Sweet Vivienne has officially been with us in this world for one whole month now! We’ve had so many of you kindly checking in and asking us how things are going, so I thought I’d do a quick life & family update for y’all.
We are all still in disbelief but beyond excited that we had a baby GIRL!
We’ve already been asked “so you’re done now, right?” But the truth is, we were done either way. Four kids is a lot y’all LOL We were perfectly at peace with having another boy because we simply wanted another baby – we wouldn’t have had another baby otherwise. We just didn’t feel our family was complete.
But boy am I ever thankful that our last baby was a girl!
Vivi’s godmother told me on the phone that it will be just the two of us by the time she’s a senior, and we’ll get to do so many special things just the two of us – prom, etc. I hadn’t thought of that, and this is one of the benefits of having our girl last instead of first.
I’m looking forward to all of the things she and I will get to do together eventually. For now, it honestly just seems like we have another newborn. Other than “wiping front to back” not much is different.
I ordered a mommy and me dress, which swallowed her, and Chance reminded me to “slow my roll” because we have a lifetime of this, and I don’t need to rush it all in the first week HAHA I can’t wait to buy all of the girls’ clothes.
The first week with her jaundice and having to be readmitted to the hospital was really stressful. Then we had to make sure her weight was good. But now she’s super chill and an awesome baby.
I’m hoping we’ll be able to get on a schedule as the school year starts and she’ll hopefully give us a few longer stretches of sleep at night.
Hunter is obsessed with her. He wanted a girl because “we needed a girl.” He loves her to the point of annoying her and is so protective of her. I just know that God put Vivi in our lives for Hunter, and I can’t wait to see their bond form. They’re going to take care of each other; but down the road, she is truly going to take care of him.
I see Hunter & Vivi being buddies and Gage & Beckett being buddies.
Gage is still saying “he wanted a boy” and is not past it. LOL He is super sweet to her, though, and she’s definitely growing on him.
Beckett is only 2 and rubs her head and says “Vivi” so sweetly. He’s still jealous though and wants a lot of momma time. He wants me to hold him unless my dad is here. He’s been whiny and we’re just trying to give him some grace.
Chance is back AT work now and I’ve had some days with all 4 kids by myself – a little scary to be honest LOL
Vivi definitely gets referred to as “he, him” a lot and has worn plenty of blue outfits and blue blankets. It’s still weird to say “the kids” instead of “the boys” … we’re slowly getting there.
I’ve had an extremely easy recovery and I’m so grateful. I haven’t had much down time. The first week we were back in and out of the hospital with Vivi and then the boys were really ready to have some mom-time, too.
I’m soaking up all of the snuggles, but the reality is, someone always needs me. I’m also the type of personality that says “the show goes on” and I don’t sit well just doing nothing. HA
I have tons of help and support with Chance and my parents, but at the end of the day, there are many things your other kids still want mom for. And in fairness, each of our other kids still needs their alone time and snuggles with me, too.
I’ve been working a few hours on the backend of my businesses a few days a week. I know this isn’t for everyone, but my work fulfills me in a way that my kids cannot. Working and using my mind for an hour or two is a form of self care for me.
I’m not going to lie, I need a break from my kids at some point during the day. I LOVE THEM TO DEATH – we wouldn’t have four kids otherwise – but I really enjoy working and I love what I do. I love what I do on the tax side. I love what I do on the podcast and blog side. They both light me up.
Of course, my kids come first and things have definitely been pushed back or a recording has been interrupted by Vivi crying and she comes first. I’m so grateful to be able to do the work I love and be a mom for my kids.
It’s been an AMAZING first month with Vivi. We’re so grateful for a smooth delivery and healthy baby. I’ve been trying to soak it all up knowing this is our last “first.” It’s bittersweet that we know this is our last baby and I won’t ever be pregnant again or have a newborn again; but we’re looking forward to what’s to come with all of our kiddos.
We’re still just figuring it out. Getting ready for school and for me to go back to work. Enjoying our new family-of-6 time and embracing what’s to come. Thank you for all of your love & support and excitement for us having a girl!
