Elliott: 2.5 years old

She may only be two and a half, but I swear sometimes Elliott acts like a teenager. She loves babies, dolls, books, tractors, and “colors” (pens and markers). “Princess Jammie dresses” are her obsession.

She’s going through a real Bauman phase as far as looks go, and I see glimpses of Andy’s family members often. Weight is about 29 lb. I’m unsure  of her height, but her torso is long. 2T dresses are all tunics on her, and she’s got a bit of a booty (also not my genetics 😂). We are exclusively purchasing 3T clothes. Her hair is getting so long and is so beautiful when actually styled. Our girl is seriously gorgeous.

Elliott is an A+ big sister. From the moment Leo was born, she’s never shown a hint of jealousy or acted out in any way. It’s really amazing. When I get her out of bed, she always asks where he is and goes to find him. If he’s balling and wakes up she immediately says “he’s awake, he’s upset, I probly get him” and runs to his side. He gets woken up so often because she’ll just go into his room to check on him and squeeze his cheeks. She is all about Leo and tries to take care of him like Mom. She’s a little too aggressive with hugs and kisses and understands nothing about being gentle or quiet. Poor kid. He takes it like a champ.

And yes, she can now open doors. It’s like she figured it out overnight! It’s obviously not convenient but hasn’t gotten too out of hand. Our front door and sliding doors are too advanced for her still, so as long as she doesn’t wander out to the garage in search of popsicles, we will be okay. Elliott now gets food whenever she wants thanks to opening the pantry door (tortilla chips are a fave), as well as the fridge. She can only get to the yogurt and cheese on the bottom of that though ;)

Elliott is a pretty decent eater for a toddler. Favorites are still avocado and most fruits, but she really loves tortellini, macaroni, and cheese in any way. She knows that a DQ sign means ice cream. Since Andy has been harvesting, we haven’t had as much structured meal/table time so I’m looking forward to getting back to that routine.

Speaking of harvest, she loves tractor/combine rides with her Dad. She still refuses to ride with Papa Rick, but I’m still able to get some short breaks from her and she’s able to see her dad for a bit. Andy added a bunch of toy tractors to her fleet and we got the old toy shed from the farm, and she does play with them.

Aside from us being at the hospital to have Leo, we did leave her for one night while we went to STL for a wedding. All went great as far as I know. And since then she hasn’t been quite as afraid of Andy’s Dad, who she’s always been a bit leary of.

She is still in pull-up diapers and has no interest in potty training. I know she’s smart enough but I don’t want to push her just yet so we are riding it out for now. I wouldn’t mind not having to buy diapers for two though 🙄

Smarty pants knows a million nursery rhyme songs and shapes and colors are right most of th time. We’re working on letters but she’s not quite into it just yet. Either way, she is definitely not behind in the school department. Watching her grow is so fun.

Leo: 3 Months Old

It’s been a great month! One of my goals was to get Leo on more of a schedule, and we have definitely made progress. I moved the rock n play to his room, so he has a more defined place to nap.  I sporadically put him in there or in his crib. He’s growing out of the rock n play and I want to transition him from sleeping with motion. He’s not the greatest independent napper and prefers to sleep with me though. And time-wise, his naps are all over the place. 

I have started to put him in his room at bedtime as well but will move him into our bed at first wake up (usually between midnight and 2 but it’s so sporadic). He still seems to prefer being with me at night though and I’m not ready to give that up completely. He’s already ahead of what Elliott was at this age (she took crib naps at 3 months but I didn’t dare do bedtime there) and I will take that! I’ve tried using the Bassinest more at night so he gets used to lying flat and not on me :) He actually does okay, but definitely doesn’t sleep as long of stretches. He seems to be a side sleeper, and likes when I lie his fleece blanket flat under him so he has something soft to snuggle against..

He loves getting his clothes and diaper changed. Like any time you touch his neck area he giggles with glee!! It is so precious and I love it. Leo is still super chill almost always, smiles a lot, and hasn’t had a cranky day in his life. Please never change!

Kiddo seems to like bath time. He sucks on his hands and blankets constantly. We haven’t really done paci at all this month but he does want to use me to fall asleep often. I make him actually eat and burp first. It’s such a tough call choosing between that and a paci.

