Charlotte Frances {2 months}

[Behind again, but at least I'm posting these! I'm blaming this delay on being in Texas on 3/6, the day Charlotte turned 2 months old!]

Your sweet 6 week picture. We were in Texas when you turned 8 weeks and Mama couldn't get it together to take an official pic #worldsmostokayestmom

Weight: As of your 8 week checkup on February 27, you're weighing 10 pounds, 4 oz. You've grown so much but are still such a little peanut to us! You had your 8 week checkup a little early (on Monday, February 27) so that you could get your next round of vaccinations before our girls trip to Texas. 

Nicknames: CC, Sweet Charlotte, Lovebug, Lovey, Little Love, Sunshine

Clothes: You've officially outgrown all of your newborn clothes (sob!) and are well into your 0-3 month outfits. Some 3 month outfits absolutely swallow you, while 3 month outfits in other brands fit you perfectly - baby sizing is crazy! 

Sleep: We feel super lucky that you're such a good sleeper (knock on all of the wood!). We put you down between 9-10pm, and you sleep until 4-5am, when you wake up for a feeding a diaper change. You go back down until 6:30/7am (when your Daddy leaves for work) and we get up to start our day. You nap off and on throughout the day, and are super flexible, which I love and knew we wanted - you don't have to be in a certain seat with a sound machine and no light to fall asleep. I do let you fall asleep on my chest as often as you'd like, though.

Schedule: No real schedule, but an average day looks like this - 
6-7 a.m: Awake and eating
7-9 a.m: Hanging out in the Mamaroo or your lounger while I make/eat breakfast and try to drink my coffee (very rare chance that I make it through the cup without microwaving it)
9-11 a.m: Nap while I straighten up downstairs, put on a load of laundry, clean up the kitchen, etc.
11 a.m. - 12 noon: Awake and eating
12-2 p.m: Nap while I shower and get ready for the day 
2-5 p.m: The time we're most likely to get out of the house/run errands. You often fall asleep during our outings.
5-6:30 p.m: Prep dinner/find our way through the witching hour. I usually try to wear you in the Solly while prepping dinner with a glass of wine.
6:30-8:3o p.m: Daddy's home! Eat dinner together, watch a show on the DVR... This is your time to hang out with Daddy, which he loves every minute of.
8:30 p.m: Bath time. 
9-10 p.m: Read a story, rock and into the Pack n Play you go.
Wake up and start it all over!

Health: You've been in the best of health since Day 1, and we couldn't be more grateful or feel more blessed for that.

Crying: You only fuss if you're hungry, overtired or need a diaper change. You've definitely found your lungs this month and have gotten louder - you make sure we know that you're here! You've taken to your paci this month, and it's been great for your fussy times during the witching hour.

Feeding: We're still exclusively breastfeeding, although we're working towards introducing  a bottle soon (mainly my hesitation). You're a great eater and are getting more into a routine versus strictly nursing on demand, although I do let you comfort nurse whenever. We nursed for the first time in public at the airport (with my CoveredGoods cover) before our flight to Texas. Aside from your flailing towards the end, we both did great. It was a huge check for the both of us!

Likes: Bathtime/massage after bath, your Lamb and Fox Wubbanubs (Wubby), walks in your stroller, being warm/snuggled, Adele time with Daddy when he gets home from work. And your Mommy! Seriously... you've met a lot of new people lately, and while you're semi-okay with being held by them, you're constantly looking around for me and will fuss until I'm holding you again.

Dislikes: Being cold, loud noises (sneezes send your little hands flailing), being buckled into your carseat - you don't mind it once you're in, but the process of getting you there is something else.

Milestones: Smiles! You are all smiles, sweet girl, and they absolutely make my heart soar every single time I catch one. You're also tracking me and your Daddy all around the room - it's so fun to see you look for us when you hear our voices. We celebrated your First Valentine's Day and also went on your first plane ride!

