Stuffy stuff

I have had more sleep last night and this morning than in the past few days combined. It feels pretty good. I'd be a liar if I said having a beautiful newborn was all peaches and cream. However, I plan to keep the complaining online to a minimum, maybe.

Alexander has demonstrated some regressive and attention seeking behaviors. He's "accidentally" dumping every single glass of water he's given on himself and demands a change of clothes. He's also not making it to the potty on time quite a bit. Other than that and dealing with a virus affecting his little guts, he's taking this new baby sister thing in stride. He actually asked to hold her for the first time last night, so we put the three kids in the rocker recliner and took some shots (pics coming soon). He loves to "tickle, tickle" his baby sister and says that he loves her and that she's cool.

Sophie had 1-2 days of high fever followed by a head to toe outbreak of a rash. The urgent care doctors said it wasn't Roseola as it was only 1-2 days of fever and not 4. I'm no medical person, but I suspect that may be BS. The rapid strep test came back negative and I've not heard yet about the full culture. She's had rotten sleep and has large dark bags under her eyes. She's doing better today and the fever is gone. She's coming around about Helena and is showing more and more curiosity. When Helena is down low on her level, such as in her bouncy seat or car seat, Sophie is right there to touch, pat, and poke her sister (often aiming for her eyes). Helena's crying doesn't make Sophie cry or bury her head anymore, so I think we're all moving in the right direction.

Mark is Superman, basically handling the 2 oldest kids needs, which is no small feat. His semester is done and he doesn't teach again until mid-June. We often wonder aloud just what in the heck we're doing.

I'm so very thankful for the many meals provided to us over the past week. Just when I'm getting used to this, it'll all be over. It's been wonderful to not have to make dinner or clean up pans. Shows like Jon and Kate Plus 8 (esp last night - so sad) the Real Housewives of New Jersey, and Cake Boss have entertained me in the night. Red raspberry leaf tea has also helped quite a bit. I wish I knew about this with the other two kids for postpartum issues. It has been so much better this go 'round. I also have enjoyed plenty of ice cream and the occasional glass of wine, which brings me to the picture.

I was at the drug store today when I spotted this product. It's about stinking time that they came out with something like this. On the side of the box it says, "Because every mother is unique! Naturally, the way our bodies process alcohol depends on several factors including: body weight, type of alcohol consumed, food intake. With milkscreen, there is one simple and accurate method to let Mom know if her milk contains a level of alcohol that may negatively impact baby." I have heard that it can take 1-2 hours to metabolize 1 drink. Now, I'm not advocating downing a fifth of vodka and then nursing your baby. However, this way I will know and not just be guessing when I have a glass or 2. Plus, I plan to start pumping soon so that Mark can feed her too. He was joking that we could date it and put the proof on each bottle.

Helena is her own little person. Alexander and Sophie looked identical at birth. Seriously. Helena doesn't look like either of them or really, anyone that we can think of, at least as a baby. She has these extra long fingers and toes, not like mine or Mark's. However, Mark's mom thinks she gets them from her. So, maybe this little one will grow to be tall and thin and perhaps be an artist like her grandma. She nurses like she's been doing it for 20 years and has a powerful suck, quite unlike Sophie did. Her days and nights are still mixed up, but it's getting better. She has the most beautiful clear skin and perfectly round head. She knows what she wants and has quite the lungs to voice her needs. She is a goddess.

Its hard, to be sure, but it is worth it. Now, ice cream or wine?