A Visit from the Broekers

This afternoon, my friend, Jamie, and her kids stopped by to meet Miss Lilah. They brought us some potato soup and Lilah an adorable outfit. It was nice to catch up with Jamie a bit and the kids loved to cuddle with Lilah. They even offered to babysit!

Hannah
Kyle

Nursing and Recovery

Overall, nursing has been going so well. The most interesting part has been how Macie and Gavin have responded. Before Lilah was born, Macie was concerned because we didn't have any bottles. I got out some and showed her that we did have some, but that Mommy would feed Lilah at first. The first night home, we let the kids eat dinner in the living room. I sat in my "green chair" as Macie calls it and started to feed Lilah. Both kids just kept looking at me. Their faces were priceless! They were trying to process everything that was happening. I didn't want to hide it from them and I've tried to make it as normal and no big deal as possible. Macie has asked a ton of questions and finally just said, "Oh, you feed her from your belly?" I said, "Yes!" That sounds better than the other option. Every time I lift or move my shirt, Gavin will say, "Feed Lilah" or he will point to the other side and say, "that turn now?"

The recovery, like my pregnancy, has been the most challenging yet! I guess adding the tubal caused a little more pain on my right side than I'd anticipated. Not to mention the cough (which causes my incision to hurt) and nursing the 3rd time around is PAINFUL! I talked to so many people who talk about their horror stories. It does make me feel better that I'm not just a total baby! My feet swelled so bad it looked like my toes were going to pop off and I've had a lot of issues with bowel movements...or lack there of! I am so grateful that this is the last time I'm going to go through this!

Little Miss Lilah is as sweet as can be! She really is a good baby. She typically only has one fussy period a night. Other than that, she sleeps 3 to 4 hours between feedings. During the day, she eats a lot more often which is fine by me. Yesterday was the first day for just the two of us. It was also her first snow! The house is a lot quieter with Brian at work and the other two at daycare. I definitely needed this time though. It is hectic enough bringing home a newborn with two small children already at home. Adding Christmas to the mix was a bit much. I'm enjoying my bonding time with her.

Feelings

Macie has been expressing her feelings more. Last week she told my mom she was jealous because Grandma was holding Gavin and not her. The other day she told Brian she was mad because she couldn't go with him. Macie is a very emotional child and I think that it's great that she is learning how to express those feelings verbally. Every day, I'm reminded how much she is growing up!

Speaking of growing up, when I came home from the hospital, I expected the kids to look bigger to me. Macie really didn't, but Gavin did! I feel like he grew a ton! He is such a big boy and is talking more and more every day!

Head Bands

Macie and Gavin love to wear headbands just like Mommy! I think they look pretty darn cute:)