Day 0- Kaitlyn is born! I’m amazed at how peaceful the day seems. Did we really just have a baby? I was previously worried if I’d remember how to hold a newborn, but it all comes back. Little things like having to use both hands to nurse in the beginning (one to hold the breast and the other to hold the baby’s head) slowly come out of hiding in my memory. OUCH! The cramps that come with nursing are almost as bad as contractions. They seriously hurt. More Motrin please kind nurse! I just hope that means they are doing their job and shrinking my uterus. Shrink, belly, shrink! The nurse fills me in that they get worse with each baby. I mentally rule out having any more babies for the cramp reason alone.
Day 1- The night went fairly well. David and I slept from 12-3 and 4-7, but we remind ourselves that we felt like rock stars the first night with Hailey, too. Usually the baby is pretty tired after delivery and teases parents with a relatively easy first night, so we don’t get overly excited. Kaitlyn spit up twice during the night which had me losing sleep while staring at her to make sure she turned her head. The nurse tells me that since she came so quickly and I didn’t push long that it’s just extra fluid that didn’t squeeze out and would stop soon. She was right. Nana, Papa John, Mema and Grandpa came to visit in short spurts. David leaves for a little bit to go home and I soak up the peaceful cocoon of the dimmed hospital room with my Kaitlyn. I hold her the whole time (you can’t spoil a baby, right??) and we nap together most of the day between nursing. I don’t turn on the tv or music. The silence is perfect. Somehow the peacefulness of drifting in and out of sleep while snuggled up with my baby is just what the doctor ordered. I’m blissful. It feels like time stopped today and I am so grateful to have that peace and quiet time snuggling Kaitlyn and studying her. I love her sleepy yawns and that her lower lip is tucked so far under that it looks like it almost doesn’t exist. Finally the recovery rooms are starting to clear out so we get moved over to the other side by the evening.
Day 2- My milk came in over night. Between that, getting no sleep at all until 2am, then having it choppy after that, the chatty nurses outside our room and the crying babies around us, I finally feel ready to go home. We are discharged around noon and pick up Jimmy Johns on the way home. First deli turkey in 10 months- whoop! Devoured. Hailey is so excited ‘baby Kaitlyn’ is home. She loves her. Kaitlyn cluster feeds in the evening and falls asleep at 9pm. We, exhausted, follow suit.
Day 3- Our first night at home she woke up to eat at 11pm, 1:30am, 2:30am, 4:30am and 6:15am. Somehow I consider this a pretty good night, though my energy levels today say otherwise. I have my first fear-stricken thought of how will I ever do this on my own after Hailey wakes up with a dirty pull up that leaks out onto her bed and Kaitlyn is crying to eat at the same time. I say a quiet prayer that my mom will never leave…then I shackle her to the house. The day is physically tough. My cramps while nursing are terrible and I’m fairly certain one big sneeze ripped out all my stitches. Engorgement makes my boobs ache. The photographer comes and somehow works some serious magic (family photo shoot pictures to come). I’m so glad I booked this months ago. Somehow through the physical pain, I still am in awe with my girls. Kaitlyn seems to be a good baby, only crying when hungry or cold. She’s so tiny that the newborn diapers barely stay on her and I can’t help but kiss her forehead every time she nurses. That oxytocin bond is legit. I decide I want 10 more babies.
Day 4- We wake up realizing that Kaitlyn only got up twice after 9:30pm the night before to eat during the night. David and I high five each other. My pain is easing a little and I’ve stopped using the icepacks from the hospital and the super-diaper pads. However, the mesh undies are still rocking my world. The day is full of many diaper changes and I like seeing proof that all her systems are working like they should. Mom makes deviled eggs and they are pretty much the perfect snack to have around because we all love them. I think she’s made two more batches since then. I feel like I’m getting to know a few more of Kaitlyn’s preferences. She isn’t wild about the paci, but will tolerate it when she is fussy. She loves being near windows or outside. She will probably be a finger sucker because she constantly tries to get hers in her mouth. She gives a real smile or two and my entire world is right.
Day 5- Maybe the two wake ups wasn’t a fluke because somehow we did it again: 1:30 and 5:30am. More high fives. Hailey now has a routine of coming downstairs in the morning and immediately asking to see mama and baby Kaitlyn. She runs to find her and uses one finger to pet her. She grins so big as she tells me ‘I touch her mama!’ Hailey always wants to give Kaitlyn a paci or turn her sound giraffe on for her. She asks to hold her often and tells me she wants to go shopping with her. Melts my heart, though it might be challenging when Nana leaves (just kidding, Nana is never leaving) and I am trying to divide my attention. My cramps are basically gone while nursing now- thank goodness! More Kaitlyn facts- she prefers to be stretched out when possible and sleeps wonderfully when her arms are swaddled. We only swaddle her at night for the time being.
