Baby Ethan: Week 2


How have two weeks already flown by?  I remember how time seemed to just tick by as I anxiously patiently waited for this little guy to arrive...now I can't imagine life without him.  I feel like we've known him all our lives.  Here's a little peek into how his second week has gone.


Weight: Ethan is a little champ!  He weighed in at 6lbs 15 oz which is up 11 oz since last week!  And he is now 21.5 inches...up 2 whole inches from where he was at birth!  We won't get another weigh in until 2 months, so we're hoping he continues to gain about one ounce per day!  :)

{note the signature furrowed eyebrow!}

Health: Our little guy is doing great, but he has had a couple hiccups this past week...like diaper rash.  I swear we're not neglectful parents...we change his diapers constantly!  But he developed a little rash, which we attribute to changing the brand of his diapers.  Luckily, it's clearing up, but it's hard to see our little guy uncomfortable.  He also still has his umbilical cord stump in...we were told to keep an eye on it to make sure it falls off within the next two weeks.  Our hospital is sending a nurse out to our home for a check-up tomorrow...so I'm eager to fire off some questions and make sure we're doing everything ok.


Sleep: Ethan is still sleeping for 2-3 hour stretches...we've pretty much got a schedule down at night...12am, 3am and 6am...not too bad considering he needs to eat that often at his young age.


Clothes: Technically, he's still a NB size, but he's been fitting into most of his 3 month clothes since he's so long!  It's been fun dressing him up...especially with 4th of July last week!


Visitors: He's had lots of visitors this past week...my dad and step-mom were in town all week long and Ryan's fraternity brother was in Tahoe so he stopped by with his girlfriend.  I aslo got a sweet visit from Michaela!  :)  And last, my girlfriend stopped by with her sweet daughter, Eden.  They're about 7 months apart...total girlfriend/boyfriend material!  ;)


Diet: Breast milk...and lots of it!  Question for the moms: how often do you pump and what are your tips on bottle feeding?  We were told by our pediatrician to introduce a bottle by 4 weeks of age so that he takes to that and doesn't get too spoiled on the breast.  I find that pumping is a little frustrating.  Sometimes a lot comes out, other times barely anything.  I need to figure out a routine here..so any advice is welcome!


Baby Gear Love: Ethan is loving his activity mat...we have the Skip Hop version.  We started him on tummy time as well and he's already got strong neck muscles!  He can move his head from side to side and he is already trying to move his legs in a crawling motion.  All good signs!  He also loves his swing...he will just look around or sleep in there.  It's pretty awesome!

Crying: He's still pretty good in this department...he usually only cries for one of 3 things: hunger, diaper change, or cuddle time.  Can't complain!


Likes: I don't know if this classifies as an "Ethan like" but the animals have really come around to him.  I think he and Wilson will be best friends soon!  


Milestones: Ryan read Ethan his first book this past week...it was one of the books Ryan read to him while he was in my tummy...and you could tell that he totally recognized the book and Ryan's voice.  Ryan has such a wonderfully animated voice...I can tell story time will be a favorite of his!


We also had a couple newborn shots taken for his birth announcement...the full shoot will be early next week!  Can't wait!  



Last, we took Ethan on his first stroller ride and he loved it!  It's been great to get outside with him!





Postpartum: I'm doing great...but I'm definitely adjusting to this new body.  Granny panties and pads +  nursing bras and a tummy have been hard to dress around.  ANY advice on better bras and how to dress postpartum are welcome!




All in all, I think we're getting the hang of things!  Ryan is back to work full-time and baby and I have got a routine down during the day.  I can't believe how much he's already grown in just two short weeks but at the same time, I'm so excited to see what comes next!


xo natasha

78 comments :

  1. Natasha - you look fantastic! I cannot believe you had a baby just 2 weeks ago! Wow!

    Glad all is going well for you and the family!