Places You’ve Gone: We made our first solo trip to Texas! You were the most perfect little traveler - we flew direct both ways, and you woke up once on the flight from Boston to Austin to nurse and for a diaper change and went right back to sleep, and slept from wheels up to wheels down from Austin back to Boston. I was so proud of both of us for making the trip, just the two of us, and can't wait for more adventures together!

Visitors: You've met a handful of new people at family gatherings, including your Aunt Katie and Uncle Jeff at Katie's baby shower - your cousin Addison will be here in two short months! And you met your whole Texas side of the family during our trip home.

Postpartum: I got the OK at my 6 week checkup to start working out again, and I'm actually missing it! It's been hard because it's been so darn cold, so I'm looking forward to spring weather actually getting here so we can get out and moving more often. Lord knows it's been a solid six months since I really moved and summer clothes aren't going to work on this bod...

Molly: Sweet Molly has been the absolute best with you. She follows me from room to room, all day long, and constantly wants to sit right next to me - at my feet in the nursery, next to me on the couch. I love it, and I'm so happy that she's adjusted to not only having you around but to sharing the undivided attention she usually gets from us. There have been a few times when I've come home with you during the day and she'll meet me at the door with a toy, and leave it right next to your carseat - love it.

This little fox sleeper from Gap... the bubbles while she's sleeping... napping with her daddy... I just love this picture.

Our little valentine!

Books, a card, and flowers from her daddy for Charlotte's first Valentine's Day!

I'm mentally preparing myself for when she gives me this look down the road.

Practicing using the Ergo before our trip to Texas!

This little love - Born to be loved, indeed!

Boogie and the Baby - Molly loves Charlotte and always wants to be thisclose to her. Makes my heart happy.

Brian took this and while it's so not the best picture of me, it's a sweet memory I want to remember.

Forever one of my favorite pictures - one of Charlotte's first real smiles.

Every single ultrasound that we had showed her with her hands around her face, so I just love seeing her doing the same thing now.

Meeting her big cousin Meredith on Meredith's 4th birthday!

Celebrating (or sleeping) at Auntie Kay's baby shower! We can't wait to meet our new cousin, Addison!

Melt my heart already! 

Sending birthday wishes to Gigi!

This gal only has eyes for her Daddy...

Starting to hold her Wubbanub (those little hands slay me)

We made it! Charlotte's first time in my favorite place- Austin, TX!

Boss Lady (with a serious side-eye)

Relaxing at Gigi and Papa's house in Texas

We made it to the Silos!

Meeting Aunt Shivani and Auntie Amanda - two of my best, oldest girls. It made my heart so happy to see them (and I definitely cried when they left).

My little foxy girl!

Her Papa (my dad) is pretty smitten with our girl.

Charlotte Frances {1 month}

[I've had this post in my drafts for close to three weeks now, but am just now getting around to posting it! What can I say - the whole concept of time completely changes once you have a baby. I'm really working to stay on top of the posts going forward.]

Our sweet Charlotte Frances is one month old today! There is nothing in this world that I love more than being her mama - it's changed me in so many wonderful ways, and I wouldn't trade these last four weeks for anything in the world.

Those teeny tiny socks are tucked away - they were the only pair that fit her for her first three weeks and I cried when she outgrew them.

To say becoming a parent has been a learning experience is the understatement of the year. There is no way to prepare for any of it, until you're in the trenches and just have to... figure it out. I've been pooped and spit up on. There have been lots of tears (some from Charlotte, lots from mama). I've never been so exhausted in my life, but have also never experienced the desire to just sit and hold and stare at this amazing little human all day, every day. There have been the most fantastic highs and some really low lows, but we've made it and now here we are. We fall in love with her more every single day and all of those cliches about parenthood are so true. We can't wait to watch this sweet girl grow up!

