a few weeks to talk about the next steps.
Other than that, baby girl is healthy and happy!!!
 

Feeding:

Formula and food! She has pretty much totally passed the baby food stage and went straight for the real deal. She loves to eat anything and everything. Her favorites right now are turkey lunch meat and cheese.

 

Sleep:

Her naps are still pretty consistent with two each day. A morning nap around 9:30 for about 2 hours and then an afternoon nap around 1:30/2. Shes also been sleeping somewhere between 9-12 hours a night! I wouldn't mind if she gave up her morning nap as I feel like right now my whole life just wraps around sleep schedules since Ava still naps sometimes too.

 

Extras:
-She is OBSESSED w her sisters. Literally obsessed. Cries when they get out of the car and everything.
-Is crawling full speed all over the house.
-Laughs at everything.
-Mommy is her favorite person!
-Tries to wave and say bye
-Doesn't like being "trapped" in pack in plays/play pens
-Doesn't like sitting in a stroller
-Is very nosey
-And just like that, Im getting ready to start planning for her first birthday which is INSANE to think about.

Thank you God for another healthy, perfect little girl. She is such a blessing.

the one where Mila is 8 months old..a few days late!

Mila Soleil

 

Eight Months Old

 

Size:

17 lbs 11 oz and 24/25 ish inches long 

 

Health:

She fought through some HFM recently but other than that has been very healthy. We had her appointment with an ENT this morning and they have decided that ear tubes is our next step. Mila has a fluid build up in her left ear that is effecting her hearing. She has yet to pass a hearing test on her left ear due to this. The tubes will be put in to help drain the fluid and then more hearing tests. If once the fluid is drained/draining she is STILL failing her hearing tests, then she will in fact be diagnosed with hearing loss in her left ear and we will be on the road to a hearing aid. Fingers crossed that draining the fluid is going to be all we need to get our baby hearing perfectly but as the doctor said, even if she in fact does have partial hearing loss in her left ear, she has perfect hearing in her right so it is FINE. She is healthy and that would be just a tiny bump in the road. Keep Mila in your thoughts/prayers!
 

Feeding:

Mila is full on formula & eating SOME food. I admittedly am not feeding her "real food" as often as I should be. I need to up that asap.

 

Sleep:

Her naps are still pretty consistent with two each day. A morning nap around 9:30 for about 2 hours and then an afternoon nap around 1:30/2. Shes also been sleeping somewhere between 9-12 hours a night! Thank you God for this change. I have felt a huge weight off my shoulders.

 

Extras:
-She makes the silliest face right now where she does a half smile and one of her eyes almost winks.
-she LOVES to spit out her food and milk, especially on peoples faces LOL
-She loves to pull hair
-She has this baby doll that she sleeps with that she beats the crap out of like every night. She bites it and squuezes it and throws it around. Its hilarious to watch in the monitor.
-She is so nosey!
-Her eyelashes/eyes are the first thing that everyone points out!
-She is a great traveler! Does awesome in the car.
-She can get up on her hands and knees and can pretty much get anywhere she wants to go without full on crawling

 

the one where Mila is 7 months old

Mila Soleil

 

Seven Months Old

 

Size:

Somewhere around 18 pounds.-ish. She's really filling out and comfortably wearing size 6-9 months. 

 

Health:

For anyone who has been following with her hearing.. she had her third follow up yesterday where she failed on her left ear again. She is not totally deaf in that ear but she has partial hearing loss. The dr told me she needs a hearing aid in her left ear. I was pretty shocked but this whole thing. I knew she had been failing her tests but a lot of people had told me it was very common due to fluid build up and that it would clear itself. At her appointment yesterday, the doctor said fluid is not the issue and its definitely hearing loss. From here, we have to take her to an ENT where they will medically clear her for the hearing aid and see if any testing can be done to make sure there is nothing else going on with her that's causing the hearing loss. Many tests cannot be performed until shes a certain age because she has to be big enough to be put under sedation. I'm feeling pretty anxious about the whole thing. I know that in the grand scheme of things a hearing aid isn't a big deal.. but to hear the dr mention medical assistance and that she has a disability, its not an easy thing to hear about your baby. Some of the positives are that we have figured out the problem early, early intervention means figuring out a solution early and hopefully this never being a problem for her in the future. Our appointment is scheduled for July. Please keep our angel in your thoughts.
 

