Our sweet Olivia was born on February 17, 2021 at 1:15 am. She was a day shy of 41 weeks and even then she never seemed to want to arrive. Much like Greyson (who was born at 40-41 weeks, too), Olivia was just happy as could be in mamas womb yet I, on the other hand, was more than ready to get this show started.

I had a routine weekly appointment with my OB – who wanted labor to start naturally. Every appointment she’d check my cervix and time and time again I would show little signs of progression. Finally, we discussed the option of inducing should labor not start on its own. Thankfully, we agreed that if by our following appointment labor hadn’t started she would admit me and we would begin labor – and that’s exactly what happened (you can read more about her birth story here).

During the final stages of my labor with baby girl, my nurse had checked my dilation and became slightly concerned when she detected meconium. Meconium is a black tar-like substance that is baby’s first bowl movements. Because Olivia was almost 41 weeks, it’s common for it to be present. However, it also raises the risk for infection – especially if she ingests it.

After laboring for about 15 hours and pushing for little over one hour, our sweet Olivia Pierce was born. NICU was present because of the meconium, however upon her initial screenings she seemed fine. She did have a slightly elevated temperature at birth (mine was normal), but other than that she checked out beautifully. We had our golden hour of skin-to-skin and even tried to nurse. When we were admitted into our recovery room, our nurses continued to monitor her with the routine temperature checks and such. I began to notice that the nurses were coming fairly regularly to check on her, which was a little out of the norm for me since I don’t remember them doing that when I delivered Greyson. I could tell they didn’t want to alarm us, but eventually a nurse came and told us that her temperature had dropped and that they wanted to do blood work to determine if there was an infection. This, paired with her lack of appetite, caused our care team to be concerned enough to run some tests.

My husband accompanied Olivia the entire time while I recovered and rested in our room. I hated being away from her so early on, but I knew she was in the best of hands. After all, it was just out of precaution, right?

After some time my husband came back to our room without Olivia. My heart sank because I knew that there was something wrong and this wouldn’t be a typical delivery experience for us. He told me that they detected a sepsis infection and that she would be taken into the NICU for observation and to begin IV antibiotics. Surprisingly enough, I wasn’t scared or worried. I knew that, again, she was right where she needed to be and I was grateful the nurses and doctors caught her infection early. Olivia would receive the best of care and I told myself should anything happen, nurses are right there to address it.

That was the beginning of our NICU stay.

Welcome to NICU

When your baby enters NICU it becomes a controlled environment. Feedings are scheduled and the time/amount is recorded, wires are applied to monitor everything from their heart rate to oxygen levels, and it’s one of the most secure area of the hospital. There’s a regulated check-in and out process parents have to go through every single time they visit and breastmilk is treated like medication – you use unique stickers with your (the mama) barcode and patient info along with writing the date and time of your pumped milk. We were able to visit with her 24/7 and encouraged to nurse and bond. Even though our stay looked and felt completely different this time around, I was grateful to her care team and nurses who not only made it comfortable for us, but for Olivia as well.

She remained on her IV antibiotics for a few days then her blood would be retested. Thankfully her temperature began to regulate itself without the use of the heat lamps. After her test came back with better numbers she spent a day or so coming off her IV. Before she could be discharged, Olivia had to show signs that her temperature could remain normal (which it was) and her labs clear of any infection. After the typical three days post-delivery, the hospital was preparing to discharge me as a patient and it was difficult to go home without my baby. Olivia would stay overnight and labs would be run one more time before she could come home – we were happily anticipating the following morning when we could pick her up.

Unfortunately that wouldn’t happen.

That night we were able to spend some quality time with Greyson for one more night before his world would change forever. I actually enjoyed being able to be home and have a night where I could shower and rest in my own space after being in the hospital where the water was out due to the freak winter storm. Another reason to be grateful and to see our circumstance as a glass-half-full. The following morning we woke up and were leaving our neighborhood when we received a call from Olivia’s doctor. She was concerned that her numbers after being off her IV antibiotics continued to be slightly elevated – which meant a bit of the infection was still present in her blood. In efforts to be cautious she wanted to keep Olivia one more night for observation. We were devastated and our hearts completely sank, but we understood that it was in Olivia’s best interest and health to stay.

