Nolan is Here!

So, I had a baby two weeks ago. And every night I’ve thought that I really should update my blog, but of course any moments of rest and sleep I can get have won out every time.

Nolan Reid was born September 1 at 8:31 pm. He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces and was 20 inches long. He has a head full of dark hair which has already won him hundreds of compliments. He looks a lot like his big sister, but heaven help me if he has her personality too. I got my wish of having a September baby (barely!) but feel a little bad that he was born on his cousin Theo’s second birthday- especially after Charlotte was born on my brother’s (Theo’s dad) birthday. Oops.

We chose his first name, Nolan, after my childhood nickname. I played softball and when I started pitching, I loved to strike batters out and my dad started calling me Nolan (obviously after Nolan Ryan). So this baby is sort of named after me. Reid is his middle name for no other reason other than we love the name- and yes, I know Nolan Ryan does have a son named Reid, but that really had nothing to do with our choice.

I may or may not write Nolan’s birth story out- but the birth was very similar to my other two, and it really was a wonderful experience. I am so thankful that I’ve had three births that have been so positive and exactly what was best for me. I do wish I hadn’t scarfed down that La Madeleine sandwich an hour after Nolan arrived- that did not end well!

The easiest part of having a third baby is the actual baby. I really think everyone should have their third baby first, because oh, to be a first time mom and be this relaxed about the baby and have only ONE baby- well, that’s the dream. Seriously, Nolan is nothing but a sweet little ball of cuddles. Breastfeeding is going fantastically, much to my surprise. I’m not tracking how long he’s nursing, or really how long between feedings, and somehow it’s working. I’m changing a million diapers a day, and he’s been gaining his ounce a day that he’s supposed to, so I’m just not going to worry about it. Such a change. I think the fact that I had a really hard pregnancy is now paying off- I’m already used to being up in the night, so the nighttime feedings haven’t left me so fatigued this time around. Now, I’m only two weeks in, and I know that could change, but for now I feel like I’m managing it really well.

The hardest part of having a third baby has without a doubt been managing Charlotte. She adores Nolan, but is making the rest of us pay for turning her world upside down. She melts down constantly over the smallest things, and nothing is ever right. I am trying so hard to be patient and understanding with her, but it’s really, really hard. By about 4:00 in the afternoon I’ve hit the wall and start counting the minutes until I can put her to bed. Interestingly, in the last few days she’s been taking a lot of her frustrations out on her older brother. She’s been telling me, “You are Charlotte’s mommy and Nolan’s mommy- NOT GG’s mommy”. (she calls Grayson GG). She completely loses it when I tell her it’s time to pick Grayson up from school, and forget any kind of sane, rational behavior when I have to take care of him in any way. Poor Grayson- the totally innocent victim of psycho toddler!

Yes, it’s been really difficult, but then there are moments like this that (almost) make the crazy worth it.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BAYdJ9EcHR4&w=320&h=266]

This week, we have finally (FINALLY) started our fall schedule. It was a brutal, long summer and I am so glad to have an out-of-the-house routine again. Yesterday we went to MOPS and today Bible study. People say they are amazed that I am out of the house so soon, but it’s not amazing, it’s survival. I feel so much better physically now that I’m not pregnant, and I’m hoping my motivation to blog regularly again will return. I know there will be lots to write about on this new crazy adventure!

14 Comments

  1. Amber on September 16, 2015 at 3:09 am

    He's SOOOOOO precious!!! There for a split second, I almost caught a hint of baby fever. Don't worry- I squashed it back down in its rightful place… So glad your delivery went well again and I'm so excited for your family!

  2. My Vegas on September 16, 2015 at 1:35 pm

    Yeahhhhhhhhhh. I've been thinking of you! So excited to hear all is well. Let new normal begin!

  3. Down On The Farm on September 16, 2015 at 2:48 pm

    Oh my goodness! HE is PRECIOUS!!! You are one blessed mama! So thankful he is here and you are doing great. Get back on that schedule!!! I think schedules are great for kids . . . and for mothers! Blessings to you my sweet friend!!!!! Can't wait to read more posts about your beautiful family!!

  4. Brittnie on September 16, 2015 at 5:57 pm

    He is adorable! Congrats! I will be praying for you during this transition as you settle into your new normal.

  5. Heather on September 16, 2015 at 6:57 pm

    Congratulations! He is just perfect!

  6. Jos on September 17, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    Awh – he is so stinkin' adorable. I really hope you write out your birth story again! Glad things are going well.

  7. Erin on September 17, 2015 at 6:58 pm

    Nolan could not be any cuter! Congratulations! I am so glad that he is doing well and that you feel more relaxed, what a nice thing for sure!!!! xoxo

  8. basebell6 on September 18, 2015 at 12:44 am

    Oh my gosh! I had my baby on August 31! Nolan is such a cutie pie! Enjoy all those newborn snuggles!!!!!!!!

  9. Stefanie Blakely on September 21, 2015 at 4:00 am

    Oh, E, he's perfect!! Congrats to all of you!!! xoxo

  10. Motleymommy on September 24, 2015 at 2:19 pm

    Congratulations, he is perfection! It sure sounds like you are doing well. Enjoy this time, yes even Charlotts tantrums. It all goes so so so fast.

  11. Coco on September 30, 2015 at 2:14 am

    He is just adorable!!! I'm glad things are going well for you and that he's such a good baby. My little girl is all drama too. LOL. I hope she handles our new arrival well, you're kind of scaring me. 😉 Also, our new one's middle name is going to be Nolan, after my BIL. I'm sure Charlotte will calm down and get into a new routine soon. Crossing my fingers for it anyway… Take your time coming back to blogging. Make sure you take care of yourself and keep choosing sleep over blogging!!!

  12. charity on October 1, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    he is so cute congrats. i had my newest baby girl september 9th

  13. Mellow MW Mama on October 2, 2015 at 9:24 pm

    congratulations!!! so happy for you! what an adorable little man

  14. Becky on October 22, 2015 at 8:17 pm

    Congrats on your beautiful boy, mama!!

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