Isabella Rose Spaetzel was born on January 30th and 3:24 pm. She weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 6oz and 21 inches. It's no wonder I was so miserable at the end of my pregnancy. This girl was not playing around - she was planning on filling up every inch of my uterus before making her grand entrance into the world. And we are all so in love with her! Labor lasted about 8 hours and I made it to 8cm before giving in to the epidural. 2 hours later, she arrived!
Jayden has taken some time to adjust, but he is doing well. He loves to mimic the sounds baby Izzy makes, and thinks it fun to hold her, laugh and talk really close to her face, and give her hugs and kisses. He really is so sweet with her and I'm happy to see him doing well with her. I was so stressed about how much his life would change when she arrived. I would talk to Matt about how guilty I felt changing Jayden's little world. Turns out, things are starting to feel like the new normal for us all, which is such a relief.
As for being mom to two little ones, I would be lying if I didn't say it's been a challenge in ways I would have never imagined. I went into it knowing it would be tough, but there are definitely days where I feel like crying along with my two kids. Some days, I live for that nap time.
Last week, we were having a particularly rough morning and by nap time, both kids were completely falling apart. All I could do was laugh since it was such an out of control moment for me. I ended up laying on the couch with Isabella by my side attempting to nurse her, while Jayden was hanging on top of me crying at the top of his lungs. He insisted that I hold him and was making sure to let it be known just how upset he was when I could not. After realizing that nursing was not what Izzy was interested in, I just held them both and started singing a song as they proceeded to loose their minds. I have no doubt we will have more moments like these in the year to come, so in the meantime, all I can do is laugh (or cry) and make the best of each moment. :)
Little Isabella has been such a sweet baby these past 6 weeks. It truly is amazing the difference in each child's personality. Jayden was our high-needs baby, who's needs were often exhausting beyond that of a "typical" newborn. However, we learned his personality and figured out how to make life work for all of us. Isabella is the complete opposite. Other than having acid reflux (poor little one), she is pretty easygoing, does not need to be held every minute of the day, and already loves to smile and coo when we talk to her. Don't get me wrong, she has her moments, but overall, God blessed us with a laid-back little one. It's a good thing too, because my beautiful baby Jayden is still the firecracker that he has always been.
There is no question that our attachment parenting style is still the way to go for our family. Isabella sleeps snuggled up with me every night and is therefore able to nurse whenever the need arises. I often have her in the wrap, which is also practical since I have Jayden to play with and run after. No doubt that she is happiest in one of our arms, but she does do well in the swing or bouncy seat if I need to get Jayden ready for the day or just spend some time playing cars with him.
The nursing thing has been a little bit easier this time around, not to say I still didn't have some struggles. My milk still shoots out at lightning speed, causing all my babies to eat as fast at they possibly can, while trying not to gulp down too much air or cause the milk to go down the wrong pipe. I know, sounds like fun. Also, remembering how to nurse my newborn was not as easy as I thought. Jayden nursed throughout most of my pregnancy, self-weaning around my 8th month. I remember thinking I would pick up nursing no problem since I'd been doing it for almost 2 years, but the first night in the hospital proved to be a bit of challenge with latching. Both Isabella and I eventually got the hang of it and are going strong week 6.
Oh how life has changed. Although Matt and I are severely sleep deprived, and I have days that I am counting down the hours until my husband comes home, we are so happy and blessed to have our babies and each other. I would not trade it for anything in the world. Of course, I may need a reminder of that statement as we get ready to enter into our crazy hot summers here in AZ. Oh to be trapped in the house everyday with a 2 year old and a new baby. The adventure continues.
