Tiny Little Fingers [MOMLIFE]

I cut these long nails today.

Postpartum Update! - 1 Month [VIDEO]

Five Day Old Tickles [MOMLIFE]

Big Sister, Little Sister, Tummy Time! [MOMLIFE]

Nui Nui is always eager to do tummy time with her baby sister.

The other day she said, 'Mama, I like the baby.' Music to a mother's ears.

She also said, when the baby was crying, 'The baby's crying is too loud. It's giving me a headache.' :>

Big Sister Holds Baby Sister For The First Time! [VIDEO]

Bringing Baby Home! [VIDEO]

The Hand That Claims The Mother [MOMLIFE]

Ok, let's talk about this photo for a minute, shall we? :>

One of Estéanna's favorite sleep positions is putting her hands up to her face, all cute-like (see below). That's where her hands were before the above pic. 

Then, I adjusted my sitting position. And, when I did, was when she moved her right hand to my chest.

Baby's are smart and being so intimately close to them is the funnest part about being a mom.

Estéanna loves being held. And if/when she thinks there's a threat of being let go of, she will peep open her eyes to check to make sure I'm still there or, like in the pic, will place her hand to claim her territory. Nui Nui did the exact same thing.

Very cool and why I named this video Something I Love About Breastfeeding. xo

First Pics Of Estéanna! - From The Delivery Room [MOMLIFE]

There aren't many but here are some pics from the delivery room that mom took.

I'm importing video footage! Hopefully I can jump on the video bandwagon sooner rather than later! xo

Tummy Time Has Begun! [MOMLIFE]

Estéanna had her two-week checkup yesterday and the girl is thriving :>

She regained her birth weight (plus some) while being exclusively breastfed (EBF). I walked out of the office so happy and so proud, and so amazed that my boobs are actually functioning the way they're supposed to. Sounds silly, I know, but I didn't EBF with Nui Nui because she initially (in the first days of life at the hospital) didn't have the minimal amount of soiled diapers desired. I could tell, too, that she was hungry, as she downed the formula once it was given to her. 

So, with Nui Nui, it was half and half-- half breastmilk, half formula. And, at the time and all these years, I thought it was because I have small boobs, which couldn't produce enough to support life. Now thinking about it, it's not the case. I think what happened is that I just didn't know how to properly breastfeed, especially initially in those first crucial days.

It is what it is though. Nui Nui ended up being ok and I think that's all that matters.

Anyway, so everything with E checked out ok. I asked the doctor about exercise. She looked at me confused, thinking I myself wanted to exercise while holding her. Um, no.

When she realized I meant exercise for the baby, she lit up and said yes, that was on her two-week-visit agenda. She called it 'tummy time' and advised to do it three times a day for five minutes to begin building her neck muscle strength.

I tried putting her on her tummy the night before but this is what our sesh looked like today. She was good for a little bit but eventually wanted to eat the floor.

And so begins a new journey, where we both continue to build our strength. xo

Babe's Got Swag [MOMLIFE]

My mastitis I think (hope!) is beginning to clear and as I make my way out of that cloud, I see how many pics I haven't posted. Not to beat myself over it, will take it one burst at a time and figure it's better to back post than not at all.  Hopefully I can have the energy to actually film again soon. 

This is Estéanna at five days old, owning it without a care in the world. Girl's got some major swag, not to mention an unforgettable killer smile. So funny! xo

'I Think The Baby Needs You' [MOMLIFE]

This kid.

I don't quite understand the pleasure of transferring a bunch of stickers from sheet to paper but will go with it. In my head, I think, 'Ok, working on fine motor skills and enjoying it.' Thank goodness for dollar-deal sticker pads :>

On another note, this girl continues to wow and amaze me. It's the little things. Always the little things that never feel little.

Today in passing, as if nothing, she said, 'Mama, I think the baby needs you'.

And the thing is, is that she was right. Moreover, it IS nothing. Or shouldn't be. As I mentioned in a previous post(s), I was so silly to think she would automatically be jealous when the baby comes. And I'm even sillier to continue to think that she eventually will be.

No, she won't be, I have to remind myself. Because there's no reason for her to be. Or, at least, I try not to give her any anyway.

Mom told me she asked Nui Nui when she picked her up from school today if she wanted to return the baby back to the hospital-- so random, I know. She told me Nui Nui said no. Because she's part of our family. 

Again, she's right. We ARE family. We are a unit, a package deal, a team. This is a concept I continually drill into her and one that I love we are. Dreams do come true. Dream team. xo

Happy Breastfed Smiling Baby! [MOMLIFE]

Just a few days after I've brought her home and less than a week into the world, baby E has already begun to smile. This totally caught me off guard, as it was not something I was expecting in the slightest.

As I write this, just over a week old, I've witnessed her smiles to continue and at multiple times throughout the day no less.

Honestly, as painful as breastfeeding is, this makes it so worth it :> xo

Baby Is One Week Old! [MOMLIFE]

I'm still trying to catch up with photos but am skipping ahead for this post because I want to get this up today.

Baby made it to one week!

I thought I'd be more concerned/nervous about getting her to one week but, honestly, I've just been too busy/tired/in pain to think about it. But ONE WEEK! Already. Can I whip out the hashtag #sobigsofast yet? :>

These photos were taken in the wee hours of the morning today. I know I missed or am about to miss those precious days when (professional) newborn photos should be taken. This morning, though it looked like she was posing all by herself, so I took the opportunity. This is about as close to a newborn photography photoshoot we'll get to— with dim lighting, natural scenery (my bed), all on my iPhone.

Still, she's one of the cutest babies I've ever seen. In my unbiased opinion. :> jk. xo