I had so much fun documenting each month of Alba Grace’s first year of life. So much changes in those first twelve months! In true second baby fashion, Millie girl’s first monthly update is a tad bit late but hopefully, we’ll get our act together by month two!
Amelia Paige joined our family on July 28, 2020. She is the sweetest snuggly little thing. She is often alert and her dark blue eyes will steal your heart. Her itty bitty hands have me in a puddle most days and I literally can’t stop sniffing her. That newborn baby smell is absolutely the best thing this side of heaven.
Our Millie girl fits right in as a Fussell. She brings us endless amounts of joy. We truly didn’t know what we were missing but now our family feels complete. As I type this I’m fighting the urge to go wake her up and cuddle but I really want to document these first weeks, so I’ll fight that urge.
One Month Stats
In her first few days she lost nearly 10% of her body weight. That’s scary for a mama but thankfully my milk came in and she gained it all back quickly! At her one month checkup, she had gained 40oz. The doctor said that was “outstanding” which gave this mama a much-needed confidence boost! She’s currently 9 pounds, twelve ounces. She’s in the 90th percentile for length, 50th for head size, and 70th for weight. We thought for sure she had reflux because she spits up so frequently but because of her weight gain the doctor didn’t think so. After talking with some friends on Instagram I think she may have silent reflux.
Her Current Schedule
We all thrive on a good schedule! We’re still working this out for Millie but right now her schedule is largely impacted by Alba Grace’s schedule. I do try to get them both napping at the same time in the afternoons but other than that, Millie is pretty flexible right now. Alba Grace ended up sleeping through the night pretty early and never regressed. Praise the Lord! Brushing up on Moms on Call in hopes that Millie will do the same.
Her Favorite Things
She loves being held, enjoys a good bath, and looooves sitting out front on the porch. Warmer weather is her friend. She likes when we move her from seat to seat or room to room so that she can look at new things. She is all about some eye contact and can hold a stare like nobody’s business! When I have to get work done I sit her in the boppy or tucked beside me on the sofa and that seems to be her favorite place to sit, next to sitting in the solly wrap while I walk around. She also loves her nuna leaf and the lilly playmat – both have toy bars that she can stare up at. She does spit up frequently which makes her a bit uncomfortable but other than that she’s a pretty easy-going baby.
Hardest Moment
Overall it’s been a bit harder taking care of two little people instead of one! We’ve also got a lot going on with the reno and Pearce going back to work when she was just a week old. He was home for months with AG so we were a bit spoiled! But I think that because it’s our second time around the hard moments don’t seem as difficult and defeating.
Sweetest Moment
The sweetest moments involve both girls. I love watching their little relationship develop. The other day I woke AG up from a nap and she immediately requested to go check on “miwwie” which melted my heart. Then the next day she asked if Millie could join her at school. She gives her kisses (which Millie seems to love!) and pretty aggressive hugs (Millie does not love these) pretty often now.
My Recovery
Physically this recovery was a bit easier than AG’s. Probably because I knew what to expect and was prepared. Emotionally this has been a bit harder. I blame the pandemic for that.
Nursing
Millie didn’t have a great latch so nursing was really frustrating for both of us at first. I made an executive decision to start pumping quickly after that, which was the healthiest decision for everyone. This time around I’m not as hard on myself when things don’t go as planned.
Products We’re Loving
The Leaf – We keep this in our living room and Millie spends a good bit of time in it each day! I love that it holds up to 80lbs so when AG jumps all over it, we’re not concerned. I was worried I wouldn’t love it because it doesn’t automatically sway but now I’m glad that Millie hasn’t gotten used to the auto sway! Makes her a bit more flexible.
Spectra Pump – Spending a lot of time with this gadget these days! Also love the Haaka pumps! I use one in combo with the electric pump so that I always have a hand free. Totally necessary with a toddler running around!
Solly Wrap – I wear the baby a lot more this time around. She loves it, I love it, everyone’s happy! My print is no longer available but this gingham style is so stinkin’ cute!
