Finn Is 2!

For Finn's birthday this year, we headed to the park once again. We brought a cake, some pop and a bunch of balloons and invited all of Finn's cousins and a couple other little friends of his.
Finn is all about cars lately and Aaron found this sweet cake at Wal-Mart. I would have tried to make something this cool and failed, so it was pretty great that we could just pick it up and save myself the headache and inevitable feeling of motherhood inadequacy.
Finn was totally overwhelmed by all the attention but was very excited as well. Here he is patiently waiting for all his friends to sit down so he can start opening presents:
We have been playing this every day since his party:

We saved the best for last -- this giant Elmo that Aaron found on KSL (brand new) for $10!

When he opened it he said his signature, "Wow!" and loves to give 'Big Melmo' hugs whenever he can.

He got so many great things from family and friends that have definitely made my life easier lately. I can't believe it has been two years since he was born! Hard to imagine him getting a bath like this these days:

He is such a fun little boy and we love having him around and watching him learn and grow. Happy birthday Finn! We love you more than you'll ever know.

Benefits of a Bottle Baby

Aaron fed Kate in the middle of the night last night.

Twice.

And I slept.

Need I say more?

No, but I will.

No soreness.

No messing with a nursing cover.

No exclusion from the fun when I have to feed my baby.

No ball and chain.

I really gave it my best shot. I nursed Kate while she was in the hospital, but it was always difficult getting her to latch. I had to use a shield and it was always a struggle, but Finn was a difficult nurser too so I just thought it would take some time. When she came home though, I needed to give her several fortified bottles a day so she could get the extra calories she needs...and that's when she started to boycott nursing altogether. After a few frustrating late-night feedings where she took FOREVER to latch or didn't at all, the last straw was when it took me 30 minutes to get her to latch, and then Finn came and jumped on us and I couldn't get her back on. Enter the bottle. Exit frustration and headache. I am pumping as long as I can stand it/until my milk supply runs out. My maternal instict to nurse makes me a little sad that I can't breast feed my baby girl, but I have made peace with the situation and am just glad that she takes the bottle like a champ. Plus, the extra sleep I get thanks to my wonderful, helpful husband is pretty freaking amazing.