Little Lena is a 3 month old now! I wish I could say we are getting into more of a routine, but we've almost done the opposite. We've moved from San Antonio to Oklahoma and we are crashing at my parents house until we can close on our own house in Enid.
But we do the best we can. For now, my husband is taking some much needed leave so we can relax a bit before he gets crazy busy at his new job.
Right now, I'm just struggling to get Lena to nap when Elise is awake. The terrible twos are in full swing now, and it has my husband and I sometimes wondering what sometimes possesses our sweet well behaved daughter! So trying to get a baby to nap when the toddler is throwing a fit, is really difficult. It's much easier when the husband is home to help, at least. We will take advantage of that while we can!
Lena is still such a sweet heart, she naps when she can and takes what she can get. And really? She is still very happy 90% of the time. She's been talking a lot more lately, and not just to me and my husband. She seems to be really fond of Aunt Kiki as well. She likes to try to mimic the sounds and movements we make with our mouths. We also try to copy her sounds and motions and she gets really excited when we do this!
Lena is still doing really well with nursing. She nurses once or twice at night, and still seems like a lot during the day. But I really don't mind. It's just as comforting for me as it is for her. She's getting better at grabbing my breast and holding in place. I've also been pumping a little more to increase or replace my stash. With more family nearby, my husband and I plan to catch up on much needed time together. Luckily, Lena takes a bottle way better than Elise ever did.
Lena also goes down much easier. They say to be in the good habit of placing baby into bed when she's drowsy but not asleep so she can learn to put herself to sleep. I remember shedding lots of tears with Elise because that NEVER worked for her. She has two speeds, awake and asleep. There's nothing in between. And she's a light sleeper so it was very difficult to lay her down without waking her up without having to start over. I specifically remember the process (for just a nap) taking about 4 hours once when my husband was deployed. Thankfully, Lena is totally ok with being put down while drowsy and is much better about putting herself back to sleep if she doesn't need something.
Lena currently wears 3 mos clothes and size 1 diapers. But I can tell we are very close to moving up to 2!
Lena's beautiful eyes are still blue as ever! We really didn't expect this. Of course we know they could still change, but we are surprised they've stayed blue this long! Usually my brown eyes are pretty dominant in this area. She has also kept a lot of her brown hair so far. She has lost a little, but she had SO much to start out with and we have already noticed some new hair growing in. So she may not be a bald baby like her sister was for so long.
Lena is becoming more and more entertained by the world around her now. Her sister makes her laugh, she squeals at her toys and lights/ceiling fans, she talks to her mom and dad for the longest time, and we just love all of it! She's practicing standing and sitting up everyday, and I just know the time that she does those things on her own will come too soon.
Until then, we will snuggle and cuddle the crap out of this sweet baby!!
Sister talk
Story time with dad
Every morning she wants to nurse around 5am, mama's not quite ready to get up, so we just co sleep for a couple hours. One of my favorite parts of the day!
Matchy matchy!
Never thought I would have a baby with such blue eyes!
Lena's first time to stay in a hotel!
Meeting mommy's extended family! Her second cousin, Pippin!
First time to be fed by big sister!
So close to grabbing those feet!
Too tired to nurse, mom!
So happy in the chair Nana got me!
Happy 3 months, sweet Lena! We love you so much!
(Shurangama Sutra and Mantra)(Kṣitigarbha)(Avalokiteśvara) (Mahāsthāmaprāpta)(Amita Buddhaya)(Bhaiṣajyaguru)
ReplyDeleteThe Twelve Vows of the Medicine Buddha upon attaining Enlightenment, according to the Medicine Buddha Sutra are:
To illuminate countless realms with his radiance, enabling anyone to become a Buddha just like him.
To awaken the minds of sentient beings through his light of lapis lazuli.
To provide the sentient beings with whatever material needs they require.
To correct heretical views and inspire beings toward the path of the Bodhisattva.
To help beings follow the Moral Precepts, even if they failed before.
To heal beings born with deformities, illness or other physical sufferings.
To help relieve the destitute and the sick.
To help women who wish to be reborn as men achieve their desired rebirth.
To help heal mental afflictions and delusions.
To help the oppressed be free from suffering.
To relieve those who suffer from terrible hunger and thirst.
To help clothe those who are destitute and suffering from cold and mosquitoes.