Feeding:

Mila is full on formula as of a few weeks ago and is eating "real food" too. She loves sweet potatoes and peaches the most!

 

Sleep:

Her naps are still pretty consistent with two each day. A morning nap and a late afternoon nap. She is sleeping in her crib for those as often as possible and she also is overnight. Shes been doing great. She wakes up anywhere between 4 and 6am to eat and then sometimes wants to stay awake and play and sometimes wants to go right back to sleep.

 

Extras: 

-She is obsessed with her sisters
-Loves to pet her daddys face
-growls all of the time. We call her "Mila monster"
-hates getting her diaper changed
-likes to watch the kids at Dutch wonderland

She is literal heaven on Earth. We love you baby girl.

 

the one where Mila is 6 months old

Mila Soleil

 

Six Months Old

 

Size:

I'm guessing somewhere between 16-18 pounds. She's really filling out and comfortably wearing size 6-9 months. 

 

Health:

Runny nose. Hearing follow up scheduled for next month. 6 month well visit tonight.

 

Feeding:

Mila has been taking formula bottles during the day and nursing overnight. As of today, I am trying to wean her from the overnight nursing and move to formula full time. She loves to eat but is still having her terrible gas issues and uncomfortableness overnight.

 

Sleep:

Her naps have been pretty good. She takes a morning and afternoon nap, both lasting anywhere from 1-3 hours. Overnight is a completely different story. Because we haven't been able to figure out what her belly issues are, shes not sleeping at all in the evening. The build up from whatever shes eating all day long hits her hardest at night and she cries, whines and is overall unable to settle herself. I'm lucky if I get a two hour stretch at a time and often the nights end up with me taking her downstairs to roll around until eventually she tires out and naps on me on the couch.

 

Extras:

 

-She is saying "mama" and "baba"

-is sucking on her toes

-can roll anywhere she wants to go

-likes going for walks

-still loves pulling hair

-loves sweet potatoes and pears

 

Some truth: she is my hardest baby. It is all because of her sleep and the gas issues. I have been told a million times that by 6 months old she should outgrow the colic/gas issues. She has only been 6 months old for 4 days so when that change is supposed to kick in, I'm not sure? I wish there was a cure or snap of the fingers I could do to make her better. The lack of sleep is making it really hard to enjoy this last baby of mine. I hate wishing away time and don't like to do it but here I am, wanting to fast forward to a time where her belly is better and I can really soak her in. She is SUCH a sweet girl all day long. She has the most beautiful smile and those eyes... they melt you. Fingers crossed we get some answers for her or at least we get a plan for what we can do to make her belly better so we can enjoy our little girl and this time with our last little baby.

the one where Tori turned 5

I'm late writing this, like usual.

My big girl turned 5 just about two weeks ago and I can hardly wrap my mind around it.
Days are long, years are short, right?

We had our usual ice cream sundae celebration for her at home which was fun. She gets so excited when we sing her happy birthday and girlfriend loves ice cream like no ones business. She is her mothers daughter for sure.

We decided to let Tori have a "friend party" this year and she decided on a swimming pool party at the Lititz Rec center.

We loved it! The price was GREAT.. it was an afternoon party so in between lunch and dinner. We had about 15 kids come. The pool was still open to the public but wasn't too crazy busy, thankfully.
We had pizza from Little Ceasars, pretzels, chips, cheese balls (which of course was the biggest hit with the kids) and then the most beautiful HORSE cake, ever! It was so pretty and delicious! All of the kids had a blast and I had several Mommies tell me their kids wanted to have their birthdays at the pool too. Tori had such a great time and got so many cool gifts. I kept laughing at how all of the gifts related to horses in some way and every time Tori went to open one of the gifts the kids would say "that one is from me! its really special!".. I love watching her little friendships. So special.

Another year has come and gone.
I had her kindergarten info session last night. We have about 5 months together before life as we have known it for the last 5 years together is never the same.

I love you my beautiful, smart, stubborn, sassy Princess Victoria.

the one where Central is closed for two days

My niece has missed two days of school due to a threat against the school she goes to. Someone has been on social media saying they were going to hurt the students. Our children. They cannot go to school because they could be hurt, or even worse.. killed. After what just happened in Florida (17 people killed in a high school) everything has to be taken seriously.

