Outnumbered

So very recently we had a major change in our household.  Since we've been a single income family and are wanting to eventually get a larger house, we needed more income.  The solution is obviously more money.  However there aren't any options around here.  Casey had pretty much reached the top of the pay scale at his employment and.  So after careful deliberation we decided on a change.

Casey has officially changed jobs and is now driving a truck over the road.  He'll be gone during the week, two weeks at the longest, but usually just one.  That means I'm home all week with the boys.  I think I can handle it, especially once school starts back up.  Casey being gone will be rough but we have a great relationship and I know it will only make us stronger. :)

This makes me think about some of the obstacles that we may have to overcome.  There are some things that we've had to address with Casey on the truck and then there are issues with me at home by myself.  Then there is the time we're all together on the weekends.

Obviously with me and the boys at home during the week, I'm like a single parent.  I do the regular stay at home mom stuff; clean, cooking, etc.; but also all the disciplining and child rearing.  I won't have the threat of "Just wait until your dad gets home."  A week is too long of a wait for Dad to have to handle it.  I'm also taking over all the finances.  Meals aren't bad because I cook the same amount and save leftovers for lunch the next day.

There's also the issue of adult time for Mommy.  If you've been a stay at home mom you know that it can be tiring to be with children constantly.  Sometimes you just have to have a conversation without someone interrupting about a toy they saw on tv. This will take some planning to remedy.  I think it will get better once school starts and Carter is gone during the day.

With Casey on the truck, we've been looking at what he needs to be comfortable and how he can save money.  Before he left we packed him lots of snacks, plus bread and peanut butter.  (We are a peanut butter family and can eat it everyday of the week. lol.)  We'll know more about what he wants and needs after he's been out for a while.

Then we've got a transition of weekend time.  There will be no set time when Casey will get home.  It could be Friday or it could be Saturday.  Then there's no set time when he'll have to head back out.  We'll have to play that by ear.  When he is back though we want to enjoy the time we have.  I'm hoping to explore all the things we do to make sure our weekends fun filled and easy.  lol.

I am really excited about the new adventure our family is on.  I know there will be challenges, but I know it will make us stronger and closer.

Stress? What Stress?

So since my last post, I've become a mother to not one boy but two boys.  Carter is now five and will start kindergarten in the fall.  Mr. Donovan was born May 10 and is almost 11 weeks.  I wasn't sure how I was going to handle two children, but it's going.  Sometimes Carter has to wait longer for me to get him something, or better yet, he has to be more independent and do it himself.  Donovan sometimes just has to cry while I'm doing something.  There are some days that I don't get a shower or even get my teeth brushed, but I love being home with my boys.  Although I am ready for school to start.  lol

Now to back track a little bit.  Donovan's arrival was a scheduled c-section.  Everything went great.  He measured at 8lbs 11oz and 23 in.  The only surprise was that he had the cord wrapped around his neck, but all was fine with him.  Carter was excited to be a big brother and still loves it.  He constantly wants to hold little bubby and help.  Sometimes he helps a little too much.  Donovan was jaundice as we had expected. (Carter was a week late and jaundice.)

I've been successfully exclusively breastfeeding, and it's going great.  At Donovan's two month check up, he'd gained 6 lbs, bringing him up to 14 lbs.  I've had a lot better luck nursing this time around and plan on doing it as long as I'm able.

We've also been cloth diapering Mr. Donovan.  I use cloth during the day and disposables at night.  He usually has a fussy period before bed and I have to change diapers every 30 minutes or so.  Slightly irritating, but it's getting better.  I'm also looking at putting up a clothes line since I'm cloth diapering.  It just seems to make sense to me.

I've also been trying to wear Donovan.  I've made a sling that I wear him in on occasion. I'm not crazy about the sling but it works in a pinch and doesn't take much room to pack.  My favorite carrier is a Pognea that I actually won on a blog giveaway.  It's comfy and is super easy to get him in and out.

The last couple months have been going really well.  I'm grateful for all the help I've had.  My mom and mother-in-law have been great with assisting me when I go to the store or out of town.  Nana has spent extra time with Carter, inviting him over to spend the night a little more often.  Grandma has let Carter come down to play with the little boy she babysits.  Grandpa has even let Carter help him work. (If it's not too hot anyways.)  Honestly I'm just so happy to have such a great support system.  I don't know if I would still have my sanity if it weren't for them.  I've also had some great cloth diapering support from Bum Covered Diapers. 

Now it's time to get back to mommy business.  ;)