Leo still eats almost constantly. Cluster feeding just might be his baseline, and you can look at his thighs for proof- rolls! He’s never been a rolly baby (just big) but that is changing. 3 month clothes are out the door, but 3-6, 6 month, 6-9 month, and even some 9 month are in the rotation. 

I think his head is still a little wonky from pregnancy and delivery, but it seems to be evening out with time. I feel like he could need a helmet but everyone thinks I’m crazy for thinking that.

Leo: 2 Months Old

I’m writing this on the late end of the month so this one is gonna be short on details :)

We went to the doctor at two months and big dude weighed 13 lb 13 oz. I believe he was 23.5 inches long or something. He was like 97% for weight for length 😂 6 month Carter’s clothes have some room but are easy to put on. Otherwise we are in 3-6 month and some 3 month stuff. We bumped up to size 2 diapers pretty quickly but he’ll be in those for a bit. 

We also did vaccinations at 2 months and for once it was actually tough for me to watch! Elliott cried so much as a baby that I didn’t have as much sympathy for her, it was just another day (though she never really did bad with shots). Leo’s cry was so sad with a big pouty lip that it really tugged on my heart strings. My sweet baby!

He really is the best kid. I didn’t realize just how colicky Elliott was until now comparing them both at this stage. He doesn’t cry much at all and when he does his needs are always easy to meet. He’s never had a tantrum in his life and has started to smile. Gah I just can’t get over how sweet he is. 

Leo still loves to eat (surprise, surprise) and mostly nurses every 2-3 hours still. It took a few tries but he did take a small bottle from Andy and one for me, too though with some struggle. I have left him with Andy at home a few times to go grocery shopping. Otherwise, Andy and I went to a quick wedding reception dinner and left both kids with my parents for a few hours. There doesn’t seem to be any attachment issues like Elliott had. Hopefully he will cooperate a little better with bottles! 

He does sleep his longest stretch in the evening (from like 8-1ish in his rock n play) but the times vary. He often wakes up several times after that so early mornings can be really rough. He’s usually in bed with us at this time because by the time I put him down he wakes back up again. The tired feeling has really started to hit me. With Elliott, I could sleep with her all day to make up for lost sleep, but now I don’t have that luxury.  Andy has started in the field as well so it’s mostly me with both kids unless it has rained.  Tired Mom + doing it all alone = lots of mess ups (like locking your daughter in the car with the keys inside, and just generally feeling scattered). In a lot of ways adding another kid has been breezy but whenever we have to leave the house I just don’t have my shit together yet. Something is always forgotten or we are just late to things. I will get there.

We’ve gotten a lot of references to him looking like my dad, and I think that is pretty true. Leo does have similarities to his sister and Dad though, depending on the face he makes. It seems both of our kids have some of each of us, though Elliott is more Bauman and Leo is more Eckhoff. I love hearing what people think. Either way, we make adorable babies. 

In reference to his name, Leo definitely fits. I can’t imagine him being named anything else. I’ve heard of a few other Leos since his birth, so it’s definitely more common than Andy and I normally would be attracted to, but it’s such a suitable name for him. 

He is the best best best! So glad to have this chunker!