My husband and I visited her anyways and as strong as I had been throughout this whole process, it wasn’t until we were walking down the hallway to the NICU I completely broke down in tears. I was upset that I couldn’t bring my baby home with me as planned and I was upset that I had to walk this walk once more. However, once we got to her pod and could hold her and nurse her those feelings dissipated and feelings of gratitude and grace once again took over. Olivia’s doctor came to us and explained her blood work and that out of an abundance of caution she wanted to keep her one more night and that was confident that her next lab would be clear. I appreciated the doctor’s ability to meet us where we needed and explained everything in a way that reassured us but was also honest. She told us that it would be far more traumatizing for us to take her home to then have to come to the ER and readmit her due to complications – I knew she was right. While Olivia was awaiting her final blood test they wanted to give her a dose of photo-therapy for her jaundice. It was a little jarring to see her under the light, but if it meant it made Olivia the healthiest she could be then we were all for it.

The following morning we were on our way to the hospital when our doctor called us with the good news that Olivia could be discharged. Prior to that call I realized that I needed to change my perspective. We were both so devastated the day before when we couldn’t take her home as planned, so I kept telling myself (in efforts to not repeat the feelings of the previous day) that we were going to see her, but it wasn’t guaranteed we would be bringing her home. That helped me prepare for the worst-case scenario but thankfully her labs came back normal and we received the news we wanted to hear. Olivia was coming home.

I was relieved to see her off her wires – it was as if she were a typical baby and everything was going back to normal for us as a family. We were able to spend some time with her – I had a session with the hospital’s lactation specialist to help find my groove to breastfeed Olivia. Afterwards we dressed her, spoke with the doctor once more, got her discharge paperwork and were finally clipping her into her carseat.

Since bringing her home we had our regular wellness checkups for her. We did an additional blood screen around 4 weeks old to make sure her infection was, in fact, gone – and it was. Now, our sweet Olivia is almost three months old and I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect soul.

One Month Update | Two Month Update

Grace & Gratitude

During our experience with Olivia in the NICU I had to remain positive because that was about the only thing I could control about our circumstance. I gave myself grace through this knowing I was not only physically healing from childbirth, but emotionally going through it as well (you know, hormones and all). I hated not having her by my side but I continued to have grace on the nurses and even through the disappointment of not being able to bring her home when I was initially discharged. The gratitude I felt 100% goes towards our nurses (both mine and Olivia’s), doctors, my husband, and family for getting us through it all. So, if you find yourself in a similar position just remember there is a light at the end of the tunnel – your tunnel may be longer or shorter than other families, but it nonetheless will come to an end. The important part in all of this is bringing home a healthy baby!

What a month it’s been for us as a new family of four. It’s been a while since I’ve been able to get on here consistently and that is large in part due to our overall adjustment and enjoyment of this new phase. I’ve been really soaking up these moments with Olivia because, much like Greyson, it seems she’s constantly changing and growing and I have yet to invent a time slowing device to keep her this small forever. With that being said, you can always catch me on my Instagram where I photo-dump my life with Olivia and if you’re so inclined, be sure to give me a follow. I love connecting with fellow mamas out there – especially as I am navigating this new life with two kids!

Olivia at 2 months

According to the CDC, there are common milestones babies hit by the end of two months old. Here’s what Olivia is already showing us:

• Smiling at people (including familiar faces like ours!)
• Begin to self-soothe by bringing her hands up to her mouth to suck
• Beginning to appear bored by turning away or fussing to change an activity
• Turns her head to track objects or people
• Beginning to coo and make gurgle sounds
• Making smoother movements with arms and legs; more control
• More control with holding head up

Eating

Weight: 13 lbs

Baby girl has put on quite the poundage since we brought her home in February! She’s eating on a more regular schedule now and after our first well check-up our pediatrician gave us the go-ahead to nurse/feed “on demand” since she’s happy with the weight gain Olivia has made. Around the 6 week mark, however, I noticed she demanded to eat almost every 20 minutes or so. I was nervous my milk supply may have taken a dump, but I quickly went to the internet and found out that she was actually “cluster feeding.”

