So, I’ve officially been home with my two under two for over a week now. It has definitely presented some interesting challenges. I have been trying to get this post written for three days now… Hopefully next week will be a little smoother so I can get some more posts written.
Kaylee went through a phase of wanting to nurse around the clock this week. One night we went for six or seven hours straight. I was about to lose my mind! Not only was I exhausted, but my poor nipples can only take so much… I don’t remember Zoë eating this much. But, in the last two days, it seems to be slowing down a bit so that’s a good sign. Hopefully she gets into more of a routine soon.
It would be fine if she was my only child, but it’s really hard on Zoë to have to share that much of Mommy’s time. Thank goodness Brian also works from home so I can have him get Zoë a snack or change her diaper. He has even had to do most of the housework. I’m lucky that he’s been such a tremendous help. Thank you babe!
Zoë has been acting out a lot and being very melodramatic, which we expected. Every time any little thing happens, you’d think it was the end of the world. Her new favorite thing to do is to answer “maybe” to every question you ask her. It can be frustrating, but we’re trying to be patient with her since we know this is a huge change for her.
She has backslid on potty training a bit. But, I know I’m partially to blame for that. I’ve been spending so much time nursing Kaylee that I’m not able to take her to the potty as often. I try whenever I can and Brian has also been taking her, but she’s been going less. But again, I’m sure that’ll improve once we’re able to get into more of a routine.
One area where I’ve noticed Zoë has improved significantly is with her vocabulary. She has been talking so much more in the last week. She’s saying so many new words every day that I didn’t know she knew. I’m very happy that she is able to express herself more.
I’m also very encouraged by the fact that Zoë loves Kaylee so much. She wants to hold and kiss her all the time. I’m constantly hearing her chant, “kiss, kiss, kiss, kiss…” She probably kisses Kaylee at least 100 times a day and always wants to be near her, or at least know where she is. She’s going to be a great big sister.
Sleeping arrangements have been interesting. We moved Zoë’s twin mattress into our room and set up a bassinet for Kaylee next to our bed. However, we’ve quickly learned that we have to be flexible with our sleeping arrangements.
Zoë was really upset about being left for 3 nights while I was in the hospital, and wakes up scared that we aren’t there. So, she has been sleeping in our bed most nights. Kaylee has been starting out in the bassinet most nights, but when she wakes up to eat, she usually ends up staying with me after that.
I’ve stayed in our bed a few nights, but it’s challenging with a toddler that tosses and turns all night. So, I’ve been sleeping the second half of the night in Zoë’s bed with Kaylee the last few nights and that seems to be working pretty well.
Regardless, both Brian and I are feeling the effects of sleep deprivation. I feel like a Zombie most days…
Zoë typically takes her nap around 2 pm, and I’m so happy that Kaylee has quickly made that one of her nap times as well (most days). The three of us have been napping together pretty much every day. It gives me the much-needed fuel to make it through these first few weeks of recovery and adjustment.
My recovery seems to be much easier than last time. I am very uncomfortable from the sutures but, other than that (and the expected sore nipples), I’m feeling pretty good. I believe a combination of gaining half of the weight I gained in my first pregnancy and birthing drug free are the reasons my recovery has been easier (I only have 4 lbs to go to my pre-preggo weight!).
Over the next few weeks as Kaylee gets into routine and I heal up some more, I expect that things will get a little easier. I’m hoping to be able to juggle spending time with the girls with writing for our blogs and my freelance clients within the next 3-4 weeks. We’ll see how things go!
Zoë’s Birth Story