Gwendolyn!! My dark haired, sweet as pie, perfect in every way baby girl! ♥
Hi hi hi hi!! It feels like I haven’t checked in in exactly 4 years, though it’s been less than two weeks. What can I say, old habits die hard. So much has happened in the past 10+ days though that it feels like a lifetime has passed. In between welcoming Gwen and bringing her home, we’ve hosted family, thrown a birthday party, a BBQ, and almost bought a house. Sounds crazy but it was actually good to keep busy! (We did NOT buy the house, by the way. Can you even imagine attempting with this crew?!)
But back to the important stuff – sweet baby G! Gwendolyn made her way into the world quickly, safely, and with nearly zero complications in regards to my gestational diabetes (she had one low blood sugar measurement a few hours post-birth, but reached a normal level after a feeding and another hour, praise God.) Weighing in at a healthy 7 pounds plus a few ounces, she is perfect in every way. Although she’s just barely two weeks old, Gwen has been our easiest baby yet. We’ve seen her eyelids more then her deep blue eyes, and the only time she squeaks is when she’s hungry. I think God knew what we could handle in terms of adding another child to our family, and he delivered. I keep saying it, but this girl is SWEET. And did I mention the brown hair? I was so tickled to finally have a brunette. Both Lincoln and Cameron had light colored hair when they were born, and still do I guess – I don’t know, it’s just funny that our girl came out looking like me. :)
The boys are doing great. Lincoln, having done this once before, has been a natural with her. Our little homebody has become even more so, wanting to stick around the house to be close to baby sis at all times (it’s also a good excuse to have more Lego time. #obsessed ;) )
Cam has been extremely affectionate with Gwen too. The first week plus was rough in regards to his behavior outside of baby sis – it’s hard being one years old and not understanding how and why everything is all of the sudden different – but we’re seeing improvements or I guess I should say a return to his normal self a little bit more every day. Bottom line, Ben and I couldn’t have asked for either of them to react better to bringing Gwen home in our wildest dreams, and for that we are very thankful.
In other news, I knew Cam would seem huge compared to Gwen, but he literally feels like a NFL linebacker now. His diapers are like parachutes compared to hers. This little love muffin is a tank!
I’m doing really well. My third c-section recovery has been the slowest, as I assumed it would be, but at two weeks post-birth I feel like I’m operating at 80% physically. Decent?! The first week home was tough emotionally thanks to shifting hormones and I cried over things I normally wouldn’t cry about (see house buying above – LOTS of tears,) but am feeling so much better this week. Having Ben home on paternity leave, keeping our twice a week sitter for the boys, and having a ton of help from our families has been so nice in the sense that I don’t feel like I’m being pulled in a million different directions each day, and can ease into this new life of a Mama of three. I am incredibly grateful for all the support we’ve received, and for three healthy, happy babies. Man am I a lucky lady.
I’m trying hard to keep resting and recovering though Ben and I are both anxious to get back into a routine with this squad. I love to work and am eager to get back at it too – it keeps me sane! That said, more from me soon, hopefully, though these cuties are keeping us pretty busy!
‘Til next time… xoxox
Jen 07.31.2018
Congratulations, she is perfect!!
Our 3rd (of 4) was also our easiest baby. I think 3rd babies just know what they gotta do :)
Alice Burns 07.31.2018
Thank you for all of your delicious recipies.
I especially love the triple berry crumb bars
Do you have any seafood recipies?
Amber 07.31.2018
Congratulations on your newest addition! She’s just beautiful. You have a lovely family (and prolly a minivan, amiright?!)! I enjoy your journey.
Julie 07.31.2018
Congrats! She is beautiful. ?Thanks for popping in to share a peek into your world these days. ?
Susan Reinstadler 07.31.2018
So excited to meet that sweet baby girl. I was thinking that exciting things were happening at your house since the Blog had been quiet. I am a Mother of 2 boys and Grandma to 2 boys. A little girl was always my hearts desire but life is wonderful with my Crosby and Bristol!! We are a Gluten free dairy free with the Grandsons and I have been Gluten free for some time now. I happened upon your website a couple of years ago and just love it. I work at MS in the small town of Sherwood Oregon so I have a very busy schedule and love looking at all your wonderful ideas. So excited to see the sweet precious little girl. Looks like the boys are going to love the little Sis also. God Bless you all. Susan R
Sarah 07.31.2018
Congratulations to all of you guys. Gwendolyn is adorable, and I love her name. I couldn’t wait for your announcement on here, so I ended up cheating and checking out your Instagram, ha. But it’s great to officially meet Gwen on Iowa Girl Eats.
Amber 07.31.2018
Congratulations! She is adorable. You are one lucky duck to have so much support!
Jillian 07.31.2018
Congratulations! She’s so adorable…makes me want to try for a girl!
Tracy 07.31.2018
Congratulations!! God bless you and your sweet family <3
Kelli at Hungry Hobby 07.31.2018
What a doll!!! The pictures with her and the boys are so precious!!
Fiona @ Get Fit Fiona 07.31.2018
Congrats! She’s beautiful!
Melissa 07.31.2018
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I’ve been checking everyday like a weirdo stalker for updates!! Rest, Reciver and enjoy your littles!!
Heidi Boogert 07.31.2018
Congratulations!!! She is beautiful!!
Lynn 07.31.2018
What a beautiful post and a beautiful family you have! Gwen is gorgeous and so are your boys…enjoy!
Hannah 07.31.2018
I’ve been reading since long before Lincoln was born and am so happy to see your baby girl is here safely! And OMG – she sure looks like your mini-me :D How amazing! Love your blog.
Mary P 07.31.2018
I’ve been checking every day for your family’s great news.
Gwendolyn is so sweet.pink is a wonderful color!
Big brothers are good to have. Cam is looking more like Lincoln as he ages.
Georgeous family. You and Ben too.Good luck!
Megan 07.31.2018
Congratulations! She is adorable and does look so much like you. :)
Maddie 07.31.2018
Congrats on sweet Gwen! She is precious. So fun to see your boys loving on their baby sister too! Hope you have a speedy recovery. Enjoy your adorable newborn.
Casey Barnhard 07.31.2018
She is adorable and her name is perfect! Congrats to you all!
Liz 07.31.2018
She is so sweet!! Huge congrats, your family is just adorable :) I have been anxiously awaiting this post, as I am pregnant with my 3rd and due in November. My 2nd will only be 18.5 months when baby girl is born so I’ve been dying to hear how Cam’s adjustment is going. I’m nervous about how my sensitive little momma’s boy will react, though I’m sure eventually it will be awesome for them to be so close in age. I’m also having my first scheduled c-section (I’ve had 2 others but they were both emergency) and I’m very much looking forward to what will hopefully be a nice calm and controlled birth for once, but I’m really nervous about the recovery. I’m so glad to hear you are feeling relatively well! Enjoy snuggling that sweet girl!