2 Under 2 Tips- Newborn Photos

Recently was S's newborn portraits, and our mini family portrait shoot. We went to the same place I had K's done (and her's were kind of spur of the moment), and I wore the same outfit, insisted on several of the same poses... we even had the same girl taking them. Yeah it was a bit neurotic like only your favorite Mama could pull off.

The entire process reminded me of when K had her photos done, and how unprepared I felt. This time was similar, but luckily I'm in the "Well, whatever" stage of parenting these girls... more on that later. Anyways, night before I had searched for tips on what to pack and bring and such, with no success. Obviously there is a hole in the World Wide Web, one which I'm about to attempt to fill. So with out any further long winded ado...

Mama's Tips for 2 Under 2 Photography

(alright it's still long winded, sorry)

• Keep it Simple Stupid- With K's newborn photos I brought 5 outfits. She only wore two, and we only bought prints of one. Now with a single child, feel free to go crazy. But when your dressing two squirmers please heed my advice, and keep it simple. This time K wore 1 outfit the whole time. S wore a simple onesie up until photo time, at which point I changed her into her sleeper, later I took off the sleeper and we had a few in the onesie with some pants, and finally a few simple diaper shots. Nothing is cuter then a naked baby, except a giggling naked baby.
• Bring Back Ups Though!- K was an easy child, S on the other hand.... Well lets just say Spit Up happens (and so does shit). I know I just said Keep it Simple, but for the littlest in your brood bring a back up. I also had a back up shirt for myself- With K I spilled soda down my front before we even got to the studio, luckily then I had a back up shirt too, but it wasn't my first choice. This time I wore my second choice up until photo time, then did a quick change. This rule also goes for things like blankets, because again spit up happens.
• Distractions & Edibles- For K food is a distraction. I made sure to bring relatively mess free snacks (wheat thins and raisins) and some water for her. I meant to grab her puzzle book, but as we were running out the door I forgot it. I was frazzled trying to get to an early morning appointment, which brings me to my next point:
• Don't Schedule Early!- AM hours are pretty much ick for anyone I think, especially with a newborn, even more with a newborn and a cranky toddler. I had every intention of waking up early to do my hair- didn't happen. Result being that very few pictures of me are what I deem acceptable. Another down side? K was so cranky by the end she was screaming, because we woke up early for photos and it went on into her nap time. She was exhausted. Luckily I had help.
• Bring another pair of hands- This along with Distractions & Edibles are great for when the toddler doesn't need to be in the picture. Which when trying to shoot a fussy newborn, is a lot. We brought my dad, and K spent about 60% of the time there playing with grandpa, while I tried to keep S content enough not to scream every time the flash went off. 
• Rotate- Dad helped feed S when K was being photographed, and when K lost focus we would switch. When S would start to fuss again, we'd switch back. I think it kept the temper tantrums at bay a lot longer and made both girls a lot more pleasant to work with.
• Arrive Early- Get comfortable with your surroundings, make sure everyone is fed and content and has clean diapers or empty bladders. There is nothing like pee breaks and diaper changes to ruin a groove.
• Stand for what you want- I went in this time knowing exactly what I wanted, and no screaming child, or fussing newborn, or line of customers was deterring me. They're only this small and precious for so long, and I'm probably not going to remember it very well, so I'll be damned if I spent all that time, energy, patience and effort for something I'm just "ehh" about. By the same token, don't go in blind, do some research, don't expect miracles and you won't end up possibly disappointed. 

A Day in the Life of Mama

I thought I'd give some insight as to what a typical day at the K household looks like, now that we've fallen into some sort of routine.