This isn't supposed to be a political debate.

I have seen many different positions on this whole thing...

"The democrats want to take our guns"
"This is about mental health, not guns"
"Guns don't kill people, people kill people"
"Trump should do this..."
"Obama should have done that"
"Guns are my hobby. I shouldn't lose them because of some crazy person"
"Bad guys will always still get their hands on guns if they want"

What I haven't seen enough of which is really hard to wrap my head around is the side that says

"I AM WILLING TO DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN"

 

 

The moment I became pregnant with Tori my entire life changed. Everything I did, from morning to night was with the thought of what was best for her. Of course that meant sacrificing a lot of things I wanted. I have only been a mother for 5 out of the almost 31 years I have been alive and I can barely remember life before being a Mother because of how much it has consumed me. It makes me SO sad to think there are so many people out there who are not willing to do that same thing for our children. You collecting guns.. owning guns being your "constitutional rights"... we need to be making choices NOT based on what you individually want, but what is in the best interest of life's most precious gems.. our babies.

 

I dont have the answer on what we can change or do to make everyone happy. I'm not creative enough for that haha. I just know that something has got to give. Something needs to change to make our babies safe everywhere, especially in schools. I think a good and fair starting point would be putting our kids first.

 

 



the one where Mila is 3 months old

Mila Soleil

 

Three Months Old

 

Size:

About 14 lbs I believe. Shes wearing size 3 months clothing and size 2 diapers! Time to put away the newborn clothes.

 

Health:

No more cough or runny nose, thankfully! We have a follow up (again) in 2 months for her hearing. If shes still not passing at that point we will need to see a specialist.

 

Feeding:

Exclusively breastfeeding. Shes obsessed with the boobie and not even sort of interested in a bottle. This is making me nervous for New Orleans but we are continuing to work on it!

 

Sleep:

Mila has been going to sleep around 9:30/10 each night and that is when she gives me the longest stretch of sleep so she will typically sleep until 2 or 3am.. she eats, burps, goes back to sleep and as of late, does this every two hours all night long. Mommy is tired.

 

Extras:

 

-She smiles all the time 

-Loves to pull her sisters hair

-likes to nap in her swing

-likes to "beat up" the bird that hands from her playmat

-gives Daddy the best smiles

-has discovered her tongue and likes sticking it out

-blows spit bubbles

-has the best/longest eyelashes ever

the one with a new company

HELLO FRIENDS AND LOYAL FOLLOWERS!

I have been dropping the ball on this little bloggy here but life has been BUSY and well, I simply haven't squeezed in the time for writing lately.
BUT...
I have a big announcement worthy of a post..

I HAVE MOVED MY BUSINESS TO IRON VALLEY REAL ESTATE!

I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED about it!

I have been with CB since I got my license 6 years ago. I love the people, the office and the training I got in the beginning of my journey there was awesome. But here we are.. 6 years later, and I am in need of something different for my career that I was no longer able to get at CB. I am usually a total nut about change, I get anxious and I'm a creature of habit.. so truthfully, I have been holding back from this move for awhile and its been over a year in the making. I had a meeting at IV over the weekend and decided right then and there I was signing the papers. The move was happening! I was not going to let my fear or anxiety hold me back.

Will it take some time to adjust to a new place? YES.
Will it take some time to get my admin stuff situated? YES.
Will it take some time to simply get used to saying I work somewhere else? YES.
Will it take some time to organize getting to the office since now it will be 12 min from my house instead of the 5 min drive CB was? YES.
Will it take work to change all of my social media over to IV? YES.

But you know what.. who cares?! This change benefits me AND my family on SO many different levels.

One of the best being that a dear friend who I consider a true mentor in this business (shes a bad ass mom of 3 who ROCKS out, sells a crazy amount of houses, has a beautiful house herself, works out at 5am, makes dinner and fancy cakes for her kids) is managing at the Lancaster office and Ill be with her again!

I am making 2018 my year!

the one where Im trying to find the balance

I've had some thoughts lately that have been weighing heavy on me that I sort of need to just get out. I have found that more often than not, when I do share these sort of feelings- there are a lot more people out there who feel the same as I do than that don't.