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  2. Your seriously look amazing - if I didn't know better I wouldn't believe that you just had a baby :) Can't wait to see the newborn pics! Little Ethan is also looking as adorable as ever and I can see that he's grown between this week and last week. Keep up the good work mama :)

    xxx
    Jenna

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  3. You look absolutely fantastic!! And Ethan looks just perfect! Congratulations on your newest addition to your happy family!! Enjoy every minute of it.

    (And regarding the pumping issue: I never developed a good rhythm for breast feeding/pumping. But I also had some major supply issues. I hope that you find a good system that works for you. Good luck!)

    Chelsea
    www.hautechildinthecity.com

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  4. Natasha, I am SO happy to see all these joyful pictures of you, your hubby & baby Ethan. What a special time it is for your little family right now, even with the lack of sleep. There is NOTHING that compares to having a brand new babe in the house!! You look wonderful and Ethan is just scrumptious! (and btw, you don't look like you just had a baby two weeks ago!!!!!) Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy this beautiful, messy, tired, lovely time of your life.

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  5. You two look great!!! As for the pumping, I will shoot you an email later today :)

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  6. What an absolute handsome little cutie!

    And you look wonderful too ;)

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  7. I mean could Ethan get any cuter? You my friend look awesome, but I know what you mean dressing postpartum is hard. I bought the Belly Bandit (the band that you wrap around and is suppossed to help you loose weight/suck you in) and wore it under clothes- not sure it worked but it did help suck my tummy in although it was uncomfortable. I lived in Bravado tanks and bras. It just takes time, took me about 6 months to finally feel like my body was back to normal. I had lost the weight earlier but to shape and tighten up took longer. I just wrote a freaking novel (ha)!

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  8. I started pumping to boost supply and now pump 3 times a day. Once after the first morning feeding, once after the noon feeding, and then he gets a bottle of my milk before bed and I pump again. If you're pumping in addition to exclusively breastfeeding you won't get a whole lot. I get 11-12 ounces a day total :) it takes some practice but your body will get used to it especially if you stick to certain times. If I pump at 11 instead of noon I don't get as much. Good luck!

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  9. He is so cute! He's got the longest legs too! Love the picture of him with the dog and cat. You look great as well! :)

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  10. He is SO CUTE!! So glad you're all doing wonderfully :)

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  11. Sweet sweet baby. And you look fantastic!

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  12. The picture of Ethan and Wilson melts my heart!!! I'm so glad to hear things are going well....and I'm anxious to read all the comments and advise you get on this post! And by the way, mommyhood looks great on you!

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  13. He is sooo cute!! What a little peanut! My little guy weighs almost 11 pounds haha. As far as breast pumping goes...try to do it after he feeds if you feel like your breasts are not emptying fully. I also do it when he is taking a longer nap and I know I won't be feeding him for 3+ hours. The more you pump the more milk you will make. Its supply and demand at its finest :)

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  14. Um you look amazing and I have many of the same clothes for my little man! I look forward to your posts because he will be here in 8 weeks and any newborn advice I am soaking up like a sponge!!!

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  15. Oh my you look fantastic!!! Great updates on Ethan!!! xoxo A-

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  16. Found your blog while browsing during my daughters nap time : )

    You look great! I know how you feel about your new body it took me a long time and when I finally did my old body was finally back!

    For nursing I liked my glamour mom extra long tanks.
    For pumping I would breast feed Avery first thing in the morning then pump (they say u have the most breatmilk in the am). When I figured out when her long nap was I breasted and then pumped and at nighttime I fed then pumped after. Your supply will be a little wacky at times. Your little one is growing and having growth spurts so your supply will change alot during these first few months

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  17. you. look. fantastic!!!!! i'm sure that "tummy" that you say you have will be gone in no time with breastfeeding! happy 2 weeks!

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  18. You look great and the baby is so cute! My baby didn't learn to latch, so I pumped for a year, because I wanted him to get the breast milk (can't tell you how happy I was to bid farewell to the pump after I was done).
    Make sure to have a big water bottle and to drink it right before you breastfeed and/or pump. Makes a huge difference!