My parents stayed with us for the first two weeks, and while I was originally a little reluctant for them to be here that long, by the time the day came to drive them to the airport, all I could think was "How can I be a mom without my mom here with me?" It was completely awful saying goodbye, and I can't really think about it much or I'll cry again. The first week, I thought I knew everything, but Charlotte was kind of still in the "newborn daze" - once she started waking up and I realized that my parents actually knew a thing or two about taking care of a newborn, I couldn't ask them enough questions. I was also deep in the baby blues at this point, so having my mom there for me was huge. Brian had two weeks of paternity leave that he could split up however he wanted, so he took the first week that we were home, then Monday/Tuesday for the last couple of weeks. 

There is no real schedule for us right now. The days are long but they also fly by, and I feel so lucky to have this maternity leave to soak up every single second with my girl. One of the best things I've done personally is have somewhat of a routine. We wake up for the day when Brian leaves for work, and move downstairs for coffee and breakfast, Good Morning America and Live with Kelly. I try to prep dinner and switch out/fold laundry, then we head back upstairs so I can shower (while Charlotte hangs in the bouncer in the bathroom with me. From there, depending on what kind of day Charlotte is having, the afternoon either flies by or drags until Brian gets home. We try to get out of the house every single day, even if it's just to drive to get a coffee. It keeps everyone sane - we can go a little stir crazy when we're in the house all day long. 

Breastfeeding has gone remarkably well. It was one of the things that I was most nervous about - I think maybe just fear of the unknown? But Charlotte latched immediately after birth and we had great encouragement from the nurses and lactation consultants while we were in the hospital. We had a little struggle around 3 weeks old with a lot of pain in my right breast - we figured out that I had a clogged duct, and Charlotte and I went to a breastfeeding support group that my hospital offers. It was helpful but... overwhelming. There were 21 moms with 21 newborns plus a few older siblings running around, so I had a moment to ask my questions and the lactation consultants were helpful, but it was just... a lot. We ended up working through it together, and things have gone so much better. 

All in all, our girl is healthy and thriving, and we couldn't be happier or feel more lucky to have this sweet baby in our lives! I wake up every morning so excited to see her, and just want to soak in every second that I can with her.

Now, for the start of our monthly updates!

Weight: Charlotte, you weighed 7lbs, 9oz when you were born, dropped down to 7lbs, 1 oz the day we were discharged from the hospital, and were back up to 7lbs, 14oz at your newborn checkup on Tuesday, January 10. The last time you were weighed was at our breastfeeding support group on Wednesday, January 25, and you clocked in at a whopping 8lbs, 9oz! Your 1 month checkup is on Monday, February 13 and I can't wait to see how much more you've grown!

So tiny at your first checkup at four days old!

Clothes: All newborn, but they're getting super snug! Your coming home outfit was Magnolia Baby and fit perfectly, and we've had several fleece Carters sleepers in the rotation that were initially slightly big on you. And the Janie and Jack one-piece that I bought when we found out you were on the way swallowed you up in the hospital and is still big. I'm having MAJOR mom feels this week because you're officially growing out of everything - tiny white newborn onesies, your newborn sleeper gowns, all of your footed jammies, and your newborn pants. We're kind of stuck because the majority of your 0-3 months clothes are still way too big, but we're out of options in your newborn drawer! I just bought a couple of Carters newborn sleepers and they're working for right now. Oh, my mama heart will break the day I have to pack up that sweet newborn drawer that I spent so much time shopping to fill, washing and folding, waiting for you to join us. I've definitely cried this past week as I've realized with the wear of each outfit that it's likely the last time you'll wear it, especially your fox sleeper and your "Hello Daddy" onesie (it's what I bought and tucked away to someday use to tell your Daddy that I was pregnant). 

 

This sweet fox sleeper was an impulse purchase a few days before you were born - I dressed you in it until the neck started to pull because you were too long! 

All the tears for this - I bought this onesie when you were just a dream and a prayer of mine, and I gave it to your daddy to unwrap to tell him you were on the way. 

