EWA

Win – I’ve been using a new trick to help my toddler take deep breaths when he is melting down. I hold five fingers up and ask him to blow out the “candles” (the “candles” are my fingers.) he almost always loves it, and it really helps calm things down.
Woe – I’m feeling completely overwhelmed lately. Between the ups and downs of a grandparent having cancer, routine sicknesses for my two small kids, tough stretch at work… I’m feeling like I’m failing at everything despite doing my best. Does it get easier?

Win – my seven month old is really taking to solids, so we have been enjoying fun family dinners with our toddler and baby both eating.
Woe – the kids alternate night wake ups, and the sleep deprivation is real. I’m especially struggling with my 2.5 year olds wake ups – he wakes every night and comes into our room. We walk him back to him bed, but he cries and wants us to stay with him. It’s gut wrenching, especially for an overtired parent in the middle of the night.

With my first, I tortured myself with extra pump sessions and power pumping to get to the ounces he drank at daycare (i had the same situation, I sent 12 but they said he was still hungry.) With my second, I haven’t had the emotional stamina to pump in the evening, so we supplement. It’s been the greatest decision! I still pump at work, but it takes up so much less mental space. Whatever I get, we supplement with formula as needed. It has been incredibly freeing and has only improved our breastfeeding relationship.