Guess what we get to try this weekend?
A new adventure! Bring on the bib!
March 30, 2012
March 28, 2012
Just Another Wednesday
Big changes on this not so ordinary Wednesday.
Frank leaves K-State (Don't even get me started) and I upgraded to Timeline on FB.
Watch out people.
Timeline is something new and fun. It made me smile when I saw a friend's wall post about me updating my status to "in a relationship" in 2005. That would be when me and the hubs finally decided to admit that we were "dating." Good times:)
But I definitely had to delete a few wall posts from 2004. Said deleted posts ranted about weekend shenanigans and used inappropriate language. My, how life has changed. I can't believe I have been on fb that long.
I'm still holding strong with my firm decision to not join Twitter. Maybe some day. But not Today.
How the heck does everyone keep up with all these social media outlets?
I can't even find time to update the blog...as my hubby so graciously pointed out about 30 minutes ago via email.
The house is dirty, the yard is a jungle and the honey-do list is growing. And I'm fighting a cold this week. Probably picked it up from Big Boy.
But, bring on the DayQuil because this Momma is going to see Hunger Games tonight! So pumped.
And Daddy comes home tomorrow! This week is turning out to be a pretty good one.
Here's some pics from a few weeks ago and our park date this past Saturday.
Happy Wednesday!
Frank leaves K-State (Don't even get me started) and I upgraded to Timeline on FB.
My current cover photo
Watch out people.
Timeline is something new and fun. It made me smile when I saw a friend's wall post about me updating my status to "in a relationship" in 2005. That would be when me and the hubs finally decided to admit that we were "dating." Good times:)
But I definitely had to delete a few wall posts from 2004. Said deleted posts ranted about weekend shenanigans and used inappropriate language. My, how life has changed. I can't believe I have been on fb that long.
I'm still holding strong with my firm decision to not join Twitter. Maybe some day. But not Today.
How the heck does everyone keep up with all these social media outlets?
I can't even find time to update the blog...as my hubby so graciously pointed out about 30 minutes ago via email.
The house is dirty, the yard is a jungle and the honey-do list is growing. And I'm fighting a cold this week. Probably picked it up from Big Boy.
But, bring on the DayQuil because this Momma is going to see Hunger Games tonight! So pumped.
And Daddy comes home tomorrow! This week is turning out to be a pretty good one.
Here's some pics from a few weeks ago and our park date this past Saturday.
Happy Wednesday!
My little booger
He loves airplanes.
Don't mind the spit up on his bib:)
Hey blue eyes.
Likes to put everything in his mouth.
Pretty blooms
Carson and Grace at the park
Grace likes to bite on her tongue at the side of her mouth right now. It made me laugh at how many pics of her were like this:).
Cutie patootie!
Weeeee!
Don't ever wish for thin hair or you'll get this. Wispy, tangled, Scraggly hair. Oh my, those roots are bad.
Oh hey Megan, I can see you in the reflection off my glasses :)
March 24, 2012
Watch Me Grow: 4 Months
Big Boy is 4 months old!
Height: 25.25 inches (50th percentile)
Head Circumference: 16.2 inches (25th percentile)
In the Closet: Depends on the brand. Mainly 3-6 months, but some bigger, some smaller. Still fits 0-3 month pants because he's so skinny!
Diapers: Size 2
Grub: Breast milk and rice cereal
Sleep: Sleeping through the night, 8-9 hours, still swaddled
New Activity/Development: Starting to laugh more, holding toys with both hands, rolling from back to belly, tracking, supported sitting, putting everything in mouth
Loves: Hamming it up for anyone and smiling A LOT, colored rings, Mr. Crab toy at bath time, Mr. Owl plush rattle, airplanes, mirror time, napping in swing
Funny that we call him Big Boy and he is only in the 9th percentile for weight:). Skinny little rascal.
I guess popping out a 9+ pounder doesn't guarantee you'll have a big baby. I was a little concerned his percentile was low, but the doc said not to worry at all. He's just skinny and much more active these days.
Don't you just love his bow tie? It was a gift from a friend from this cute little local shop.
He was quite the model. I'd say Chippendale material.
3 Months
2 Months
1 Month
Newborn
Carson's 4-month stats:
Weight: 12 lbs. 7.5 oz. (9th percentile)Height: 25.25 inches (50th percentile)
Head Circumference: 16.2 inches (25th percentile)
In the Closet: Depends on the brand. Mainly 3-6 months, but some bigger, some smaller. Still fits 0-3 month pants because he's so skinny!
Diapers: Size 2
Grub: Breast milk and rice cereal
Sleep: Sleeping through the night, 8-9 hours, still swaddled
New Activity/Development: Starting to laugh more, holding toys with both hands, rolling from back to belly, tracking, supported sitting, putting everything in mouth
Loves: Hamming it up for anyone and smiling A LOT, colored rings, Mr. Crab toy at bath time, Mr. Owl plush rattle, airplanes, mirror time, napping in swing
Funny that we call him Big Boy and he is only in the 9th percentile for weight:). Skinny little rascal.