Day 6- What is this?!… only one wake up?! We all went to bed at 10 after an evening of cluster feeding, then Kaitlyn woke up at 2:40am to eat, went right back down until I woke her up at 7:30am. Yes baby girl, I like your style, even if it means my boobs leak a little at night (ouch!). My bleeding is minimal now and I can’t believe how much better I’m feeling by 1 week than I did with Hailey. Kaitlyn has her first pediatrician appointment and weighs in at 6 lbs 13 ounces- 3 ounces OVER birth weight. I’m psyched. Doc says no need to wake her at night and I smile and nod, not telling her I wasn’t doing that to begin with. Wearing clothes and a little make up makes me feel like super woman. Mom and I grab tea and coffee in Davidson to celebrate a healthy baby while Hailey is at her last day of school (I don’t focus on this because I start having heart palpitations…). A dear friend brings over an amazing feast for us for dinner right when we are in the kitchen experimenting with making margaritas in my new Blendtec at 4pm while wearing a baby. Mom of the year, I tell ya! But yes, I figured out how to wear Kaitlyn in the Ergo… kind of. But it’s my only choice right now, as my k’tan is too small. Feeling like super woman fades around 7pm. I realize my body is still healing and I overdid it. Ouch.
Day 7 (today)- Don’t hit me, but I think I have another good sleeper. We all went to bed at 10pm last night. I woke up at 3am staring at Kaitlyn and willing her to wake up. My boobs were killing me. I hear myself say ‘never wake a sleeping baby, never wake a sleeping baby’ then I leak milk onto our sheets and decide to poke her until she wakes up. She goes back down after eating and snoozes until 6:40am, snacks, gets a diaper change and snoozes again. I’m in good spirits… then I realize Nana is leaving today and David is working and I consider making margaritas again. Maybe I’ll wait until lunch. So right now I sit experiencing the calm before the storm. Both my babies are snoozing at the moment and I’m mentally playing eye of the tiger in anticipation of the day ahead. You have to learn sometime, right?
Here we goooooooooooooooooo……… send prayers and good vibes, unless that’s not your thing. Then just send wine.
Nicole says
I never, ever post, but this post was phenomenal. Any new parent can relate. Best of luck today with your two smalls! You got this!
Katrina-Marie says
Hurray for good sleep! I am so happy things are going well 🙂
Take care of yourself and soak it all in. Sending prayers for a smooth “Nana-less Day” transition your way!
Heather says
That sounds like a great first week! I am a little jealous that you have a good sleeper considering I haven’t slept more than 5 hours in a row since before I had Elizabeth. Good luck today, sending prayers that it is an easy first day home alone!
Karen says
You will get it and be amazed at how easy it is in a few weeks. If your stressed both your girls will get that vibe and be stressed also. Just stay calm and everything will fall in its place.
Congrats, you have two beautiful daughters 🙂
Jen says
Is it okay if I say I’m kind of jealous of her sleep?? My baby girl was born May 7 and we definitely are not having nights where she wakes up so infrequently! And our first night at the hospital? I got 15 minutes of sleep at 7 am, no joke! Part of that was because I couldn’t sleep for fear that she’d stop breathing (um, it’s my first baby, I was just nervous, I guess) and part of it was because she wasn’t nearly as tired as you’d expect a baby who was born just a few hours earlier to be.
I am very lucky though, that my mom lives only 15 minutes away and is retired, so yay for naps when Grandma is around!
Good luck, and keep posting, I love reading about this stuff 🙂
Lindsey says
Adorable! Sounds like you guys are doing great as a family of 4. Congrats!
blackhuff says
Congratulations on the birth of your second child. Life is about to get hectic. Enjoy the ride 🙂
Madeline @ Food Fitness and Family says
You’re doing great mama!!!
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
Look at you go!!! When the time comes for us to expand from a family of three to a family of four, I hope I adjust this well!
Kathy says
So sweet! You’re going to ROCK it!! Best Wishes to you!!
Emily says
This is hilarious, I love how you wrote it! Prayers and hope sent your way that Kaitlyn turns out to be a good sleeper 🙂
erin says
I may need to stop reading your blog because all of the precious newborn pic are making me want another:) I love the cuddly newborn stage; such an insanely sweet time that I wish I could re-live over and over. So glad she is behaving for you, hopefully she keeps it up!
