Letters to Parks & Marlee (4/16/11 - 5:45pm)

Hi sweet babies,
Your mommy is getting a little bit delirious.  You both decided to have a little party last night, so we didn't do much sleeping.  This morning I spent about 10 seconds trying to fit the box of cereal into the refrigerator before realizing that it is the MILK that goes in the fridge...and the cereal should go in the PANTRY.  :)  Ahh, the joys of no sleep.  Hopefully I will be able to laugh at it one day.  Ha!

Parks,
We are trying something new today.  Grandma Murray saw the lactation consultant this morning when she went to walk for the March of Dimes (by the way...we will get to do this walk next year!!).  The Lactation Consultant said that we should try to go 48 hours without a bottle.  I think we can do it buddy.  You will probably be mad about it, but it will be better in the long run if we can manage to get you full from nursing.  So far you have been doing good for about 10 minutes, but then we top you off with a bottle every time so you never learn to get full from just nursing.  Hopefully this 48 hours will make a change.  The LC thinks you are big enough and strong enough to do it at this point, so I am praying it works out and that you don't hate it.  We went out to eat last night with all 4 our your grandparents and your Aunt Erin and Uncle T.  We went to El Ranchero and had a good time.  You had a bottle during dinner and did very good.  You slept great after you ate...way to go.  When we came home, Aunt Erin and Uncle T came over to visit with you and spend some cuddle time.  You fell sound asleep on Uncle T's chest...but you were obviously ticked when he left (maybe that's why you partied all night?  we will have to have a talk with him about leaving you!!).  I love you sweet boy.
All my love,
Mommy

Marlee,
We have the cutest little dress from you from Tony and Claire, and I really want you to wear it for Easter.  You need to put on a little more weight, but I think you are close, so let's keep our fingers crossed.  You've been making some progress with nursing, although it is hard for mommy to remember that sometimes since it seems like the progress is so slow...and it is always two steps forward, one step back.  I was about 3 seconds from giving up on nursing this morning, but God keeps giving me little nudges and encouragement right when I get to my breaking point, and I am still trying.  I know that if it doesn't work out we will all be fine, but I also want it to work so bad that I don't want to quit before I have to.  I do believe breastfeeding is best for you, so I will do everything I can do keep trying!  You had fun with your Aunt Erin last night.  She held you after dinner and you were so happy.  You were wide awake and bright-eyed for a while, and then you snuggled in and took a nice nap with her.  I am sure you will get lots of those naps with Aunt Erin.  This summer we will get to spend time at the lake and I think you will love the warm sun and water...and most likely the boat engine will help soothe you to sleep too.  I can't wait to get you acquainted to all of that stuff mommy and daddy love to do.  Time for you to eat.  I love you!
All my love,
Mommy