We’re approaching the end of week 2 with little Miss Avery and things are definitely ramping up…
Remembering back to when Grace was a newborn, week 1 was pretty tame because she was so very sleepy and then week 2 started to get a little more intense because she was more alert and more demanding.
We’ve all thought that Avery would be more laid back than Grace since she’s a second child and also because Grace is so much like me we figured that number 2 would probably be more like Andy.
I’m starting to think that’s not the case. LOL
I should also mention that I prayed for a good eater this time around and boy oh boy did God deliver! Avery is straight up addicted to the boob!
She latched on great soon after birth and wanted to nurse all night long that first night. Little did I know that would be a foreshadowing of things to come.
I’m still very thankful that Avery is a good nurser because I was exasperated by Grace’s ADD nursing habits, but I’m also overwhelmed by how often Avery wants to be attached to me. And without over sharing, let me just say, “OUCH.”
The past few nights have been rough. Like I mentioned before, I’m a girl who needs her sleep. I pride myself on being really independent and capable of handling anything that comes my way, but without enough sleep I feel helpless.
I’ve had several sweet offers for people to come over so that I can get some sleep, but because of Avery’s incessant desire to nurse, that wouldn’t even work out. I know that this is going to pass and that someday my girls will be teenagers with much trickier issues and I will look back on these days and remember how much easier they were than “big kid problems” but man is that hard to remember at 3am when your baby has been attached to your chest for 8 hours.
Being awake most of the night has meant Army Wives marathons coupled with eating. So.Much.Eating.
I’ve got plans to buckle down in February and start shedding the baby weight but until then I don’t want to pack on any extra weight. The middle of the night snacking is not going to do me any favors in the weight loss department, that’s for sure.
I think part of it is boredom, part of it is emotional eating and thanks to a reminder from Andy the other day, the other part of it is probably due to how many calories I’m burning as a walking dairy farm!
Let’s just hope that I’m burning enough calories to compensate for my midnight feedings :)
Oh Rebecca… You have to be very careful for what you are praying for.. I have learned that the hard way :) Just keep reminding yourself of how precious those little girls are and one day you will wish she wanted you to hold her all night.. and also remember as I know it is hard in todays world but your image and body is temporary.. It will not last forever. Mommy time memories will.. Who cares if you look like a hot mess.. You know everyone and i mean everyone has those times/days in their life.. Now if they want to be real about it and admit it is another thing.. Every time I see you …you look stunning! Not to mention I think you are the most real and down to earth person I know and that is why I think you are so awesome! <3
On a side note.. so bummed I was not the first to comment.. what are you doing writing these post on my days off. haha
I love you Rochelle! Seriously, your comments totally make my day :) Thanks for the reminder about how the time passes and that one day I’ll wish I could be up all night holding Avery! Things are getting better as we get into a good routine…which means you need to come over to visit! Text me times that work for you and we’ll get a date on the calendar.
Seriously this made me laugh out loud!! Boy oh boy do I remember those days! And yes, this to shall pass … And believe it or not u will actually miss these days when they t so little and u r the “literal milk of life!!”
Glad you could get a laugh out of our craziness! LOL And you are so right…I know these days will pass by fast. Can’t wait to see you tonight, girl!!
Hang in there! I’m one who can’t operate properly without a decent night’s sleep either. I wouldn’t stress over what you’re eating either. Andy’s right…you’re burning so many calories between recovery and feeding Avery that they won’t make a difference. I remember being a big time snacker right after Sophia was born…I was never famished but never felt full either. She’s probably gearing up for a growth spurt right around now too so she’ll make you extra hungry.
Thank you for the encouragement! And I totally forgot about growth spurts…I’m sure that’s part of the reason she’s nursing so much. Just knowing there is a good reason (not that she just wants to piss me off LOL) makes it easier to get through :)
You’re a lot prettier than Bessie!!! I am so happy that she likes her mama’s milk! I miss my girls!!!! Give them big hugs and lots of kisses from Grandma!
Thanks Mom :) We can’t wait to spend the night with you this week! WOO HOO!
Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers Rebecca. Our similar birth/name experiences end with the breast-feeding as I did not participate. Avery is a bigger baby than Grace and full-term. The girl has an appetite and in that area we are very much alike. You’ll remember all this fondly next year at this time, at least I hope so! Love you all so much!