Five Months

Maura turned five months old! This last month has been a true blessing, as the first four were not easy. Her eating, sleeping and overall disposition is great. God answered our countless prayers to heal Maura.

What has been the best part?
The best part has been watching Maura flourish this past month. Before, Maura was not a happy eater, which usually affected her sleep, which then affected her demeanor. Now, she eats, she sleeps and she is such a happy girl! I feel like we have uncovered the real Maura, and that is definitely the best part.

What has been the hardest part?
The hardest part is balancing the needs of each child and their different schedules. Maura needs her routine, which can be limiting for the rest of us, and Holden loves to be on the go, especially outside. We try to get out at least once a day (weather permitting), but a lot of times the scheduling just doesn't line up to do more. Hopefully I can work on this in the coming weeks.

What has been the most surprising part?
I have always heard that children close in age are also close emotionally and become the best of friends. I feel like we are already seeing signs of Maura and Holden's developing friendship. Holden is always quick to point out when Maura is awake and loves to go and see her. He will make sure she has toys to play with - well, as long as they aren't his! And, Maura just adores her big brother! One of my favorite moments each day is taking Maura in to see Holden when he gets up from his afternoon nap. Holden gives her the biggest smile and starts laughing, and Maura laughs back at him. This goes on for a while, and it is my little slice of heaven each day.

What has been the most memorable story from this month?
This may not be a story, but the most memorable event this month was that Nathan started working at the Mark Center five days a week, and I finally learned what it was like to be a 'normal' mom. Sometimes that means letting Holden wander around the house unsupervised while I am feeding Maura, and sometimes that means having Maura cry while I am changing Holden's diaper. I have not left the house too often, but when I have, we all survived.

What has Maura learned this month?
She is taking three naps a day (the first is about two hours, the second is an hour and a half and her third is about an hour). Maura is still exclusively breastfeeding, and she is doing a much better job eating. We no longer struggle to get her to eat. The best news, though, is that she is sleeping through the night.
Maura no longer uses a swaddle, she can roll from her back to her tummy (and often stays there), she is starting to sit-up a little, but is still very wobbly, and she is starting to pivot around when she is on her tummy. She mostly sleeps on her side or tummy in the crib, and we always find her in a new spot each morning.

What have you learned this month?
I learned not to doubt Babywise! I know the book is controversial, but it has been a blessing for both of my children. Maura is thriving on her routine and I just needed to have more confidence in letting her develop that routine.