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  19. Are you sure you just had a baby? Wow, you look great! I thought I would give my two cents on pumping since I just went through it a few months ago. Don't stress yourself out too much about it right now. It is really hard to find the time when you are exclusively breastfeeding around the clock (literally). Once my baby started sleeping longer stretches at night I was able to have the energy and time to pump. I found more success pumping in the morning right after his first feeding, and then I would pump again after he went down for the night. I didn't get as much in the evening but I think it still helped with supply. It may be a trial/error type thing in order to find out what works best for you and your baby. Baby Ethan is so cute! Congratulations!

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  20. What a beautiful family!! You look fantastic and Ethan is adorable!! I love love love the picture of him laying on Wilson! They are definitely going to be best buds!! Love the updates, keep them coming!!

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  21. Tummy??? What tummy? You look amazing!!! Ethan is just a cute as can be too! Isn't it funny how hard it is to imagine them not always being here :) Pumping was a major pain for me at first too. I definitely noticed the amount would change based on my food and water intake. The more protein I ate and water I drank the more I could pump. But, like everything, it's always different for each of us. I also tried to pump the same time everyday. It will get easier - promise :)

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  22. What a precious post, it makes me so excited for you during this sweet time! Enjoy every minute with your adorable little guy, you both couldn't look happier!

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  23. You look amazing, what tummy are you talking about?! :)

    And pumping, I think that is typically how it goes. I am solely pumping these days. For the most part I am averaging the same with every pump, but every once and a while I will get a very small amount. I think it takes time too for your body to get used to the supply.

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  24. Yay, another update! You look great, girl! Ethan is so handsome and yes, long!! Don't have any kids so I can really offer any advice, but it's fun to read everyone else's for the future!

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  25. You look great! Any advice for us??? I use to be a gym rat, but since I got a 1) demanding job 2) my first pregnancy / tot and now 3) my second pregnancy ...whew. I'm thinking about joining our very nice local Y.

    Breast feeding / pumping: A friend told me to not introduce a bottle until about 6 weeks so the baby still wants your breast ... Max was super easy so breast or bottle went smooth for him. I never gave him a bottle myself - you still want him to take from you. So I had my husband and Mom, etc do the bottle.

    Do you work? If so, pump as much as you can so you can have as much milk as possible when you go back to work. My milk supply was also hit or miss. Drink a lot of water - and food helps too - it keeps your supply up. They also sell Mother's Milk tea which is suppose to help w/ milk supply. A friend told me I can try dark beer that helps too - but I was always too nervous to do that.

    Good luck! I love your blog! I'd love to hear about how you made it so successful. Maybe I'll shoot you an email sometime.

    -Tara
    http://madmaxandfamily.blogspot.com
    http://blog.chron.com/madabouttown/

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  26. I'm a new follower, so just a belated congrats on new motherhood! You look amazing, but I totally understand how a post-baby body can feel like an outer-body experience. Like Kate, I found pumping consistently in the morning worked the best for me. I stuck to once or (maybe) twice a day, but that was because cleaning all the little parts of my breast pump drove me crazy! xo Heather

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  27. He is such a handsome lil thing, sounds like you guys are doing awesome and you look fabulous:) I wish I had some advice on pumping, I did it for 4 weeks but I never produced enough and then got mastitis. So I hope everything continues to go good for you in that department, it can be so frustrating at times! Have a great 3rd week with him, time does go by way to quickly!!!

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  28. He is precious! Looks like you are going to have one tall son!

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  29. I'm in SHOCK how amazing and fit you look so soon!!! omg! do tell me your secrets. Did you continue to lift weights when you were preggers? your arms look so toned! you go girl :) Ethan looks amazing too hahaha

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  30. you look great! i think i still looked 5mos pregnant until CB was like, a month old. As for pumping, I was terrible at it -- aka used my pump like 6 times. It was hard for me to sit, attached to a machine, when I could just be nursing. You'll figure out what works for you.

