Milk Machine

Chris had a tough day today.  So far the kids have been on opposite schedules, which made him very busy, but at least he was dealing with only one kid.  He kept telling me he wanted them both on the same routine, but I thought it would be harder.  Today they were on the same schedule and he was pretty stressed when I came home.  He said it was nice to have a 45 min break when they slept, but it took him that long to wind down from both of them crying for a bottle or because they were tired.  Hopefully we can get them on a staggered routine.

I am so, so tired.  I feel like I can't get enough sleep right now and there isn't really any down time.  Maybe I need to start taking a small lunch break even if it means getting home a little later.  Yesterday I really missed the family, so I went home early.  Today I forgot a part of my pump and had to drive all the way home.  I think I'm going to buy a second pump and leave it at work...it's such a PITA to drag back and forth.  Especially since I'll be pumping at least until next April, but I'm hoping to go longer.

I moved into my new office today.   It was such a pain to get my computer moved (I've been trying since last Thursday even though they were supposed to have it done before I got back to work).  Then when I finally got my computer moved, my phone extension had not been forwarded, and my desk was locked and I had to track down the key!  But it's all worth it for a view like this:

(This is the Port of Long Beach, the marina, and Queen Mary.  On a clear day you can see Catalina Island on the horizon.)

I really don't like pumping.  I never have.  It's so unnatural.  The only good thing about it is that it allows me to keep nursing...which I LOVE doing.  I've always been a little worried about how work would affect my supply and how I would get the chance to pump.  So far it's been pretty easy.  I pump every 2 hours at work because if I wait much longer I start to become engorged and uncomfortable.  I put a 'Please do not disturb' note on my door and barricade my door.  I'm so freaked out about someone interrupting me.  So far nobody has.

I don't know if Cooper is going through a growth spurt, I am pumping more often than he eats, or if my body is responding to having a second baby at home, but I am making TONS of milk.  I used to only pump an extra 3-4 ounces a day.  Now I pump an extra 10-14 ounces a day!  I have over 150 ounces of milk in the freezer!

We are slowly increasing the amount of breast milk Charlotte gets.  We've been giving her 3 oz, but I think we're going to up it to 4-5 oz.  We're going slow in case it bothers her tummy.  If I can pump an extra 14 ounces consistently, she'll get about half breast milk.  That's simply amazing!  Of course I am eating food and drinking liquids like crazy to keep up with making all that milk.  Breastfeeding burns 200-500 calories, or more if producing milk for more than one child!

I was able to get Charlotte on my work insurance!  This is a huge relief because now we can take her to our regular pediatrician/family doctor.  We really love this doctor and it's super easy for us.  We're going to schedule her an appointment and then figure out when the doctor wants to see her.

Looks like I will be part of the Mines recruiting team again!  That means I get a free trip to Denver in September and maybe again in October!  That means we'll be home early September (and maybe again early October) with the kids.  I'll keep everyone posted on the dates, but the Career Fair is Sept 9th so we'll either fly in early or stay for the remainder of the week.  We were going to come out around the 21st for my high school reunion, but I would rather recruit at Mines.

Cooper updates: 

He's found his voice!  He yells and growls now.  It sure grabs our attention.  I thought he wanted something when I came home today because he was making all these new sounds.  Nope, he was content just playing and growling. 

He is enjoying floor time and can be left on the floor for 10-15 min with very little fussing.  He tries hard to roll over and move his arm out of the way.  Tummy time doesn't seem to make him as mad anymore.  He turned 180° in his crib the other night.  I couldn't tell what I was looking at in the video monitor the next morning because he was upside down. 

He is spontaneously laughing and laughs at funny voices and faces.  He is also smiling at strangers.  However, he is SUPER fussy lately.  We think he's growing (again!), plus dealing with the adjustment.  His 9 month clothes are tight on him (long torso) and we are just about ready to upsize to 12 month...and we've decided no more overalls, they never fit him right.  The adjustment is tough on him because he has to share his parents, plus with me going back to work.  We know it will take some time, but it can be a little frustrating right now.

Charlotte updates:

She cut her second tooth today!!  Her first one (bottom right) came in July 21st and she got the bottom left today.  She's so cute with little teeth!  She is thisclose to sitting up completely unassisted.  She likes to fling herself back, so the boppy comes in handy.

She LOVES the dog and tries to give all her toys to her.  Scout does pretty good, except with the stuffed animal toys, so we've had to avoid those.  It's okay, she loves plastic rattle toys anyhow.  She'll roll all over and collect them and shake them forever!

She has very different bedtime needs than Cooper.  She doesn't want to be rocked and will cry and yell until you just lay her down with her 'lovey' (pink bear head on a mini blanket).  Her thumb goes in her mouth and she zonks out!  It's amazing how easy it is with her!  Gives us hope of what it will be like with Cooper. 

She LOVES being sung to.  It calms her down when she is upset.  Unfortunately both Chris and I are tone deaf...but she doesn't seem to mind!  Her favorite song is Row, Row, Row Your Boat.  Boy, are we tired of singing that song.  She's cute though...she will grab your hands and 'row' herself back and forth.  She tries to do it with Cooper and the dog and her reflection in the mirror. 

She is so tiny compared to Cooper.  Her hands and feet are so tiny!!  She barely wears a size 1 shoe (Cooper is a full size 2) and she can still wear 3-6 month clothing.  She is just getting to a point to be able to wear 6-9 month clothing.

I haven't taken many pictures yet...I promise to do some this weekend.  I want to take one for Charlotte's announcements and also maybe try to take a family picture.