An Instagram Day in the Life

Today was my first full day on my own. I was honestly scared shitless and certain I would break down in tears multiple times. Between my physical probs (anemia/thrushy boobage/whatnot) and my lack of confidence in the stay-at-home-mama-of-two gig, it just seemed completely daunting. How was I going to make it until 5 pm? What would happen if Oliver needed me to bounce him up and down a ton when I don't have the stamina for that, not to mention it hurts my boobs like crazy. How was I going to deal with the complex feeding/diaper change/giving-thrush-meds situation while also paying attention to Bella? HOOOOOOOOOOOW?

Well, I did it. I DID IT! I'm kind of ridiculously proud of myself. Sure there were kids shows on Netflix that I used as a crutch for 20-30 minutes here and there, but I still made it out alive and tear-free. HALLELUJAH! It certainly helps that I'm feeling better today and breastfeeding is only mildly painful. And when I remember that my energy is only half there and should improve in the next three weeks, I get kind of excited. Dudes, I think I'll feel manic by the time this anemia is resolved.

I also happened to download Instagram on my iPhone this morning and I think this is the start of a beautiful relationship. LOVE IT. So here's our insta-day in the life.

Morning Stroll

When Bella saw me put on a skirt (one of my skirts from last summer and thus it created a lovely sausage-casing-like appearance around my mid-section), she insisted that she wear her tutu, too. All skirts are currently tutus. We also brought her Halloween bucket for the important task of rock collecting. It took us about 50 minutes to go around two blocks.

Lunchtime

We like to be prepared.

Post Bath Nursing During Bella's Naptime

This was one of the first moments where I really felt like we were bonding because all was quiet and it was just us and he kept making eye contact. Aw, shucks.

Juggling Two

Bella wanted to read a book. Oliver wanted to be jiggled to sleep. Ergo: sitting on the stairs with Bella next to me and Oliver on my lap.

Art on the Deck

I wanted to get us outside again after Bella's nap to help burn off her endless toddler energy, but it wasn't going to work with Oliver's feeding schedule (right now I have to be home for feedings because of all the handwashing & medications). So I pulled her easel onto the deck and it kept her happy for a bit. Art on the deck is diaper-optional, obvs.

Oh, Thank God, Daddy's Home

A walk to the neighborhood grocery store followed by a stop at Chipotle for dinner. Gorgeous summer evening.

Dinner on the Deck

 

 I gave Bella some strawberry Kefir after dinner and raved about what a special dessert she was getting ("strawberry yogurt milkshake!") and she totally bought it. HAha (Nelson voice). SUCKA!

Le Papillon

I have been watching this butterfly for the past couple days - he likes to land on our deck railing. Ever since that Biggest Loser contestant who lost her family in a tragic accident told the story of those two butterflies following her during a challenge - and she strongly felt those two butterflies were the spirits of her children - I have been extra enchanted by butterflies. I don't know if I believe in that stuff, but there was something so exceptional in that woman's story. It brings tears to my eyes even now. Anyway, butterflies are just so charming. Except when they are caterpillars. Then they are gross.

Baby Bruzzah

Baby Bruzzah got pee on his head during a diaper change so we rinsed him off in the sink. Husband gave him a rockin' comb-over. And look - baby smiles! He started those last week.

That's all. Now 3 oz of wine and bed. No dessert because I'm on a no-added sugar/limited dairy diet to reduce thrush levels, which means SUPER SAD TIMES ON THE MOTHERSHIP.  Unexpectedly accelerated postpartum weight loss, here I come!