    - Heather
    http://woahbabyblog.com

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  31. He is so precious Natasha! Just too cute! And you look amazing!!

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  32. You look great momma!!! It's just gonna take some time till you feel like your old body again! As far as pumping, like others I got the most during the morning and found it best for me to pump one hour after feeding Cade and as long as you get into a set time and routine your body will realize ("think") it needs to produce more milk for baby. It took a few weeks of consistently pumping at those intervals until I would get more than an ounce at a time. My pediatrician recommended waiting till 4-6 weeks until introducing a bottle, she said they get concerned with nipple confusion and most babies will prefer a bottle nipple over your own because the milk comes out easier. Hope this helps, seems like you're a natural already ad eveythig will just get even better/easier with time!!!

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  33. You look fantastic Natasha! Honestly that first month I think I just wore sweats and loose fitting shirts and didn't leave the house. Seriously. As far as pumping goes...I hated it! Sometimes I would pump a lot, sometimes nothing! Crazy. It continued like that till I officially stopped pumping I think at 7/8 months. I ultimately pumped every 3-4 hours I think. And got the most milk in the morning. And by most I mean like 6 oz. Mila did not take the bottle until 4 months. We tried 10 different bottles before she decided on Tommee Tippee. I agree with your doctor try introducing the bottle sooner and if he doesn't want it, just try again a week later and so-on. It's a good experience for Ryan too...bonding! :)

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  34. I love this post! My baby boy is coming in November! Baby Ethan is so so cute and you look incredible! I hope things continue to go well for you can't wait to see little Ethan grow!
    xoxo

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  35. awww little peanut is so cute! You are looking great and I know what a rough adjustment it is to rock the pads and dealing with post prego body. You look great already and the weight will continue to fall off over the next few weeks. As for dressing I'm all about a maxi dresses, tube top sor scoop neck tanks. Anything that has easy access for those boobies is key!
    Pumping was a bit hard in the beginning because they eat so frequently you wonder when the heck you would find the time! I would pump right after Ava would eat even if only a tiny bit came out. It will build up your supply! Now I only pump in the middle of the night and I get a good 6oz and I do it while she sleeps so its perfect for us. (I hated pumping during the day when i felt like I had other things to do) ok enough rambling so glad to see you blogging and that your doing well!!! Congrats mama!! xo

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  36. Omg, that picture of you with the stroller, get out of town--you look so skinny!! Like seriously, how did you just birth a child 2 weeks ago?! I am super impressed, you really look fantastic! :)

    And that picture of Ryan reading to him is SO CUTE. He looks so tiny next to Ryan, so adorable :)

    I just got back from Michigan on Monday and I can't wait to see you and meet Ethan! My schedule is pretty open the next few weeks so just let me know when you're free! Miss you! xoxo

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  37. I've heard the Bravado Nursing Bra/Tank Top is really good. Also, the La Leche League website and forums really helped me out when I was nursing. They are so sweet, and they can answer anything!
    You look great! : )

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  38. You look AMAZING! I can't believe it's only been two weeks. If I look anything like you two weeks after giving birth to my first child I'll be one happy camper. :)

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  39. you look great!!! what a fun time! i lived in tanks and yoga pants, it helped keep me sucked in. once you can fully work out again (6 weeks) youll start to feel a lot better and by about 10 weeks i really started to feel even better than my old self! as for pumping, it got super stressful for me, i would pump then either not have enough to feed the next time, or nothing would come out. so frustrating. I think it was at 5 weeks my sister in law suggested supplementing a bottle of half breast milk and half formula to save up some of the breast milk and have your husband feed him with that once a day a pump during that feeding. that helped A LOT!good luck :)

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  40. Wow pretty crazy. If he's 2 weeks old today than our babies were born on the same day and I'm totally in the same spot as you are. We've been finally geting out of the house with our littles and it's been SO NICE. It sucks seeing how lovely it is outside, but needing to stay put to heal. Glad things are going so well!