7am- Wake to crying. Feed S 2 oz, burp, repeat as necessary until she's sedated.
8 or 8:30am- Put S in bouncer, pound a protein shake, shower and get dressed.
9am- We all go into K's room for diaper changes, S has some tummy time while K and I clean her room up.
9:20am- K goes in the high chair with some raisins while I make the rest of her breakfast and S's next bottle. K eats her breakfast while S eats her bottle.
9:40am- Let K out of high chair, wipe hands and face, and clean up breakfast mess. K begins free play until S goes to sleep. I finish feeding S and put her in the swing.
10 or 10:30am- K and I read some books, have a tickle fight, throw around the balls from the ball pit. I clean as we go, K destroys as we go.
11:30am- Lunch Time. K goes in the high chair with some wheat crackers while I get lunch for everyone ready. K eats while I feed S and eat too.
Noon- Nap time! K gets her hands and face wiped off, and tucked in for a nap. S goes down for a bit too in the swing or her crib. I'll typically check my mail, facebook and blogs. I restrain from cleaning up the toy war zone that is my living room, because I'll only have to do it again later. Might try to nap, but every time I've tried one of them has woken up.
2pm- K wakes up, S usually has or is about to as well. K gets in the high chair for a snack while S gets fed.
2:30pm- We usually spend this time running errands or at appointments or play dates. Typically we're back home by...
4 or 4:30pm- At which point K has some quiet independent play in her room, and I start on dinner and do dishes.
5pm- Dinner time, K goes in the high chair while I feed S, and myself.
5:30pm- Time for a walk, possibly go over to a friends house for some coffee and chit chat, or just come home and play some more.
7pm- Start the bedtime routines. Brush our teeth, Bath time for K, tuck her in with a bed time story and a kiss. Then make S a bottle to have ready for after her bath. Once S is calmed I usually let her lay on her play mat while I change out of my (by now) soaked clothing and do my own bedtime routine.
9pm- Last feeding for S before lights out! Good night!

Like I said, this is just our rough schedule and every day S spends more and more time awake and less time asleep so it's probably going to be evolving soon. "Evolving" isn't that a fun term for it? Such a creative way of saying my shits gonna be all f*cked up again.

Any other 2under2 mamas? How are you ladies handling the days?

2'fer Tuesday

2'fer Tuesday Survey


1. Ages? 
K: 19 Months
S: 3 Weeks

2. What's went on this last week?
  S is jaundiced no more! She had her first go of tummy time, and her first bath as well!! K made a new friend, who happens to be half her age and apparently worthy of kisses (little cougar!). And Mama got weighed- twice. Explain to me how I gained 2 lbs in 4 days?!
  S was also diagnosed with Reflux issues. Mama spent a fortune on some fancy bottles, and they seem to be helping, because S is almost back to birth weight and is eating and sleeping almost fuss free now!


3. What are the challenges we dealt with (or continue to deal with)?
  Well, I got some bad news this week. Maybe not bad, but... uncomfortable? Unhappy? Whatever, that's another blog post. Point is it's kicked my PPD into over drive, but thankfully I was put back on anti-depressants as of today. My back issue was also addressed today- now I'm supposed to attend physical therapy twice a week. How I'm supposed to do that with two under two, I really have no freaking idea, but I'll figure it out somehow I guess! If it isn't helping within the month I'll be going to a spine specialist and pain management doctor.
  On just the mommy-hood front, I'm happy to report further success, I'm making meals again, cleaning the house again, K even gets bed time stories pretty consistently. Granted not all of those things ever happen in the same day, but typically 2 out of 3, which is still progress!

4. Any milestones reached this last week?
K: New words are Mouth and Boots, she's also now pointing out a lot more body parts, I'll be sure to include that on her 19 month update tomorrow!!
S: First Bath! First 4 oz bottle too, big girl!

5. How are you feeling about having 2 at this point?
  Excited, I feel like I'm running a marathon and I've just set a good pace. Make sense?

6. Any Mommy Epiphanies?
   Breathe!!!

2'fer Tuesday

2'fer Tuesday Survey


1. Ages? 
K: 18 Months, 4 Weeks
S: 2 Weeks

2. What's went on this last week?
  For starters we had several appointments including one that required me to be away from both the girls for the first time since... well, since I became pregnant! Scariest two hours of my life. I had a chiropractor appointment, then was able to wander on my own for an hour.  I thought about enjoying myself, then felt so guilty I ended up spending money I really couldn't afford to spend on buying the girls gifts. Don't worry, I already put them aside for Christmas.
  We also had our first double play date, which was actually an excuse to round up all the kids and dump them on my friend's teenage cousin and sister while my girlfriend colored and cut my hair.
  Then there was 4th of July, we went to a friend's bbq/birthday party and I was going to just be done there- but I didn't want to deprive K of an experience just because of S being so little. So we went and saw the fireworks anyways. I kept S in the sling, well insulated with my hands over her ears for the whole 30 minute show. She was startled at first, but didn't mind much after the first minute or two. K was enthralled for about the same amount of time, then wanted to run out on the field with her light up wand that her uncle had bought her. We managed to keep her seated and entertained through the rest of the show though- then booked it home!
  Finally this week was the first week that farmers market transitioned into "Olde Town Market," where regular vendors and bands all join in the fun to sell their goods as well. I took the girls for a quick stroll through, K had her first corn dog, S had a good nap, and I swallowed a hot dog whole while maneuvering a sit'n'stand one handed through a pack crowd. All in all a very successful trip!