Cluster feeding is simply natures way of prepping my body for more milk production. As Olivia grows so does her stomach and appetite. It was completely normal for her to have been cluster feeding for about 2-3 days – she was simply gearing up my body to produce more milk. Now, at two months, she’s back to her eating schedule but definitely nursing longer.

Bring on those insatiable chubby thighs!

BioGaia Probiotics to help with regurgitation

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In addition to her milk, we have been using BioGaia probiotics. It was recommended to us by our pediatrician in case Olivia began to show signs of colic. Thank goodness she hasn’t, however I did notice that she seemed to be straining to poop and uncomfortable until she passed gas or eliminated. In addition, she spit up almost every time she ate. I made sure she wasn’t being overfed but when it continued I had to investigate the cause. Apparently the term is regurgitation and it’s common in newborns since their GI tracts are still in development. The tiny flap that opens and closes when she breaths and eats is still under construction and therefore can cause her to spit up. Eventually the spitting up will stop, but in the meantime I wanted to provide her some relief. Just 5 drops a day in her milk is all it takes and I’m happy to report that her spitting up is all but gone and she’s passing gas/pooping much easier!

Sleeping

Thank goodness this girl is beginning to sleep through the night!

When we first brought her home it seemed like she slept all of the time. During the day it would be hours on end she would nap. Now, she’s definitely awake for longer during the day and naps here and there or after nursing. At nighttime she’s awake until about 10:30-11pm and sleeps until about 3-4am for a diaper change and to nurse before going back to sleep.

Something that has been extremely helpful for ensuring good sleep for both her and us is our Halo Sleep Sack. I swear by it because it makes swaddling a breeze – especially at those 2am feedings. She enjoys being swaddled tight and the velcro makes wrapping her up so easy. Couldn’t recommend it more!

Enjoying

• Olivia has really begun to smile this month and my heart melts into tiny little pieces every single time.
• She’s also taking notice of Greyson and smiles at him all the time. I look forward to their budding sibling relationship.
• She loves being held (especially by Dada) and it can sometimes be a little pain for us simply because it makes it difficult to do other things like work, pee, or eat.
• Her favorite Wubbanub is the unicorn (Dada got the sloth, haha). Somehow she knows the difference and we’ve learned she has preferences of pacifiers.
• Like magic she falls asleep to Post Malone’s “circles” but the instrumental version. So, we have our Alexa play it to calm her and put her to sleep. It’s worked every time.
• Warm baths are comforting for her. She especially enjoys bath time when I’m in the tub, too.
• She enjoys walks in the stroller around the neighborhood.

Disliking

• She’s not entirely a fan of being dressed. And we’re not sure we’re a fan of dressing her in dresses. It just doesn’t fit her personality. However, we’ve received gifts and it’s important for us for her to wear those outfits at least once before she outgrows them.
• Being put down or not paid attention to.
• Being buckled into the car seat.

Happy 2 months, baby girl!

Olivia ONE Month

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Breastfeeding is a source of mixed feelings for me.

When I was pregnant with Greyson I had the grand plan to breastfeed for the first year – a common goal many new moms set before themselves. He arrived and thanks to a little help from the lactation specialist at our hospital, I got the hang of nursing. My milk would eventually come in and once we were home I felt as though I really understood how it all worked and the rules to keep my supply up and baby happy:

• nurse or pump every 2-3 hours
• freshly pumped milk is good for up to 4 hours at room temperature
• refrigerate or freeze pumped milk and build up a stock supply
• thawed milk is only good for about 2 hours
• …and so on…

Then, at five months old, Greyson stopped. Kicked me off.

I still have no idea why he was no longer interested in breastfeeding, but every time I tried he’d fuss, turn his head away, or close his mouth in protest. I thought I would continue to pump, but soon I found my milk drying up. I was just devastated! So, we continued with formula until he began eating table foods and he’s been a healthy eater ever since.

