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
ShaNae 08.01.2018
She is beautiful! The picture of Ben and Lincoln holding her at the hospital, his huge smile is so precious! Happy you’re doing well too. Congratulations!
Valerie 08.01.2018
Such a beautiful family! The pictures are great! Looking forward to updates in future posts.
Brenda Jones 08.01.2018
Congratulations Cute Mama! You have beautiful kids! Get the rest and it will pay off later!
colleen 08.01.2018
She is beautiful!
Tricia 08.01.2018
She is just precious!!! What a sweetheart!!! Love all the family pics – enjoy!! And congrats to you all.
Gina 08.01.2018
Many Blessings are wished for you and your beautiful family. The pictures are soooooooo precious. CONGRATULATIONS on your growing family. There is no greater LOVE than that of a young, energetic family. Enjoy!
Traci Johnson 08.01.2018
Congratulations! She is beautiful! I’m probably 20 years your senior, but I want to be like you when I grow up! :) You’re so inspiring! How lucky those three little ones are to have you as their mama. I’m an Iowa gal too (living in KC). Thanks for all you do!
Connie Rowe 08.01.2018
Congratulations! You have a beautiful family!!
Paula 08.01.2018
Congrats to you and the family! So glad everyone is healthy and seems to be settling in well. I hope having family around to support you makes it a little easier to soak in the moment!
KD 08.01.2018
Congrats!!! Love her name! This is a crazy stage but filled with so many precious moments!
cara zimmer 08.01.2018
Oh good grief, there is no way that baby girl could be ANY cuter!!!! Oh she’s so sweet Kristin!! So glad everyone is adjusting well, as much as I miss your posts, take your time coming back, we’ll be here!!
Julie 08.01.2018
I absolutely love that name. Congratulations to your beautiful family!
Kimberli 08.01.2018
She’s adorable, such a beautiful baby!! Congratulations, I love all the pictures of your new family, glad the boys are adjusting fairly well to your newest addition!!
Sandy R. 07.31.2018
Gwen is a beautiful baby and your boys are more than handsome! Such a nice little family and it looks like everyone is adjusting really well. I’m a great grandmother (Gigi) of seven great grands since February 2016 and it has been so much fun to see my grandkids start their families. I am so blessed to be a part of their lives.. I hope you have a chance to rest a little each day and enjoy your little ones, they will grow up too fast!
Heather 07.31.2018
Beautiful family! I love the photo with her eyes open. Watch out world- here I come! Cute!
Erica 07.31.2018
Congratulations Kristin! Gwen is gorgeous and the perfect addition to your sweet family. I would love to see more personal posts about your daily life and motherhood in the future! But first, take plenty of time to rest and recover and enjoy those baby snuggles!
Kristen 07.31.2018
I love everything about this. I was diagnosed with and autoimmune illness shortly after welcoming our first and I relate to all of your posts on such a personal level. Additionally, we welcomed a baby girl last fall after our son 4 years ago who is a spitting image of his father. I couldn’t be more excited to have a child who finally and amazingly looked like me. Enjoy that sweet babe and congrats!!
Rebecca Kick 07.31.2018
Congratulations- what a sweet addition to your adorable family. Enjoy every moment.
Sheila Merz 07.31.2018
Congratulations! What a sweet baby girl!!
Melony 07.31.2018
That last photo is precious! Such a beautiful family, co congratulations!