Author: lardcupcakes

Hair, hair, hair.

All the stinkin’ hair.

My hair is too straight.

Your hair is curly!

Why can’t I have curly hair?

Mom! I want a ponytail!

Cool. I specifically ask where she would like her ponytail placed. (She’s very specific).

*I pull her hair back to said specifications*

It’s crap.

She erratically rips out the hair tie, along with a few strands due to her ferocity.

We recover.

I ask again.

Now we have new specifications – pig tails.

I move forward with her hair.

Guess what?

She hates it. The tails touch her shoulders.

She rips those out.

So, I ask really slowly, articulating and enunciating every word and syllable.

Insert mental image:

New plan.

She wants a bun.

But, not just any bun – one that pulls the hair from the front of her face. But, not too much hair pulled back. Just the right amount.

Ok. I put her hair into the requested specifications.

Yep, you guessed it.

She hates it.

I took some pictures of it to show her all the angles she couldn’t see from the front view of a mirror.

I took a picture from the back so she could see the cute little bun I created with her shorter, fine hair.

Not that it super matters, but I also snagged a top of her head shot too.

Not gonna lie, it does look a little wonky from this angle.

She hates it.

All aspects.

Not enough hair pulled back.

The bun looks weird.

She hates her hair.

We recovered by looking at pictures of different styles she wants to try.

Then, when I said we are taking a hair break tonight and would reconvene tomorrow to attempt her saved hairstyles, she threw herself down, face first, on the couch.

Because everything is awful.

Just awful.

Someone come fix my kids hair.

Next morning update: we reconvened for that promised tomorrow hair:

I divided, twisted, and wrapped her hair in pig tail buns completely expecting her to rip them out like her hair was on fire.

Surprisingly, she loved them.

She kept them in for a couple of hours – which is a hair feat for this chick.

And, she looks pretty darn cute to boot.

But, seriously, someone come fix my kids hair, regularly.

Bueller?

This addiction is serious.

It can mess up your teeth, speech, cause irrational behavior when it isn’t found, but, it brings calm and relaxation in times of need.

It’s a wawa.

A wawa in our home is a pacifier of any sort.

This particular referenced pacifier addiction is for the wubbanub.

They’re amazing. They match the hospital given soothies, but have a lovey attached.

My kid most attached to these particular ones: Banshee.

As you can see below, the addiction began early.

So, after years of this addiction creating a deeper and deeper hold, we finally reached the point of getting rid of it: 3 years of age.

Unfortunately, when I did the math, pursuing this when she turned 3 meant we would be juggling a newborn and a cranky three year old, and I chickened out.

So, we did a soft transition.

We began with limiting her use:

We don’t take wawas outside.

To

we don’t use wawas in the van.

To

We don’t use wawas when we wake up.

Then, the time came. They had to completely go.

In the course of her life, we have lost countless wawas in all sorts of outings, and others thrown away due to damage.

But, now, she was down to a single, untethered pacifier and one monkey wubbanub.

So, we hatched a plan. Well, really my husband came up with it – I was able to do the fun part.

Build-a-bear.

We cut the remaining tethered pacifier apart and placed it with the single in a ziplock and set off to stuff them in a new, fluffy, build-a-bear animal.

She was so excited, mainly because she isn’t completely aware of what it all means, but also because she’s getting a new toy.

Also, thanks to coronavirus, we couldn’t just walk into the store to pick and purchase.

Instead, as we walked up, we were greeted by a store associate and asked to place our name on a list as a place holder…for an hour and a half later.

90 STINKIN’ MINUTES.

So, we went exploring.

After ice cream, this being an hour had passed, we drove back and inquired about our remaining wait time.

We still had 6 people ahead of us.

Like 6 parties? Or 6 people? What does that mean waiting time wise?

Another 30 minutes.

UGH.

So, we waited…on a bench…sweating…waiting…

Then, the text message arrived.

And the wait was worth it.

We perused the selection, and she picked a mint colored, thin mint Girl Scouts bear.

We handed her lifeless bear to the store associate and placed her pacifiers inside, scooting one into each paw.

I wish I could have caught the smile I know was behind the mask.

But, her bright, expressive eyes give a glimpse.

Here she is, the envy of all the kids waiting at the window behind her, holding her bear in her box house.

We waited FOREVER. But, like I said, it was worth it.

Her first night without her pacifiers was…interesting.

She went to bed fairly well.

