Hi to all of my long lost HSB friends!  As you can see, I'm having a difficult time trying to find time to blog on top of my newfound baby responsibilities!  I thought I would get on quickly this afternoon and post some new pictures of the baby and give an update on the happenings in our home. 

10 Days Old

Sleeping with Daddy

2 Weeks Old

First Tub Bath

Some baby subjects I've been thinking about or dealing with:

Nursing:  I love nursing my babies.  I nursed DS for 7 months before my body wasn't producing enough for him.  This time, I'm already having problems.  I have plenty for her in the morning and for the first couple of feedings, then it just tapers off and doesn't come in well for the rest of the afternoon and evening.  I'm researching reasons for this and trying everything I can think of.  I'm at least 100 oz. of water every day, getting my calories, not exercising excessively (I try for a 30 minute walk each day), pumping after most feedings, and offering both sides at each feeding.  I just started taking 3 Fenugreek capsules at each meal, hoping that will make a difference.  The law of supply and demand just doesn't seem to be working with us!  I have noticed that she is a "weak sucker".  Could this affect my supply?  I refuse to go to formula!  There has to be a way to remedy this!  Any advice?

Cloth diapering:  Just started today and love, love, love it!  I'm so glad we chose to do this!  They feel so soft against her skin and it makes me feel so good to know that I'm not exposing her to the chemicals that are in disposables.  I'm also starting to use washcloths instead of store-bought wipes.  More laundry, but so worth it! 

Co-sleeping:  We did this for the first month and I felt rested from the very first day!  I loved snuggling with her at night.  She seemed ready to sleep in her crib a few days ago, so we gave it a try.  Surprisingly, she slept very well and we've even had a couple of nights since then where she slept 5 hours straight!  Yeah! 

Spitting up:  This child spits up so much, sometimes I wonder if she is keeping any of it in her belly at all!  I expressed concern about it at her 2 week appointment, but she had gained a pound and a half in 10 days, so he wasn't concerned!

Umbilical stump:  My DS's fell off in the first week, clean, no issues.  This time, it separated on one side on Day 4 and looked really "fresh" underneath.  Not infected, just raw.  A couple days later, it started bleeding and I panicked!  I called the emergency care clinic and they walked me through the signs of infection.  Since she didn't have any of those, they weren't concerned.  I still freaked out every time I changed her and there was blood on the inside of her clothes.  When she was exactly 2 weeks old, it finally fell off, but there was still a "fresh" spot inside the belly button.  I took her to her pediatrician, he put some silver nitrate on it, and it cleared up beautifully!  Now she has the cutest little belly button ever! 

Slings:  I want to wear my baby so bad, but I just discovered that the beautiful homemade slings cost around $50!  I just can't afford that right now.  If anyone knows where I can get a good quality sling for cheaper than that, please share!  I need free hands, especially for grocery shopping!   

That's all I have time for right now, but I will be checking in more over the next couple of days.  Ta-ta for now!