I'm at a weird stage right now. A crossroads, if you will.

I have been a Mother for 5 years and yet just a few months ago I have felt like I am more of a Mom than I am anything else.

That's a weird thing to wrap my mind around.

I guess it has come with having a third child. My life right now is managing my three children (ages 4 and under).. working so that I can financially support my children... sneaking in time with my husband when I can (so we can remember what life was like when it was just us sometimes)... keeping my house together.. and then, trying to be a friend.

I cherish my friendships SO much. I cherish relationships in general, so much. I am a people person. I am a people pleaser. I love to help people. I like to make people feel special. I will be the first friend to ask you how your parents are doing.. Ill be the first one to see how your new job is going.. or if I can bring you coffee when I know I'm going to drive past your office.. and it is hard for me that it has become harder for me to do that.

I am still ALWAYS thinking about everyone. It is what makes me a little crazy lol. I am always trying to figure out what I can do to remind people "hey, I'm still here!".. "hey, I'm still your friend!".. even if I cant text you all day long because I get side tracked by two kids who need diaper changes and a 4 year old who wants to practice her letters.. and a client who wants to see a house in an hour. I'm still here. I am still me. I guess its a different me now and that's what is hard to swallow for me and for other people. I'm just not going to be the same friend or person I was 5 years ago and I have to accept that.

I'm now the friend who loves you deeply, thinks of you often.. but needs you to show me patience and grace as I'm figuring out this new, very busy and very demanding life. I will continue to try to find the balance, meet me halfway. I appreciate you and you make me feel like 'me'.

the one where Mila is 2 months old

Mila Soleil

 

Two Months Old

 

Size:

Her weight at her doctor appointment (3 days ago) was 10 lbs 14oz. Grow, grow, grow girl. She is wearing 0-3 months clothing. 

 

Health:

Today is Milas hearing follow up. Keep her in your thoughts as we are hoping for good news and that her hearing is just fine.

 

Feeding:

Exclusively breastfeeding. Little lady has showed no interest in drinking from a bottle yet. Honestly, we need to try harder and more often. Also- we are battling some dietary issues. As of right now, I am tackling a dairy/egg free diet. It is not easy. Dairy is in a LOT of things and greek yogurt/ice cream happen to be two huge staples in my diet. I am hoping to stick it out long enough to make it until she starts to outgrow the issues (which Dr says for most babies is around 12 weeks but you never know).Fingers crossed this helps her because her nightly crying and farts/burps/hiccups are so sad and intense and we just feel so terrible for her. 

 

Sleep:

Mila has been going to sleep around 9:30/10 each night and that is when she gives me the longest stretch of sleep so she will typically sleep until 2 or 3am.. she eats, burps, goes back to sleep and then sleeps until 5 or 6am before waking again to nurse.

 

Extras:

 

-She smiles all the time 

-Not a fan of the cold

-Her eyes are officially blue. Blue eyes and dark hair.

-Handles her sister Avas constant hugging and kissing very well.

-Has been having some fun with her playmat.

 

the one where Mila is one month old

Mila Soleil

 

One Month

 

Size:

Little lady is weighing in at 10.5 lbs, 21.25 inches long, percentiles falling in the 60th for both. She is wearing size 0-3 months with a little room. We are loving footie pajamas.

 

Health:

Mila failed her ear screenings twice at the hospital at birth. Both times in her left ear. Doctor said it was common when you deliver a baby quickly because "not all of their fluids get pushed out". I'm a little anxious because we do have to follow up with an audiologist in a couple of weeks. Send us all of your positives vibes, prayers, etc that everything is ok. Other than that, little beeb is healthy!

 

Feeding:

Breastfeeding. How I love and loathe you. Mila is a very efficient eater with nursing sessions only lasting 10 minutes max. Sometimes she eats from both sides.. sometimes only from one. Doctor says its fine, she's gaining weight and thriving. We also (just today actually) got meds for thrush. I have never had it before. The dr says its mild as of right now, so hopefully starting the meds today will clear it up quickly.

 

Sleep:

Mila is a bit of a night owl (like her sister Ava was) and doesn't typically go to sleep until somewhere between 10 and 11. From there she will give me one good stretch of somewhere between 4-6 hours but that varies. As of late, when she wakes up to nurse at 3 or 4 she likes to stay awake and party for a bit before falling back to sleep (about an hour later) and then sleeps until her big sisters get up and wake her.