Oddly enough, she didn’t want Louie cuddled next to her.

I kept thinking, well that was a waste of money.

She snuggled her for a minute then whispered to me (as I am leaning over her bed tucking her in) that Louie is touching her and she doesn’t like it.

So, I sat Louie on the couch where she could find her in the morning upon waking.

Kids are weird.

End of story.

P.S. Louie was only shafted to the couch on the first night. She has since earned her bedtime keep.

Whenever my kiddos hit around 7(ish) months old, we always have to pursue crying it out.

I know there is a ton of opinions around this particular method of sleep training, but this works for us.

And, I HATE it.

H. A. T. E. It to my very core.

But, I also need it.

I need the results.

I need the boundaries, sleep, and independence it brings.

Even though this isn’t my first rodeo, with much reluctantance and constant second guessing, we embarked.

And, just in case I was waning a little, the night before we stepped into the schedule, Torpedo decided to have a horrible night: woke up constantly, couldn’t decide on swaddle or no swaddle, and was overall cranky.

Day 1: Monday

I laid her down about 10, gave her a kiss, told her night night, and walked out of the room.

I set my timer for 30 minutes. She only cried for maybe 15 minutes, and napped for 2 hours.

Success.

Then, repeat for the afternoon.

That evening, I followed her cues.

She began tiring out about 7:15.

I changed her diaper, put on her sleeper, fed her, and laid her down.

She cried for about 20 minutes, and was out for the night.

Now, with complete transparency, this particular evening, I had to attend a meeting. So, I left the house and my husband handled the crying.

I can’t even begin to tell you how bothered I was to leave with my baby crying, and at the same time knowing its what she and I both needed.

It brought me such relief when my husband sent me this picture update.

Because, in my mind, she would still be crying.

From 7:45pm-9:00am.

Not. A. Peep.

I mean, she may be 4th kid, but I still have those, “are you breathing?” moments too.

Day 2: Tuesday

I woke up for my usual morning routine, around 6:30am. She was still down.

I exercised.

Still asleep.

I showered, washed my hair and made and drank my coffee.

Still asleep.

Do you even know how amazing that is?

I did all of those things without tip toeing around my room, strategically stepping in just the right spots so the floor wouldn’t creak (so I wouldn’t wake her in the bedside crib).

Just so you know, when you have kids, you also become a part-time ninja.

Anyway, look at this amazing picture below.

Drinking my coffee, baby free.

Finally at 8:30am, after her youngest, older sister woke up and left the room, I had to go in and just look at her.

Below is her in all her “this is my space” glory.

I’d like to say I looked upon her with admiration and “I love my baby” expression, but really, I was checking for movement.

She finally woke up at 9:00am and I was ecstatic that she still liked me.

Let’s be real, she just wants me for my boobs.

Day 3: Wednesday

This is her, 8:45am, still enjoying her newfound space and independence.

She again slept through the night, maybe only crying for a few minutes before completely dozing off.

Day 4: Thursday

She awoke this morning in a much better disposition than the previous ones.

She actually excitedly kicked and flapped around when she noticed it was me coming to pick her up.

She woke up around lunch time after her morning nap with this interesting mark on her forehead.

I’m pretty sure she settled her face against the side crib slats and didn’t move.

She maintained that marking for a couple of hours following her nap.

Here she didn’t even cry.

I laid her down at 7:30, she rolled over and went to bed.

It does a mama’s heart good when the fruit of labor is finally experienced.

Days 5-7

Friday-Sunday followed the same pattern as the previous days, with one exception: little to no crying.

I made a commitment to keep her on schedule as much as possible during all of this sleep transition.

So, here we are.

I stuck it out for a week.

And, we’re done.

She rarely cries when I lay her in the crib.

She sleeps significantly better than when she was in the bedside crib, as do I.

Even though I know it’s worth it, I struggled.

I spent days beforehand agonizing, worrying about it being the right choice.

I worried I would be judged for it. For being viewed as a bad mom to let my kid cry.

I heard the lies that allowing my baby to cry damages her.

I heard the opinions of different parenting and sleep methods roaming around in my brain creating doubt and restlessness.

I reached out to multiple people for encouragement – to tell me I’m not a bad mom for crying it out.

I needed moms to tell me that my baby crying in a safe space is okay.

I needed them to say I was a good mom.

And, here’s what I came to realize, as I have with my other three.

It helps me be a better mom.

Not only does it improve my relationship with my baby, it does with my other girls as well.