3. What are the challenges we dealt with (or continue to deal with)?
  S began to refuse the boob Tuesday afternoon. We're officially a formula family, and I'm honestly somewhat relieved. Emotionally I couldn't afford the struggle of latching, or rather being rejected, and time-wise our little family just can't afford for me to pump, plus my supply started to drop despite the fenugreek. I'm a little disappointed, but I keep reminding myself formula is not child abuse, she will be just fine, and I did what was best for the whole family.
  Good news about the formula is it's helping S pack on weight and shake the jaundice a bit quicker. She had blood work done last that was a bit concerning, but when we went in Thursday her color was fantastic and she had gained a bit (although not a good amount, it was still in the comfortable range). As long as this keeps up she may be able to avoid admission to the hospital for free tanning :)
  Overall I'm doing a lot better too. I'm getting a little more sleep, and getting a little more done through out the day. I feel like even though the plane may still be spiraling out of control,  I'm able to keep everyone calm. I have made a couple of important appointments though, one concerning postpartum depression- something I've suffered through in the past, and one for addressing my back pain which has actually gotten worse since delivery. Hopefully both can quickly and easily be addressed. The PPD is a temporary thing in my experience, and only lasts about 4 months for me, but if it isn't addressed it can get pretty serious, something I'm not willing to risk. The back issue however, is concerning. At times it's hard for me to even lift S, and the chiropractor so far has served as only an extremely temporary relief.

4. Any milestones reached this last week?
K: New word is purple. And I've noticed she wears a lot of it! "Held" sissy for the first time this week too. Didn't get any good pictures of that though :(
S: Super alert at times, waking up more often, almost jaundice free. We also had our first scream free diaper change! And we're starting to fit comfortably (as opposed to swimming) in 0-3 month sizes.

5. How are you feeling about having 2 at this point?
  Blessed. I'm supposed to feel blessed right? Kidding, I really am grateful, my life feels almost complete. I feel like this was the next right thing, and I'm positively soaring with joy at how fantastic (although intimidating and overwhelming) life is. S is getting into a rough schedule, which means I'm getting more quality time with K as well.

6. Any Mommy Epiphanies?
   Caffeine good.

Travel Toy Bags

Excuse my "I have children, why do I need a new carpet?" carpet.

Any mother knows the value of having something interesting in her purse. And I'm pretty sure I've spoken to how important I feel it will be to keep K busy when S is here.

In the past I've just used my phone as the go to emergency distraction, but it's lead to countless hours of searching through and under random furniture, more replacements than I could count on one hand, and several hundred "I'm sorry. New phone, again. Who is this?" text messages.

At least it was a clean toilet....

Sunglasses are a similar story. Keys are just to valuable to risk, and often hard to retrieve as you can see to the right (this is also just one example of why I carry Lysol Wipes in my diaper bag). So obviously the best choice would be something child friendly, and still somehow entertaining, like oh, say, TOYS! Go figure, right?

The thing is, especially with little ones, they really don't stay interested in things for long. So you either need to have something really wicked cool like a phone for them to play with, or you need to have a good rotating inventory.

Luckily, I lie to K. She doesn't know that toys come in kids meals, and the majority of her friends either believe the same, or easily accept that every time we go out to eat the restaurant is unfortunately out "girl toys" or "baby toys," which ever applies. So now I have a stock pile of fast food toys, and I've used them in her Christmas stocking, her Easter basket, and even as emergency birthday gifts. No actually, I don't have any shame.

Baggies, toys and books- Oh My!