 

Extras:

-She has started smiling

-Her favorite person is Mommy

-The bigger she gets, the more she looks like Tori

-Naps in her swing throughout the day

-Sisters fight over who loves her the most

-She is really strong and can hold her head up really well and is even getting up on her side in what looks like an attempt to roll over

-Not a fan of her car seat

 

 

the one with breastfeeding the third time around

If you have been around these parts for awhile, you know I have struggled with breastfeeding in the past. With Tori, mastitis 5x in 4 months.. Ava mastitis once.. clogged ducts, cracked and bleeding nipples... you name it, it happened to me. I have also been across the board as far as how I have fed my babies. Tori, pumping exclusively for 4/5 ish months before switching completely to formula.. and to the complete opposite spectrum of nursing Ava for 18 months (and her NEVER taking a bottle). Now, it is Mila's turn to give me a run for my money with the nursing thing.

Lets start at week 1-2:
Latching an infant is NOT EASY. I do NOT understand how or why nurses, movies, social media and other Moms alike try to make it seem like the most simple thing ever. Nope. I have never once had a baby be born and her just camp out on the boob and never have an issue. Mila was the same as Tori and Ava in that it took legit training to get her to latch. The first week or so was terrible. I was in an intense amount of pain and my poor nipples.. oh man, those things took a beating. Cracked. Red. Painful. I couldn't let water touch them in the shower, I didn't like my clothes rubbing on them. I was using Neosporin and nipple cream every minute it felt like. I was NOT going to become a slave to breastfeeding. I was NOT going to make myself nuts with the pressure to make breastfeeding work. I have two other kids for goodness sake. I cant let them suffer with a stressed out Mom all because of breastfeeding. So just like I did with Ava, I turned to the lactation consultants at her pediatrician office (Eden park). And like with Ava, they were lifesavers. I cant describe how much more calm they make you feel. I wasn't crazy. There is nothing wrong with Mila. We just have to learn what works best for us. We also had to get my nipples healed. I had to use a nipple shield on my cracked nipple everyday for a week. I also had to use Neosporin on them to help with the healing process. I tried to avoid bras at all costs and kept the boobies out of the shower lol. After a few days I saw a major difference. Then I had a clogged duct (because you know, one thing after another lol). After a couple of days of massaging etc, it went away. It is so crazy how in the moment, the whole process seems SO HARD and SO PAINFUL. And while it is, you really can (and do) get through it... then all of a sudden, it seems like it was forever ago. I am so happy I didn't quit.

Fast forward to week 4ish
Mila is nursing AMAZINGLY. I cannot believe that it was only 3 or so weeks of pain and suffering (lol) this time around. Throughout the day shes nursing anywhere from every 2-3 hours.. and overnight shes anywhere from 2-4 hours (depending on how her gas issues are.. man I forgot how fun the first couple of months are LOL). My nipples are 100% healed, there is absolutely ZERO pain when she latches/nurses and I have even braved nursing her outside of our house a few times. She has only just started using a pacifier about a week or so ago so we have been focusing on getting her to use that for comfort (insert: gas discomfort) and then I am pumping here and there so we can introduce her to a bottle. As much as I love nursing her and am desperately holding on to these times (as it is definitely my last go with nursing and this whole infant thing).. I also do not want to be a slave to nursing the way I was with Ava. 18 months of never leaving your baby for more than 3 hours is a LOT. My poor husband lol.

In conclusion:
Breastfeeding (at least for me) absolutely was an easier process to start and stick with this third time around. I feel more confident (in general) with breastfeeding and what I am capable of. I am trusting my body and trusting Mila and together we are moving right on along with this journey.

the one with Mila's birth story

Mila Soleil is here! Oh wait, she has been for almost a month already haha. To say Im a bit behind on the posts is an understatement.

I'm a sucker for a birth story and love reliving mine. So without further delay.. here is my littlest girls' birth story...