One of the sweet moments I soaked up happened during one of Torpedo’s naps: I was able to give my undivided attention, sit with Banshee and watch a show she really enjoyed.

I love my girls.

Wholeheartedly.

And, I let them cry it out.

While taking a walk in the neighborhood the other day, my oldest cycles up next to me and asks every child’s most wondered question regarding their stay at home mom:

Do you work?

Hold.

My.

Poodle.

Now, before you come out of your seat with rage, anger and/or a litany of things to say: I wasn’t even mad.

For real.

I mean, really, it makes sense to a kid that a stay at home mom doesn’t work.

I don’t fit the general understanding of an employed individual.

I stay home, don’t wear my finest attire (lounge clothes are a staple), I make no income, ponytails are constant, and a coffee cup in hand is a necessity.

So, a “let me enlighten you” discussion ensued about different things I do that actually provide income outside the home.

So, instead of an “I can’t believe you asked me that!” response, I rely on self-realization to answer the obvious.

Do I clean? (I know it’s questionable some days – thanks kids)

Yes.

Do people pay for cleaning services?

Yes.

Do I cook? (Frozen chicken nuggets count, right?)

Yes.

Do people pay for food at a restaurant?

Yes.

Do I take care of you all?

Yes.

Do parents pay for child care services?

Yes.

Do I drive you all places?

Yes.

Does a chauffeur get paid for their services?

Yes.

Do I teach you all?

Yes.

Does a teacher get paid for teaching students?

Yes. But, we all know, teachers deserve more.

So, then, does mommy work?

I shook my head up and down, just in case there was any question as to the answer.

*in unison*

Yes

I continue: I have chosen to work without financial compensation.

I know, it’s always a barrel of laughs and my kids are the best behaved individuals on the planet.

*side eye*

Side note: a huge shoutout to you moms working outside the home, balancing work and home regularly.

Seriously, y’all are awesome.

Listen

I can’t even with bedtime, really any night of the week.

I’m an early riser, so when bedtime comes, I’m spent.

Like, please leave me alone and go away, spent.

It takes every fiber of my being to not turn into a complete witch during the nightly bedtime battle.

The past few weeks I’ve been asked some random, weird questions from the girls as they’ve meandered out of their rooms in hopes to prolong their bedtime.

---

Sweet

Mom, can I give you a hug?

Mom, can I give you a kiss?

Mom, can you tuck me in?

Needy

Mom, can I have a drink of water?

Mom, can I have a rag for my forehead?

Mom, can you do my back scratches?

Mom, can you tuck me in a second time?

Mom, can I go potty?

Mom, can you put the blankets on me?

Mom, have you seen my horse?

Science

Mom, are spaceships real?

Mom, is the sun going night night?

Mom, what’s a meditation?

Mom, why does it rain?

Mom, was I ever constipated?

Mom, does juice give me fart poop (diarrhea)?

Mom, do most people wear glasses, or most people don’t?

Mom, why do we have blood in our veins?

Mom, are hoverboards real?

Mom, what’s that smell?

Curiosity

Mom, why do you have a bandaid?

Mom, can I have some coconut oil?

Mom, what’s that sound?

Mom, what are we doing tomorrow?

Mom, does your stomach hurt?

Mom, what are we doing the day after tomorrow?

Mom, do we have any more cinnamon rolls left?

Mom, why do you use oils?

Mom, why is banshee not talking to me?

Mom, where’s Torpedo?

Mom, can I have nighttime oil?

Mom, why do you like to watch this show so much?

Mom, when is Tuesday?

Mom, what are you watching?

Mom, can I get my doll?

Mom, have you seen my shoes?

Mom, do you see my energy (while child is running in place)?

Conclusion

Take notice, there are three sweet questions in the sea that is the procrastinators bedtime routine.

Three.

Also, if you can stand the use of the f-bomb and a few other curse words, this video of Samuel L. Jackson reading Go The F*** To Sleep is hysterical:

Experts say babies around 5 months old experience a distracted eating season, encounter parental attachments, broader awareness of their surroundings, and undergo rapid cognitive development.

This leads to their huge developmental leaps, and sometimes added crankiness.

But, I have another thought.

I think it’s FOMO.

Fear Of Missing Out.

I’m serious.

Infant FOMO is a legit thing.

Here me out.

As babies grow, and awareness of their surroundings expand, they come to realize how much of their world they have yet to experience.