Point being I have quite a few random little toys. And recently a dear friend gave us over 20 small board books, among other toys that her children have outgrown. K loves books. I've personally witnessed one single cardboard page keep her entertained for up to 20 minutes. The things are full of black magic, obviously. Which of course is why we have so many.


Between the kids meal toys and recent literary donation, I was able to sit down with a box of diaper bag worthy toys the other night, as well as four Ziploc bags. I sorted the books and the toys into groups. Books were shapes, colors, and two piles of random books. Toys were plastic figurines, large entertainment, little entertainments. I also sorted out all the "baby toys" into a separate box. Then I separated the "big girl" stuff into piles of four and started stuffing bags. I ended up with four bags, with four books and three toys in each.

Yes, there is a dead phone in there too. I have a collection of those as well.

The reason I made four bags is for rotation purposes, three will sit on my Diaper Bag Packing Station (which I will be showing you very soon) and one will be in the diaper bag, Every week or so when I find myself having to reload the bag on more than just diapers, I'll switch out the toy bag. The toy bags are also in the same basket as all a few baby toys, so I can grab one or two of those to switch out at the same time for S.

This is the first week I've started implementing this plan, and hopefully it'll work out well. I plan on updating in a month on what is working about the bags and what isn't. Hopefully this will make it easier to stay organized, easier to get up and go, and easier to keep K's travel toys clean as well as obviously keep K as entertained and delighted as she deserves to be!

All finished, ready for the diaper bag packing station!

The Baby Shower and an Epiphany

One of the many adorable outfits S received.

Saturday was my baby shower. I know it's a bit controversial to some to have a shower for a second child, or when children are so closely spaced, or when they're the same sex, but I'm blessed with some loving friends and family who absolutely insisted on throwing a celebration for K2.

"Every baby deserves a celebration" I was told, and who am I to deny S of her first party? I also have no shame in saying that there are a few things I still needed, but haven't been in the financial position to be able to afford just yet.  And by "needed" I mean really wanted but probably could have lived with out- like extra crib sheets, bumpers for the crib, a bigger diaper bag, etc.

Well I got all that and so much more. So much more. I mean S already has 60+ articles of clothing in just the NB sizes, not including what I still had from K or socks, mittens, shoes or bibs either. She received a bathtub that has a whirlpool feature! And shower spout! On top of all that two of the women got together the money to purchase my car seat. It was ordered today, and should arrive by Thursday at the latest, when I'll be hitting 36 weeks.

The Diaper Bag

36 weeks is also when my local hospital will deliver S if she does decide to come early, which as you might have read in a few previous posts, is kind of a concern of mine. I've basically been told since 20 weeks that I wouldn't make it to 37 weeks. Therefore, being the obsessive control freak I secretly am, I wanted to get this whole rodeo over and done with as soon as possible.

But alas! I also unfortunately, love a few obsessive control freaks, who happen to be my best friends, and also happened to be the ones insisting on throwing the shower. Actually, that's not the unfortunate part, the unfortunate part is that both of them had booked weekends through out almost my entire pregnancy. The only date they both could agree on was 13 days before that unreachable, unattainable 37 weeks.

In retrospect, I can see the way they may have benefited from leaving it until the last minute. Instead of spending the whole time breathing down their necks about insignificant details, I spent most my time obsessing over what should or shouldn't be purchased before the shower with what little money was available, and if I'd be able to afford the things I do or did need should I not receive them.

Of course, I received absolutely everything I needed, and in excess in most cases. I also received every thing I wanted too. Even more, I received things I didn't know I wanted or needed, like my best friend's oldest child's baby blanket.

Our girls, despite being 12 years apart in age are as close as sisters, K adores D, and D adores her right back. In fact, D adores K so much that she called me the other day asking if she could give up a few hours of her summertime freedom every day to come and help out with K, so I can have some time to take care of the house and take care of S with out stressing about a hardly supervised or ignored toddler.

Helping K open her baby shower gift: Dora Microphone & Necklace

And that's exactly the kind of thing that made this baby shower a huge success, and one of the happiest memories of recent times for me. Everyone made it their goal to include K on this, they went out of their way. There was never a point that afternoon where I had to worry if she felt ignored, or left out, or confused and overwhelmed. Every time she wandered by the chair I had been sentenced to she had her new Dora Microphone in hand, and if she wasn't directly in sight all I had to do was scan the laps of the women around me. I'm so worried about how K will handle not being my main focus, I worry that she'll feel less important to all the other people who currently adore her. I am terrified that she might even once for half a second feel forgotten. I'm not worried if I can love another child, or love them both equally, I have no doubt I can. My fear is that I just won't be able to give enough of myself to both of them, and that they won't just resent me for it, but will resent each other as well.

