Family Living: Abbott Style

Owen's 2nd Month Owen is continuing to successfully exclusively breastfeed which I am proud of.  It is true what they say, the first 6 weeks or so are the hardest.  At first,  you feel like all you do is feed.  Now, he eats every 3 hours or so, but it only take him a few minutes to be satisfied.  He has yet to even try a bottle and doesn't care for a pacifier.   He gets a good stretch of about 6 hours of sleep each night, and is often restless from 3-6 a.m.   Extremely well mannered.  It is easy to figure out what he wants.  Rarely cries aside from a fussy period of the evening,   During his second month we celebrated his first Christmas.  He was extremely spoiled by family!   We also celebrated New Year's Eve where we celebrated with a group of friends from church.   He is wearing 3-6 month clothing already. He gained 5lbs in about 7 weeks and has nearly doubled his weight. (He...

First, let us start with the 13 things I learned in 2013: When life seems to get stressful or overwhelming-make cuts. Sometimes it is the simple life that brings the most gratification.  And no amount of money is worth your sanity. Our capacity to love knows no bounds.  Just when you think you couldn't love more or deeper, you fall in love all over again.  Love my little family.  If it is something you want to do, you will find the time to do it.   I love the internet, but internet is not love.  Real friends, are real.   What other's think of you is not more important than what you think of yourself. One can never know what another is thinking--so don't play mind reader.  And don't fill in blanks.  Your assumption is likely to be much worse than reality. Treat what you post on the internet like considering a tattoo.  It's permanent, even after deleted. Old Navy's tall selection is amazing.  The worst-case-scenario usually...

Owen's 1st Month Since day 1, Owen has been Mr. Chill.  During the first week, I actually had to wake him up for every feeding.  He would sleep, eat, go back to sleep.  Rarely cried.  And was rarely awake.  About week two, Owen started to spend more and more time awake--so I was prepared for more crying.  Still. he has remained Mr. Chill.  When he is awake, he looks around the room curiously.  He will begin to tell you when he is getting hungry--but it is rarely a full blown cry.    Now at 1 month, Owen feeds around 8 times a day.  Mostly 3 hours between feedings, but sometimes longer stretches overnight.  He does get restless around 5-7 pm like most babies do, but it is rarely a full blown cry session.  He is easily comforted, but just requires a bit more attention during that time.  Momma is happy to oblige.   Once during this month, I did catch a smile while he was awake.  Owen is not fully s...

Thanksgiving may possibly be one of my favorite Holidays. You would think it would be Christmas. I mean, in theory, Christmas is my favorite because it is celebrating the birth of Christ--but that whole significance aside.Thanksgiving is the official kickoff to Christmas. When I see and hear Christmas songs and decor, I no longer get annoyed like I do the day after Halloween. I am full of Christmas joy, and all the Fa-la-la-la-la.  I am ready to put of the tree and wrap presents. I am ready to watch Christmas movies, It's a Wonderful Life-- cuddle on the sofa with nowhere better to go. And then when Christmas comes, it feels so bittersweet. Of course, it is CHRISTMAS.  So there is that, but then it is all over. Gone....just as quickly as it came. And all that is left if months of bitter cold ahead.  But that is neither here nor there. Thanksgiving has come and gone, and in true tradition--I think it is good to think about, and reflect on what I am Thankful for. I wis...

Here we go, week three of momma of two.  Already, I can't remember what life was like without Owen.  He has turned our world upside down.  It is a constant readjustment--but in a good way.   Ian is so incredibly helpful.  He has had a few days away from the house for various reasons--and we manage without him, but it is just a change.  Things don't get done as quickly--yet life feels like I hit the fast-forward button.  Very little down time when you are taking care of two.  I lean on technology much more than I would like (to entertain Haley while I am feeding Owen or trying to get things accomplished ) but I am slowly learning better ways to balance.  Thinking ahead and trying to be two steps ahead of everyone's needs is super helpful.  Owen is still an incredible baby.  Nursing is going well.  He gained almost a pound in a week! He sleeps well, but is starting to stay awake more and more throughout the day. ...

Today reaffirmed all my reasons for blogging. I couldn't remember the details of Haley's first few weeks at home.  How breastfeeding was going.  How sleeping was going.  When I put her in her own room.  All those types of things.  Back then, I blogged several times a week.  Often, the emotions were raw and the excitement and frustrations were uncensored.  I spent some good time looking back at those few weeks.  Somewhat cringing, but I have to remember--I was doing the best I could at that time.  Period. But re-reading what I wrote helped me remember all my mistakes and wins during those weeks.  So now I can better take on the weeks ahead. Owen is now 10 days old.  We are honeymooning it up right now.  He is eating and sleeping like a champ.  I honestly have zero complaints and couldn't have asked for a better behaved baby.  In fact, it is unsettling almost.  Too good to be true almost.  Like, I am sit...