With Olivia, and having that prior experience with breastfeeding, I didn’t set a goal. I’m just going with the flow of what she needs and doing what I can (like drink plenty of water, take my prenatals, etc.) to keep my supply going strong. I’m also freezing more of my milk this time around (just in case…) and trying to pump before nursing to keep the demand going. So far, even just a month in, Livie and I are doing great and found our groove!

The Pumping Rules

When I first began pumping I was overwhelmed with all of the rules! It was a touch confusing at first, but like anything, it got easier. The number one rule I learned was to label my bottles after each pumping session with the date and time. This is because when you either refrigerate or freeze your milk you want to use the oldest milk first and not just by the date. The time you pump is important – especially if you’re leaving your milk out at room temperature.

So, this means after every session I need to label every bottle. Easy enough.

So, I grabbed what I had on-hand, which happened to be painters tape. I liked that it would adhere, but peel easily when I went to wash the bottles. However, this became tedious because it required me to cut down the tape into manageable pieces and at 2am that was the last thing I wanted to do.

That’s when I took to the internet to find a way that allowed me to work smarter, not harder. That’s when I had the idea of using eraseable labels!

Using Avery Eraseable Labels

Because I reuse my Medela bottles on the regular I was in need of some kind of label that could also be reusable. I also needed a label that was durable and could withstand routine cleanings. I tried traditional labels but found that they peeled and wouldn’t stick to the bottles with the condensation that builds on the bottle. So, I took to Amazon to see if erasable labels existed.

And they do!

These Avery Multi-Use Labels that are eraseable have quickly become my favorite mom hack thus far. They have been a great way to keep my pumped milk organized in the fridge. I simply adhere the labels to my bottles and use a dry-erase marker to write the date and time. After I’m finished, I erase, clean, pump, and write the new date.

These labels are the perfect size for using on the vials that come with my pump (and a few the hospital provided before being discharged) as well as the Medela bottles. I simply adhere them to each bottle I plan to use while pumping and use a dry-erase marker to write the date and time. It then goes right into the fridge.

What it’s not good for…

Although this has been a great hack for room temperature or refrigerated breastmilk, I don’t recommend it for freezing or traveling with as it can easily be wiped off. I use freezer storage bags where you I write the time and date directly on it and for traveling bottles I use a simple sticker.

An organized pumping station

Our bedroom is where I do most of my pumping and I knew I wanted to create a little space where I could keep all of my pumping parts. I started with using my bedside nightstand, but that quickly became overwhelmed with the pump, tubes, and parts that needed to be washed. Needless to say, I desired something a little more organized.

I found this three-tiered cart from Michael’s (shop similar) on sale and went ahead and bought it. I originally thought to use it to keep my lettering stuff organized, but thought to give it a little more purpose. So, it’s become my mobile pumping station instead.

On the top part I keep my pump along with my bottles, tubes, extra parts, my hands-free pumping bra, and other goodies like nipple cream. The middle rack is where I keep the plastic basin I snagged from the hospital and that is where I place the parts that I’ve used and are in need of cleaning. I easily take the basin downstairs to clean what’s inside then bring it back up. I’ve also dedicated a hand-towel to be my breastfeeding towel – a convenient way to catch any runaway breastmilk when taking the pump off. The bottom rack holds my pump’s travel case and other items I rarely use or need.

Read: Simple Postnatal Must-Haves

Our Olivia turns one month old today (and a happy St. Patrick’s Day to all of my fellow Irish-Americans out there!) and I’m here in a puddle of tears. No matter how much I can try to reason with myself, I still can’t believe how quickly time flies. This month in a nutshell was just a transition. There are days where I felt great and felt as though I have this mom-of-two-kids thing down and other days where I silently have a good cry in the shower. Both are completely normal and par the course of being a new mom (or in my case, a mom again).

Today I’m sharing her one month update!

Bringing baby home

When we got the green light from the NICU for Olivia to be discharged from the hospital we were so excited. We had my husband’s family (who were also watching Greyson while we were in the hospital) come over so they were home when we arrived. Everyone had the chance to get to see and hold her and it’s been wonderful to finally live near family where these moments are commonplace and regular.

