Hi ladies,

How are we all doing? Hope all is well.

We had a crazy, busy weekend. It was a ton of fun for Rebecca. We went to a local Discovery Museum that had this amazing water exhibit. It was soooo cool! It had all of these water fountains and balls and vacuum tubes. It was only for kids 4 and under, which was really nice. Rebecca had such a good time! At one point, this kid dumped some water on her--oooh, you should have seen the death stare this poor kid got. On Sunday, we went to our local downtown and they had an art day for the kids--all kinds of free activities for the kids to do to promote art--woodworking, painting, beading, paper maiche, clay, tie dye, you name it. It is such a cool thing. Rebecca made a bracelet and painted a picture (and her neck, and pants, and shoes just for good measure. )

It's amazing to me how much she has changed over the past 6 months. She has become so independent. We went to a park as well that I haven't taken her to since Tyler was born because it is has this play structure that is quite large and has lots of narrow pathways just for kids. When we would go before, she'd want me to go with her and that's not something I can do carrying Tyler. Anyway, we went on Sunday and she just took off like a shot climbing on everything all by herself. She never got stuck or needed me near her. She's just become this little independent thing. Yea for her, but sigh for me.

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Andy

We had a fun filled week end. I took the boys to Sea World with my Sister and BIL. It was sooo hot but thankfully we were able to cool off in the water. Breastfeeding was sticky but we did it wherever we could. I did use the nursing station twice.

Sunday I invited a friend and her 5yr old daughter to come play in the pool w/ Tucker. They had a blast. Then they both had a bath together (more fun). I, of course, took black mail pictures for future use when they start dating.

Carsen has kicked his nursing into high gear. I just couldn't satisfy him last night. I topped him off w/ 4 oz of formula and then he was out like a light bulb. He was up every 2 hrs to eat. He had just started stretching out his feedings too.

I ate some oatmeal today and I'm drinking more water. My nips are very afraid.

Andy - How are Ty's feedings going?

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Sounds like a growth spurt, Candes!! It is nice that Carsen will take a bottle for you. Still working on that one here. The sweaty bfing has been an issue here, too! We had a couple hot days last week and it reminded me of feeding Hayden back in Arizona. I used to make sure I draped a burp cloth over the crook of my arm so we wouldn't sweat on each other as much. I even made a bfing sleeve--cut the sleeve off an old sweatshirt and would wear that while I nursed to keep from sticking. lol

We had a nice afternoon Sunday, dropped Hayden off with my parents then went shopping since we were close to a mall with The Children's Place. I needed summer footy PJs for Hayden, since she still won't use blankets at night but the fleece footies are getting too hot. I also got matching ones for Bryce, which I have been DYING to do since before I had two kids. lol I got the next size up for Bryce, who is growing like crazy!! He weighed 5.125 kg at the ER on Friday, with clothes, and that is more than 11 pounds!! And there he is, waking up again. I just can't get him to sleep very long by himself for naps. He slept a ton in the car on Sunday, but we can't drive around all the time. He is doing better, but still have some breathing troubles. The dr. gave me some new ideas to help this. Bryce is calling!

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Ah, the magic of nursing. He is back to sleep, for a little while at least!

Andy, I was just telling Janice yesterday how much OLDER Hayden seems, literally in the last month since Bryce was born. She of course has more than a year on Rebecca, though! Becca sounds like she is a pretty smart cookie. I bet you have fun with her. It is nice having a quiet house, not falling over toys, being able to watch tv shows I choose for a change, but I do miss Hayden. Two more days.

Here is a tip from my dr. that seems to be helping Bryce's congestion, something to file away. She said to give him a squirt of saline nasal spray before I nurse, so he is more likely to get it sucked in deep and loosen the congestion. She said nasal aspirators can sometimes irritate the nose further, making it even harder to breathe, so saline is a safer alternative. I hope of course none of your babies ever get colds and need to do this.

I was going to ask if any of you reread the Happiest Baby book after your second baby. I just did, and there is so much stuff I had forgotten! It really is a helpful book. Even if you think you remember everything, it might be worth thumbing through again.

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While in the hospital with Carson, I noticed Isaac seemed to have gotten bigger/older. I noticed a big change when we got home from the hospital. Don't know if its the sight (and touch) of 2 different sized kids or what. I didn't remember him being that tall or that big. Strange things I tell you.

Sounds like most of you had busy weekends!! I was just dieing to sleep!!!
Melissa, you only have one child for a few days? LUCKY YOU!! i am sure you miss Hayden, but enjoy it!
It seriously looks like our house has exploded, because i haven't been cleaning every 5 minutes. THere is so much food stuck to the kitchen floor it isn't funny! and there are toys everywhere.

Because of claire's colicy behaviour i have to have her in the sling most of the time!

anyone have to cut out milk, dairy while nursing? or how about chocolate? I just ate a chocolate bar and i know i shouldn't have. i have never really watched what i ate while nursing, but i am trying to figure out if it is my fault that Claire is so difficult in the evenings... i have been keeping track of what i ate since she was born... mostly so i eat well and loose weight faster.

I cried so much sunday night and i spent all of yesterday in my pj's. I went out this morning with all 3 though and that was good for us all.

I am getting to point where i want to run the other way when i hear her cry...

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Oh Diane, I hope you get some sleep. It's amazing what sleep can do for your outlook. I speak from experience! Can DH step in? I asked DH yesterday that I need a moment to myself.

The more I think about it I'd like to sleep, as in get a room somewhere so I can't hear the demands KWIM?

Mellisa I have to do drops for Carsen sometimes but I suction him too. That congestion is so deep and thick it's the only way I can get it out. It makes him upset but at least he can breathe.

So Diane, really try to get someone to watch the boys and leave Claire w/ DH and go hide and get some sleep. 2 hrs just 2 hrs!!! You'll have a fresh approach to Claire and her crying.

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hello ladies

My weekend was fun. My sister came to visit and alex had a blast. My parents finally came to meet the new baby. We went to the studio and actually got some family shots. I was even ok with the way I look.
Leo is back at work half days this week. Next week is going to be hard because he will be working FT again and that means me getting up more at night. The baby is not a good sleeper. he is really gassy and is constantly waking up fussing in the night. After around 3am he is up every 30 mins and wants to be burped or held. I am so sleepy. thankfully leo keeps alex busy during the day but that is almost over...I am scared..hahaha

all mommies need to get 2 hours of sleep today..lol