This fear consumes me sometimes, but less recently as I've had a spiritual awakening of sorts. All my life I've had fears, and I've had worries, and I've obsessed over them and tried to control them and run my self ragged trying to make what I think should be come in to existence. 99% of the time those fears never come to life, things I never considered happen, amazing things happen. It's only when I spend all my time worrying and trying to control or fix things that it all goes horribly awry. And then not only am I left with a mess of failed expectations, but I also find myself regretting all the time and energy I spent predetermining the situation. Time and energy I could have spent living in the moment, with the blessings I had currently at that time.

So today I'm putting my fears aside, and rededicating myself to the last few days alone with K. To appreciate every moment as a single solitary gem, not to anxiously anticipate what they'll build up to. The very best way to make these the best days is to simply participate in them, and that is what I intend to do!

Oh that? Just a Little Pre-Term Labor...

While everyone was kicking back brewskis and standing around the grill this weekend, I was having a fun round of very serious looking preterm labor. I hope you noted the sarcasm there, or at least have enough experience with labor to know how very not fun it is. But I digress....

I had gone in to the hospital for some horrible pains (somewhat reminiscent of labor, hence the concern) in my thighs, groin, lower abdomen and back. At that point I was contracting every 3-4 minutes. For a few hours my local hospital tried to stop the labor through various medications. Not only were they unsuccessful, but managed to risk my life after insisting I take another dose of a muscle relaxant as my blood pressure bottomed out. I'd really like to take a moment to vent on my local hospital's level of care, but that's only slightly less interesting then this!

Anyways, they finally decided to transfer me to a bigger hospital about an hour away. That hospital decided it would be in every one's best interest if I wasn't dead (I agreed), and so they let the labor progress, at that point I was contracting every 2-3 minutes, and beginning to dilate. I was given a low dose of pain killers, and decided to sleep for a bit, because from what I remember, birthing babies is no easy thing. I woke a few hours later to find that the contractions had stopped. Ceased. Disappeared. No more. They ran some tests, poked around under the hood, and then just sent me on my merry way.

Basically S decided that she wasn't as ready as she thought, and plans on giving it at least a few more days. Until then, I'm on as much bed rest as is morally allowed for a mother of one little trouble seeking toddler.

Spur-of-the-Moment Photo Shoot

"Trouble?" You say, "Such a cute little angelic face can cause trouble?" Yes. Trouble. She took it upon herself, in my absence to fight the coffee table at Grandpa's house (though to be fair it's been shooting her dirty looks, a real oak instigator, that one). I  think she was looking for a way to get to the hospital, to see her Mama. When it was time for me to go home, she arrived with her grandpa and jumped into my arms, then rested her little head on my shoulder and sighed. I just barely caught sight of the bloody band aid on her forehead, but when I took a better look I was practically off and running (okay high speed waddling) toward the ER again. Luckily, some very sweet L&D nurses talked me down, and helped me clean her up, just in time for me to properly harass my father on why the poor child wasn't wearing pants (she had an accident). I swear, the world falls apart with out me.

On a serious note though, this weekend's event made me truly realize that my little girl won't be the little one much longer. And it kills me to know that. It kills me to know that soon I won't be her absolute everything, and soon we'll have to share each other with someone else.

But then I realize, soon we get to have something else to share with each other. Soon I'll be showing K how a newborn's nose can scrunch into the cutest little ridges, and sharing the joy of those first gazes, giggles and grins. And soon I'll be introducing S to her amazing big sister, the person I breathe for, the first face I have to see for the day to even matter.

Above all, soon all the joy and the bliss and the happiness that is my life will double. Along with it will come twice as much stress, and fear of course, but it's a small shadow in the high noon that is my life right now.

P.S.  Now I have to repack my hospital bag! Really debating packing two... one for false labor, one for real labor, but seeing as my crystal ball is in the shop, I probably won't know the difference and should just keep it down to one. My OCD is disappointed.

