Life Update: How We are Adjusting as a Family of Four

We are so excited to say we are FINALLY a family of four! Our summer plans? To have and love on a new baby! Check & check!

We added our new addition on June 18th, the day after Father’s Day. My mom, dad and little brother were in town for the arrival. They arrived on the Thursday before and I felt sure John William would make his arrival that weekend. The original plan was for my dad and little bro to head back home on Sunday night, but they decided to stay one day longer just in case it happened on Monday. Glad they did! I went into labor the next morning and met John William that night at 8:44 pm. More on our labor/birth story to come soon! My mom stayed in town that week and helped us adjust to new life, and my dad and Dane came back that weekend to visit and get those sweet newborn snuggles. Gigi (Tyler’s mom) flew in June 23rd and stayed with us for two weeks with Grandpa Pro visiting the first week in July.

Our family took great care of us and I honestly don’t know how we would’ve made it without them! Seriously, they took care of making dinners, doing laundry and keeping up with big sister. This was especially helpful in the mornings when our early rising two year-old would peep into our room and want us to start the day. These normally sweet wake-ups became quite hard after nursing on and off throughout the nights. I think I got my best hours of sleep from 6 am-9 am when they were able to watch Audrey Grace.

After a few bumps in the road and considerable soreness due to a shallow latch, breastfeeding is going quite well. At the peak of soreness, it helped to pump and give bottles for a few feedings to give me a little rest. John William is doing much better and is a little champion eater. In my experience thus far, it’s definitely a lot easier the second time around. He was 8 lbs. at birth and already gained over a pound. My doctor said, “I know you are probably great at other things, but breastfeeding is definitely one of the things you are great at.” Ha! Breastfeeding is one of those things that is difficult in the beginning, but is so worth pushing through. With a newborn, you learn quickly that motherhood is about sacrifice, care, and so much love. I am so very grateful for my sweet family and friends that have helped our family so much in practical and tangible ways.

John William is the SWEETEST little baby and so content most of the time. He typically only cries when hungry, tired or gassy. Audrey Grace loves him so much. She is quick to help with getting things I need for him, like the Boppy pillow or blanket, and she tries to “help” with diaper changes. She says “mine” when she wants to hold him, and “go, go” when she is finished. She has wanted a little extra attention from me and has had some really fussy days, but for the most part she is transitioning great!

It’s been a great summer so far and we are enjoying this season of life. Typically my family takes a vacation in Florida for July 4th weekend but since John William’s birth was only a few weeks before the Fourth, we knew traveling was not the best option. For the first time in six years, we enjoyed the holiday in our hometown with friends and decided to snap a few fun family pictures as a family of four before going out to see the fireworks at the Landing.

I enjoyed getting out of my recent “momiform” of nursing pajamas & robes and putting on this cute little dress from my favorite shop for trendy maternity clothes, PinkBlush!! I love how their clothes can be worn during and after pregnancy. They know how to make a momma feel pretty! You can shop my dress here!