3 Months

I cannot believe Gabriella is 3 months. She is still such a petite little thing that people think I'm lying when I tell them how old she is. She is just the sweetest little girl. Although, this month most definitely tested my patience. Gabriella, is what you would call a night owl. She was wide awake most nights. Just smiling and staring at me and as soon as I would put her down she would freak out. I started letting her cry for a few minutes and she was able to put herself back to sleep. Luckily, her brother doesn't mind and is able to sleep through it. It has been such a different experience because Ty was SUCH a good sleeper. Like amazing.

She is really into holding her rattles or grabbing an object that is in front of her face. Tummy time never lasts very long because she always tries to roll over. She starts on her tummy and a few seconds later turn over and then a beautiful little smile would form. It was like she knew she accomplished something fantastic.

Ty really is the center of her universe. I'm pretty sure I am too... because I feed her so she has to love me (LOL) but she has such a cute bond with him. She will be laying on my lap or the floor and she loves to stare at him. He dances, sings or does something crazy (and LOUD) and her eyes just fixate on him. It's the best bond. I really hope they continue this.

Luckily, her hair hasn't fallen out and she has no bare patches on the side or back :) She has beautiful soft hair that I cannot wait to style! Everyone was right... having a girl is so incredibly fun. The clothes for girls are just soo cute. Luckily, we have a consignment shop right next to our house that offers really good deals so I can buy her cute and affordable clothes!

I cannot believe she is already 3 months.Time is flying by!

First smiling picture!!! :)

First time at the Alameda County Fair



Happy Breastfeeding week!

http://www.thealphaparent.com/2012/06/news-flash-breastfeeding-requires.html?m=1

I found this on a site and thought it was quite interesting. I fully support any way a mom chooses to feed their child ;-) I was lucky that my first child nursed so easy! My husband and I were young and poor so formula feeding was not an option due to the expense of formula. Thankfully, Ty latched very well and although it was painful, the pain went away quickly and I was able to successfully nurse for 10.5 months.

Now, flash forward 4 years when I was to nurse Gabriella. It was SO DIFFICULT! She did not latch on well, she was losing weight very fast, and her jaundice was getting worse by the minute. Sometimes she would latch on then move her head extremely fast... taking my nipple with her. It was painful. It was awful. And there were plenty of times I wanted to quit. Our financial situation is much different this time around but I wanted to nurse her because I wanted to. Not because I had too.

 The staff at the hospital I delivered at was so incredible and so encouraging. They constantly encouraged me and helped me adjust positions for easier nursing. Although she was losing weight they never wanted me to supplement with formula but gave me suggestions on other things I could do. In order to have my milk come in faster and plump her up I would nurse her for 10 minutes on each side then pump for 20 minutes and feed her what was expressed. I did that for 3 days straight.
One of my really good friends, Nicole had a lot of difficulty nursing. She developed an infection and so did her son. She was in so much pain for the first couple months but even through all of that she continued on. She is a wonderful example of a mama who never gave up despite all obstacles! I am so amazed at her perseverance.

If it wasn't for my desire to nurse, the support of the hospital and my family I most likely wouldn't have the second time around.