I did it! I grew and delivered a beautiful baby girl! Two weeks has flown by and I honestly don’t think I could be feeling any better. I’m enjoying all the sweet newborn cuddles and smells and kisses. I’m just praising Jesus for so many blessings and favor during this time and transition. I tried really hard to prepare for this postpartum time. I battled Postpartum Depression for close to a year after I had Palace. I took a lot of time to physically, mentally and spiritually prepare myself for life postpartum. I can’t believe how different things are this time around. I’m working on a separate blog post where I’m going to share some tips and products that have really helped me recover.
Palace was a rough sleeper during her first couple months and Story is sleeping amazing! I’m actually getting a lot of sleep and honestly this feels like a breeze! Palace wasn’t a very good sleeper…AT ALL (she had her days and nights completely swapped and we did everything to try to get her on a different schedule but NOTHING worked) however, I think this has to do with Mason and I as well. We’ve done this before so that makes it easier, at least in my opinion. I am thankful Pal was my first, because I don’t think any baby could take her title. Haha. She makes up for it now though. She is a great sleeper and actually tells us when she is ready for a nap.
I love babies and kids. Mason and I want a big family. I’m the oldest from a family of six kids. I love it! I wasn’t super concerned about transitioning from one to two, because I’ve been around babies and little kids my whole life. I have heard soooo many people say how hard it is and tell me horror story after horror story (I guess that’s what you get when you are a barista. People love to tell you the most random things while you make their coffee.) Well, I know I’m only two weeks in, but I’m here to say that it’s honestly not that bad. Yes, you’ll have to readjust and find a new normal, but if you and your partner are working together as a team and supporting one another, it’ll be great! Just have grace with yourself and grace with your spouse and grace with your kids. Don’t set any expectations (especially unrealistic ones) for yourself in the beginning and just be. Love your kids and speak positive and encouraging things over them. Pray for them. One of our biggest challenges has been Palace acting out because this is a big adjustment for her. She is a very spirited, passionate, and stubborn two year old. I have just been praying for her and loving her and trying my best to listen to her. I know she is only two, but I asked her if she was upset or acting a certain way because of her new sister, baby Story. She said, “Yes.” Talking with her about her feelings and emotions really seemed to help her. Don’t underestimate your kids!
Story Shalom is healthy and doing great. She was already up a few ounces past her birth weight at her 1 week mark! She eats like a champ and my milk supply is doing great! I think that is another reason she is sleeping so well. Breastfeeding has been so much easier the second time as well! You can only possess what you experience. I remembered little tricks I used with Palace that I didn’t even know I knew. It just came more naturally this time. I have also been using some amazing products that have made a world of a difference. I’m also working on a separate blog post to share some of those things with you!
I’m not perfect and I don’t expect to be. Its crazy how different things can be when you change your attitude! I’ve had such a better outlook on my body image this time around too. When I start to get down on myself, I remember what my body just did and I replace my negative thought with something positive like, “Wow, body! You are so strong and so beautiful and you are made in the image of God!” or “Thank you body for sustaining another life for 9 months! Now, I have a beautiful baby to show for it!”. Sometimes, I even speak these things out loud.
Speak positivity; focus on the things you are thankful for; have grace; don’t set unrealistic expectations; and exemplify God’s love. You’ll do amazing! You got this, momma!
OUTFIT DETAILS:
My super cute nursing friendly robe is from Pink Blush. You can find it here. I have been loving this robe. It’s comfy and lightweight and great for wearing around the house.
