The Belated Second Month of Ella Mae
Ok, so turns out everything is twice as hard and takes twice as long with two kids. Not that I'm complaining - I'm not - just giving reason to the fact that I'm nearly almost always almost late, less creative, far busier, more of a procrastinator (which I didn't think possible), and the truth is, I don't care as much as I thought I would. However, I do feel like Ella Mae has gotten the short end of the stick in many ways, and for that, I am bothered. I've already erased my Facebook app from my phone, the tv has only been turned on ONCE since we've been in NOLA, and I generally use my phone less than I did with Amelia. But still, time slips away and with it, productivity in the way of documenting Ella Mae's life like I did Amelia's. Hopefully one day she'll understand that I did my very best. But I still feel bad about it sometimes. Truth is, it's just more complicated with two. BUT, it's better this way. A give and take for sure. I just hope she knows how much I truly, truly adore and love her.
Almost two weeks ago now, my adorable, sweet, and smiling little Ella Mae notched her second month of life. She's much bigger and chubbier than her older sister was: 13 pounds and 23.75 inches long! She's constantly eating - there's definitely no schedule for this one and that's alright with me! When she's hungry, she eats! And eats a lot, she does! My girl sucks down milk like it's her last feeding ever. The sounds she makes while drinking are absolutely pig-like. Grunting. Gulping. Gasping. She makes the same noise with her binky. It keeps us smiling, no doubt. And because of her obsession with milk, her plump cheeks and rolling thighs light up my days. I'm constantly squishing my lips on her face and spend much of my time tickling her chubbo legs - I can't get enough of the soft and buttery feeling of her chunk! This girl is incredible and so kind to her Mama. She's just about as relaxed a baby I could've asked for. A very calm demeanor matched with an obsession for sleep makes my job a lot easier than maybe I deserve. She's mostly either sleeping - her favorite place is in her carrier or laying on her tummy on Mommy - or eating, and really the only time she ever cries is when she's tired. My girl hasn't learned to put herself to sleep yet. Not that that's surprising. Her two-year-old sister doesn't know how to either! And much like her sister, her hatred for the car seat - when she's tired - is explicitly clear. However, at least Ella Mae will calm down and fall asleep in it. Amelia could not be tamed in that thing. Ever. So, thank you Ella Mae for caring at least some of the time in the car for Mama's sanity. Because driving in a car with a screaming and gasping infant is maybe the worst mommy-torture I've experienced.
Ella Mae may be chunky, but that doesn't take from the fact that this girl can move. Ever since I can remember, this one was quite the wiggle worm in my belly. And nothing's changed. She flaps her wings and kicks her legs all day long, especially in the morning and when she wakes up from naps. This is also the time that she shares her biggest, cutest, most adorable smiles. Sometimes, she'll even talk to us when she arises! Seriously makes my heart flutter every time. Ella Mae can also turn her head from side to side, loves tummy time and the shower, sleeps with Mama, and pulls her sister's hair. She's got about oh, seven ridiculously long hairs on her head that rise up above the rest of her peach fuzz. It's quite cute. And she's known to let out the loudest, most obnoxious and hilarious "toots" (we don't say the word "fart" anymore...Amelia running around saying "I farted" just can't happen hahaha), which at times also can be quite stinky too. Speaking of stink...twice this month, Ella Mae has delivered us the most explosive diapers we've ever changed. The first time was in our first NOLA hotel room, in which droplets of breastfed baby poop followed from the bed all the way to the shower and then down my legs. Poop literally all over the room. And me. And her. And Dada. She hadn't pooped in five days and we were expecting an explosion...just maybe not as big as the one we got. The second time happened right as we pulled into the car rental facility in Austin, Texas. She was still in her car seat. Which translates to more disaster when you still have to fly home and home is currently a 300 square foot hotel room. We removed her from said soiled car seat - me in my workout clothes and Adam in his suit - and dangled her mid air as I removed her soaking wet-poppy diaper from her tush. It took probably 30 diaper wipes to clean up. It also took my only clean short-sleeved shirt and my favorite travel blanket. But at least Dada remained poop-free! Anyone ever showered a car seat down in a hotel room before? Well we have...if you need any tips!
Speaking of hotels, Ella Mae added three more hotels to her list this month. She also added three more flights, four rental cars, two states, two new stadiums, one demotion, and one SMASHED TERMITE ON HER FACE. Yeah, I can't even make this stuff up. But Dad got sent down at maybe the worst time possible: flying termite mating season in NOLA, and so sure enough, one was smashed on her face when I took her out of my carrier after a night game. Talk about heebie jeebies. My poor Ella Mae. I just know this babe is going to be my resilient, tough, and brave girl because she already is...
...especially with a big sister that's constantly squeezing, poking, touching, grabbing, and smushing her! True life: this is what it looks like whenever I try to get a moment alone with Ella Mae. Big sister has to be in the mix somehow. And you know what? That's ok with us. Amelia is totally and completely smitten by her little "Ina-Mae." Ina pronounced "Eeeee-na." Without a nickname still, I told Adam that I thought "Ina" was cute. He said it reminds him of "Enis" and therefore "Penis." Somehow, I don't see the connection. But I don't want him to think of Penis every time I call her Ina. So, no to Ina, I guess. Anyways, Amelia's love for her nickname-less sister is undeniable. Every morning she waits for Ella Mae to wake up and then squeals when she does. She loves *trying* to hold her hand and thinks it's the funniest thing in the world when baby pulls her hair. Amelia calls Ella Mae "My Baby" and says, "She's my sisturd," whenever asked. Their growing bond brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. I can't wait to watch their relationship blossom over the years. If there's one thing I love about family, it's having a sister(s) to share life with.
Thank you for putting up with so much this month, Ella Mae. And for doing it so graciously. You've made bearing the challenges of moving and hotel living with two babies far easier than it should be and you've helped to bring new perspective to my life. I am grateful beyond words for your delicate face and tender touches and thank the Lord daily for your precious life. I've grown so much this past month in my faith - as has Daddy - and you've been a big part of it. I love you with all my heart. I never imagined how I could love another child as much, but I do. And it's undeniable. I'd do anything for you, Sweet Ella Mae. Happy two months to my beautiful, fun loving, and dearly gentle child. You amaze me.
Her two-month milestone rhyme!
My little rainbow baby is just the best!
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And about yesterday: Adam flew to Omaha, Nebraska at 5AM. He landed there sometime around noon, and with a 4 o'clock bus schedule, he had time to walk to a nearby pond and catch some fish. And by some, I mean he caught like 10. Not bad for your first adult-fishing experience, Babe! Can't even make this stuff up.
(Speaking of Babe...randomly, Amelia will ask where "Babe" is. Or say to Daddy, "Babe, c'mere! Babe, you want a beer? I love you Babe." She's also been saying, "He's my husband, not yours, Mama!" This kid.)
While Daddy's away, we do our best to keep busy and keep smiling. With few outdoor options available for really young families here, we find ourselves at the Chik-fil-a indoor playground directly across the parking lot often.
My little joey loves watching her sissy play! Can't wait till they can climb Chik-fil-a slides together!
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Adam pitches the day game on Sunday at noon...Omaha time.
It supposed to be like, oh, only 97 degrees there at the start of the game.
Pray that him and his teammates don't melt please.
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