Kelsey says
They are adorable! This post was absolutely amazing! You’ll do great, and a lunch time margarita is always a good idea 😉
Erica says
“That oxytocin bond is legit. I decide I want 10 more babies.” <– Made me LOL and think about having a baby.
Jaclyn @ BumpSweat says
How incredibly sweet! All these pics make my heart happy… and very excited for our little girl to arrive late this summer. Thanks for the glimpse into the first few days with a newborn. Praying she continues to be a good little sleeper 🙂
Maria says
Oh how I enjoyed reading this! No one ever tells you the hairy little details of what life is like with a newborn (and umm, toddler). Sending prayers your way, but I think you’ve got this!
Just keep swimming!
sarah (SHU) says
YAY! GIRL, you are doing fantastically. And I am thrilled you have another good sleeper! My 2 are very similar too – their wakeup patterns almost identical. (Neither as good sleepers as yours, but not terrible either so I will count my blessings!). YOU ARE AWESOME. the end. xoxo
Halsy says
Ahhh…I’m so jealous of all your sleep but glad you are getting descent sleep! Good luck with the two! I don’t know how I am going to do it come Monday. I had the girls by myself for 1 hr the other day and it was a disaster. But it can only get better…right! Looking forward to hearing about the transition.
Katya says
As a mama with a 7 week old 2nd baby (and two yr old first child) this post made be laugh a lot 🙂 I can relate!! Sounds like things are going well and fingers crossed for the sleeping to continue!!
Stefanie says
I love the baby posts and precious pics of your girls. Good luck Supermom! You can do it!
Sonya says
You crack me up. So happy to hear things are going well. I can’t believe it’s been a week already. Were does the time go?
Congratulations to your sweet family!
Regina says
She is gorgeous! And I’m incredibly jealous of your awesome sleeper. My 7 week old just learned the difference between night and day (finally)!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Love your commentary about each day! It’s hilarious, to the point, and just REAL. 🙂 I’m so glad to hear Kaitlyn is a sleeping champ so far! Woohoo!
Carolyn says
She’s gaining weight AND sleeping AMAZINGLY well!? I predict you have a third child. LOL
Joni says
I am SO happy you are getting good sleep, since I can’t imagine life with two babies! However, I am super jealous considering that my 8 month old is still up around 12 and 3 to feed…sometimes throwing an extra third feed in there and seriously making me reconsider having a second baby lol. But I love reading these updates! I was so nervous and a tired wreck after bringing my first baby home, so I hope the second time is much better too 🙂 Kaitlyn is adorable.
Julie @ Coastal Runner Girl says
Loved this post!! I’m 30 weeks pregnant with my first baby so this was VERY helpful! 🙂 Hope you and the family enjoy the weekend!
Alison says
So sweet – love reading about your little family 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Kevin Linebarger says
Congratulations on Kaitlyn! Very well written post Brittany. You’ve got a great writing style here.
Kristen @ The Concrete Runner says
Seriously, you ARE supermom! And already have another really great baby! I’m so jealous! I’m glad to see everything is going so well for you so far! I definitely understand freaking out about being at home with 2 kids – it would scare me to death too! Kenna had that little sucked in lip when she was a newborn – I LOVED it! Looks like breastfeeding is going well too! You’re giving me high hopes for when we have another! Ha!
Stacy K. says
I’m a bit jealous that you have another awesome sleeper on your hands! I silently pray that my second due in October will be a better sleeper than it’s brother, who just started sleeping through the night at 15mos.
Keep it up Mama you are doing a fantastic job, just take it one day at a time!
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
I just said a prayer! I hope today goes well!
Brittany says
You mention the K’tan being too small. I typically wear size 0-4 so would technically need an XS, but would you recommend going a size up with small? I figure it will also be a lifesaver with a toddler running around!
Brittany Dixon says
Ah, I’m really not sure! I remember it fitting snug with hailey, but wearable. I’m thinking I never should have wash and dried it because it might have shrunk it. Maybe try a small but check with them about returns before purchasing? Let me know- good luck!
ashleigh says
Congrats on the newest addition! I never post a comment but just have to say that I adored this post 🙂 It’s so realistic and beautiful all at the same time; definitely a “been there, done that” for any parent! Prayers for a smooth transition!
Hanna says
Y’all sure do make some precious babies!! Are you planning on tracking your body measurements from month to month like you did after you had Hailey?
