Time is Flying...

It's so hard to believe that Lauren is almost two months old already! It just seems like last week we were bringing her home from the hospital. Time sure is flying by… I have noticed that with the first child you're always pushing to hit the milestones, giving them toy after toy to play with, and basically trying to do whatever you can to pass the time with someone who can't really talk back yet! With the second you try to hang onto every moment so they don't grow up too fast. Not to say I'm not pushing Lauren to strive, but I'm more content just holding and talking with her instead of trying to give her tummy time or seeing if she'll play with this toy or that toy. Having Carter does make the time pass quicker during the day it seems. I remember how lonely I would get when Carter was a baby, watching the clock hoping it would suddenly say 5:00pm and Matt would be on his way home from work. That's not really the case now and I'm so glad! I do still get a little lonely and in dire need of some adult company, but motherhood gets easier with the second child. Of course, I knew a little more what to expect and have a lot more experience.

Today Lauren went to the doctor for her two-month checkup. I can tell she's growing like a weed, but was excited to see the actual numbers. Here is her progression so far:

Birth: 8 lbs 3 oz; 20 in (left hospital at 7 lbs 13 oz)

5 Days: 7 lbs 15 oz

2 Weeks: 9 lbs 2 oz (95%); 20 in (25%, which I think was mismeasured)

TODAY – 2 months: 13 lbs 4 oz (95-97%); 24 ½ in (?97%)



So in six weeks time, she's gained a little over four pounds!! She is completely breastfed, so it makes me feel great that I can give her the nutrition necessary to grow like she is. I'm just amazed…

Lauren got her first round of shots today (with the exception of the Hep B vaccine she got at birth). She got four shots and a liquid and was not happy about it! I have never heard her cry like this before!! As soon as she was done, I picked her up and she calmed down quickly and went to sleep. An hour later and she's still zonked!! She's normally a very good sleeper. She's gone as long as 6 ½ hours at night, but it's usually more like 3-4 hours. She's got to wake up to eat, you know… What a chunky monkey!

She's excelling developmentally as well. She's been smiling since three weeks, rolled over at four weeks, loves to sit or stand up, and has been cooing more and more every day. The questionnaire we do at the doctor's office put her at 5 months, 2 weeks developmentally so I'm really pleased. Maybe it's all the talking I do with her all day long – she also likes talking with her mobile or stuffed lambs. Watching her interact with Carter or seeing things for the first time is just amazing. Lauren is thriving, and it's a joy to experience each day with her!

First Dr Appt & Adjustments

Okay, so it's not technically her first appointment, but the 5-day appointment is really just a weight check and to see if we're adjusting at home okay. At her 5-day appointment, Lauren weighed 7 lbs 15 oz (two ounces more than when she left the hospital). The doctor was pleased that she had started gaining some back (after losing 6 ounces in the hospital, which is normal) and that my milk was in and she was eating well. No problems yet...

Today we had her two-week appointment, and little Miss Lauren is growing very well! She weighs 9 lbs 2 oz, so the doctor was super happy! Let me tell you... as much as she nurses, I'm not surprised she gained that much in two weeks! Everything else looked great, so still no problems (other than occasional fussiness from little tummy-aches and she thinks she needs to eat more... ). She is completely breast-fed (no supplementation like Carter needed), and I hope to start pumping and offering bottles soon so I don't feel "stuck" to Lauren!

We're adjusting well to home life. We've had many visitors, but the days I've been alone with the kids have been fine. Lauren sleeps well (and often) in her bassinet and is so content all the time. When Carter was a baby, he needed constant stimulation and interaction and didn't take long naps-- we're already seeing huge differences between the two of them! Carter is still like that today, so maybe that means Lauren will be a little more laid back. The one that it's the hardest on is Carter. He's doing well, he's just learning that Mommy can't be there every second (and knows when I'm nursing I can't get up to stop him!). It's going to take some getting used to, but I'm not worried about him. He is a big helper when Lauren is being changed or bathed and likes being the "Big Boy Brother". We're all getting sleep, even if it is sporadic, but it helps to feel rested. I've learned when I need to lie down, and most the time Carter lets me catch a few zzz's. That's one thing that's harder with the second, but with her sleeping pretty well both during the day and at night it's not too bad. Lauren's also great when we run errands -- she falls asleep in the car and so far she's slept the entire time we're out! That makes it a little easier to leave the house too. I'm so glad she's been such an easy baby!

Lauren will go back to the doctor on July 6th for her two-month checkup and first round of shots (other than when she was born). Carter will be going to the doctor at the end of July for his three-year checkup. He hasn't been to the doctor since his two-year appointment! I always look forward to seeing where he is deveopmentally -- last year he was the equivalent of 3 years, 1 month. Maybe the constant stimulation isn't so bad after all...