[Yash]

As of Friday night, I became a first time foster mother. I checked Willow out of the hospital and brought her home. Her case hasn't been to court yet, so I don't know how long she'll be staying. Please pray with me that God's will will be done in this little one's life.

She was born on 7/6 - 7- 8 weeks premature but thank God she is perfectly healthy. She is now weighing in at a whopping 5lbs 4ozs. She's so little.

Jory is in awe, jealous, and disappointed. He's never seen anything so little so he keeps going in the room to check on her. He hates that if I'm holding her, I can't instantly pick him up. And he seems disappointed that she can't eat the cheerios he offers her or throw him the ball.

It's only been a year or so since I was waking up in the middle of the night to feed a baby, but somehow I had forgotten what that was like. My friend told me God wipes our memories clear of midnight feedings and all the other things that accompany newborns so we will keep having children, if not a lot of people would just stop with one.

Yash

[loomistunes]

Yash.. Congrats to You on your new placement!! I am sooo happy for you!! I will pray for you and that sweet baby..Best of luck to you... Jen

[Yash]

Thanks Jen. She's one terrific little girl.

Yash

[tinatyme]

Congratulations! Those first few weeks are so wonderful and sleep deprived. I just got a call from the SW and she is testing me out to see if I'm ready for a baby again. I have two toddler placements so I'm not sure right now. I do remember those midnight feedings! It is all worth it though in the end and they grow soooo fast.

Enjoy both your children today and don't worry about tomorrow!

[Yash]

tinatyme,

I am trying to enjoy them both to the utmost, particularly with this crazy heatwave going on in So Cal and I have two screaming, hot babies both wanting to be held.

And her 4AM or 5AM feedings, I'm using to feed her then dress her for the day. Then later in the morning, I dress myself, then finally my son. She's teaching me how to be a parent of 2, which hopefully this time next year I will be.

Now almost 2 weeks later, the midnight feedings are a breeze. Okay, well maybe not a breeze, per se. But I really feel like I'm back in the saddle again.

Next up is getting used to her peeing and pooping every time air hits her. I've never seen a baby poop so fast. My son was never like this. I'm getting faster, but not fast enough.

[tinatyme]

Ah the memories! Right now I have two toddlers I'm potty training so I could talk all day about poop, but there is nothing like baby poop and the speed (and inconvenience) at which it arrives or doesn't. I would rather have a baby that pooped well and a lot than one who doesn't and screams with frustration.

As for the dressing, I'm sure you dress her many times a day! I remember how much laundry I used to do. Ugh.

Are you using a babysling? That was such a big help when I had a toddler and an infant. I could strap him to my chest and then focus my attention and arms on my toddler.

I like mayawrap.com but there are a million companies out there.

Happy changing!

[Yash]

Tinatyme,

I just realized I need to buy a babysling though Wills has been so hot these past few days I don't know if she'd be comfortable in it.

I also think I need a double stroller also. The first time we went out, I wondered who should sit in the stroller and who do I hold since they were both asleep. Luckily, my son made the decision easy for me by waking up so I held him and pushed her.

Why don't they tell you about having 2 kids under 2? I knew it would be different than having one, but there were things I just never thought about.

On the plus side, she doesn't throw up that much so for her the laundry is low. But for her brother, who I'm potty training, the laundry can be high. Why didn't even tell me about the evils of potty training? I now understand why some might wait until their kid is 4 or 5 to start this.

You experienced parents are keeping a lot from us newbies.

[tinatyme]

LOL

It is very difficult but also rewarding. If you can I might wait on potty training until this transition is over. It is a very stressful time for toddlers anyway and with a new baby it is doubly stressful.

We have two slings: one for the winter made out of a heavier material and then one that is cotton that is perfect for the summer. It also allows me to travel without taking a blanket so I just take a burp cloth along for accidents.

A double stroller is a necessity. I have a bulky model that we call the monstrosity. I would like to get a better one when I can afford it. Sometimes paying extra is the best bet in the long run.

How are you all doing this week?

Tina

[deberiksen2662]

Yash, Congrats I'm so happy for you. She sounds wonderful. My prayers are with you.

[Yash]

Thank you so much Deb.

Yash

[hotspice58]

Congrats, Yash!!! Enjoy them while they're young!!

tinatyme: you're right. Pay more and it will last. I learned that the hard way.

[Yash]

Thanks Millie! I"m trying my hardest to enjoy every minute.

Somehow Wills learned the art of screaming. Yeah, that's not so attractive. But I will thank God for the little things like Jory hasn't decided to copy his little sister with her new discovery.

Tina, what kind of stroller do you have?

Yash - who is now after a month okay in the 1AM and 4AM feeding world....