Thanks, Anne. We're good. We (Molly and I) are both looking forward to yhe end of the summer when Maggie and Katie go back to school so that we can get a routine going, and I'm planning to add in some walking with her once it cools down a bit. Of course, I get plenty of walking around with the pacing that I have to do for her (talk about NEAT!), but that's at a slow, calm rocking rate rather than anything that's going to burn any real calories.
Jill, I've got a sling, but I try not to put her in it more than once a day or so because 1-it tends to hurt my back if I wear it too long, 2-she gets all hot and sweaty in it (we're in Alabama, so it's pretty hot here this time of year), and 3-I don't want her to get too used to sleeping while being held. It sure does make doing anything else while holding Molly easier, though!
You know, I was thinking about this the other night. My oldest (Maggie) was a demanding/intense little baby, and she preferred to be held and came to want to sleep being held (who wouldn't, right?). We struggled to get her to sleep by herself when she was a bit older and until just a few months ago, she's struggled with sleep issues (not wanting to sleep in her own bed by herself all night, etc.). When Katie came along, I made sure that I nursed her and put her down. I'd pick her up to play with her and cuddle with her, but she spent the majority of the time down in the bassinet or bouncey seat or wherever. I had to--Maggie was still glued to me. As a result (I thought), Katie was always a great sleeper. She found her thumb when she was a week old and I could put her down in the crib wide awake and within minutes (and no crying), she'd go right to sleep. I patted myself on the back and felt like such the superior parent; like I'd learned the lessons from Maggie and made better choices this time around with Katie. Yeah, right. lol Clearly it's all about personality. Katie is MUCh more independent than Maggie ever was. Katie is much more content to just hang out and play with whatever by herself, coming by from time to time to say hi or snuggle or whatever, while Maggie is constantly wanting an audience or interaction. Along comes Miss Molly and she's got a much more dependent personality, something that isn't helped with the reflux issue. hehehe So much for my superior attitude. Oh well, I'd already learned that kids like to throw you curve balls. Maggie was a difficult baby but a wonderful toddler and fairly good (though pretty dramatic preschooler). Katie was such an easy baby and has been hell on wheels since she started moving around on her own. She's not afraid of anything and is into everything; everything is a task that must be attempted and conquered. lol Wonder where she gets that.
Oh well...kiddos are funny. I just wish I had a few extra pairs of hands and maybe some more energy. It'll come. Maybe when they're 18 or something (God, 3 girls...I don't even want to THINK about high school!), but it'll come.
Off to feed the oldest two dinner and hope that Miss Molly naps a bit. I hear her stirring, though, so I'm thinking I'll end up having to put her in the sling. Enough rambling from me! I need to get into the habit of posting here more. I also need to clamp down harder on my food, but that'll come, too. I'm doing ok but I'd rather start losing so that I can start to head in the direction that Anne's going in. Congrats, by the way--I saw how much progress you've made! You're so consistent and dedicated. Way to go; you should be proud of yourself!