Day in the Life: Sep 2017

Monday, October 9, 2017

12:23 Wake feeling rested, look at clock and realize it's still early, go back to sleep
1:19 Wake to feed
4:49 Wake to feed, Leo and I both go in and out of sleep
5:43 Bring Leo into our bed from his rock n play
6:14 Andy gets up to get ready for work
7:00 I get up and do some PT exercises while Leo still sleeps on our bed
7:20 I get back in bed and take advantage of both kids still sleeping. Browse social media, email, etc.
7:53 Get Elliott from bed, change her diaper, and give her my phone to watch videos while I hop in the shower. Leo gets transferred back to his rock n play so Elliott doesn't squash him. He slowly wakes up.
8:23 I hop out of the shower and get dressed
8:33 I change Leo's diaper and nurse him.
8:56 We all head to the kitchen to eat breakfast, yogurt and granola (or "crumblies" as Elliott calls them).
9:09 Empty the dishwasher and pick up breakfast. Elliott goes downstairs to play and Leo and I head down when kitchen is put away.
9:25 Take Leo upstairs to sleep. He's out after a minute or two of rocking in his bedroom and I set him in his crib. Go back downstairs and play with Elliott.
10:05 Go back upstairs since Leo is awake (he only sleeps 30 minutes in his crib like clock work). Elliott follows a few minutes later so we head to my room. The kids lay on our bed and Elliott watches some more videos. I move over and fold some laundry and vacuum the master carpets. Tuesday is technically master cleaning day, but we'll be gone in the morning so I take advantage.
10:38 Sit down and feed Leo
10:48 move to Elliott's room where we play, read books, and simultaneously clean up. Monday is for cleaning the kids' rooms.
11:05 Leo is ready for sleep so I go to rock him. Again he is out in a minute or two so in his crib he goes.
11:17 He's awake. I might as well change his diaper now. I get out the Halo SleepSack to try, swaddle and rock him again.
11:35 Lay Leo down and head to the living room to turn a fairy movie on for Elliott. I reheat lunch (taco bowls - taco meat, black beans, cheese, salsa, and corn) and we both eat at the counter. Reload the dishwasher with the dishes.
12:05 He's awake, 30 minutes like clockwork. Elliott requests a walk so I get the Ergo for Leo and we head down the lane. Leo is not interested so I turn around with the stroller and our walk lasts less than 10 minutes.
12:32 Back from walk. I feed Leo while Elliott hops around the living room playing with a basketball.
12:47 Take Elliott to bed. I head to my bedroom with Leo and change his clothes. Since he's slept so crappy I bring him to our bed but he fights.
1:19 He's asleep and I follow shortly. Triple naps? Don't mind if I do.
2:44 Hear Elliott on the monitor but ignore her.
3:13 Get Elliott out of bed and feed Leo. They hang out on my bed again while I do more laundry and pick up the house. Elliott roams around doing random stuff.
4:12 Elliott needs out of the house so I call Andy and make plans for Elliott to go to the field. They are farming down the road by Bailey's so we load up the car and in the tractor she goes. Leo and I come back home where he gets a diaper change. I feed him and put him in his crib to nap. Update notes for this post.
4:55 Preheat the oven to make dinner. Prep the acorn squash and cut some mango. Move over and fold more laundry.
5:15 Get Leo out and finish up while he sits in his bouncer
5:30 We leave to go get big sis. Andy isn't ready so we get out to chat with Leslie and baby Kaylee while we wait since it's still nice outside.
5:52 We're back home. I finish prepping dinner (squash and grilled chicken). We eat while I hold Leo.
6:35 Elliott draws in the kitchen while I swaddle Leo. He gets fed and I hold him while he naps a bit.
7:10 Elliott gets to watch one episode of Mickey before bed. We head to her room to read and play before bed. I have always really enjoyed bedtime with her for the most part (at least for the last year), so I'm glad that is still the case. Now Leo hangs out with us a lot of the time.
8:00 We leave her bedroom and Leo gets changed into jammies. He gets fed and put to sleep in his rock n play in our room.
8:15 I sit in our bed to browse social media
9:15 An hour has already passed so I might as well go to sleep. Leo doesn't want back up until after midnight! Another great days. 

Leo: 1 Month Old

Baby boy turned one month old on September 1 (this will make it very easy to remember to take photos). He continues to be an easy baby for us.

Baby still loves to eat. I'd say we average 3 hour stretches now since sometimes he goes more or less. I still have to stop to burp him 4 or 5 times because of my fast flow. He still has gurgly burps, but this is tame compared to what it would be otherwise. If he has a choking attack it's my fault for getting distracted and letting him go too long. Thankfully I learned it all with his sister's reflux, so I can control it and he's still a happy dude. 

