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Instead of going back to sleep this morning, I took an extra long shower. And I shaved my armpits! I feel like a new woman. The BF hasn't gotten any better, but it hasn't gotten any worse. We have our third appointment at the Newborn Club later today. I have rehearsed what I'm going to say so I don't get flustered or let them talk me into anything. I've decided to keep pumping for awhile and supplement with formula. It still hurts, but I think I've gotten used to the pain. Putting baby on the breast is unthinkable at this point, but I can tolerate the pumping. I'm only producing about 1 ounce every pumping session so we still need to give him formula afterwards. We'll continue pumping to see if my milk supply increases, but I make no promises. Hopefully this will appease them and help me deal with everything.

And just for fun, here's the face I see often. Love that expression!

I met with a lactation consultant today, and THANK THE LORD FOR NIPPLE SHIELDS! Seriously, it's like a whole new world of nursing. No pain (well, a little, but that will go away as my nipples heal), and she's actually latching on both sides and swallowing. And, she's gained 5.5oz since Friday. Small victories, but I feel like I'm seriously rocking this mom thing right now.

Also, we were at target, and she let go the loudest, stinkiest poop yet. She was in her car seat in the back of the cart, and I could hear it as I was pushing her through the baby section. Wow.

Just got back from our last Newborn Club appointment and we finally had a good experience. Right away I knew that the LC had actually looked at my chart based off of her questions. She didn't push anything. Instead, she asked me what I was comfortable with. I told her my plan of continuing to pump and then supplement with formula. She was very supportive of my plan and gave me some tips to try to increase my milk supply. I didn't have to pump or even pull out my breasts this time. She weighed the kid and signed off on his weight gain. Why couldn't I have gotten her the first time? So glad I don't have to deal with them unless I volunteer to go back. Once we got home, I pumped and produced 2 ounces of milk! That's the most yet! My plan may just work out after all.

@evansjamie: So cute! And yes, my LO sharts all the time. In fact, he just did about an hour ago. I went to change his diaper, there was a just a bit, and then he blew it out all over the changing pad. Thank goodness the pad is disposable. Plus, we had to do a clothing change since he got some on his onesie. Ahhh... the joys of babies.

@Mrs. Yoyo: Welcome to the world, baby Y 2.0!!! He's a handsome dude.

@Mrs. Yoyo: congrats! Such a cutie and look at all of that hair!!!

@abbylyn: I hear you! I made up a little song that I sing to Alex while nursing. The theme is 'milking your cow'.

YOU GUYS! Hyla slept in her Moses Basket from 8:00-4:00 last night! She woke up once to nurse at 11:30, and then thought it was as party time at 4:00, so ok let her sleep on me, and is currently passed out on my chest, but it was awesome! It was like she picked a bedtime or something! We'll see how it goes tonight.

@abbylyn: @Sadieloo: Oh man, I feel you. Hyla wants to nurse every 1.5-2 hours during the day. I feel like I shouldn't bother wearing a shirt.

@Sadieloo: I think she gets cold and lonely, but if she sleeps on me we both end up sweaty.

@Sadieloo: Yep! The Boba was perfect for the bonfire last Saturday. She was toasty warm on the walk home and I was freezing! It will definitely come in handy when I need to walk the dog this winter and take her with me.

Speaking of winter, my husband's company won an oil pipeline contract, and now there's a possibility that he will be gone two weeks out of every month through the winter. I hope they can get him more office work (he hopes so too) so he doesn't have to be gone so much, especially while Hyla is brand new. I'm not ready to solo parent for days on end. He's considering applying to a job at the zoo so he can stay local, but it would be a huge pay cut. We'll see what happens.

@evansjamie: by the way, Alex has been on the hyla plan today. Nursing every 1-1.5 hours. I don't know how I haven't dried up, but man am I thirsty!

Congrats, @Mrs. Yoyo: he is adorable!!!

I've been Mia because one of my sisters has been in town to help with the baby and organize our guest room. LO is two weeks old. Tonight we haven't gone to bed yet because she is nursing constantly and wakes up when I move her to her bed. So not fun right now. Good thing she is pretty darn cute.

@evansjamie: last night m&m ate every hour on the hour ad would wake up when I put her down. So I had to hold her for most of the night and I didn't get to sleep because I was worried I would drop her while holding her or Smother her. Finally at 3:53 she was out and I thought I could put her down. Oh no. Not happening. She has done better today and I'm hoping she sleeps tonight. But, like you said, I wouldn't trade it for anything.

@evansjamie: Ugh! The banshee scream. Thankfully Arthur doesn't do that too often, usually when we change his diaper. He really hates that. Hoping you have a better night tonight and can get some sleep.

Amazingly enough we are having a great day. DH took the 11pm-3am shift and let me sleep straight through. I woke up at 4am with Arthur and then again at 7 and 9:30. By 9:30am, he was up and ready to play for a bit. I'm loving that he's awake and alert for longer periods now. Feels like a real person. Plus, his box of toys came in the mail today (not that he really played with any yet, but soon). And we ventured out for the first time (other than doctors appointments). I stuck him in the stroller and we walked to the coffeehouse for a mocha. It's about four blocks round trip, but that's definitely my limit right now. Felt good to get out in the fresh air a bit. It's cooled off here in Northern California to the mid 60s. Beautiful weather for a walk. Hoping for a repeat tomorrow.

Good morning ladies! How is everyone doing? @TFrances: glad to hear your days are getting better! @tfrances: @evansjamie: Those little walks and outings make a huge difference, right? We've been walking a bit as well, although my body has been quick to tell he when things are too much. I really can't wait for six weeks to hit and to feel more back to normal!

Sharing a pic of Alex. Best thing about the cool weather -- hoods and hats with ears! Could they be any cuter?!?!?

@evansjamie: what a cutie pie! that is rough! We've gad a few nights like that too where I was just hoping and praying Alex would go to sleep. How's hyla liking tummy time? Alex hates it and generally lasts about 5 minutes. He does try to pick up his head though when he's laying on my chest.

@sadieloo @evansjamie: Adorable pictures! Arthur also hates tummy time. Although, he loves laying on my chest and lifting his head all around, so that's something. We got a box of toys yesterday, but nothing seems to catch his eye yet. Hoping soon... Last night, well early this morning, he slept for 4 straight hours. It was glorious! I woke up feeling a bit more refreshed than usual.

Hey ladies! Sorry I disappeared - our perfect baby girl was born on Tuesday night! I had a C section and the recovery has been brutal, so I am just now returning to society. Longer post soon, but here she is:

@daniellemybelle: welcome Sadie! Your are beautiful! My csection recovery has been horrible. I'm almost 2 weeks out and I still have a migraine and GI issues. Our sweet son makes it worth it.

@Mrs. Yoyo: congrats! Such a handsome little baby! All that hair!!!

@daniellemybelle: love the name! Congrats on your beautiful little girl. Look at all that hair!! Hope you start to feel better soon!!