Life with 2 Kids

I am so grateful that I have both of my kids home now. It is wonderful. I thought that Nolan would need to get used to Bennett but it's more like Bennett needs to get used to Nolan! Nolan loves to tickle his toes, say "Silly baby, I like babies" and sing him songs. And Nolan really likes climbing in his baby toys! But I think that's too much for Bennett. He doesn't like Nolan's loud noises and jerky movements. Every time Nolan even gets near, he tenses up!

I feel like every day, we get more of the hang of this 2 kid thing. We've had some crazy moments like Nolan slamming his finger in the door, which caused him to scream, which caused Bennett to wake up and I had to put Bennett down to get Nolan a bandaid, when I come back, he has jumped in the kiddie pool with all of his clothes on and put monkey and blankie in the pool so we have to put them in the dryer, which delays his nap. I wish I could say I was patient and full of joy during this time. I really want to find the humor in those situations and remain light-hearted but it is hard! Especially when you have a new baby and you're not getting a full night's rest!

Life with the oxygen cord is okay. We have adjusted to it. And his other machines too. The g tube is ok, except cleaning it is still a puzzle because I think it got infected.

Bennett is a pretty good night sleeper. He will sleep from like 10 until 7:30 or so, waking up a couple times in the night. But we have to feed him every 3-4 hours an exact amount to give him proper nutrition because he doesn't eat enough on his own. Last time we went to the doctor, he was in the 2nd percentile for weight. 2nd. He's tiny. 9 lbs 9 oz at 9 weeks old. He is in the 50th percentile for height and head circumference.

It's hard to get things done. Bennett loves to be hold and so I do as much as I can with one hand. He sometimes likes the Moby wrap, the swing and the bouncer. He never likes the car seat. He mostly just wants to be cradled in your arms. Which I love but I don't really love doing it all day long. I'm trying to put him down when he's drowsy but awake but he wakes up after 5 minutes. Ugh.

Nolan has gotten really good at playing by himself. But i feel sad that I can't sit on the floor and play with him as much as I used to, or go out and do fun things. 1 because it's hot and 2 because I don't want to haul the oxygen tank everywhere. But this morning, Bennett was happy in his bouncer, and I was able to play marbles with Nolan and read him books. Those are my favorite times of the day.

And other words, I am surviving. But it is definitely an adjustment! But I know each day it will get better, and I am so grateful fo have 2 beautiful kids who want to be around me.