Emma 8 weeks

it is the weirdest thing- I can not get this picture to upload turned the right way. I have no idea why!

I have done the baby wise sleep training for a little over a week now. Emma is sleeping 7-8 hours for 3 nights in a row! (knock on wood) I have never had a baby sleep so long, so soon. It is amazing. And I have never once had to let her "cry it out" like I did with Liv and Claire for SOOO many long depressing nights. So, lets hope it continues!

Childhood

This picture just seems to sum up childhood to me. I love that Liv is wearing an outfit that doesn't really go- a tutu over the top of her pants. I love that they both have crazy messy hair and don't care who sees it that way. I love the chocolate ice cream all over Claires face and clothes. All she cares is that she got to gobble up some delicious ice cream! She doesn't care one bit that she is a mess! And I love that they are sprawled out on the bed after falling asleep to "phineas and pherb" on a Saturday afternoon all pooped out! It is just so cute and innocent. Childhood goes too fast, and I feel like in some ways I get to re-live it with my girls again. I love it!

A note to first time Moms

Emmas favorite way to sleep.. in my arms with her little fist up by her mouth.

Now that I am on my 3rd baby, I am realizing how badly I messed up with my first. Yes, it is true, the first is the guinea pig. Poor Liv. Breast feeding was a failure, and sleeping though the night was a big time failure. As I look back, I think about the only thing I really did right was love her, which is most important, so I will take that as a success!
I am currently reading "Baby Wise" which I've never actually read before, and I think has some very good points. Things I wish I knew before I was on my 3rd child. It could have saved me from a lot of stress and fatigue, which would have made me a happier, better mother. So- my advice to first time moms, and ANY moms that are having trouble, my advice is: Get help, and seek answers. In the hospital talk to the lactation specialists, talk to more then 1 if possible. I had no idea that there was SO much to learn about breast feeding. There are LOTS of tips and tricks that are beyond the basic. There are solutions to most problems, and most likely you can succeed at breast feeding if you get the right help. You can also call the le leche league, and they offer free help to anyone who wants it. If you think like I did " things are fine, I don't need help" you are probably wrong. Get it anyway, and you may be surprised at how much you don't know. I also think it is important to seek advice from different lactation specialists and books, because some times their advice is an opinion, and not always correct. Look at all the information, and then decide what is best for you.
The same advice goes for sleep training. I wish I had read this book BEFORE the baby was born, but oh-well. Read books, and talk with parents who have babies that sleep through the night to find out what they are doing. There is lots to be learned. I am STILL learning it. Maybe I will get it right this time! I have my doubts though... So, that is my advice. Learn, and learn it before the baby comes (as much as you can anyway) and you will be so happy you did.
I am starting "sleep training" today. Maybe Emma will be my first baby to actually successfully sleep through the night early, and actually continue through teething and sickness, and travel. Ha... wouldn't that be nice!? So, that picture will be the last of its kind. No more sleeping in mamas arms sweet Emma. It is a little sad for both of us. It is just so sweet and cuddly to hold a sleeping baby ;)

School Pictures

Here is Olivia's first school picture! Kindergarten 2011. Isn't she the cutest!?

6 weeks

Emma is almost able to hold her head up. I thought I'd try out hre new boppy chiar. She's still too wobbly, but close to being able to use it! Emma has really woken up the past few weeks. She is not loving her binky and just wants to be held 24/7. My back is really starting to hurt and I have dark circles under my eyes from the lack of sleep. Oh how I want to sleep for more then 7 very interrupted hours. It is just not enough, especially when Emma wakes me up wanting to nurse.
Then there is my Claire. She so desperately wants to be big. She likes to dress and undress herself all the time. Yesterday she was running around nude, pulled out the cereal for a snack, and put on a bib to eat it! So I find a 2 year old with nothing but a bib on. It made me laugh. I find dirty diapers in places they shouldn't be because she pulls them off and hides them! The latest was in her dresser drawer. So gross! At least they are not poopy!

Same, Same

Claire wanted me to take their picture because the girls were dressed the same. Claire always likes to point out things that are the same. She points to both saying "Same... Same!" If I ever want Claire to do anything, I just have to have Olivia do it. She always wants to be the same as Olivia. She is Olivia's parrot. She says EVERYthing Liv says. She is such a copy cat. It's funny. Good thing Liv doesn't mind it!


One reason why potty training feels like a must soon... Big poops are just nasty!

Emma at 5 weeks