Rewind to Friday the 10th. It was around 5pm and I all of a sudden remembered that I couldn't figure out the last time I felt the baby kick. The day was busy, I was running around with the kiddos a lot.. usually her kicks can stop me in my tracks and I couldn't remember it happening. I ate some ice cream or something else sweet (I cant remember what exactly).. and there was maybe one or two kicks.. but not her usual.
I called into the dr who had me go into May Grant after hours to be checked out. The nurses hooked me up to a bunch of machines and did some testing and came to see that the babys heart rate was elevated. Super elevated. 170s/180s (her typical heart rate was around 140). They couldn't figure out what would be causing that and sent me to triage. More tests. More monitoring etc.. babys heart rate was still elevated and with my due date being the following day, they decided to induce me. A baby born on their actual due date, yay! Apparently that only happens like, 3% of the time or something crazy like that.
I was very surprised to find that the third time around, contractions were not kicking my ass the way they did with my first two deliveries. My first two deliveries, I was more than ready for my epidural around 3cm dilated and this third time around.. I was at 6cm dilated before I even really considered the epidural. The nurse told me that if I was considering an epidural, I should order it soon because there is a point of no return where they wouldn't be able to give me one. The idea of pushing a baby out with no epidural was not even an option in my mind so I ordered it at that point. The anesthesiologist came to give me the epidural and I wasn't feeling nervous at all. I remembered with Tori and Avas births that I hardly felt the epidural.. and I came to realize that was because my contractions were so terrible that the epidural needle felt like nothing. I was just desperate for the meds. This time around, with my contractions not being so rough, the epidural was brutal. I felt everything. I had nothing to distract me from the pain and I cried a lot. I was not expecting that at all. I guess that goes with giving birth though, you really don't know what to expect. Once my epidural was all set I started having issues with the epidural. My entire left side (from about my armpit down) was numb. My entire right side I could feel. It was so strange. It took what felt like awhile for the doctor to get everything even. I had to switch to certain positions to get the meds to come into me in different ways, etc. I will say, after all is said and done, I still swear by the epidural lol.
Fast forward (not really so fast because it was about 24 hours total) to pushing. A total breeze. I had to try a couple different positions to find my rhythm but a short ten minutes of pushing later and baby Mila was born. 8lbs 1oz. I do not have small babies when they are full term. She has dark hair and was puffy (not as much as Ava was at birth).. the third time around, was just as sweet as the last two times. She was so beautiful, they laid her on my chest, there were happy tears shed and I kissed her little wet head and smelled that amazing newborn smell and couldn't believe she was finally here. Our third duck. Here to complete our family.

#thererasisters #rerapartyof5

 

 

the one where I am 39 weeks pregnant

Guys, the end is near... it is so close I can taste it. You know, so close, yet so far.
Why do the last 2/3 weeks of pregnancy feel longer than the first 8 months?
I guess its because we have had 8 months of preparing and dreaming and the only thing that makes the whole process worth it is finally meeting your sweet little baby.

I feel bad saying it, because socially it is not acceptable to ever say anything other than "THIS IS THE BEST THING EVER!"... but yes, I am over being pregnant.
I didn't have a bad or negative pregnancy in any way. Very healthy, "textbook" if you will.. and for that, I am thankful. The weight gain, the no alcohol, the terrible heartburn, the overall lack of energy, the not looking cute, the irritability, the heat flashes, the not fitting into my shoes, the missing out on parties/events... and most of all: not feeling like I am myself and able to be the best mom to Tori and Ava that I can be, have all caught up to me. The waiting game is making me crazy. I have had contractions every night for a week.. they come and I get excited.. and then they go! Contractions, my water breaking.. Ill take anything!! Lets get this party started!

Mila, the whole family cannot wait to meet you. Stop teasing us with the fake contractions. COME OUT!

How far along: 39 weeks!
Total weight gain: 40 ish lbs
Maternity clothes: Maternity leggings and over sized shirts/sweaters
Stretch marks: N/A
Sleep: Contractions keep me up most of the night right now
Best moment of this week: Car seat and bassinet are ready!
Miss anything: Alcohol, comfortably laying on my back, sleep, not getting winded from walking up the stairs....
Movement: A ton! I will miss that once she is here
Food cravings: I have been losing weight in the last week or so... I am out of room
Anything making you queasy or sick: Humidity, getting over heated
Have you started to show yet: See: weight gained lol
Gender: Girl mom for life! Our sweet Mila (still not positive about middle name)
Labor signs: Braxton hicks
Belly button in or out: Out!
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Irritable...
Looking forward to: MEETING HER!

