Oh what a week!

Our little Nick is a week old today! And we've all survived the transition from a family of three to a family of four.

#2 is definitely easier, just because we have a sense of what the heck we're doing and don't need to run to What to Expect the First Year or the pediatrician's website every five minutes to see if something is "normal." But, I also have to give credit to the little man--not to jinx us, but he is an absolute DREAM! So far very calm and, at the greatest relief to me, an excellent nurser. No issues at all there, except he likes to eat often, but is very lazy about it. So, I'm spending a lot of time nursing...like A LOT of time. Which hasn't been so bad, but I'm anxious about how that's going to work out this coming Thursday when I have both Lainey and Nick home all day with me (Lainey will only be going to daycare Monday - Wednesday while I'm on maternity leave). As you might expect, Lainey isn't the most patient of children and is having a wee bit of trouble adjusting to having a little brother around. So, I have vision of her tearing the apartment apart, while I try to complete a feeding in less than 45 minutes. But, people do this all the time and figure it out, so I guess I will, too.

Lainey is showing more interest in Nick and the tantrums have tapered (slightly). Grandpa and Grandma Brandi just left today after a quick visit and her demeanor dramatically improved during their stay. Of course, they provided extra attention and an great audience for her to show off, so we'll see how things go tomorrow when it's back to just Mom and Dad. It's been a little stressful dealing with her and trying to figure out how to appropriately discipline her. She's too old for us to just let her antics slide, but she's still too young to do any kind of reasoning. Not to mention, it's hard for me to take a hard line with her when I can't help feeling guilty that I'm spending so much time with Nick and not giving her very much attention. It's been emotional for both of us.

Okay, gotta' cut this short. My little guy is ready for his next feeding...more to come on our new and exciting adventures as parents for TWO! TWO beautiful kids--we're so blessed!

Our first family picture
 

Showing her brother some love

Introducing Mr. Nicholas Anderson Brandi

Our little man is here! (I totally called it...BOY, BOY, BOY!) The quick stats:

Nicholas Anderson Brandi

March 22, 2013 - 5:05 AM

8 pounds, 6 ounces

21.5 inches

 

 

My guy Nick was a much easier delivery than his sister. Only 35 minutes of pushing and only the doctor, resident, and nurse in the room instead of a whole team of pedicatric and obstetric specialists. So, far he's a better eater, too, although I don't want to get too confident on the nursing front yet. However, just like his sister, looks like he's going to be a little jaundiced. His faux tan starting setting in last night and he looks like he's had a fine trip down south this morning.

Everyone is healthy and happy! Well, Elaine is in between on both...she has a cold and is having a little trouble sharing the spotlight. But, she is showing more interest in him than her trip to the hospital. She wasn't particularly found of him or mommy--she just wanted me for my iphone.

More to come, but that's the quick run down of events. You can check out more of Nick's pictures here: Nick's Newborn Pictures

Slow start...

So, turns out my strep swab was positive (my doctor failed to tell me this), so I have to have a penicillin drip for three hours before they'll break my water. Not a huge deal, but a delay that I wasn't expecting.

Took two nurses to get the IV in again, but if these are the worse things that happen, we are in good shape!

And We're Off!!!

Heading into the hospital right now. I think I'm more nervous than last time--probably because I know more of what to expect this time.

Lainey was peacefully napping when we left. Dad and Sharon are as prepped as they can be to care for her the next few days. One thing we don't have to worry about is whether she's comfortable with them. She's barely paid attention to me since they arrived yesterday and has twice confirmed grandpa is her best friend.

Next time I see my little love, she'll be a big sister!!!

Three Peas in a Pod...

But, time to make room for a fourth. This time next week, we'll be back on this sofa together. But, instead of a big bump in my belly, I'll have a little bundle in my arms.

As of today, I'm scheduled to be induced at 3:30 PM on Thursday. My last day of work is Tuesday. I'm using Wednesday to do some last-minute errands and chores, but at the top of my list that day is a nice, long, uninterrupted nap (which means my water will break just as I lie down).

Dad and Sharon will make the drive up on Wednesday and will stay with Elaine while we're at the hospital. Good luck, guys! Dad insists they won't take her to daycare Friday, but I've told him to wait and see how Thursday night goes. After another cycle of colds and ear infections (we're on our third of each since the beginning of February), Lainey is back to being up for few hours every night. Now, if I can just teach her how to change a diaper and rock the baby to sleep, she could be very helpful after 3am feedings.

Whatever Dad decides to do Friday, we're definitely keeping Laineybug home Thursday to shower attention on her on her last day of being an only child. Sometimes I get a little emotional when I think about what a big change this will be for her. She's used to all of our attention and now she'll be sharing the spotlight. I'm anxious to see her reaction when she meets the baby for the first time and when we bring the baby home and she realizes this kid is staying. (I mean you saw what she did to poor Abby at the CLP Valentine's party and all she did was hug Mark's leg!)

Regardless of how everything goes down, it's going to be an exciting week! Stay tuned for the Next Chapter...



Just us three...soon to be four!

The Time is Near...

I hit 37 weeks last Friday, so this little butter bean in my belly is now considered full term and could be here any day! But, I'd prefer s/he hold off just a little longer. My temp just started today for training, so I need more time with her (especially since I had to bail early because I had a doctor's appointment and Lainey's daycare closed at 4pm). Not to mention we still have one or two (or ten or twenty) things to get done on the home front.

But, while the baby may surprise us early, this one definitely won't be late. We've scheduled an induction for March 21. I've been super nervous about not having someone around to take care of Lainey if we have to rush to the hospital. Being the typical, Type A person I am, it just feels calming to have a solid plan. Of course, now that I have this wonderful plan, I'm going to go into labor at the most inconvenient time possible.

However it ends up going down, we're going to have a wonderful new addition to our family very soon!!!