Kiddo does not sleep nearly as much as his sister did during the day. He is almost always awake for hours every morning, because there is just too much going on. He is also currently in a phase of wanting to be held while sleeping which also contributes to that (although this may not be the case if his sister didn't constantly wake him on purpose). Sleep happens in his bouncer or rock n play otherwise. He sleeps the best in the evenings, so I typically get a good block of time to lounge or get things done (okay, mostly lounge). One night he slept from 6:30-midnight which was nuts to me. He wakes again usually around 11ish and is moved to our bedroom. It's a mixed bag of what his nightly schedule is but most often he wakes between 2-3 hours from then on.

He usually sleeps in our bed for one or two stretches over night. Since it looks like we have another reflux baby on our hands, I burp him and hold him upright for a while before laying him down. Even in his rock n play reclined he tends to wake up shortly after needing to burp or spit up otherwise. I often fall asleep with him upright on my chest before I can put him back in there, so I guess cosleeping it is. I know I sleep better when he is in his own bed, though. I don't feel too slee deprived though definitely get less than before and wish that I liked coffee. Even though I'm wide awake I always make Andy get up to change his diaper once. 

Because I insist on burping him (his sister was a terrible burper and never let me do it), he does not nurse to sleep. During the day there is usually a good break between feedings and naps actually. He falls asleep the easiest if you swaddle and walk around with him. I have held him while making dinner and he's fallen asleep without me trying. Leo will occasionally take a paci. I rarely give him one unless he's really behind on sleep, but Andy uses it as his first defense always. This is ironic because he is the one to complain about Elliott still using a pacifier. Leo will fall asleep on his own in the bouncer occasionally (basically if he whines a bit but I am too busy to attend to him). He doesn't do this in the rock n play.

Leo loves to lie flat on his back, but he doesn't get a ton of time due to big sister's abuse. The bassinest has actually been really handy because I can let him kick in there while he's protected from her rough hands. He also loves to stare out the window right above it. I like that I can put him in there for 20 minutes and get things done or shower. 

I don't know his exact weight but I'm certain he is at least 11 lb. Here is his weight history so far. He also gained 2 inches since birth during that time!

Birth - 9 lb

3 days - 8 lb 3 oz (hospital discharge)

1 week - 8 lb 7 oz

2 week - 9 lb 9.9 oz

3 week - 10 lb 9.9 oz

Size-wise the kid fits just right into 3 month clothes but honestly 6 month clothes are easier to change him in. Leo also produces way more laundry than Elliott ever did. I would leave her in the same sleeper for like 24 hours sometimes (#gross) and he goes through like 3 outfits a day. It's a good thing laundry is easily my favorite household chore. He likes bath time which he gets every 2/3 days like his sister. 

The transition to two kids has been really easy, actually. I'm much more productive I think. I've learned to get out of bed before the kids and this sets up my day much better. Even if I just do a quick pass of the house cleaning, move a load of laundry, or take a shower. Getting out of the house is pretty vital at this point for Elliott's sanity so now that Elliott is old enough we are doing more. Scheduling some sort of activity most days if the week is the goal. I like getting out too mostly because that's less time to dirty the house ;)

Elliott is still all about him. She wants to hold, kiss, hug him at all times. She is not gentle. She is not quiet. This is really my only fear about him, that she'll hurt him. He is amazingly calm when she is rough somehow. I guess he was used to her jumping on my pregnant belly. 

I'm still sore, but can function just fine. If I do activity, it can be pretty painful but I have a high pain tolerance so whatever. I'd love to take the kids on walks every day but maybe after my 6 week follow up! Hoping to not need more surgery. 

Leo's Birth Story

At 40w3d (Monday July 31), I had an appointment with Dr. Emm. I was dilated to 3 and about 80% effaced. Since I was overdue, dilated a good amount, and she was going on vacation that Wednesday, we decided to go in for an induction at midnight. We only told my mom who came over late that night to stay with Elliott.

I had the same ol contractions that I'd been having for weeks. I feel like I was more anxious this time because I knew what I was getting myself into. But we loaded up the car and made the drive, arriving a few minutes before midnight. We went into ER to check in and Dana the OB tech came to escort us up. It was actually someone I knew. Our nurse Danielle (it turns out our kids went to tumbling class together too!) introduced herself, along with our good friend Katie who was also on shift that night. By the time we got settled and going, the pitocin started at 1am at 3-4 cm dilated.