Sleep: You're waking every two hours to eat and for a diaper change, but going back down has been a little touch and go. Some nights you fall right back to sleep, but we've also walked and rocked for hours to get you settled back to sleep. You're a great sleeper, though - you never startle and can sleep anywhere, but are especially fond of napping in our arms (and I'm not in any hurry to break that habit). At night, you sleep in your Pack n Play bassinet next to my side of the bed, and during the day nap in either your Boppy Lounger or the Mamaroo. Something I want to remember - we know you're in a deep sleep when your little mouth falls open and you make your "purring" noises (sweetest sound in the world).

Schedule: I will be the first to admit that I was that annoying pre-parent who told anyone who would listen about how we were going to put you on a schedule at 2 weeks old. Yep, didn't happen, and I'm in no rush to do so. I quickly figured out that my main priority is making sure you're fed and rested, and we do what it takes to make that happen. 

Health: You are healthy and thriving, baby girl!

Crying: You only fuss a tiny bit when you're hungry or need a diaper change, but even then it's the daintiest little sounds. We call them your kitten meows and baby lamb noises - I have countless videos saved of them!

Feeding: Breastfeeding has gone exceptionally well for us, which is such a relief for me. Right now we're nursing on demand, and you eat for around 10 minutes on each side. We're exclusively nursing, although I know we'll need to introduce a bottle at some point. 

Likes: Sleeping in our arms, bathtime, being in motion (in the car, stroller), eating, being snuggled and warm, the Mamaroo, listening to Adele with Daddy

Dislikes: Being cold, dirty diapers, getting buckled into your carseat

Milestones: I'm going to say being born was your biggest (and best) milestone this past month.

Places You’ve Gone: We've been really good about getting out and about as much as possible! We made our first trip to Target with Gigi on your 1 week birthday, and have been back... many, many times since. You've had pediatrician visits, and went to my office to meet my coworkers (they loved you!). 

Visitors: Your Gigi and Papa were here from Texas for two weeks, which was amazing. Caitlin and Andrew, and Brad and Jackie also came to see you and were so excited to love on you.

Postpartum: Major baby blues over here, which deserves its own post entirely. Physically, I feel great and feel like I've had a very easy go of it in regards to my recovery.

Molly: She was a little suspicious of you at the beginning and definitely nailed a look that screams "Just so you remember, this was NOT my idea, guys..." but she's been super sweet and gentle. We can't wait for you to grow up with a built-in best friend!

Shortly after walking in the front door from the hospital! The most surreal moment - sitting in the nursery we worked on for so long, holding the baby I'd hoped and prayed for... with our sweet Molly at my feet.

Two day old Charlotte!

 

Our first (very tired) family picture! 

"Let's snuggle and be cozy" - the motto of my maternity leave with my girl.

So teeny tiny and snuggled up.

  

The most tired (and happy) I've ever been in my life.

One week old! OBSESSED with this precious baby.

Charlotte and her Gigi (my mom).

Charlotte's first trip to Target at one week old!

My sweet little family (and deeeeep in the world of post partum sads - more to come on that...)

Charlotte's first sink bath (before her umbilical cord fell off)

Me and my girl.

Charlotte's first bath! Her umbilical cord fell off (obviously)... and I cried. And then Molly ate it. You can't make this stuff up, y'all... I kept thinking of the episode of SATC where Brady's cord stump falls off and Miranda's cat takes it and is playing with it and she has to call Steve... and that this was SO much worse.

Dressed my girl in her white "Future President" onesie for Inauguration Day. Again - all of the tears.

The morning my parents left - so many sads.

Charlotte meeting her great grandmother, DeeDee (Brian's grandmother). Charlotte is DD's fifth great grandchild!

Daddy and his girls.

My dad told me when I Facetimed him on this night that she looked like a mime. 

Wearing the Janie and Jack outfit that I bought the afternoon that my doctor told us that we had nothing to worry about and that my pregnancy was healthy and strong (teary again just typing that).

Her favorite place to sleep (and my favorite place to let her sleep).

  

Her daddy's little Pats fan on Superbowl Sunday!

My sweet CC

Getting so big already - the night before her 1 month birthday!