the one where I am 37 weeks along

I'm just a few days late on posting this one. 37 weeks, full term.. aka.. if you go into labor- the doctors don't stop it! Go time. Lets get this girl moving! I am feeling a lot of different things about the fact that she could come any day. I don't feel optimistic that she will be early. On the other side, I feel nervous that today could be the day. I still didn't set the girls car seats up... that is on the list of to-dos for this weekend. I still didn't pick up the bassinet shell be sleeping in for the first few months. No, Mila will not have her own room right off the bat. Our house is a 4 bedroom but the 4th is on the first floor which we currently use as a playroom. Tori and Ava sleep somewhere between 10-12 hours a night and I have no interest in messing with that until the baby is sleeping ok. Then the plan is Tori and Ava in a bedroom together, bunk beds and all- every kids dream! I have her clothing washed, diapers ready.. the swing isn't out yet, because I'm trying to push back the time frame of all things baby taking over our house.. but its ready. I'm feeling large. I'm very front heavy and lose my balance easily. I have also had regular headaches which after being tested for pre-e (twice) was found it is not pre-e. Maybe just caffeine headaches or something of the sort.

How far along: 37 weeks!
Total weight gain: 40 ish lbs
Maternity clothes: Maternity leggings and over sized shirts/sweaters
Stretch marks: N/A
Sleep: I miss it
Best moment of this week: Watching how intense her movements are. Dan and I always joke that it looks like she is trying to bust out!
Miss anything: Alcohol, comfortably laying on my back, sleep..
Movement: A ton! My fav thing ever!
Food cravings: I have taken an intense liking to Pine View Dairys chocolate milk
Anything making you queasy or sick: Humidity, getting over heated
Have you started to show yet: See: weight gained lol
Gender: Girl mom for life! Our sweet Mila (still not positive about middle name)
Labor signs: Occasional Braxton hicks
Belly button in or out: Out!
Wedding rings on or off: Off
Happy or moody most of the time: Physically drained.
Looking forward to: Going into labor!

the one where I am 34 weeks along

Pregnancy update!

I sort of feel like this is going fast and sort of feel like its going slow. I thought for SURE I was 35 weeks pregnant this week. And then I opened up my app and it said "34 weeks" and I had to count down the final weeks to see and what do ya know? I am in fact, 34 weeks along. The end is near. They say full term is 37 weeks so as far as I'm concerned, 3 more weeks and she can come anytime after that!
On Wednesday/Thursday I was having a lot of dizziness and an on and off headache for about two days. It was awful, I couldn't even roll onto my side in the middle of the night without getting really dizzy/nauseous. I called the dr and they had me go in on Thursday night to get checked out due to my history with pre eclampsia. I had pre-e with Tori and not with Ava, I was REALLY hoping to not go through that again this time. They checked me out (blood work/labs) and figured out I am not suffering from pre-e, the Dr said its just typical end of pregnancy stuff and that I need to "take it easy" for a few days. "Take it easy"... you know, with work, two kids, a husband and house, no big deal- easy peasy! -insert eye roll-.

How far along: 34 weeks!
Total weight gain: 35 lbs and going strong, hoping its all baby haha
Maternity clothes: Now that the cooler weather is hopefully here to stay, I plan on leggings on leggings on leggings to get me through these last 3-6 weeks. I HATE maternity pants so I am going to try to avoid maternity jeans as much as possible.
Stretch marks: N/A
Sleep: Non existent. I cannot wait for a non pregnant sleep. I have had to take naps here and there when I can because I am just not sleeping at night. It sucks.
Best moment of this week: Got to hear babys heartbeat on Thursday night, she has been steady 130's. Sounds great. I love listening to her heartbeat. Such a sweet sound.
Miss anything: Alcohol, comfortably laying on my back, sleep..
Movement: A ton! My fav thing ever!
Food cravings: No, more food aversions than anything else.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Humidity, getting over heated
Have you started to show yet: See: weight gained lol
Gender: Girl mom for life!
Labor signs: Thankfully no!
Belly button in or out: Out!
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or moody most of the time: Irritable.
Looking forward to: Finally deciding on a middle name! First name is set!