I didn't really sleep at all and was pretty comfortable most of the night. This time I could really read my body and could always tell how far I was dilated without being checked, just based on how I felt. I kept telling everyone that when I want to die I know I will be at 7. 

We progressed at an average pace I'd say, maybe a little slower to start. We didn't take any notes so this is purely from memory and I don't have specific time frames to document. I never walked the halls but pretty sure I sat on the birthing ball, otherwise was in bed since it was nighttime. I knew I wouldn't sleep and if birth was going to run into daytime I didn't want to be too wiped. 

I started to feel uncomfortable with contractions and knew I was 5-6 (I was right). I was still going back and forth about if I wanted an epidural and was totally playing by ear. They had mentioned to me that the anesthesiologist gets busy between 6:30-7:30 am, so if I might want it during that time to be proactive. Sure enough, I could tell around 6 am that I was at 7, because things started to get real hard. I was managing fine, but nothing about labor is easy. Around 6:15, I told them to call for the Epi.

At that time I had already advanced to 8, so things were moving quickly. The anesthesiologist arrived fairly quickly and he set up around 6:45. He said I was easy because I had "good anatomy." The meds kicked in quickly and I had no weird side effects (I had been dreading the needle feeling Allyson had). I was blissful and telling everyone how stupid I was to not get medicine last time. During this time Dr. Emm had stopped by. She had a patient next door that was just a little behind me in labor so she made some rounds while I progressed. 

Around 7:45ish, I started pushing. Since I had an epidural, I legitimately could not feel if I was doing anything. They told me I was doing well so I just kept going. Eventually it got really exhausting though and I was feeling frustrated. I will never forget the image of Dr. Emm pouring gallons of mineral oil on me (okay, not really) and working me. When I felt like I couldn't do it anymore, baby's head emerged! I remember thinking that his head was really small, but little did I know that was just the cone. He came out very quickly and everyone gasped at how large he was. Where in the world do I keep these babies inside of me??

Leo Robert Bauman was born on August 1, 2017 at 8:33 am, weighing 9 pounds even and measuring 20 inches long. 

The cord is super thick and short. Dr. Emm noted that I had a second degree tear and that I was leaving this labor better than I did last time (hallelujah I thought!). She ran to deliver the chick next door then came back for another checkup. I hold Leo and nurse him, do the usual post birth stuff. My parents visited at lunch and brought Avanti's. 

Shortly after he was born, I was getting tired of the epidural feeling. By noon I was real annoyed and honestly telling myself the 2 extra hours of labor would've been a better alternative to this numb feeling. I was also swelling major and bleeding a little more than my nurse wanted. She had Dr. Emm come over her lunch and they decided she would come back after office hours with her partner Dr. Ogunleye to do another patch job.

The whole day my nurse had pitocin going on and off to make sure my extra bleeding wasn't uterine related or from leftover placenta. My uterine contractions were off the charts, I basically felt like I was in transition labor on an off that day. 

Maybe around 4-4:30, I sat up in my bed to nurse Leo and felt a major gush of blood. I got immediately light headed. Dr. Emm came in just as this was going on and she looked at me and immediately knew something was wrong. She was kind of annoyed at my nurse and called for Labs right away, then started examining me. Dr. Ogunleye followed shortly after and they set up shop in the room. I had swollen so much that my stitches were breaking apart and I was creating new tears. I was fine during this time, not really in any pain and keeping my sense of humor. 

After a little bit of them patching, I got very light headed and knew I was about to pass out. They told me that was okay, but I seriously felt like I was going to die. They then decided it was time to move to the OR, and the chaos began. I had to consent to anesthesia, a breathing tube, and knew I was going to get a blood transfusion. My room was full of people. I was scared but honestly so exhausted that I couldn't freak out like I normally would. Andy was pretty calm. A sweet OB tech named Paula told me she would pray for me. That's when I knew this wasn't good. 

I went to the OR and shortly after fell asleep. Honestly, I felt pretty good when I woke up and didn't have any weird effects. I think I was out for about 45 minutes. They said they patched up as thorough as they could and made sure that my bleeding wasn't uterine-related. 

