Balance

We are two and a half months in now as a family of four. Things are going rather smooth most days. Alec is adjusting to Wes and Wes is adjusting to life on the outside. Honestly, I think the one struggling to adjust the most is me. It's the lack of sleep that I find most challenging. Getting out of bed in the morning has never seemed more difficult. But whether I like it or not, I hit the ground running every day. I wake to a whimper or a cry... and hardly get a chance to pee before I am assuming my role as Mama again. I often drink my coffee cold, and I seriously can't remember the last time I shaved my legs, but ya know, it's worth it. Every damn bit of it.

Time seems to be flying by, but somehow the days seem so long. Getting out of the house on these chilly winter days seems to be more hassle than it's worth. We've been spending most of our time at home, and to be honest, it's been easier than I thought it would be. My big boy has been playing so well on his own. He is learning that I can't tend to him at every moment of need. He heads down to his playroom every morning after breakfast and can sometimes occupy himself for hours. The boy has quite a vivid imagination and I am so grateful. He's a great kid, but that's not to say he doesn't have melt-downs every now and again. I mean he's two, so it's to be expected.

And my littlest guy, he is just the smiliest little dude around. And I feel like I am really starting to figure him out. Wake, eat, play, sleep... repeat. He takes his meals very seriously. And the kid can't sleep a wink without being tightly swaddled. At night, he is sleeping in his own room, in his own crib, which is a real fete for me. (Such a drastic difference than with my first). I was hoping this transition would help him sleep longer stretches, but we are still managing about two wake-ups per night. I know it could be worse, but it doesn't mean I'm not exhausted.

I started back to work about two weeks ago. (I'm a nurse if you didn't know) It didn't take long to get right back into the swing of things. Just like riding a bike, it all comes right back to ya. This transition has probably been the most challenging. Wes is still so young, and I had to return after only eight weeks at home. Sleep is minimal, all around. Restless nights at home, and sleepless nights at work. Coffee is truly the best thing on earth, it keeps me sane. The hustle bustle of balancing it all has been tough on my husband and I, but we are managing. And although things are a bit chaotic now, I know they will get easier with time. There is light at the end of this tunnel, and I just need to remind myself that one day I will look back and miss all of this. These boys of mine are only this little for so long and I need to cherish these days spent at home with them as much as possible.

So overall, life is kind of crazy right now. And honestly, it may only get crazier. And I have come to terms with the fact that I may have permanent spit up stains on my shoulders, and my coffee may never be hot again. I'm learning to accept my Mom bod as best I can. I'm realizing that it's okay if the house isn't perfectly tidy at all times of the day. I'm embracing the crazy, because these boys of mine are so, so worth it and life is just too short to worry about all the nonsense.

Introducing...

Our baby boy. Isn't he just the sweetest little thing you've ever laid eyes on? 

Things are going well over here. Kiel is officially back to work after the long holiday weekend and it's just me and the boys from sun up to sun down. I was nervous. How was I going to comfort both of them when needed, how will I find the time to change two poop-filled diapers at once? But to be honest, it's okay. I'm figuring it all out, slowly, but surely. 

Life with two is actually pretty grande. I often find Alec standing over baby Wes in his swing... speaking softly "hi baby wes, how ya doin in there". And just before bed each night, we all five cuddle up in our big king bed. Alec watches a little show, Wes nurses into a deep snooze, and all is well in the Drake household. That's not to say we haven't had our fair share of hiccups here and there. Nursing a newborn is challenging. It sometimes feels as though my arms are always full. My husband has mostly been tending to Alec and it makes me happy to see their little bond grow, but I can't help but feel a bit envious too. It's interesting and somewhat difficult to embrace the new dynamic. But so is life, and I realize that things will change, and it will get easier and we will all eventually adjust in due time. For now,  I am doing my best to embrace it all. To soak up that little baby smell, to bask in those quiet moments that I am nursing in the wee hours of the night. After all, they are only this little for so long... and who knows if I'll get a chance to do this all a third time. 

I hope you all had a lovely holiday amongst family and friends. Ours was one for the books. We ended the day with stuffed bellies and full hearts.

And yay for the upcoming holiday season! Bring on all the Christmas cheer! 

One Week

On Saturday, Alec became one week old. He has already managed in this short time to turn our whole lives upside down.. and honestly, we couldn't be more overjoyed by his presence. Nights out on the town are all part of our past. Kiel and I have come accustomed to spending days and nights lounging around the house. We've been taking a lot of short little walks around the neighborhood to get some fresh air. Fortunately, the weather has been great and Alec really likes his stroller rides. Nursing has been a bit of a challenge for me and I've contemplated giving up numerous times, but each day is getting better and Kiel has been an incredible support. Lots of family and friends have stopped over to meet the little guy and bring us dinners and treats.. we couldn't be more grateful! Honestly, feeding ourselves has become a luxury. Alec's meals take priority for sure. Overall, the last week has been quite the rollercoaster ride... lots of ups and downs, but in the end we are happy as can be with the way things all worked out. We feel very lucky to have Alec home, and to have so much support close by. 

Alec at 7 Days old

Pinspiration

I don't know about you, but I am thrilled for fall.  Every year, come August, I am officially over my summer wardrobe. I get overwhelmed with joy to soon be wearing scarves, denim, and boots again. For one, I hate being hot and sweaty. The summer months, especially this year, have been unbearably warm. A cool, fall breeze just can't come soon enough. Also, as much as I love to play with colors like coral and mint... I am really much more of a neutrals kind of girl. I adore army green, maroon, and camel. I also love that you can constantly layer, mix, and match in the cooler months.  

Bring on fall baby, Mama is ready.

Bring on Fall

The weather cooling off over the last week or so has really got me in the mood for fall. I remember finding out that I was pregnant and being so excited that I immediately purchased at least 10 articles of maternity wear. Well, now that I am coming down the home stretch, I couldn't be more thrilled to be back into my regular pre-preggo wardrobe. I realize that my body definitely won't be the same as before, so I have been scoping out some loose fitted tops to camouflage my jiggly belly until it's somewhat back to normal. Urban has some sweet finds that I am lusting over. Fortunately, I have a birthday coming up, so maybe I won't feel too bad about spoiling myself a tad after Alec arrives.