I guess popping out a 9+ pounder doesn't guarantee you'll have a big baby. I was a little concerned his percentile was low, but the doc said not to worry at all. He's just skinny and much more active these days.
Don't you just love his bow tie? It was a gift from a friend from this cute little local shop.
He was quite the model. I'd say Chippendale material.
3 Months
2 Months
1 Month
Newborn
March 23, 2012
Technology Love
Seriously, what would we do without technology?
It's crazy to me, that in my lifetime alone (and I'm only 28), the Internet, email, facebook, iphones, iPads, Apple tv and skype were all evolved. And that's just a few techy mentions.
Skype is amazing. Especially when your significant other is working out of the country. Two months and still going strong as a single mommy!
I seriously can't say enough great things about Skype. Carson finally recognizes Daddy through the screen and loves being a complete ham.
I'll just sit him in the Bumbo, place him in front of the computer and watch the two of them converse. Brian asks him how his day was at school, tries to make him laugh and tells him over and over how much he loves him.
It's seriously the cutest thing ever.
His favorite game to play with Dad via Skype is Peekaboo. It's Friday folks, hooray!
It's crazy to me, that in my lifetime alone (and I'm only 28), the Internet, email, facebook, iphones, iPads, Apple tv and skype were all evolved. And that's just a few techy mentions.
Skype is amazing. Especially when your significant other is working out of the country. Two months and still going strong as a single mommy!
I seriously can't say enough great things about Skype. Carson finally recognizes Daddy through the screen and loves being a complete ham.
It's seriously the cutest thing ever.
His favorite game to play with Dad via Skype is Peekaboo. It's Friday folks, hooray!
March 20, 2012
My Sunshine
You know what I love?
A spur-of-the-moment trip to the park.
There might be nothing better than spreading out a blanket and feeling the warm sunshine.
Well, maybe except for the feel of a baby's soft skin against your cheek.
And this smile.
My sunshine.
My only Sunshine.
March 16, 2012
Friday Phone Dump
It's Friday! Woo-hoo!
Brian came home yesterday, but left for Vegas early this AM. He's pretty excited to spend a weekend in Sin City with his boys. During March Madness.
He posted "Vegas Bound!" on facebook this morning.
So, I made the most logical wifey comment I could think of, "Carson told me to tell you to watch your spending. He wants to go to college someday."
Maybe he'll listen since it's coming from his son...hmmmm.
C dressed in his K-state gear today for school. To celebrate yesterday's win of course.
Lots of pics this week! Daddy had extra requests. He misses us.
Happy Weekend!
March 15, 2012
Divide & Conquer
This post is really just about dividing, but I added the "conquer" because we just conquered Southern Miss!
Woohoo! Wildcat win!
How cute are these shirts? I have been seeing them pop up everywhere lately. This one is from Old Navy. They have other schools, but obviously the K-state one is the cutest and makes the most sense. :)
Hello Kitty.
Anyways, I wanted to share with you the dividers Brian made for Carson's room - Closet and drawers.
I love all things organization related, so these were a must when we were planning the nursery.
First up, Drawers.
Socks are the worst to keep separated. It's nice to have them divided, by size, so you can easily grab a pair, without going through several pairs before you find a winner.
Also, good for hats.
The hubs used a thin wood such as balsa wood and simply cut slits to connect the two pieces.
They aren't quite as stable as I would prefer, but without affecting the dresser drawers permanently, he assured me this was the only way.
The dividers also work great for burp cloths, bibs, changing pad covers, etc.
Organization sensation my friends.
Next up, Closet.
For several weeks after Carson was born, I drove myself crazy (and wasted a ton of time) constantly looking at the sizes on his clothes. I would find an outfit in his closet with the tags still attached, that he had already outgrown.
Major letdown when your little bambino misses out on any cute get up.
So, I researched several options for DIY closet dividers on Pinterest, but couldn't find exactly what I was hoping.
One used cardboard and scrapbook paper, but I wanted something sturdy. Another used CDs covered in fabric or paper.
Then, I found this blog. Exactly what I wanted. Except we decided to cut the wood dividers ourselves rather than buying them pre-made at Hobby Lobby.
Using the leftover wood from the drawer dividers, he cut 4 x 5 pieces. Then, he used a hole saw to cut a hole big enough for the closet rod to go through. Last step, a light sand.
Then, I used cheap acrylic paint and a paint pen to come up with this:
0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 12-24 Months
Awesomeness.
Woohoo! Wildcat win!
How cute are these shirts? I have been seeing them pop up everywhere lately. This one is from Old Navy. They have other schools, but obviously the K-state one is the cutest and makes the most sense. :)
Hello Kitty.
