First Month Must-Haves

It's hard to believe that it's been just about 4 weeks since Spencer joined us. It's been a roller coaster of emotions and adjustments over the past 4 weeks, but I can finally say that I feel things settling. Spencer is sleeping longer (3 hours stretches is a wonderful thing) and Clari hasn't asked in a few weeks "When is she going back to the hospital?" I'd call that adjusted and settled!

The first month with a newborn is nothing short of survival mode. With our first we read every book and website out there about all the "best" ways to transition a baby at home. That method works well for some parents, but all it did for me was make me one big stress ball. Ryan and I vowed that this time around we would do what was best for our baby's health and safety, but at the same time cutting ourselves some slack.

Here are a few things that were must-haves for me (and baby) over the past 4 weeks:

1. 4moms mamaRoo - Shortly after we had Clari this swing came out. I was jealous that it was after we were past the swing phase and told Ryan that I wanted it for our next baby. I stuck to my word (lucky Ryan) and I can't say enough positive things about this swing. It does the trick every single time plus I like the extra features on it. My favorite is that you can plug your phone, iPod, etc. into it to play music and it will play through speakers on the swing. Spencer loves white noise, specifically "womb sound", so we are able to plug it into the swing and allow it to play for her.

2. Tunic Nursing Tank Tops - The first time we were around other people and I needed to nurse Spencer I realized that layers don't work well unless they are "nursing friendly". Peeling off a shirt plus a tank top to unclip my bra was a struggle and a mess to get back together. These tank tops are a must and I wear them under everything. When we are at home with no where to go I generally just wear these tank tops around the house. Easy access when you have a screaming baby who wants to eat.

                                               

3. DVR - For real though, DVR is a must. We don't watch any TV shows that come on after 7pm anymore. Clari goes to bed around 7:30 and we go to sleep as soon as Spencer does. We are behind on just about every show we usually watch, but thanks to DVR I can catch-up months from now or when they go off to college. Kidding, even though it feels that way.

4. Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter - I actually call this stuff "Magic in a Jar". Anyone who has ever breastfed, whether it was one week or two years, knows that it's a brutal feeling in the beginning. Every time Spencer approached me with her mouth wide open during the first couple weeks I think I would begin to cry. Totally not being dramatic here either. I used this nipple butter after each nursing session. It was very soothing and the smell is great as well.


                                                       
5. Sweaters and Leggings - Pre-babies I was one of those people who would post things about how leggings aren't pants and that you should NOT wear them out of the house. I had Clari and started to jump on the band wagon some. Then I had Spencer and was like "Oh I need to get Clari to preschool, let me just throw on these leggings!" I still have personal rules to wearing leggings (ex. make sure your shirt covers your butt), but especially after having a c-section they were my best friends the past couple weeks. Immediately after arriving home from the hospital I pulled all of my sweaters and leggings out of the closet and put them in a basket so they were easy to get to. I did put on a pair of real jeans for the first time today. Though I was ecstatic that they fit, I really do wish I was rocking a pair of leggings right now.

Taylor 

A Smiling Experience

We welcomed Spencer Elaine to our family the morning of September 19th. Since around 20 weeks in my pregnancy I had been obsessing over Tuesday September 20th because that was my scheduled Repeat C-Section. I even almost ordered wall decor with September 20th on it, insane I know. We had been counting down until that Tuesday. The countdown was everywhere - phones, wall calendar, chalkboard, etc.

                                

The weekend leading up my nesting went through the roof. Ryan was on board because what else do you say to your pregnant wife when she gives you a list to do. You just don't say no to the hormones. We finally finished up the nursery, I washed the last load of baby items, and Ryan cut the grass. My mom was going to come in town on Monday the 19th, but last minute decided to come the day before on that Sunday. Sunday night we went to bed like usual. Hospital bags waiting to be filled the next day, Ryan had his work alarm set, and I was ready to go into the doctor early for pre-op blood work.

At 4:25 am on September 19th, Spencer decided it was time to come. My water broke, we shoved last minute things into our hospital bags, and headed to the hospital. We sat in triage for 3 hours waiting on blood work, prepping for surgery, watching Ryan chug Starbucks (I was so jealous), and me repeatedly saying "I can't believe we are having a baby TODAY and not TOMORROW!" Longest three hours ever. I mostly wondered what Clari was doing and how she would handle it all. And I must say I'm proud of that little girl.

When it was time to walk to the OR, our nurse couldn't believe we were cracking jokes and laughing our way there. No nerves or anxiety for us. This time was different. My mindset was different. Clari's pregnancy was hard and the labor, delivery, and afterwards were traumatic. We had an emergency c-section that could've been planned and less chaotic. I was rushed into emergency surgery immediately afterwards. Ryan was left standing there with a newborn having no idea what was going on. I swore off ever having more children after the whole experience. This time around I vowed to stay positive and live in the moment with it all. My pregnancy was smooth and even though she came a day before we expected, the delivery couldn't have gone better. We were smiling so much as we walked into the operating room because we had faith that this time would be different and it was.

Now that all the grandparents have gone back home, it's time for the Capps Party of 4 to really begin.

                                           

Taylor