Brittany Dixon says
I do! I know it’s controversial, but I will do it again. Already took pictures and measurements for one week stats and will do monthly from here on out.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast says
I love this post! So fun to get a glimpse into that first week. And wowsers, she is a sleeping champ! If our baby sleeps half that good, I’ll be thrilled! Enjoy the grandma time- so special!!
Julie says
Ha ha such a cute post! Glad to hear you’re doing so well. I’m sure you’ll have good days & bad… hang in there & know we’re all wishing you the best!
Helen says
Great post! Thanks for sharing with all of us. You’re doing great!
Sherry says
You have wonderful writing stlyle and an even better “mothering” style! You will be just fine!
Marjorie says
Good luck! You can do it! I didn’t let my mom leave for two and a half weeks after my son was born. I hope the good sleeper trend continues.
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
Love the photos and this was so entertaining to read! Good luck, mama!
Bonnie says
Being a grandma is very very special. I stayed with my daughter after both of her pregnancies. But after the second one she didn’t want to let me go home either!! Maybe some of sleeping patterns are genetic because my two children were good sleepers and my daughters two kids are also.
Your pictures are wonderful, I love them!!
I’ve babysat for both my granddaughters several times already. It is a bit challenging as they are 2 1/2 and now four months but I know that you will do a wonderful job. You just have to prioritize which child really needs you at a particular moment in time, and who can wait a little bit. But it is certainly not easy lol
You may not be superwoman (who really is ?!) but you are certainly an amazing mom. Be good to your self, get as much rest as you can and wine or margaritas are a terrific idea!!
Beth says
Awesome post to remember everything down the road! You got this! It is so wild and chaotic and you will just enter survival mode with the two and do great! I got really good at nursing with one hand making meals with the other and eating, etc! You do what you gotta do! Enjoy these first special weeks as a family of four adjusting – they go so quickly!
Matt @ Runner Savvy says
I’m glad you’re doing well! 🙂
Ancy says
Congrats!! She’s beautiful!! We had our daughter, Alyssa Rose, on 05/05! Great to see you have an amazing nurser & sleeper!! My son was not good @ either so feel like a first time mom again with these two things. Some questions if you don’t mind- how long are her nursing sessions? When she cluster feeds how long does she do that for? And so you wake her up for feedings during the day? My daughter was two ounces from birth weight @ 10 days. If I let her I think she’ll sleep through the night but I tend to wake her up around 6-7 hours. I’m never sure if she’s getting enough! But I’m def more confident than with my son! Also with your ergo, do you use the newborn insert? Haven’t used mine yet. Have to figure that out! Congrats again!
Brittany Dixon says
Congratulations on your daughter- love her name! To answer your questions-
Her nursing sessions are about 15-20 minutes, sometimes going to 25.
Cluster feeds haven’t been happening the past couple of days (the girl won’t eat unless she wants to!), but in the evenings I let her have as much as she wants as often as she wants to top her off before the night.
I haven’t had to wake her to eat during the day. If it gets close to 3 hours I sometimes get ready to, but then she usually wakes on her own.
I am using the newborn insert, though I’m concerned about for summer because it’s HOT!
Paula says
I loved this post, a great re-cap. What a beautiful family.
Nina says
Hurray for a good sleeper! I am due with my first at the end of September (a girl)! and your blog has been a god send for me. I just love your honesty and writing style! I have a question, and I know you’re crazy busy and probably not answering questions right now, but if you ever do another post on baby gear, I would love to know about the moses basket you have in your room. Is it propped up on something? I am trying to find a good room sharing solution, but don’t want to break the bank (or have the room) for a fancy bassinet.
Thanks! I hope the good sleep continues!
xx
Nina
Brittany Dixon says
Congrats to you! September is wonderful month to have a baby 🙂
We have our Moses basket on a Moses basket stand (it’s supposed to rock, but it doesn’t really). We used it with H and now with K and have really liked it!
char eats greens says
I loved this post and getting a glimpse into the first week with 2 kids!! I can’t believe how good of a sleeper she is. That is seriously amazing. But, margaritas are still a brilliant idea haha!
Em @ Love A Latte says
I loved reading this post! I am due this summer with my second and my boys will be close to two years apart. Did your second sleep in a bassinet by your bed? I’m trying to figure out the setup for us. What age did you switch your second to the crib? Thanks for any tips!
Em @ Love A Latte says
Oops, I’m sorry, the pictures just loaded and I see you had a basket next to your bed. What brand is it? Thank you!!
Brittany Dixon says
It’s a Moses basket that we picked up from Buy Buy Baby! I liked the basket, but having the stand was most helpful. Both H and K slept in it right beside the bed until 3 months. Congratulations on your baby boy on the way!! 🙂