Easing Back Into Things

11-9

Matt returned to work half time on Monday, meaning that he took Charlie to school on his way to work and picked Charlie up after school on his way home. I'm not floundering as much as I thought I might be, but there were still several moments where someone (likely Hattie or Molly) just had to cry for a minute while I helped someone else (likely Hattie or Molly). Around lunchtime, everyone was hungry at the same time... I just need to adjust lunchtime for my big girls so they are done eating when I need to sit and nurse Hattie. We will find our new groove. As you can see, I didn't have many moments to take pictures.

At some point later in the day, I asked Charlie to read Molly a book. It is so helpful that he can read to his sisters! He loves it and they love being read to, especially by Charlie. Win!

Sunday Funday

11-8

Hattie is fully embracing our Sunday routine. Just after this we went for a nice Sunday drive on a 50-mile loop that Matt has done on his bike before. I felt the need to get out of the house but didn't really want or need to go anywhere, so we toured Douglas County and checked out some fall colors. We went to Saturday night church (Hattie's first time at church!) So our day was wide open. We timed the drive well since about 3 minutes after we got home, the rain started. Charlie, Alanna and Molly (and Matt) went outside to play in the puddles. 

After puddle jumping, Matt helped Alanna make some sugar cookies. She had been asking since she opened her birthday present, and I mixed up half a batch of cookies a few days prior, so we finally found a bit of time to complete the job on Sunday. 

Matt brought the swing in from the garage so Hattie took a ride on Sunday evening. None of our kids have spent serious time in the swing, but all of them have used it a little. I'm thankful for it and am glad we have the foldable tabletop one, even if it does run on batteries. 

Mini Bread Maker

11-7

Saturday's are often synonymous with baking bread in our house. Alanna is always the first one to ask to help Daddy with the bread. Today she got to wear her new apron while helping, and doesn't she look so official!? She has just been promoted to Daddy's sous chef! I do think we'll need to add in a hair net or chef hat though. 

Molly loves to help Hattie bounce in the bouncy seat. Hattie gets quite the ride! :/ 

A little stretch time on the floor.

Soft Baby on a Soft Blanket

11-6

I love two things about these pictures; our precious Hattie and this blanket! I wish you could feel just how soft this blanket is. My parents sent it out for Hattie and I love it so much! It's so pretty, and I love the colors. Thanks, Lake Grandma and Grandpa!!

All of our kids appreciate a soft blanket. 

Two Weeks!

11-5

I can't believe we are already two weeks out; was it really two weeks ago that we welcomed baby Hattie? But then again, how is it only two weeks when it seems like life before Hattie is so distant in our past? Time is a strange phenomenon. 

I took Hattie and Alanna out on a little date - to the doctor's office for two-week and four-year well child check-ups. Exciting? Not so much. I was able to schedule the girls' check-ups back to back so we only spent 75 minutes at the doctor instead of an hour a piece. Small victories, people! Hattie tipped the scales at 8 pounds 4 ounces and up a third of an inch from birth. I guess that means that she met her birth weight sometime earlier in the week, so maybe at about 10-11 days old. Hattie's head circumference is 14.5 inches - 93%!! Such a little Rustand baby she is. She is nursing well and I feed her every 2-3 hours, pretty standard for a newborn. Let me just say that Hattie does amazing at nights! At this point, she has been going to bed around 11:30, sleeping until 4:45-5:30ish, getting up for an hour to nurse,.and then it's back to bed until 8:45-9:30ish. It has been wonderful! I think to date, I have only taken three or four naps. I would take more if I felt like I needed them! As you can see, I am getting more than a decent amount of sleep at night. :)

Alanna's check-up went well, too. She weighs 32 pounds and is 40 inches tall. As a comparison, when I brought Alanna to the doctor after she was burned, she was 38 1/2 inches tall. I can totally see that she has stretched out in the last few months! Her pants are getting short... She has a new skill which I will feature in a later blog post. It's pretty exciting!!

Sweetness holding sweetness. Sigh. 

Hattie's two week pictures! This outfit is still one of my favorites. 

Bedtime Snuggles

11-4

Hattie joined in on the bedtime routine for Charlie and Alanna (Molly was already in bed). Kids in pajamas are so cute so I had to take a few pictures. Unfortunately, Alanna could not keep her eyes open during the flash and after nine tries, I called it. Still sweet though!

First Bouncy Seat Time

11-3

Hattie's first time in the bouncy seat!! She lasted long enough for us to slam down some food - some food that was likely brought over by some friends. We have been getting a meal delivered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday night's. It has been really nice. On the off days, we can easily throw something together for supper or eat leftovers from a friend's meal. It has been a huge blessing. 

Does it seem like there are a lot of pictures of Hattie in the bathroom? Maybe it's because she doesn't get put down very much except to be changed...

Not so flattering of me, but look at Hattie's hair and baggy back skin! 

Wide awake baby.

Tiny legs, skinny waist, huge belly,and her beautifully round head. I think she's flexing her belly here because she doesn't usually have a noticeable bulge above her belly button.