2 Week Challenge

I really wish my 2 week challenge was something awesome, like a diet plan I tackled or a wardrobe makeover....but rather my challenge is our first 2 weeks at home with Alexis.  I knew it was going to be a transition, but sheesh, change is rough!

And by rough, I don't mean the baby......

If you look at a checklist of what behaviors your toddler child "may" exhibit after bringing a new baby home, I could check off the whole list. I get that my lap had belonged to Austin, and he is very attached to me (and my hair), but didn't expect the anger.

(Learning to share mommy, and love Alexis)

Austin started fighting, more than normal, with Ashlyn.  Was peeing his pants, after being potty trained for 2 months. Would cry in his bed and say "nobody loves me". Yeah, that last one was a heart breaker. He was only saying it because that is what Ashlyn says when she is in trouble, but it still made my heart hurt for him.  I went from being able to lay with him at nap and bedtime till he fell asleep, so just snuggling for a minute before having to get up to get Alexis, or laying with both of them.  His teachers also said he "didn't listen" for the first time all year at school.

Mommy certainly is taking lots of deep breaths, and thankful that daddy was off work for a week.  And, why is it that toddlers don't have to pee till the minute you sit down to nurse a baby. Glad I am skilled one handed helper/nurser.

Thankful many of our visitors brought presents for the "big" kids too.  Keeps the older two excited even though focus is on the baby.  Alexis by the way, is a Saint! I have been sent a baby angel.  She sleeps 3 hours, nurses, then right back to sleep......all day long.  This girl probably sleeps 22 hours a day. I'd be worried something is wrong, but Austin was similar, so i'm just enjoying it.  We've had tons of snuggle time, it's awesome. My favorite time of the day is when I sit down for 20 minutes to nurse. It's just "our" time and it forces me to slow down, i LOVE it!

Ashlyn on the other hand CAN NOT get enough of her baby sister. She is soooo proud to have a new little girl in the house, and wants to help out as much as possible.  She's had her fair share of tears and fighting with Austin too, but mostly it's over who gets to sit next to the baby or mommy while she nurses.

Sisterly Love

First time holding his baby sister at home

My 3 little monkies

I forgot how small they are. 

Lots of love from her cousins

Alexis is sure to love Uncle Larry as much as her siblings

Helping mommy burp the baby

Rocking Alexis while we get ready for school

Entertaining Alexis with silly faces

Helping put in her paci

My teeny tiny monkey #3

My helpers for the first bath

Sleeping, again!

Sunbathing to help with the jaundice

My new reality, and it's certainly a challenge. But one that I am happily ready to tackle!