Getting Healthier

Since Nicole's been sick, we've been upping her gym time...her play gym that is. She is doing really well on it, batting around the animals and hanging things. She seems to really enjoy the play time by herself.
We also went down to Grandma & Grandpa's for Woody's birthday celebration. Which, of course, meant Natalie went into the pool!
Nicole didn't go into the pool. She pretty much stayed in the cool away from the sunshine. And, must have not been too enthusiastic about being in the heat, because she went to sleep almost immediately.
Here's a yawn shot, I had to take a picture of her yawn.
Now, we're working on some yeast thrush that popped up after the antibiotic was given. It's another challenge in these early days that I am praying for the Lord's strength. At best, most days there is at least one time I doubt continuing breastfeeding, although I really wish to continue. But, with this added challenge it keeps it in the back of my mind. I know we're not supposed to let the challenges change our joy or our focus. I need to keep James 1:2-8 in my mind at all times. When the challenges happen, I know that God is the God above all the challenges who is there to help me through. But, sometimes it still can get me down when my child is crying or spitting up. That is the toughest part.
Two is a challenge when you've gotten used to having just one child and she is potty trained, can communicate, and eat real food!

Getting Focus

Here's an update shot of Nicole, looking very alert. However, she has been really sleepy, not staying alert much with this continued congestion/infection. Which makes breastfeeding really more of a challenge right now than it should be. It was starting to get "easier," which seems to happen at about 4-6 weeks. Not that we were on a schedule, but we were working towards one. Now, it is about an hour each feeding to try and get her to feed between trying to work on the nasal congestion and then her sleepiness. Just needing prayer on this one because it has gotten me all out of focus on the blessings to the difficulties. The blessings: she is growing well. She, in fact, is in 3-6 month sleepers because of length. I need to measure her. This is new for me because Natalie followed the same months as she was old in clothes. She barely fits in 0-3 month onsies and size 1 diapers are getting tight. So, this is proof that God is making her grow instead of my feeble efforts or worry.

Here's what Natalie has been doing for a couple of days while my parents returned to help out. This is Woody's long workweek schedule this week, and any time they were here was a big help. They took her to a jump place where she had a lot of fun. She also enjoyed just spending time with them coloring one day.
Here, using those gymnastic skills on the playground yesterday as Papaw was there for moral support across the beam. We rode the train there also and played on the slides (and, of course, the swings).

Now, I'm just waiting as Nicole just went to sleep and Natalie should be waking up any time for supper. It was a rare day that Natalie took a nap, and I definitely am glad for a little break to just sit in the quiet for a moment.

Doctor Visit Today

We took Nicole back to the doctor today because her congestion is still bad. The good news is that she is 9 lb 8 oz right now and looks really healthy. Her blood count was low, so it seems she is fighting a virus that is in her head and throat. But, not in her lungs or ears, so that is a blessing. We'll monitor for a couple days and possibly have an antibiotic if it does not improve. The only thing we can really do is pray (of course!) and put a humidifier in her room.

Daddy Date

Woody took Natalie to a water park that was a good drive away, but was sponsored by the church as an activity. Natalie loved it. She really liked the pool of water with the spray nozzles, as seen here. And, she also loved the slides (of course, riding with Daddy on the big ones). And, since I wasn't there (Nicole & I stayed home since she still isn't 100%), there weren't many pictures taken, but this shows the happiness of the memory. This was actually the 2nd time they went, because the first time was thunderstormed out within 10 minutes of their arrival. This time, no rain or thunder! Good daddy date!

Nicole Not Feeling Well

Nicole has had a little nasal congestion/sinus infection for the past few days. It has been the unfun time of having to use the aspirator and saline several times per day. But, thank the Lord it looks like it is getting better. It must have been a small virus or something. I know I had a little touch of it myself.

We went yesterday to Grandma & Grandpa's house to use their pool for a while. Unfortunately, they weren't there at the time & we missed seeing them as they were off visiting. And, I forgot the camera (I did remember diapers, but forgot the camera!). It was a great time to get away for a few hours and spend it together. It has been great to have Woody off from work for a few days.

We are now over the 4 week mark. Praying that we get into some type of schedule in the next 4 weeks! The congestion has gotten us off schedule quite a bit, as she has needed fluids more often.

First Dual Outing

Today was a first to take both children out for errands. There is no grandparent support now, so I need to start getting used to the new way of doing things.

Woody was good and went ahead to put the jogging stroller in my car last night. However, he came back with bad news--the stroller did not fit in the trunk as I had thought. The only place he could put it (other than the back seat which didn't work with the carseats) was the passenger side. Which, I don't use the side mirror much. I thought it would work for a quick outing.

So, we went to the library to return materials. Everything went pretty smoothly to get everyone out to the car. We started down the road and it was tough to not see out the side as well. But, when we got to the library, the real challenge began. I let Natalie out of the car and proceeded to try to get the stroller out. It would not come out for me. I realized I couldn't get it out and put it back in. So, I tried to stuff it back in. Finally, after almost ripping the rear view mirror off, I put it back enough to shut the door. So, it was me, Natalie, and the infant carrier into the library. It was fine except having to haul it around everywhere. We returned materials and then picked up a few new ones.

Then, we went to the grocery store. There, at least you can use a cart. The infant seat plus Natalie in the regular seat didn't leave much room for groceries, but we had a short list anyway. It was pretty uneventful except the cashier put all the groceries into another cart. I was wondering if he thought I was superwoman and would push two carts. Because, the store doesn't offer to carry out even if you have kids. (I won't mention names, but it starts with an I)

But, thank the Lord we made it back home safely and everything worked out well. Now, I know I wish minivans grew on trees so we could pick one!

First Sunday

Today was the first Sunday in church for Nicole. Papaw went with me to help carry Nicole and her carrier, and Natalie went to her Sunday School. It was good to be back in church, even though only stayed for the worship service and then left. Woody was at work, so this was the only way to get there. It was kind of hectic getting two kids ready (plus myself) for the service. I must say I had to wipe off the dust from my makeup bag because it hasn't been used in a few weeks. And, the first time in a couple of weeks I didn't have an outfit on that looked like I should be exercising.

It is great that Natalie really enjoys church. In fact, she doesn't understand why there aren't books (like for Elmo) about the character going to church. Or videos, which are another favorite. Hopefully, Nicole will enjoy church as well. She was very quiet during the service, which hopefully will be that way for a while.

Blessings from Others

At 3 weeks old, I need to stop and thank those family and friends who have made this journey much more bearable in the transition. We have been so blessed. I did at least capture one shot with Mimi and Papaw here with the family. They have been a big help in staying here and taking Natalie to activities while I focused on the baby. Also, grocery shopping and other errands that needed to be done.
I need to have a picture of Grandma & Grandpa like the one above, but these two shots at the hospital will have to do. They have also blessed us with rotating with my parents as well as cooking, keeping Natalie a couple of days at their house, and staying here to help out in many ways.

We have really been blessed by grandparent support and it has been great to have this special time. We've also had a lot of people bring meals (which is a big help!) and send cards of encouragement. So, a big THANK YOU to all!
Nicole is now big enough for the snuggli carrier, which is a lot easier to handle than the stroller. I'm glad to see her growing so much to get into that nice accessory.