Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Grandma

My mom (aka. Grandma) came to stay with us for about 3 weeks before JL was born and while I was in the hospital, for another week after Papi returned to work, and then for a week in August. It was great having her here!  There aren't a lot of pictures with Grandma in them because, well, you don't usually think to take pictures of the day-to-day stuff. She kept up with the dishes, laundry, snacks & meals, and still had time for several craft projects with the kids. Her being here was a key part in my making it to 37 weeks with JL, and having the time to figure out breastfeeding after she was born. Thanks, Mom!






Monday, August 19, 2013

2 months!

The time is going so fast! The days are long and the weeks are short (and the weekends are even shorter!) Now JL is 2 months old and our summer is basically over. Homeschool activities begin in the next week or so and Papi begins college classes this week. We've been going ahead with reading and math through the summer, and will add in science and history in another week. I'm excited about the new curriculum we will be implementing, so there is sure to be more of a school focus on the blog again.

Highlights from the last month:

JA is really goofy sometimes!
JMC discovered his skills at Mario Power Tennis on the Wii.


I love that they read together!







After an evening at the county fair.






JL has some of the funniest faces.

Her first smile!

Friday, August 16, 2013

GERD

Well, we've been down this road before; twice, actually. We're back to going through multiple burp rags, several clothing changes each day, and holding a baby upright for 30-45 minutes after each feeding. JA and JT each had GERD (acid reflux), and now JL has it also. Lucky JMC didn't, and that was such an unexpected blessing. Being that we've been though this before, we know what to do, and also know that it's a condition that will resolve itself, probably by her 1st birthday.

What we weren't expecting was an ER visit due to our little 7 week old spitting up blood. Poor thing! She's on medicine now (as were JA and JT) and already seems to be feeling much better. It also helps knowing that breast milk is a natural antacid, and will help keep her from being in as much pain as her siblings were. This also is the most likely explanation for JL spitting up less in quantity and gaining weight significantly better than either JA or JT.

This does add to the time JL spends in my arms each day, and proportionally reduces the amount of time I have available to get things done around the house. I do use the BabyHawk to wear her on occasion, but honestly, I am enjoying the time with a cuddly baby in my arms. I know the time will go by quickly, and soon she won't want to snuggle anymore.