She. Is. So. Much. FUN!!!
By Jude & Sloane's two-month update we had them on a full-blown Schedule (with a capital S). They were eating/playing/sleeping at specific times. They were sleeping in their cribs. They had a certain amount of time each day dedicated to "tummy time" and everyone was flourishing.
This time? No schedule. No crib. Tummy time is when she lifts her head off my shoulder after a mid-morning cat nap. We are doing absolutely everything differently this time around. Why? Because I know how fast it goes. I know the first few months go by at warp speed and that my babies are tiny for such a short time. I know I will never regret the naps she takes on my chest because one day soon she'll be too big and uncomfortable to do so. I know whether I feed her every three hours or let her snack throughout the day, she will thrive. I know the chores will eventually get done, the food will make it to the table, and my hair will (someday) get washed. But this sweet baby of ours is changing every single day and I refuse to miss a moment because I'm worried about sticking to a schedule.
I know this no-schedule approach won't last much longer. I realize it's mostly selfishness on my part for not doing it already and I do believe a schedule is typically best for a baby (especially twins) so I'm going to force myself to start the process during month three. This is not only for Holland's sake but also for Jude & Sloane's - they miss their mama being able to spend consistent one-on-two (ha!) time with them.
Holland's stats at two months...
Weight: 12 lbs 7.5 oz (81%)
Height: 23.5" (92%)
Head: 15.5" (86%)
First Smile: 5.10.17
Slept through the night for the first time: 5.18.17
E A T
This girl can EAT. Her cheeks and rolls are filling out nicely and she's wearing 3-6 month clothes now. We're finishing up what's left of size 1 diapers and just ordered our first box of size 2 (Pampers Swaddlers). She typically has her first feeding around 6a and then it's every 2-3 hours until her last one around 9:30p. As I said above, sometimes it's a snack and other times it's a full feeding. She didn't care for her reflux meds so we've made a concentrated effort to burp her well and that seems to be all she needs. She's now considered a "happy spitter" so we're all pleased. I'm still pumping once a week and she has no problem taking bottles. I'm so glad I got a nursing cover because it has saved us numerous times when we're out and she gets hungry. That was always such a long process with the twins and I love how quick it is to feed one!
That being said, she has a bad habit of pulling off and on as she eats, which is frustrating for both of us. My body is still trying to figure things out and I think once it calms down a bit, so will she. Until then, it can be quite the mess.
My friends have joked that I'm going to breastfeed until she goes to Kindergarten because they know how much I loved it with the twins. And I do! While some feedings are a little crazy due to Jude & Sloane needing something that can't wait 10 minutes, I try to keep it a relaxing time for both of us. It forces me to slow down for a bit and revel in the fact that I have a BABY again. Eep!!
Her pediatrician was pleased with her weight gain and mentioned we could start solid foods at four months but my hope is to hold off until six months as we did with Jude & Sloane. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.
P L A Y
Well this one will be short as there still isn't much "playing" going on. She absolutely adores her playmat so we spend some time on it several times each day. A week ago she fell in love with the bird on it and was concentrating so hard on kicking it with her feet. It was quite the performance! Of course in the back of my head I was thinking, "My baby is a GENIUS" but it's probably more common than I realize. We try tummy time on the playmat when I think about it but she mostly falls asleep or gives zero effort. She has some powerful neck muscles so the doc isn't concerned.
She started smiling a few days after she turned a month old and it is the BEST. It starts with a crooked smile that leads up to her squinty Popeye eyes and then her whole body shakes as she lifts her arms in excitement. I'm not sure I've seen anything cuter. Sometimes she's stingy with the smiles and other times she will grin over and over again. She saves her best smiles for her siblings and I am just fine with that.
S L E E P
The main reason I was told scheduling is necessary is so the baby sleeps through the night. Jude & Sloane slept through the night early and I always assumed it was due to their rigid schedule. However, Holland started sleeping through the night (9:30p - 6a) pretty consistently at six weeks. This time around I can take NO credit as I did nothing to help. My mom always says big babies sleep longer/harder and maybe that's the reason. Regardless, I'm not mad about it. Typically she wakes up around 6a to eat and then goes back to sleep until 8a.
She's still swaddled each night and sleeping between us in the Dockatot. Our plan is to do that for one more month and then move her to the crib (WAAAAH!) when she's three months. Naps are either in the Dockatot, mamaroo swing, rock 'n play, or someone's arms. The latter is her clear preference (we think she loves the extra warmth) so if we don't have any plans one of us is happy to oblige. She also loves the car and falls asleep almost immediately. Red lights are her nemesis so we avoid those at all costs. :)
Dear Holland,
Another month has passed and each morning you wake up looking a little different than the day before. Some days I want to freeze time and other days I dream about what you'll be like as a toddler. Will you be outspoken like your sister or active like your brother?
You are such a sweetheart. You love being held, especially if that person is walking around the house. When you're awake you're quite content... until you're not. When you reach that point, only a pacifier will cheer you up. It can happen in a moment's notice, so we have a pacifier in every room so we're ready for the outburst. You still have a squawk that makes grown men jump - those pipes of yours are so impressive!
You haven't lost your dark hair and between it and your gorgeous almond-shaped eyes, we've yet to figure out who you resemble. I found an old baby picture that shows some similarities but in person everyone says you look like your daddy.