Andy's parents visited Wednesday morning with Elliott. She was all about the baby but we didn't have her hold him. My sisters came that night and brought Potbelly. 

The next two days, I was pretty much chained to the bed. I had a catheter in and basically had a cantaloupe sitting on my crotch. I finally got the cath out and could walk the halls once late afternoon on Thursday. I rinsed in the shower, too, but was still in bed 99.9% of the day. Thankfully I peed on my own within a few hours, so that hurdle was over. I've never felt so physically helpless in my life. 

Dr. Ogunleye gave me the OK to leave on Friday (he had been checking on me once or twice a day). Andy went to Elliott's tumbling class and Allyson stayed with me during that time. We packed up around noon and went home to big sister. I missed her so much! Thankfully she was basically on vacation all week and I don't think she missed us a bit. The next solid week was really hard for me physically. It was until about 12 days postpartum that I started to feel like I could do things again. It's amazing how frustrated not being able to do your own laundry is. Or sit up to nurse your baby. Or get in and out of bed without wincing. The list goes on.

I'm still not myself but I can function just fine. I'm sure it will be a while still, and I don't think I will be having any more vaginal deliveries, but I'm hopeful this whole thing is behind me. Childbirth isn't easy! Thankfully Leo is making up for all of this by being adorable and pretty easy to handle! I'll never let him forget what I went through to bring him here though;) 

Leo: 1 Week Old

We have had our sweet Leo for one week, and so far he has been a pretty superb babe for us. 

After a hellacious delivery on Tuesday, we got to come home Friday. I've been super slow moving but getting a little better every day. The transition from one kid to two is surprisingly easy if it weren't for my own physical setbacks. Elliott adores baby brother (almost at a dangerous level). She would hold Leo all day long if I let her, and is constantly offering him pacis and kissing him. I guess I've done well training her to be a helper because I ask her to fetch me things a lot and she does so happily. 

Baby boy sleeps well. Mostly in his rock n play but in our arms, as well. He also likes the bouncer seat but we haven't tried the mamaroo since it's in the basement and mom can't quite do stairs yet. He spends much more time alert than Elliott ever did probably because there is just more ruckus keeping him up. I don't think we would have to cosleep at all if it weren't for me not being able to lift him in and out of bed. He starts off in his rock n play but since he's waking about 3 times a night I don't make andy get up to put him back every time. I don't want him to sleep in our bed until 16 months like Elliott, but for now it's just fine. The halo bassinest is great in theory but I will probably sell it soon.

Leo came out of the womb an A+ nurser. We haven't had a single trouble and I haven't even been sore. Since my milk has come in, he does have some trouble with keeping up and it goes down the wrong pipe. I'm hopeful it's just a learning curve and he will cut down on the coughing soon. He also still has a bit of gunk in his nose from delivery that gives him some wheezy breathing which I'm sure makes nursing a bit more difficult. I have decided to really cut back on dairy this time since I can already tell Leo is going to be a gassy one. He spits up already when Elliott didn't start until she was a few months old (my milk production is also abundant though). I'm also more strict on making him burp, too. Although sometimes he gets to snooze on me, I don't want him to rely on nursing to sleep like his sister did. For now it's good for my supply so I'm going with the flow. 

We haven't had any tantrums or meltdowns just yet. Honestly, Leo doesn't even really cry. I'm sure that will change as he comes out of the super sleepy newborn phase. At his first pediatrician appointment at 6 days old, he weighed 8 lb 9.9 oz (up from discharge weight of 8 lb 3 oz). Newborn clothes are on the tight side but are still in rotation because I apparently didn't buy enough and we haven't kept up with laundry due to me not being able to lift anything. 

I'm starting to function a little bit better and am really ready to parent like normal. Elliott has been taken care of by others almost exclusively the entire week and I'm looking forward to getting to our own routine. She's been a peach during this transition though, so it's nice to not have that to deal with that. Thankfully it's not planting or harvest and Andy has been with me the whole time. He gets stir crazy in the house so much but it's made him see how much I really do around here!  Our families have brought us food which has been perfect, otherwise Andy would just feed me pizza on repeat.

We are so lucky to have these two kiddos.