Read Olivia’s birth story here.

Introducing to big brother

All throughout my pregnancy Greyson had always seemed interested and excited about the idea of a baby arriving. We had talked him through it all, had him join us on our first sonogram appointment, bought and read a few “big brother” books to help prepare him, and made him a part of as many family decisions as possible. We soaked up as much one-on-one time as we could with him, but also reminding him that with a baby coming home he’ll have new responsibilities.

Thankfully, this first month with Olivia a part of our family he’s been completely in love with her. He has this natural nurturing instinct and is on the ready to help out whenever he can. She makes a single coo or cry and he’s on it getting her pacifier or running over to her bassinet to tell her, “it’s okay…Greyson’s here.” I mean, heart melting stuff.

He hasn’t appeared to regress in any way other than being a little more attached to me. For example, he prefers me over my husband for basic things like taking him to school or doing the bedtime routine. He’s wanting more snuggles and attention that way, too. I do feel guilty that I can’t always be the one to give him those cuddles or do all the things because of nursing or caring for Olivia. Sometimes I can be short with him or become easily frustrated when he doesn’t listen or follow a direction I give him – this also has me with the mom guilt. However, I know this first month comes with sleepless nights and new rhythms, which contributes to having shorter patience. I’m trying to have grace with myself during this transition and remember that it doesn’t last forever.

Olivia at one month

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are the most common milestones that babies hit during the first three months of life on the outside. Here are a few that Olivia is showing this month.

• Beginning to hold her head up on her own when on her stomach or holding her upright.
• She is beginning to track with her eyes (i.e. follow objects across her line of sight). We practice this along with tummy time to help build up those neck and eye muscles.
• She does respond to noises and I can begin to notice a recognition of my voice – she also really loves to stare at my husband.
• Is starting to show signs of “cooing” and making sounds other than crying.
• Early on she has been smiling but only in her sleep – still waiting for her to smile as a response to us!
• Her belly button fell off at about 3 weeks old.

Eating

Weight: 10 lbs 11 oz

What began as feeding on-the-dot every 2-3 hours, she’s now beginning to settle into a feeding-on-demand schedule. Our pediatrician is happy with her weight gain and encourages us to continue feeding as she shows signs of wanting to nurse. She also began feeding on about 2-3 oz every couple of hours and has jumped up to 3-4 oz but is going longer in-between feedings, especially at night.

To help keep my milk supply up I’ve been trying to maintain a pumping schedule in addition to nursing her. I am trying to remember to drink lots of water, keep caffeine to one cup of coffee, and continue eating plenty of protein (yogurt with granola has been a favorite). To help with this, and my own nutrition, I also make green smoothies and take a prenatal that’s great for postnatal health as well.

Sleeping

Sleeping this first month still has my husband and I in a haze. Although we do get a couple of consecutive hours of sleep, it’s nonetheless interrupted sleep. This causes us to actually feel more tired, but we tag-team with caring for her so we each can nap throughout the day when we can. During the day is when she sleeps the longest, which is helpful for those naps we like to sneak in or to get some work done – but we’re noticing she’s beginning to be awake for longer. I really feel like we’re slowly getting her on a similar sleep/wake schedule as us, so small win for us.

Also a plus: Greyson doesn’t seem to mind her crying in the middle of the night and sleeps right through it!

Enjoying

In the first month there’s not a whole lot going on in this department outside of caring for her basic needs and keeping her comfortable. However, she is beginning to show enjoyment of a few things:

• Watching our ceiling fan.
• Bonding with Greyson through snuggles and feedings.
• Her play gym (and Greyson loves spending time with her on it, too). We love this one by Tiny Love which promotes eye development with high contrast colors that newborns can see.
• Sponge baths are something we’ve started recently and she seems to really like those. We use our 4Moms Clean Water tub with the newborn insert and it’s been amazing!

Disliking

• Tummy Time is not a favorite of hers but she does seem to enjoy her play gym which helps keep her interest.
• Being put down – she loves being held and rocked.

Happy one month, baby girl!