EVERYTHING ERVICK: Survival Mode

Anyone that has ever had a baby knows that they first few weeks at home are kind of crazy. Everyone is pretty much in survival mode. Well we are no different. We knew what we were getting ourselves into this time so I would like to say we were prepared, but how do you really prepare for waking up every 2 hours at night? You don't, but that is where caffeine comes in handy my friends. You see we also have a toddler that is ready to go each morning so we have to be on our A game no matter how much sleep we got the night before. I have to say that I am lucky to have a very helpful partner in all of this. Jeff is always there to help with Landon or Austin and Lord knows he deserves a medal for dealing with my crazy postpartum hormones. It's not all pretty after a new baby, but there are so many things that make it so worth it. For one I honestly fall more in love with Landon every day. He is such a sweet baby. He is still in the sleepy newborn stage so he loves to just cuddle and sleep on my chest. I get nothing done around the house, because whenever I have a free moment I just lay around snuggling him. I figure I should soak this time up which I have the chance! My boy eats a ton so we are pretty much attached for most of the day. Nursing has definitely not been as easy this time around as it was with Austin. I have been to the lactation consultant multiple times trying to correct latch issues, tongue tie, and cut up ta tas. I really want this to work so I am giving it my best effort. If it doesn't work out in the end it won't be from a lack of effort that is for sure. Big brother Austin has made this transition to a family of four so awesome. He has welcomed Landon in with open arms and always wants to help. He is always asking to hold Landon, help change his diaper, get him a toy, and buckle him in his car seat. We are still working on being gentle with the baby, but I know he doesn't mean to hurt him. This does require us to constantly watch the kids when they are in the same room together. We have had one outburst from Austin so far, but I will take it. It's an adjustment for all of us and Austin is handling the change like a champ. As a mommy I am still trying to split my time between my boys evenly but I am beginning to wonder if that is possible with a newborn who needs so much from his mommy. Still I try my best. Last Thursday my mom came over to help with Landon so I could have a special date with my big boy. We went to his favorite place Frying Pan Park and we had a blast looking at the animals. Hopefully over time I will find a balance, but for now I will take any help I can get and soak up the special one on one time with each of the boys when I can get it. We have been so blessed over these last 2 weeks with all of the love that our friends and family have shown us. Between the visits, meals, gifts, phone calls, and emails we definitely feel the love. Landon is a lucky little guy to come into such a great group of people. After having a second kid I have definitely learned the meaning of the saying "it takes a village to raise a child".