    - Sarah
    agirlintransit.blogspot.com

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  41. Ethan is the cutest and look at how tiny you are already! xo

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  42. Ethan is so adorable!! I'm so happy for you and Ryan. Love the pics with Wilson. He'll have a great friend and protector for sure. And can I say again how amazing you look?! Wow, you are already one hot mama. :) Best of wishes with everything and looking forward to seeing the newborn photo shoot!

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  43. Precious baby! Yay for walks! You look great, friend :) Story time with daddy looks so special.

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  44. Ahhh! He's so adorable! I love the first picture of him, it looks like he's flexing.

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  45. He is so precious and you are looking great! Glad to hear the first 2 weeks are going well.

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  46. So proud of you Natasha! You are already a rockstar mama and your sweet baby boy is already so handsome. xoxo

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  47. Once again, I cried. LOL. Your husband reading to him got me this time. You look amazing. Like everyone else said, I can't believe you JUST had a baby. How precious is he laying on the doggy? OMG. I died. I am so excited for you and your family. Can't wait to see how he grows!
    xoxo

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  48. you look wonderful for just having ethan 2 weeks ago pretty friend!! mostly, i stuck to looser fitting tanks, yoga pants, and skirts and FOR SURE use your belly bands to help pull your tummy back in--they were great and comfy, too.

    as for the bottle, ABSOLUTELY introduce it as soon as you can! we are dr browns users and can't complain...when i was still breastfeeding it was nice to rotate from the boob so jeff could feedc CC and give me a break!

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  49. Ethan is one of the cutest babies I've ever seen! I seriously wish I could hold him, he is just precious. And you look INSANE. Seriously you are the hottest mom ever. So happy for your little family!

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  50. Love the photo of Ryan reading to Ethan and baby's face...two naked men! I can't wait to meet that handsome, inquiring face!

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  51. Ethan is one of the most perfect looking babies I have ever seen! I wish I could just kiss him! And you look AMAZING!!!!

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  52. Congrats! He is beautiful and looks like you are all doing great!

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  53. I agree with everyone, pump after you bf, your supply will build up and as you continue bf/pumping the weight will fall off ( or so I heard) haha

    Fenugreek and mothers tea help with building your supply too and they are both safe!

    Ethan is too cute, I love your hubby reading to him!! Glad you could post an update! :)

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  54. First of all, you look absolutely fantastic! Two weeks has been good to you (c: And second, little man is so completely adorable! I'm totally dying over that precious pic of Ethan and the hubby, {heart}!!!

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  55. I love Ethan's whale onesie! And, you look fabulous and so happy!!!

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  56. Girl you look fabulous!!! Finding things to wear is definitely a struggle! I love the nursing tanks from Target!

    As for pumping, I pump after every feeding so I have a stash started for when I go back to work. It's hard to know what's right, sometimes I get way more than others.

    Looks like you're doing great! Ethan is so stinkin cute!

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  57. You look amazing! Sounds like you have a great schedule going already...a must!!! As far as breastfeeding...I am clueless...both of our girls have SEVERE reflux, so we ended up bottle feeding in the end in order to regulate what they were getting and prevent the vomiting as much as possible! Not fun!! He looks like he is thriving all the way around!!

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  58. First of all, I have to say you look amazing! I never looked like that 2 weeks after giving birth!!! Ethan is just darling and I love the picture of him with Wilson. It looks like Wilson is already being protective over him! As far as breastfeeding goes, I would feed, then pump. Even if only a little comes out. Your body will start producing more if you use more so before you know it you will start stocking up a supply. Loved your update!
    -Shelley

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  59. Looks like you've gotten a lot of advice already but thought I'd put my two cents in. I introduced both my girls to a bottle around 4 weeks and they always went easily between breast and bottle so I think that's a good plan. I had the same pumping inconsistency in the beginning. I found that I'd get more milk from the pump first thing in the morning. Even if you only get a tiny amount, stick it in the freezer and you can pool it all together for his first bottle. Once he takes a bottle you could try having your hubs give it to him for the morning feeding and pump then. Once we started doing that I could get about two bottles for every morning feeding my girls took a bottle and then you can really start to build up your freezer supply. Just make sure you pump while someone else gives him a bottle.

