2 months young

Time is going much quicker this go round with Maggie. I am trying to truly soak up each day and moment with her. Each sound, coo, snuggle, and more. She is the absolute sweetest, easy going baby. God knew I needed that this go round. (Excuse the pics from my phone. We took these right before bed time on her two month birthday and was trying to hurry and it's all we got! Red eye and all.)

Lots of fun things to remember this month. Ryan calls her bear cub and has since she was born. He says she looks like one. Not sure how to take that...

She loves her paci. I have a love hate relationship with it. I am contemplating getting rid of it when we un-swaddle her and just doing it all at once so she can find her fingers instead. That is what Mae did. I am totally ok with that because she always has them and we dont have to stop at a gas station or the hospital gift shop to buy her one. (yes, we have done both!)

 She is sleeping from 7:30-4ish. 8-9 hours. I am so thankful for that. Hoping to push her to 12 hours by 12 weeks soon. I know she can do it because she nurses for less than five minutes at that early morning feeding and goes right back down. So thankful for moms on call and again, an easy go with the flow baby.

She has a small bald spot on the back of her head from laying flat in her crib. She has been in her crib since night one and naps there as well.  She is nursing at 7:30, 10:30, 1:30, 4:30, and a bottle of breastmilk from daddy again at 7:30. She is still swaddled but we plan to un-swaddled by 12 weeks as the startle reflex goes away by then.

She holds her head up very well and has for a few weeks. Mae was good at this early on too.

She loves her sister and loves to be talked to. She carries on conversations in her own language and it's the sweetest. Her smile melts me.

She is kicking and flailing like crazy and really enjoying her play mat and bouncy seat with toys. Her left leg is always the one kicking the most. She gets after it!

We got all of her shots this week, boo!  She cried for a few seconds and was fine after that. I was flustered, sweating, and about to faint. No fever and no fussiness from her, maybe me, though! ha! Thank you, Jesus. She weighs 11 pounds and 12 oz.  She is in 50th percentile for weight and height. Smaller than her sister was. Her head is way smaller, 15th percent.

Happy 2 months Maggie girl! 

new hobby...

My hubby purchased some editing software for me for our Nikon, and I am really enjoying learning the new program and playing with some pictures...plus it was my new year's resolution...and yes I am shocked I am actually working on a NY resolution! I am drinking lots more water, too! Check and check!

Happy St. Patrick's Day from our Mae Mae:

Organization 101

I have recently come across a girl on instagram that I have grown to love. Not sure if it is because we both had our 2nd pregnancy together and birthed babies within days of each other, or because she is the queen of organization. She invented something called the simplified planner. If you know me, I love all things simple and I get giddy when I buy a new planner and can organize my life all in that one little book. Her name is Emily Ley. Her website is www.emilyley.com and I love her. She doesn't even know me and I love her! She is an adorable girl, seems around my age, loves her hubby and her kids, and is so real and raw with her life on instagram. So, I get so excited each time she posts something new!

Today, she posted an excerpt on her blog about having a schedule and sticking to it now that she owns her own business, is a wife, and mom of 3 now. She posted some helpful information on how to starts her day and keeps her home afloat. She gets up before her kids on purpose, takes a shower, gets dressed in REAL clothes (imagine that!), does a load of laundry, straightens, takes trash from every room, etc. She has a plan and a routine and she gets it done, daily.

It got me thinking of things I do to help stay organized and I thought I would share. The only reason I share these, are in hopes that any readers can comment below or let me know their favorite and unique ways that help them stay sane in this crazy world we call "life". Here are my top 5 keys to staying organized...PLEASE share yours! It keeps me motivated!

1) If I do not need it, I do not have it in my house. I am a minimalist at heart and I love to clean out and sort through my things every few weeks. I discard, donate, take clothes to consignment, and give away! The feeling it gives me is my favorite!

2) I make lists. A "to-do" list is always in session during my day. I crave to mark things off. I even put silly things on there that are part of my every day life, but that make me feel like I have accomplished something. I keep a to-do list on my phone mostly and delete as I complete. Some are long term items and some are short term. I try to mark one off at least once a day if not more.  I love adding to it things as soon as they cross my mind for me to do, because if its written there, I can get it off my mind and let my children have all of me instead. I even have a "Ryan to-do" list of things I need him to help me with at home or ideas I have for pieces I want him to build me. I think he secretly loves his list...I sure do love mine.

3) I do a load of laundry every day. Small or big, once gets done. Washed, dried, folded, and put away. On that note, I do a load of dishes every day as well. Side note: I loathe unloading the dishwasher.

4) If I leave the house, which is usually at least once a day because I will lose my sanity if I do not, then I leave my house in good condition. For the most part, things are put in their place, dishes are not in the sink, toys are in a basket, and counters/tables are cleaned off. It gives me major anxiety to leave my house a mess. It is a personal problem, I know!

5) I teach organization at an early age. That is right, Mae has a role. She knows the clean up song and we sing it often. Even though she is so young, she still is a human and an active member of our family. Therefore, she can help. Of course it is age appropriate. Some days I am more lax than others, but I make sure she takes responsibility in her own items but putting them back where they belong or atleast helping me when I do. (sometimes it is one block for her, 20 for me, but we are working in that direction!)

Ok, so those are my SIMPLE 5 things that I do to stay on track...you might think, geez girl, everyone does those, and you might! But if you have something you do that makes your day easier and more sane, I would love to hear!