I make milk ...

What's your superpower? ...

Breastfeeding is hard. 
I think that it's the most under-rated, least talked about topic when it comes to pregnancy and labour. & to be honest, it's definitely not easier the second time around.

With Aiden, I didn't even know that I wanted to breastfeed. The early days were a huge blur. I can remember crying (lots) in the wee hours of the morning because we just weren't getting it. Learning to breastfeed truly tested my patience. But with time, practice & patience - it was a wonderful experience, & I was able to nurse until Aiden was 1 years old.

With Sadie (here comes the comparison again), just when I feel like we've finally got the hang of things, an improper latch brings me back to square one. It's frustrating, it's painful and it's tough. But again, like most things during the "newborn phase" -it's a learning experience, we will get better & the rough patches will pass. I have to believe this - for my sanity's sake!

But I am determined to make this work for us.
I stumbled across this this morning ... & it couldn't be more bang on:

Don’t stress too much about achieving the perfect latch or breastfeeding position. 

If it works for you and baby then it’s perfect for you guys! It will take time for you and baby to figure out a way that is comfortable for you both, it’s a learned skill.

I also stumbled across this, which I thought it was interesting and a nice reminder of the benefits of breastfeeding.

So in theory, we must ... try, try & try again.
The sound of Sadie sucking and swallowing the goodness and the look of content on her face after a full feeding ... makes it all worth it. Giving up is really not an option. So, as Ryan would say - hang in there tiger - you can do this.

& lastly - because I've haven't lost my sense of humour ... lol.

hush little baby

From what I can remember, we always had a hard time putting Baby A to sleep. We'd rock him, swaddle him, dance with him, let me sleep on our chest - pretty much anything and everything that would make him sleep & allow for us to get that minute of shut eye.


These were a lifesaver.
The instrumental versions are soothing and relaxing, to both baby and mommy (& daddy). Last night Ryan played these tunes for Sadie and she had the same reaction to them as Aiden did. She's was dozing off in daddy's arms. This morning when I played the tracks after she was having a mini fit, it's like she took it all in and simply smiled. Amazing what music can do.  

Baby S is pretty different from Baby A (some people think they look alike, but I think S definitely looks like her daddy!). She seems to go to sleep much easier during the day and at night. When she's tired, you can tell and right after she nurses, she's knocked out & add swaddle to the mix and she's good for an hour ... or two. Last night she went 5 hours between feedings (of course, this startled me completely). On one hand, I'm completely thankful that our baby isn't keeping us up at night and we don't look like complete zombies during the day, but on the other hand, my panic mama radar pops up and I start to feel like I'm not feeding my baby enough! (esp. cause I'm so used to being a nursing machine during the day time). I guess my mantra through this whole newborn phase is that Sadie will let me know if she needs something from me, right? When she's awake ... she's happy, she koos and she smiles and when she's sleeping ... we let her sleep. Because really, it's only moments until she's looking for me and my chest again :)

picnic lunch with my lovelys

Of course, I live for when Ryan is off from work.
Although he can't help much with Sadie - since she seems to be attached to my boob - he's able to entertain and give A much love and attention, which makes me happy.

Yesterday we decided to head down to Lowville park with a packed lunch of simple sandwiches (ancient grains bread, chicken breast, havarti cheese & avocado mayo, plus dijon mustard for Ry). The weather was nice, it was hot in the sun, but enjoyable in the shade. Seemed like Sadie had the best nap of her life & Aiden loves being outdoors.

We're still not able to "go-out" just yet, mainly because S loves to cluster feed during the day - usually every 1-2 hours. I'm definitely nursing her on demand. I figure if she wants to nurse all day, but then sleep anywhere from 3-4 hours straight at night - it seems like more than a fair trade off! Things are getting a bit easier. We're definitely still adjusting to having a newborn & a pre-schooler around. I'd say that my biggest challenge is managing my time between Sadie and Aiden. I "feel bad" that I spend most of my day nursing S - which leaves A to play / entertain himself (hence why I love when Ry is around).  But overall, Aiden seems happy - and maybe I'm making a big deal of out nothing. I know they say to sleep when baby is sleeping, but when Sadie naps - I definitely use this time to catch up with A or get some housework done. Thank God I'm not feeling too tired or overwhelmed - I'm truly enjoying this ride.

I'm also enjoying having coffee back in my life ... and last night, Ryan and I treated ourselves to some sushi!

My 1st batch since Sadie was born, but only takeout, of course - just the thought of bringing her to a restaurant still make me cringe. But I'm sure with time we'll get there, I know that Aiden is missing our dine out nights! Truly taking it one day at a time.