For example, when it’s time to eat, whether it’s bottle or breast, Torpedo wants to eat and simultaneously be apart of all the things.

Her sisters watching cartoons? Well, then she must as well.

Next thing I know my nipple integrity is being tested by an overzealous baby, who wants to also participate in the enjoyment that is cartoons.

Did I step out of the room to finally change out of pajamas into real clothes?

Well, that Einstein bouncer just won’t cut it.

She doesn’t want to miss out on a fashion consult and opportunity to judge my body, and critique my clothing choices.

Is the house quiet due to her sisters’ absence?

Well, *cracks whip* onward mom! Outside we go.

She doesn’t want to remain inside staring at the regular green painted walls and brown hardwood floor, she wants to watch her sisters fight and argue outside.

Oh, sitting down to eat any meal?

Think again.

You better scoot that plate back a few feet and learn the art of a steady hand with a utensil loaded with food as it travels to your mouth.

Because now, she’s realized there is other food in addition to breastmilk.

Is it time for your morning cup of coffee?

Well, brew up another, because she wants one too.

Parenting a 5 month old is like hanging out with a tiny, dependent person who deals with FOMO.

Seriously.

Let me just put this out there: I know I don’t completely get it. As much at I try to grasp the weight of school decisions, I really can’t.

I homeschool. It’s what I know.

So, the realm of public or private school isn’t familiar to me.

In an effort to widen my understanding, I reached out to some fellow moms, each in different seasons with their child’s ages, educational needs, school divisions, and experience (some homeschool, some public, some private), and included their quotes throughout.

I want to not just be sympathetic, but also empathetic to your situation, thought, and pressure.

I want this post to be a platform for love, understanding, and grace from the voices of these women, speaking and sharing on behalf of so many.

So, parents who are sending their children to school for in class instruction, and teachers who will greet these kiddos, and you who wear both hats, these are for you.

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Dear parents,

I see you.

I see the struggle you face as you take a big look at your child’s education options for the fall.

I see the fear, the uncertainty, the anxiety.

The weight you carry is heavy.

“I don’t want to live in fear. And God has given me the faith and confidence that He’s got my kids, and this is where they’re supposed to be.”

JCPS Parent
Christy Byrum

The balance of work and children is scary and more uncertain than ever before.

And, hear me say, there is nothing wrong nor judgment given as you pursue in class instruction.

You can send your children to school AND love them too!

My friend and hair stylist, Felicia Pryor, was able to weigh in about this coming school year, and I thought she relayed it perfectly:

“I think we as parents in this season need to remember to extend grace, lots of it! To each other, to our children, to our school faculties, to our governor, to ourselves.

We’ve never lived through this before and we’re all making the best decisions for our families with the information at hand in our current life situations.”

Remember, your school choice is just that.

Your choice, for your family.

“We all love our babes and want what’s best for them and I hope at the end of the day, they know that.

In the midst of all the uncertainty that is now and is to come, I pray they know without a shadow of doubt how much their parents love them.”

BCPS Parent
Felicia Pryor

There it is.

Love.

Grace.

This year, more than ever, let’s share this in abundance.

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Dear Teachers,

Thank you infinity.

Thank you for sacrificing day in and day out to love on so many little personalities, building trust, and working with parents to help enrich the lives of their children.

Thank you for answering the call to educate and come alongside families to help grow the beauty and excitement of learning.

“As I look ahead to the start of this school year, I’m relieved to find I have less anxiety than I anticipated. Thankfully, this is due to the continued trust I have in my children’s school and teachers, especially during this uncertain time.”

HLS Parent
Heather Cregger

I know as you look ahead, the view of and requirements for a safe and successful school year dampens your excitement and breaks your heart.

I see your worry, frustration and uncertainty as you contemplate and weigh your health and financial needs against one another, all the while missing your students.

Hear this loud and clear: YOU are important.

The whole you.

Your health, well being, safety – they all matter.

“I teach 90+ kids a day (we’re on block schedule). But our school is almost 1900. So I come into contact with many, many people during the school day. You cannot social distance in that environment.”

JCPS Teacher

I know some teachers have retired early because the option was available to them, and I know others would do the same if it was possible.

“I’m at high risk and this virus scares me.
If I could retire, I would.”

JCPS Teacher

And, you know what? It’s okay.

You can prioritize your personal health and still love your students.

“I think most teachers would rather be with their students but there are too many unknowns and too many obstacles to meeting in person safely.”