You love Jude & Sloane and oh how they adore you. Sloane wants to hold you constantly and Jude gets so excited when he catches a smile. Seeing the three of you together takes my breath away because how on earth did I get so lucky?
Your dad and I have taken you to so many places already and you constantly roll with the punches. We like to think we're teaching you to be laidback at a young age. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff, right?
Gorgeous girl, you have made our family so very happy. Sometimes I watch your dad hold you and the look on his face matches my own. We're completely in awe of you, our miracle baby. I can't get enough of your sweet smell and precious face. Being a mom to you, Jude, and Sloane has been the greatest, most humbling gift I've ever received. I'm so excited to watch you grow!
Love - Mom
I know this no-schedule approach won't last much longer. I realize it's mostly selfishness on my part for not doing it already and I do believe a schedule is typically best for a baby (especially twins) so I'm going to force myself to start the process during month three. This is not only for Holland's sake but also for Jude & Sloane's - they miss their mama being able to spend consistent one-on-two (ha!) time with them.
Holland's stats at two months...
Weight: 12 lbs 7.5 oz (81%)
Height: 23.5" (92%)
Head: 15.5" (86%)
First Smile: 5.10.17
Slept through the night for the first time: 5.18.17
E A T
This girl can EAT. Her cheeks and rolls are filling out nicely and she's wearing 3-6 month clothes now. We're finishing up what's left of size 1 diapers and just ordered our first box of size 2 (Pampers Swaddlers). She typically has her first feeding around 6a and then it's every 2-3 hours until her last one around 9:30p. As I said above, sometimes it's a snack and other times it's a full feeding. She didn't care for her reflux meds so we've made a concentrated effort to burp her well and that seems to be all she needs. She's now considered a "happy spitter" so we're all pleased. I'm still pumping once a week and she has no problem taking bottles. I'm so glad I got a nursing cover because it has saved us numerous times when we're out and she gets hungry. That was always such a long process with the twins and I love how quick it is to feed one!
That being said, she has a bad habit of pulling off and on as she eats, which is frustrating for both of us. My body is still trying to figure things out and I think once it calms down a bit, so will she. Until then, it can be quite the mess.
My friends have joked that I'm going to breastfeed until she goes to Kindergarten because they know how much I loved it with the twins. And I do! While some feedings are a little crazy due to Jude & Sloane needing something that can't wait 10 minutes, I try to keep it a relaxing time for both of us. It forces me to slow down for a bit and revel in the fact that I have a BABY again. Eep!!
Her pediatrician was pleased with her weight gain and mentioned we could start solid foods at four months but my hope is to hold off until six months as we did with Jude & Sloane. We'll cross that bridge when we get there.
P L A Y
Well this one will be short as there still isn't much "playing" going on. She absolutely adores her playmat so we spend some time on it several times each day. A week ago she fell in love with the bird on it and was concentrating so hard on kicking it with her feet. It was quite the performance! Of course in the back of my head I was thinking, "My baby is a GENIUS" but it's probably more common than I realize. We try tummy time on the playmat when I think about it but she mostly falls asleep or gives zero effort. She has some powerful neck muscles so the doc isn't concerned.
She started smiling a few days after she turned a month old and it is the BEST. It starts with a crooked smile that leads up to her squinty Popeye eyes and then her whole body shakes as she lifts her arms in excitement. I'm not sure I've seen anything cuter. Sometimes she's stingy with the smiles and other times she will grin over and over again. She saves her best smiles for her siblings and I am just fine with that.
S L E E P
The main reason I was told scheduling is necessary is so the baby sleeps through the night. Jude & Sloane slept through the night early and I always assumed it was due to their rigid schedule. However, Holland started sleeping through the night (9:30p - 6a) pretty consistently at six weeks. This time around I can take NO credit as I did nothing to help. My mom always says big babies sleep longer/harder and maybe that's the reason. Regardless, I'm not mad about it. Typically she wakes up around 6a to eat and then goes back to sleep until 8a.
Dear Holland,
Another month has passed and each morning you wake up looking a little different than the day before. Some days I want to freeze time and other days I dream about what you'll be like as a toddler. Will you be outspoken like your sister or active like your brother?
You are such a sweetheart. You love being held, especially if that person is walking around the house. When you're awake you're quite content... until you're not. When you reach that point, only a pacifier will cheer you up. It can happen in a moment's notice, so we have a pacifier in every room so we're ready for the outburst. You still have a squawk that makes grown men jump - those pipes of yours are so impressive!
You haven't lost your dark hair and between it and your gorgeous almond-shaped eyes, we've yet to figure out who you resemble. I found an old baby picture that shows some similarities but in person everyone says you look like your daddy.
You love Jude & Sloane and oh how they adore you. Sloane wants to hold you constantly and Jude gets so excited when he catches a smile. Seeing the three of you together takes my breath away because how on earth did I get so lucky?
Your dad and I have taken you to so many places already and you constantly roll with the punches. We like to think we're teaching you to be laidback at a young age. Life's too short to sweat the small stuff, right?
Gorgeous girl, you have made our family so very happy. Sometimes I watch your dad hold you and the look on his face matches my own. We're completely in awe of you, our miracle baby. I can't get enough of your sweet smell and precious face. Being a mom to you, Jude, and Sloane has been the greatest, most humbling gift I've ever received. I'm so excited to watch you grow!
Love - Mom
2 comments:
We love our Holland! 😍
She is beautiful!!
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