Mr & Mrs Smith

I have to finally say at 7 weeks Mr Dallin FINALLY gave us a 4 hours stretch. The first time we got 4/2/3 during the night. The following day he did 3.5/2.5/2/2 which I'll take as well. It's amazing how I still feel tired BUT I have more energy to get things done during the day knowing I won't get a nap. So thank you son, thank you. Way to set the bar so low. He still has a little wheeze on exhale when he sleeps and sometimes during the day his feeds are just super wheezy and he chokes so I'm not sure if the reflux has inflamed passages that make it difficult to breathe or what, but something is up. However, the last few nights, his feeds are good (including the cluster feeds before bed) I have him swaddled on his side in the cradle in our bed and it seems to be the best combo! The standard has been set so I only expect to go up from here... So hard not to set myself up for disappointment.  I also think it's important that his last nap prior to bedtime is ...

I just wanted to do something fun and different than what we're used to doing - knowing I'd probably never do it again. I'm thinking maybe one themed party for each child? She LOVES Sofia the First and dressing up and being a princess so why not... I mentioned it to my mom (doing something fun but low key in the backyard), and she ran with the party games. I didn't do a thing but put together some food and dollar store decorations. Well, due to weather we had to transport it all to our ward building so THAT was a pain, but Eric's sister saved me there. I was really bummed we couldn't do it in the backyard because it just started blooming and I love the green-ness SO I got Lexi to pray the rain would hold off for her party, but that either way we'd have fun. Guess what! It didn't rain! But it was cold and windy, haha (exactly like my wedding day). Nonetheless, she still had fun and had a ton more space to run around! Which is one of her most favorite thi...

It's gross. It's funny. It's ridiculous. It's called life with children and the dark abyss with a newborn. I mean there are some sparks of light too, don't get me wrong. But let me share the real truth. Truth that I wouldn't cash in for the world. I choose to live this way. Call me crazy, but they call me mom. 1. Treating your toddler like they have the plague because THE LAST thing you can handle is a newborn who doesn't sleep who ALSO has a cold. I really felt bad because I have an OVERLY touchy toddler who OVERLY touches her brother and I can't say no EVERY time, but they make you want to go "knock it off already" and then that hurts their feelings. I mean, I wouldn't know, just assuming they would feel less than valued. And then I feel guilty and then there goes that mother guilt again... just trying to keep everyone from infection. But then she drink from my water cup with that snotty nose. But that's why I'm glad I breast...

I keep thinking about things to blog about regarding my new life as a mother of two, although it still doesn't really seem like my life yet since mostly we just linger around the house all day. I start working part-time again next week and I'm anxious about losing even more energy. Serious zombie walking around here. And as I tell him he is driving me crazy this morning for not going happily back to sleep (baby D being the reason for the zombie movements) he smiles and coos at me. Yes guys, a tender moment brought by the cutest smile on the planet. No reflexes, he just loves me. However, as I talk to him, I can barely keep my eyes open I'm so tired! This apt has been great for us except NOT for the newborn phase. We can't cry it out because everyone including the neighbors will be able to hear him. Mr Smith can't go elsewhere to sleep since the couch that came with the apt is small and the room doesn't have a fan. So we're stuck in the same room wit...

Here are some of my favorite things: waking up every 2 hours, falling asleep while nursing, bath time, staring out windows, riding in the car, falling asleep in the body carrier, letting out that gas, being held and grabbing onto hair and shirts. Dad still has hope for a blonde haired blue eyed boy. We think he is ADORABLE either way. Some of my favorite things about Dallin: how he scratches my side when nursing (until they turn into pinches), his smiles whether or not reflexes, his coo, the cry he does right before he's about to really cry, the way he pierces his lips or raises his eyebrow & his irresistible must-kiss cheeks. I had to try and match the one month tea cup shot we did for Lexi too... Here he is with his new cousin, Zoey:   

As one month comes to a close, and we have to say goodbye to Gammi and PopPop, we try to think about how far we have come. Does it feel like a month? Maybe when it comes to the lack of sleep, but of course time has once again flown. I'm not sure I'm ready to do it all on my own, we will have to take it slow and multiple events in one day may not happen for awhile. I tend to find some cheesy shows with love affairs to get me through this period of time. With Lexi it ended up being Heart of Dixie. This time it was When Calls the Heart (thank you Hallmark). And I binge watch on Netflix whenever I'm nursing. It gives me the perfect distraction. As with Lexi, newborn sizes were a one week thing. His 0-3 month sizes are snug. But it's no surprise with his 2 hour eating schedule. Perhaps he can go 3, but he hasn't let me at night yet. However, the last few nights have been half feeds so it frustrates this mama because I know he is just looking for comfort...

Being a counselor in the Bishopric worked when it comes to representing the Bishopric for a baby blessing. What a perfect opportunity to do a blessing while both families can attend! We all got together at the Smith's home. It was a great conference weekend.  President Monson said (and I mention specifically to Mr Dallin): "Remember who you are and what God expects you to become. You are a child of promise. You are a man of might. You are a son of God." His blessing mentioned being faithful, honoring the Priesthood, serving a mission & marriage in the temple. During the difficult times ahead, he will be faithful and an example to others.