JCPS Teacher

Unfortunately, some individuals have taken it upon themselves to share their unsolicited opinion, and cause you to feel selfish or uncaring because you’re thinking about your health.

Those Karen’s…they don’t speak for the many.

“I think my biggest concern with sending my girls is obviously their health and safety, but I think a lot of those anxious teachers. Our kids could carry the virus without any symptoms to lots of people.”

“I have never felt more appreciation for our teachers in and out of the school buildings. So, when it came to this decision, it was a pretty clear answer for us (to choose in class instruction).”

BCPS Parent
Felicia Pryor

Teachers, you are not forgotten.

It takes a village, and so many parents are so grateful to have you a part of theirs.

Ignore those haters.

You are amazing.

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As the school year begins, I’m committing to pray the following scripture over all of you:

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6:24-26‬ ‭NIV‬‬

A big thank you to my friends Felicia Pryor, Christy Byrum, and Heather Cregger and anonymous others who contributed and trusted me with their thoughts and concerns about this coming school year.

If anyone has any words of encouragement for fellow parents and/or teachers, or ways I can be praying for you during this season, please share them in the comments.

Ever feel like any pursuit of helping a child problem solve ends with you being horribly and terribly wrong?

Yeah, me too.

Exhibit A:

See this cute dress below, with the bunny and ice cream above the pockets?

It belongs to my second, Tempest.

Tempest deals with some sensory issues, like inside seams of shirts, dresses, shorts, basically, all articles of clothing cause her great discomfort and must be expressed with a complete meltdown.

So, when we find something she will wear with little to no argument, it’s a huge win.

Like this dress. There’s no waistline, it flares out, and has pockets (bonus).

But, there’s one problem…

There’s a blessed pom pom on the dress. It goes on as the cherry of the ice cream atop the pocket.

Mind you, after months of wearing it without a problem, suddenly, this tiny embellishment has ruined it forever.

She said when she bends over, it pokes her in the stomach.

So, you know what? *light bulb * I had a great idea.

*grabs scissors* We’ll just cut it off.

I share my idea and reasoning.

*I cut off the blessed pom pom*

She holds it in her hands like a dying life force of crafting beauty.

I enlighten her as to how this will improve her dress, and increase her enjoyment when wearing it.

Nope.

I KNOW NO THINGS!

A minute or two later, she’s sitting on her sister’s bed, whimpering while Sprite is trying to reposition and sew the pom pom back on.

So, I step in and inquire.

I again remind Tempest when she wears this dress, she always complains about the pom pom, so by removing it, I am removing the issue with said clothing item.

Again, I AM WRONG AND ALL MY IDEAS ARE CRAP.

She wants it back on.

*shrug* I don’t know anymore.

Seriously, some days, its a lose-lose here.

I think we can all agree, this has turned out to be a crazy, difficult year.

So far, 2020 has been a horrible successor to 2019.

Just as we settle into the new year routine, BOOM, coronavirus.

This antagonizer ushered in change, illness, conspiracy, fear, uncertainty, and grief.

It’s tested our faith, patience, control, friendships, employment, and government.

It’s basically tested every aspect of our life as we know it.

But, parents, you’ve made it to the middle of 2020.

And, you deserve a huge pat on the back. *me patting your back*

Now, we’re entering into the second half, which I will title, phase 2.

Phase 2 is bringing its own agenda, particularly surrounding the topic of child education.

As parents, we typically close the summer with school preparations for the fall, but unfortunately, this year will look quite different than the those prior.

Amid all the changes surrounding our education system, many are considering homeschool as an alternative.

For some, the idea of home education feels extra weighty, impossible, and frightening.

For others, the decision is easy, whether personally or financially, the choice is without complication.

If you’ve decided to, or are still on the fence about the possibility of homeschooling, soak in these words right now:

You can do this.

Say it out loud.

I CAN DO THIS.

You can make difficult and uncertain decisions.

You can do hard things.

So can your children.

Homeschool can work for your family.

There’s no formula.

There’s no script.

You can school after dinner, in the morning, or on your lunch break.

You can do school however, and whenever you’d like.

It doesn’t have to look like traditional school, or mimic your neighbors set up.

And, it doesn’t need matching haircuts or denim skirts. (I’m looking at you, Karen).

I’ve been homeschooling for 5 years now, and I am by no means an expert. I’m just a mom with some homeschooling experience and shareable resources.

