I get excited when I get the chance to get on here and chat with you guys, because it likely means that either one or two children are asleep and I actually have two free hands (aka, I’m not holding a sweet babe). So…how are things going?!
Well over here, they’re still a bit of a challenge, but we’re getting by. If I’ve said it once, I’ll say it 100 times, but we are so incredibly lucky to have our parents so close by to be able to help out. Having an extra set of hands is amazing.
This morning, my mom actually took Lucas out to the playground for a little while, and Alex is currently napping…hence my ability to sit quietly for a few minutes. Lately, this nap of Alex’s is really the only good, solid nap he takes during the day. For the rest of the day, he tends to catnap. And this, in turn, results in him being tired, fussy, and always wanting to be held. I’m pretty sure we went from about 3-8pm yesterday with someone needing to hold him, save for a few mini breaks in between.
He ended up falling asleep in my arms shortly after 8pm last night after fighting it off like mad.
And from then until about 9:45, I didn’t move. But it’s totally cool because the big kiddo was asleep and we got to watch an episode of Orange is the New Black. WOAH. I think we only have an episode or two left and I will be SO sad when this season is over(!!!).
Let’s see, what else…
I’ve been trying to make somewhat of a loose effort (how’s that for non-committal?) on getting back to some healthier eating, although I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m succeeding. Veggies require prep work and, well, I haven’t had much time for that. So it’s been mostly peanut butter and one-handed foods…unless Jay is home and making me amazing egg sandwiches or omelets.
And then, of course, by the time the day is coming to a close and my sweet tooth is ravenous, all I really find myself wanting is a big bowl of ice cream. I keep telling myself to stop buying it so I can avoid this situation, but I’m not quite sure I’m ready to give up my nightly bowls just yet. Ya know? I mean, it’s summertime. Ice cream = necessary, right?
And besides…breastfeeding hunger is real, too. So I’ll blame that.
Also necessary for the summertime? A big ol’ pool. The inflatable pool we had for Lucas got a slow leak so I recently bought this pool off of Amazon, and just the other day bought these plastic balls, too. They’re both huge hits with Lucas and have totally been helping us beat the heat AND keeping him contained to the backyard (as opposed to wanting to run up and down the road).
P.S. – Amazon Prime Day is July 12th! If you’re not already a Prime member, you can sign up for a FREE 30-day trial! It looks like there’s going to be some amazing deals (I just saw this Blendtec blender for 30% off!)
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I don’t think I have much more to report on today. I’m actually thinking that I should probably go try and shower in the remainder of this quiet window, since it’s likely the only chance I’ll get today. Or maybe I’ll go close my eyes. Or eat some foods with two hands…ohhh, the possibilities!
I’ll catch up with you guys again (maybe) soon.
Lauren says
Have you tried to wear Alex yet? I’m a big fan of carriers like the Ergo or Beco for my toddler, but when he was little I loved the baby K’tan. It’s like a wrap, in that it’s stretchy, but it’s so much easier to put on. It stretches as they grow too, so you can use it for awhile and turn baby outward when he’s bigger.
Just an idea if you want some hands free snuggles!
Courtney says
I have! It actually worked really well for me yesterday (after I had already written this post, lol). I tried out the Lalabubaby Soothe Shirt and it was awesome! I don’t have the K’tan, but I’ve heard great things. I have the Moby Wrap – is it similar? I find the moby to be kind of difficult to get right sometimes!
Amanda says
I was just going to comment this! I only have one little guy but my K’tan was a lifesaver. I think the K’tan is like the simpler-easier version of the Moby. No wrapping you just put it on. So simple!
Oh and give yourself a break-breastfeeding hunger is a real, crazy monster. Eat all the ice cream!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
Breastfeeding hunger is the realist thing of this journey lol I was staaaarving for so long at the beginning!! Feed your hunger girl!! You’ll have forever after to eat healthier.. ;)
Brynn says
Small victories like watching OITNB can feel like a huge win. When my son was a newborn my sister always told me to focus on the small victories and soon they add up, grow and then you are off and running!
Courtney says
That’s a great way to look at things!
Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life says
Love that pool! I have been looking for one to get Jack next year and I like how soft that one looks in case he falls. I think the colored balls are a great idea!! Jack had those in his swim class and the kids had to ‘swim’ to get them. It was a hit!
Alaina says
It definitely is hard to get in some vegetables when caring for a newborn. Giulia is now 2wks old and prepping something like a salad seems totally impossible! I’ve been enjoying baby carrots for this reason. I love how cool and crisp they are in this hot weather and they are easy to grab. No prep and can even do dips like nut butter, dressing, cream cheese, etc for a healthy snack all eaten one-handed!
Courtney says
Haha I have two bags of these in my fridge…I need to take them out more! A great excuse to break out the nut butter, for sure ;)
Lisa Valinsky says
Oh my gosh your posts totally bring me back to the newborn days. (Though she’s our only kid — I can’t imagine having a newborn and a toddler!)
We watched all of Parenthood and took turns holding the baby while she ate, napped, and fussed. I also remember those rare moments to myself when she’d nap in her crib and I could actually take a shower or eat more than a bowl of cereal!
Remember to give yourself grace. And plenty of ice cream. :)
Katie says
Eat that ice cream, girl! You deserve it.
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona says
I can only imagine how tough it is for you right now. I don’t have kids, but I bet you’re on the go all the time with two little ones.
Don’t stress about the ice cream, I think it’s well earned!
Katie @ Live Half Full says
I’ve been seeing those balls every where and need to order them to wrangle my nine month old for a bit! :)
Bethany says
My 12 week old was the king of catnapping. At about 10 weeks I started laying him on his side or tummy for naps and it worked like a champ. My MIL told me to do it and she was right. We live overseas so no extra hands here. Our little guy is a champ at holding his head up with full control so the belly for napping doesn’t bother me so much now…..I mean it’s how I was raised.