Life With the Powells : October 2012

When I was pregnant with Emma, being my first pregnancy, all of the "seasoned" mommies had their stories and wisdom to share with me at every turn. Much of it revolved around the "enjoy your sleep now" and since I was breastfeeding, "don't give up; give it at least three months". There were a few times I was told I would have days where I would be in a position to consider the option of brushing my teeth, or napping... and along the sleep deprived theme, the common response was "you're gonna choose nap!". Needless to say these comments had me worried and anxious to embrace my "free" time before Emma came. To enjoy my daily teeth brushing and showers. Catch as many zzzz's as possible. You know the deal...

Emma was born and the first week goes by... second week... third week... and I found myself questioning all of these mommies. What were they talking about??? I was getting 6-8 hours of sleep a night. Breastfeeding was a breeze! Zero complications. My teeth were brushed and I was showered daily without conflict or chaos. HA! I'm just a natural at this motherhood role I thought. Not to mention we were blessed with a perfect baby! She hardly cried, she never spit up, she was on a schedule from day one and we had the perfect breastfeeding relationship. I remember telling Matt multiple times, she isn't like most newborns...

Well, here comes beautiful Kaelyn. And now I know EXACTLY what those "seasoned" mommies were talking about ;) She, like most newborns, slept more than she was awake during the first couple weeks, except at night. At night she wanted to be awake. Towards the end of her second week she started eating EVERY HOUR (again I'm breastfeeding), she became colicky, and she exhibited signs of acid reflux. Needless to say, the first month was quite hectic and quite the adjustment for all of us. Thankfully we had Grammie here to help the first couple of weeks. Also, Matt took paternity leave and stayed home for the first six weeks. Towards the end of his six weeks, Kaelyn finally found a schedule (eating every two hours during the day and only waking once, maybe twice during the night) and it seems her colic and reflux has subsided.

Now that Kaelyn is more alert and awake more during the day we are seeing her little personality shine through. She has this little smirk she gives me after a feeding and when I have her on the changing table. She definitely is not a fan of dirty diapers and if the diaper is not changed within minutes of being soiled, she will fuss until she finds herself on the changing table. I am convinced that this smirk is her telling me I've met her need; whatever that need may be at the time.

She lets us know when she needs something, and she makes it known in a BIG way. Her lungs are healthy! She likes to be held and rocked but is slowly learning to soothe herself to sleep. She does not enjoy tummy time at all and is more interested in the art on the wall than in her toys. When she is upset she has the saddest little face with the pouty lower lip that just breaks my heart. She's more sensitive than Emma. She is a morning girl, just like big sissy! And her smile lights up any day!

Emma has been a great big sister! It's been an adjustment and she is doing so well. If she hears Kaelyn crying, she says in her sympathetic baby voice "sissy!" and tries to tickle her to cheer her up. If we are hanging out on the couch or in Kaelyn's jungle gym, Emma will grab her arms and "baby talk" with her. If music is playing, Emma will make Kaelyn dance haha it's too cute! She gives her kisses. Every morning when I get Emma up her first words are usually "sissy?". She definitely loves her little sister.

Also, Emma is now a big girl and officially potty trained!! She's always seemed more mature for her little age but I have definitely seen a new maturity in her in the recent weeks. And she embraces the "big girl" image. They grow too fast...

Kaelyn is now 8 weeks old... and as hectic as it has been I am so in love with these two little girls and couldn't imagine life any other way! I can already see the bond forming between the two of them and I only hope it continues to grow...

Here are some recent pictures of the girls. Emma has become camera shy and won't pose for pictures for me anymore :( We are taking the girls to the pumpkin patch this weekend and I will post the pictures when I have a chance.