If this is something you’re considering, whether short or long term, the following websites are great places to begin your information gathering.

Varying homeschool styles: https://www.time4learning.com/

Individual state’s homeschool laws and requirements: https://hslda.org/

Free or cheap schooling resources: https://www.eqforentrepreneurs.com/schoolathome

For those of you with online homeschool resources, I’d love for you to share them in the comments.

Tongue tie? Yep, we got it.

Lip tie? Check.

Buccal (cheek) ties?

What the blank is that? And also, check.

So, what’s the big deal?

Well, oral ties are when the attachments (frenulum) under the tongue, behind the lip, or inside the cheek are too big or short preventing proper movement.

Let’s try a few exercises to test your ties (or lack thereof).

Press your tongue to the roof of your mouth.

Touch the inside corners of your mouth with your tongue.

Stick your tongue out, past your lips – touch your chin.

Pretty easy, right?

When a baby is tongue tied, they can’t. Therefore, properly removing milk from a bottle or breast is more difficult and tiresome.

Let’s check your lip.

Can you pucker your lips out in an exaggerated kiss?

Can you pull your lip up and stretch it to the tip of your nose?

When a baby has a lip tie, they are unable to do those things, which prevent proper enclosure of a baby’s latch for eating.

Ok, now cheeks. This one is kind of fun and easy.

Smile really big. Bigger. Like, cartoonish big.

Your upper cheeks should separate from your gums.

A baby with cheek ties cannot do that. So, they have a subdued smile and restricted facial movement.

Proper mouth movement is essential for eating, and later for talking. That’s why a correct diagnosis and treatment of oral ties are critical.

Poop is also connected, and before we knew about her ties, we spent her first 6 weeks dealing with extremely smelly farts, but no poopy diapers of her own making.

By that I mean, aside from the meconium diapers she provided in the hospital, the only way to achieve a poopy diaper was to give her a glycerin suppository.

I know, gross, but, necessary.

I discussed ideas and possible solutions with other moms, and the most suggested treatment option: chiropractic care. Although I was hesitant, we went.

Seriously, it was one of the best decisions I made during this journey. Dr. Leah Wright with Louisville Family Chiropractic was amazing.

I was sold at our first visit. Not only did she adjust her, but she cradled her so sweetly, providing calm and comfort, and prayed over her. She simultaneously helped me establish a plan, took notice of her lip tie, and referred me to a highly recommended lactation consultant.

The referred lactation consultant was IBCLC, Bonnie Logsdon, with The Baby’s Voice. During my appointment, she brought to my attention her multiple ties, hindering her milk transfer, and impeding her ability to poop and gain weight at a healthier rate.

She walked me through my personalized breastfeeding plan, and gave me contact information for a great provider for the much needed laser tie release.

Then…Coronavirus.

So, I waited.

3 whole months.

During which time, I ate lactation cookies daily, and compressed my breasts while she nursed to help improve milk transfer.

I. Was. Over. It.

Once some quarantine restrictions were lifted, I made an appointment for a consult and surgery with Abbey Stafferi, with Lavelle Family Dentistry.

Our consult with her was a look to confirm her ties, a discussion on what laser surgery entails, and aftercare needs and expectations.

Although the laser process is quick, it’s excruciating. Listening to your baby scream, and at the same time knowing it’s whats best for them is so hard, and emotionally taxing.

Following the laser release, the real work started: active wound care, to prevent reattachment, consisting of mouth exercises and stretching every 4 hours (middle of the night included) for 3-4 weeks.

It’s awful. The first couple of days, I would position my hands over her sites, close my eyes, and repeat, “I’m so sorry,” as I rubbed her wounds.

However, the benefits completely outweighed the work and agony.

See picture below.

Coronavirus threw a wrench in all the plans. But, three weeks later, she latches perfectly every time, and has drastically improved our nursing experience.

And, cue baby fat.

Oh yeah, and because things were just going too well, she decided to spice it up by rolling out of her boppy and landing lip first on the hardwood floor, completely reopening her newly healed lip.

This incident set us back 3 weeks. We basically started over with her lip.

Square one.

Since her ties were released and her latch completely improved, she’s pooping like a champ.

The amazing team who walked with us during this journey are listed below.

Chiropractor, Dr. Leah Wright – http://lfchiro.net/

IBCLC, Bonnie Logsdon – https://www.thebabysvoice.com/

Dentist, Dr. Abbey Stafferi – http://www.lavelledentistry.com/