Parker's 1 Month Update

9.9.15


It's so crazy to believe Parker's been a part of our family for over a month now. These newborn weeks really do fly by and don't last long at all! Parker turned a month old on the 4th September; he's changed a lot in just a few short weeks.

I had him weighed on the 8th at exactly 5 weeks (slightly late but I lost track of when the weighing clinic was haha), and he now weighs 9lb 7oz. He was 8lb 9oz born - dropped to 8lb 3oz at 2 days old - and was back up to his exact birth weight at 2 weeks so he's gaining well.

Now he's uncurcled you can see he's a long baby compared to Indiana, and he has the biggest fingers and feet I've ever seen haha. He's still fitting into first size although these are getting tight around his legs, so we need to move out of these already. Most of his clothes are currently up to 1 month or newborn.


I still can't get over the amount of dark hair Parker was born with, especially when Indie was such a baldy haha! It's rubbing off slightly at the back now but still going strong. It's lightening up though and it's definitely turning blonde/ginger. His eyes are turning blue just like everyone else in my family. He now coos and gurgles instead of always crying, and he gave us his first smiles at 4 weeks 6 days old! He adores bath time and will be instantly calm once he's in the water.

Parker was breastfed for the first few days and then I slowly switched to bottles (I expressed to begin with so he didn't go straight to formula). We were using Tommee Tippee bottles but quickly switched to Dr Browns. He has a lot of trouble with wind and really struggles to get it up. We were using Infacol which did help a bit, but now we're using Gripe Water which seems to be doing a better job. He takes between 2-4 ounces every 3/4 hours - I remember Indiana taking a lot more this early on, but clearly he's not as greedy as her haha.


We have been suffering the dreaded colic in the evenings, which I remember very well. Around 4-10 is when he's at his worst, which is probably when having two under two is the hardest. I really need to invest in a sling/carrier so I can wear him during these times - any recommendations very welcome! He's a very cuddly, clingy baby compared to Indiana and loves to be held; preferably with you stood up holding him close to your chest. At the moment he doesn't really enjoy being laid down on his playmat, and will usually cry after about 5/10 minutes.

Sleep-wise we're getting into some sort of routine. During the day he mostly cat-naps as Indiana doesn't really let him have a long sleep. He can then go to 'bed' anytime between 8-11 and then this is when he has his long period of sleep. He usually wakes up around 3ish and then 5ish which we're really happy with at the moment. He has slept through twice now (10-5) so fingers crossed he carries on! He sleeps happily in his moses basket and generally settles well after a night feed; thank you Ewan the Dreamsheep!


Parker has fitted into the family perfectly. Indiana is still very much besotted with him and actually asks for her 'bubba' before Jack and I now haha. I just wish they didn't grow up so fast!

2 Under 2 | The First Month

3.9.15


When I first discovered I was pregnant we had just celebrated Indiana's first birthday. I must say I was pretty nervous; you hear so many horror stories of having 2 under 2 and I knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park. However it's really not been as bad as I thought. Yes it's tiring, yes it's a lot more work (Indie's still in nappies, having 2 bottles of milk a day and can't walk everywhere yet), but it's not as terrible as people make it seem - you really do just adapt!

We were very lucky that Jack had 3 weeks off when Parker was born, so we could both learn to cope with the change together. When either of us was sorting out Parker, the other was giving Indiana the attention she needs so she never felt left out. We have continued to do a night shift each too. However now whoever isn't up with baby is on Indiana duty. This works really well as it means whoever was up with Parker in the night usually gets a little lie in in the morning (although this doesn't quite work when Jack does the early shift!).

Parker has just slotted into our family life, and it honestly feels like he has always been here. When Indie was born we pretty much structured the first month around her and her needs. This time there's no time for that; Parker has already been on 3 huge shopping trips, to the beach and has plenty of trips to Costa haha.

Going out does take a little longer than it used to. I forgot how much stuff a newborn needs, and how many pit-stops you have to make haha. Luckily Indie only needs a small bag now, so we usually just throw a couple of her nappies in the changing bag. She can now walk down the stairs too, so there's no need to carry her which makes things a whole lot easier! We've got a double pram (which I'm absolutely in love with) which only takes slightly longer as you need to attach double the bits.


It has got a bit harder now Jack it back at work. Luckily the first month most newborns spend most of their time sleeping, However there have been days where he hasn't wanted to be put down, and then Indie has wanted to play. There's also been days where Indie has really tested my patience and I think the phrase "No Indiana leave your brother alone" has been one I've used far too often!

On the whole though Indiana has taken to it so well. She is happy to play by herself or sit and watch a bit of Cbeebies while I feed/change/soothe Parker. She also understands a lot, and her speech is coming on so well she can tell us what she wants most of the time now.

So from the first month as a mum of 2 under 2, here's the main things I've learnt:

  • Keep your routine the same! We have kept Indiana's routine exactly the same and made sure to slot Parker around her. This helps them to know not everything has changed. Indie still goes to nursery twice a week - she loves it and it gives me some time to either catch up on jobs, or snuggle Parker without feeling guilty.
  • Get them involved! We get Indie to help out as much as she can. She brings me nappies and wipes, gives Parker his dummy, and we make sure to let her do things (even if they aren't always that helpful haha).
  • Make time for your other child/children! When Parker is asleep I make sure to ignore the housework and give Indie all of my attention. I usually try and get him to sleep in his moses basket in the bedroom so we can be as loud as possible. Even if it's just dancing around her room and being silly, as long as she knows she's just as important and I've got time for her, that's all that matters.
  • Be Prepared! If we know we're going out we'll get everything ready either the night before or early in the morning. The changing bag is always repacked when we get home so there's no chance of being caught out. With 2 under 2 you don't want to be leaving things until the last minute if you want to get out the door by 10am!
  • Embrace kid's TV! I know it's not the best, but sometimes it is your best friend! On the days Parker just wants cuddling and feeding Cbeebies or Despicable Me has been my saviour. It keeps Indie entertained for a bit while I can't - obviously not all the time (I don't think I could deal with kids TV 24/7 haha).

I know it's going to get tougher once Parker is awake more, and don't even get me started on the terrible twos alongside a teething baby (please send help when this one comes along haha). But for now I'm loving it... well when Indie's not having a breakdown and Parker's not screaming the house down haha! The love Indie has for her brother already is amazing, and I cannot wait to watch their love and bond grow.