Bringing Baby Home! [VIDEO]

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

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

First Time Holding Baby Sister! [MOMLIFE]

Nui Nui has been a rockstar kid and big sister ever since her baby sister has arrived.

I read/heard these stories about how others prepared their first child for when they brought their second one home— a resounding GET A GIFT to distract them and make them feel special or whatever, was the message I got. And so I did. Along with birthday shopping, I got her one of her requested birthday or xmas gifts— a Doc McStuffins Medical Kit.

But, honestly, she didn't really need it. So far, even as I write this, a week after the baby was born, Nui Nui has not displayed any jealousy. Granted, I haven't had my usual energy and had to a couple of times say 'later' when Nui Nui asked for me to play with her or take her outside, but she wasn't crushingly disappointed (at least I didn't think so, or hope not) and other than that, we're good.

Instead, to spend time together, we do things from the couch, whether it be watching a movie together or reading a book, or even building things together (yesterday it was shelf from this Black & Decker construction kit I got her this summer).

The day after I arrived back home, the second she heard the baby cry in the morning, she immediately ran into my room to see the baby. She brought her Mama Tigger, her favorite stuffed toy, in with her to show and comfort the baby.

Throughout the day, she continued to show more love— asking what she can do to help and offering suggestions of what she can do (feed, bathe, and push her on the swing at the park :>). When I changed the baby's diaper, she came by to again offer her help and then began to talk to the baby and hold her hand. She said, 'Can you say my name? Michelena. Mi-che-le-na. It's easy.'

Needless to say, I'm very proud of the girl I am raising. I couldn't be more happy or lucky. Going forward, it'll be double the fun.

Finally, we got a moment before bed and Nui Nui held the baby for the first time. She did a great job. Her response after the few shots I took below: 'Mama, can you take her? She's kind of all wiggly.' Baby was hungry but Nui Nui held her like a pro :> xo

Newborn Baby Girl Asleep On My Chest [MOMLIFE]

Today's the first time postpartum I turned on my computer. I just didn't have the time or energy to do so earlier. I completely forgot what postpartum was like— much harder than delivery itself, which is what I was thinking/worrying about more than anything else.

My life this week has been bed to couch, with bathroom, kitchen/table, and doctor's office squeezed in the mix. Pretty simple. Can't complain except maybe for tv programming, which I don't typically watch and has confirmed I haven't been missing much.

As I move slowly back to recovery, will be spending (and posting when I can) my time and early days with the girls. Lots of photos I can't seem to narrow down, to come :> xo

ps. that white thing on my face? Acne treatment. Pimple was generous enough to let me know the baby was about to come, the message ringing loud and clear on my face :>