It's Lucy's monthly Sticky Bellies pics! These were taken at 5 weeks, 1 day.
(Remember Maizey's monthly shots?)
What's happening with Lucy? She's earned the well-deserved nickname of "squeaks" or "squeaker" - due to her constant pterodactyl-like peeps. (Unnerving during the day. Maddening during the night.) Her stint of feeding every four hours was short-lived. Now, during the day, it's about every 3 hours, and at night, between 2-4 hours. (I think she knew I was writing this post today, as she was particularly good last night, opting for four hour stretches.) She does not like her swing or bouncy seat, preferring to be held when awake. She caught her first cold from big sister Maizey and post-nasal drip means for sleeping, her car seat is the place to be. (At night, it gets more complicated: car seat + rocking cradle + blankets + heating pad.) Since week 3, she hasn't been a fan of swaddling - which may change when we implement the "back-to-sleep" campaign post-cold.
Ultimately, besides being a finicky sleeper, I'd call her a good, happy baby.
As for me, I'm enjoying being a mom. Actually, a lot more this time around. With Maizey, I had a bit of an identity crisis. I went from being Maggie to being Mom. Not only was I navigating first-time parenthood, with all its insecurities and uncertainties, I was also trying to redefine who I was, stripped of my familiar identifiers. Now, I am comfortable with the balance. I am comfortable being identified as a mother. And, though I was aware that the first year of a child's life has been called "the longest, shortest time" - now I know the reality of the phrase. Instead of fretting about my to-do list, I'm soaking in Lucy's smooshy, kissable cheeks. Instead of weeping during our 3-5 a.m. feedings, bemoaning the sleep I'm losing, I'm relishing the opportunity to watch back-to-back episodes Top Chef. Sure - some days I want to move on. To push past this phase. But, then I browse blog posts from 2011 and remember just how fast the days go.
As for navigating life with two little kids?
Well, that's a whole different beast. One which I'm still attempting to tame.
Well, that's a whole different beast. One which I'm still attempting to tame.
(P.S. I am proud to say that I had a hand in designing the line of sassy Sticky Bellies stickers that Lucy is sporting. This design? Wild One. Thanks, Carly!)