    Clothes: Lululemon yoga pants! And with it being summer, I'd wear lots of jersey dresses. The tummy goes away soon. You look like you're dressing pretty well tho, no sign of a tummy in your photos here!

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  60. he is so precious!!! cant believe he's all ready 2 weeks old all ready - my gosh and that last picture kills me with his long skinny legs and those socks! lol he is the cutest :) and you look amazing girl!

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  61. natasha, you look AMAZING!!!! your little guy is beyond precious, and you have got to be the best post-pregnancy looking lady out there!!

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  62. I love the socks in the last picture, those skinny legs! the first few weeks I kept wearing my Gap Maternity camis because they are so tight they held everything in. You look awesome though!

    I had to pump from Day 1 since she was early, so I'm probably a bad example. For all things breastfeeding, www.kellymom.com was my bible.

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  63. Be still my heart. He is so perfect and precious.

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  64. He looks great...too cute. And you look awesome too my dear!

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  65. You look amazing and your family is just incredibly cute! I love Ethan with Wilson, how cute!! Xoxo

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  66. Good grief girl, you look awesome. And your sweet little Ethan is too cute. I hear ya, pumping is hard. You're already breastfeeding so often sometimes it feels like that is all you are is a milk machine! I pump once or twice a day right after I get him down for his morning nap and then again in the evening. I have noticed that I get more milk in the morning usually, and drinking lots of lots of water seems to help with the milk supply.

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  67. Our babies share a birthday! I love this post because I had several of the same questions. I look forward to watching Ethan grow. Him and my Reagan will probably experience many milestones around the same time :)
    Good luck!!!

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  68. Yes, as everyone said you look amazing and Baby Ethan is adorable! Thanks for this post too because I have breastfeeding/pumping questions too. Good luck and let me know what works for you. I want to start pumping soon because I want Kirby to enjoying in the feeding fun ;)

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  69. Postpartum issues, say what?! You look great!

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  70. Congrats on your baby boy. Motherhood...there is no other love. Regarding bottle and pumping. I am exclusively breastfeeding and did not introduce a bottle to my daughter till she was 11 or 12 weeks. She was a champ and took to it the 2nd or 3rd try. I only pumped when my breasts were full. A month prior to returning to work (15wks), I pumped twice a day. I currently work 3 nights (NICU nurse) and pump 2 to 3 times while working.
    I think it :( that your doc told you to introduce at 4 wks rather then 8wks. You can never spoil with too much breastfeeding;) I love breastfeeding and hope you have the same experience. You can always find advice on La Leche League.My daughter is almost 8 months. Enjoy every moment, it passes way to quickly.

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  71. You look awesome! In that picture of you with the stroller I never would guess you had a baby like 2 weeks ago!

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  72. You look so great! He is precious - congrats! Good for you for already getting out for walks - it took me about a month to feel like getting out with both of mine.

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  73. How a-d-o-r-a-b-l-e is Ethan, very and over- the -top" Your photos are beautiful and show the journey well;) Ryan wins the "Best New Daddy" award for reading to Ethan and you look amazing Stash! Be comfortable, stay cool, and remain calm . . . A no brainier for you! Schedule? You must have spoken to Colleen;) Honestly, you and Ryan exude joy . . . Keep it up! Lots of love, xxoo

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  74. what a handsome little guy :) and you, my friend, don't even look like you had a baby at all, let alone 2 weeks ago!! keep up the good work mama!

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  75. What a cute baby! hehe. I love that the cat is bigger than him.

    Lesley
    byporchlight.blogspot.com

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  76. You look great! Your little guy is so adorable! Pumping can be tough on top of nursing around the clock. Just keep trying around the same time of day and your supply should increase...give it some time. Enjoy your little guy!

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