The 2 under 2 Diaper Bag

If you're not hip with the slang 2 under 2 means two children under the age of two.

Even to the ears of a naive non-parent, this may sound "a little stressful." Understatements like "Overwhelming" or "Complicated" may spring to their minds. To anyone who has parented a single child under the age of two, especially recently, this may sound like a death wish, especially when you consider that I will be a stay at home mom to these two girls.

To those parents who have gone off the deep end before me, I salute you. To those who have a glimmer of understanding, I cherish you. And to those who have no real idea why I'm making such a big deal over this... Want to babysit?

Fact of the matter is going from single self sufficient entity to mommy-hood is a complete mind melt. Suddenly you're responsible for every little need of another life. The idea in it's complexity alone is hard to grasp, once you start looking at the subtleties of the matter it will very well near deter you from reproduction all together.

Anyone who is a parent understands the foresight required for just a simple park trip. let alone a devil-may-care errand running spree, or delightful "afternoon out and about." The light terms may fool you, don't let them. Each requires special packing. First aid kit and weather preparation gear for the park, sanitation and cushioning for the carts at the store, not to mention your coupons and list (pff, like anyone still uses those)! And a vague jaunt? That requires extra diapers, feeding utensils, table mats and snacks, a possible change of clothes, sanitation and first aid gear, cushioning for any high chairs or carts, possibly a safety harness for your little sprinter, and heaven forbid you forget entertainment for the little hellion.

I'll be the first to admit I refuse to leave my house more then once a day with Miss K as it is, and if I do there's been at least a day worth of preparation done. Spur of the moment is more of an hour long ordeal. And to try to do so with two? I've spent months planning on how I will get through a simple hour long excursion with both the girls. What the plan boils down to is diversion tactics and self sufficiency skills for K while S is awake. Self Sufficiency we've been working on, and despite the recent clingy stage, K is really good with it. But because of the same clingy stage, diversion doesn't go over well. K wants Mommy to be completely involved. So that's where a "new and exciting" factor will have to come in. But more on that later, I'll cease my ramblings now and just give you the list.

The Diaper Bag

• A receiving blanket- Great putting over a dirty surface for a diaper change, a bib, a burp rag, a peekaboo tool, a cape....
• Extra Outfits- stored in labeled freezer ziploc bags, seasonally specific.
• Formula for S (if needed) & Brita Filter Bottle
• Snacks- best kept in a separate compartment or bag, for easy tossing to the wolves.
• SkipHop Changing Pad (Diapers, wipes, butt cream)
• Toys- ziploc freezer bag of small entertaining toys, in reality I have 4 of these bags, and will rotate them weekly or as needed to maintain optimal distracting capabilities.
• Dirty Diaper Bags- I was given these, otherwise I'd just use regular grocery bags. They're great for dirty diapers if you're not near an acceptable trash can, and for dirty clothes!
• Hand Sanitizer
• Mini First Aid Kit (thermometer, orajel, tiny notebook to keep track of times meds were given, temps, etc)- also kept in a small make up/pencil bag type of container.
• Binkies!
• Lysol Wipes
• Medical information for ALL OF US, laminated.
• Hair Stuff- comb, hairties, clips, mini detangler spray, kept in separate compartment or bag as well.

& Mommy Stuff Things that will be in a separate compartment in the diaper bag. Ideally I would put all these things in a cute clutch inside the diaper bag, so when I abandoned my children with some bewildered friend, I could grab and go. Realistically I know that the cute clutch would get destroyed so I might as well accept a decent looking XL make up bag instead.

• Keys
• Chapstick
• Wallet
• Sunglasses
• Feminine Products
• Make Up "Spruce" kit- Mascara and pale eyeshadow for more awake looking eyes
• "Mommy's Medicine Cabinet"- tylenol and ibprofen for on the go why did I have children headaches.
• Protein Bar- because I never remember to eat. 

As you can see there's a lot of compartmentalizing in this circus. My reasons are twofold for this, the first obviously being organization, the second is simply that if a zipper takes up .5 more seconds of K's attention I'm for it. Different materials and patterns on the bags are great for entertaining the infant class as well, so tool or toy you be the judge.

I call it a little peace of mind.