I love all things organization related, so these were a must when we were planning the nursery.
First up, Drawers.
Socks are the worst to keep separated. It's nice to have them divided, by size, so you can easily grab a pair, without going through several pairs before you find a winner.
Also, good for hats.
The hubs used a thin wood such as balsa wood and simply cut slits to connect the two pieces.
They aren't quite as stable as I would prefer, but without affecting the dresser drawers permanently, he assured me this was the only way.
The dividers also work great for burp cloths, bibs, changing pad covers, etc.
Organization sensation my friends.
Next up, Closet.
For several weeks after Carson was born, I drove myself crazy (and wasted a ton of time) constantly looking at the sizes on his clothes. I would find an outfit in his closet with the tags still attached, that he had already outgrown.
Major letdown when your little bambino misses out on any cute get up.
So, I researched several options for DIY closet dividers on Pinterest, but couldn't find exactly what I was hoping.
One used cardboard and scrapbook paper, but I wanted something sturdy. Another used CDs covered in fabric or paper.
Then, I found this blog. Exactly what I wanted. Except we decided to cut the wood dividers ourselves rather than buying them pre-made at Hobby Lobby.
Using the leftover wood from the drawer dividers, he cut 4 x 5 pieces. Then, he used a hole saw to cut a hole big enough for the closet rod to go through. Last step, a light sand.
Then, I used cheap acrylic paint and a paint pen to come up with this:
0-3 Months, 3-6 Months, 6-12 Months, 12-24 Months
Awesomeness.
March 14, 2012
Like Father, Like Son
It's 80 degrees in Kansas City today and I'm wearing a skirt. Multiple people have commented on how "springy" I look. Spring? In March? Ok!
I soaked up some rays this afternoon on a patio lunch date at Lulu's with some coworkers. It was glorious. I just love that place.
Carson dressed appropriately today as well. A polo onesie and jorts! Yes...I said jorts aka jean shorts! They are the cutest little baby Guess shorts you'll ever see.
I failed to take a pic of him when I dropped him off at school to send to daddy, so let's hope he survives in his cute little outfit until the pick up. My sweet boy tends to always have an outfit change. Let's just face it, spit up, and as of lately -- poopies are his specialty:)
Don't you just love how when you become a mom you start saying the silliest of things, making up strange sounds to get them to laugh, and adding an 'ie' or 'ee' to any word that it makes sense?
Poopies, pee-pee, boogies, tooties, jammies, feetsies, bathsies...bizarre I know. But the high-pitched, silly voice makes him happy. Which makes me happy. And you eventually find yourself doing it anywhere and everywhere.
In line at the grocery store, while getting your taxes done, while on the phone with the cable company, in a handicap stall of a bathroom...I bet my bathroom neighbors thought I was crazy.
Which reminds me of a time I had to feed Carson at Macy's at the mall a few weeks ago. I headed for the dressing room because it seemed cleaner and more comfortable than the bathroom. By the way, if you're ever at Oak Park mall and need to feed your child, go to Nordstrom's. They have the BEST mother's room.
Anyways, as I was feeding big boy, he decided to rip a few good ones. Not just little tooties, loud ones that make you question how something so small can produce such force.
I can't imagine what the people trying on clothes next to me thought. I just hope they knew I had a baby in there.
So, Brian comes home tomorrow. Yipee!!! But then he leaves for a bachelor party in Vegas early Friday morning. I'm telling ya, this dad has it way too easy!! :)
This being at home alone stuff is becoming too familiar for us. Good thing the "Things your burglar won't tell you" email I received from my bestie today confirms we are safe.
The two things burglars hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.
Lucky for me, I have both.
Momma K sent me some baby pics of Brian this week. Everyone keeps telling us that Carson looks like Brian, and I believed it, but this confirmed it.
It's just crazy.
From the forehead to the cheeks, to the lips and down to his long fingers, as Brian would say, "Carson is my Mini-me."
Can't forget a few of the minor likes: weird feet, obsession with watching ESPN and snoring!!
Love my boys so much!
I soaked up some rays this afternoon on a patio lunch date at Lulu's with some coworkers. It was glorious. I just love that place.
Carson dressed appropriately today as well. A polo onesie and jorts! Yes...I said jorts aka jean shorts! They are the cutest little baby Guess shorts you'll ever see.
I failed to take a pic of him when I dropped him off at school to send to daddy, so let's hope he survives in his cute little outfit until the pick up. My sweet boy tends to always have an outfit change. Let's just face it, spit up, and as of lately -- poopies are his specialty:)
Don't you just love how when you become a mom you start saying the silliest of things, making up strange sounds to get them to laugh, and adding an 'ie' or 'ee' to any word that it makes sense?
Poopies, pee-pee, boogies, tooties, jammies, feetsies, bathsies...bizarre I know. But the high-pitched, silly voice makes him happy. Which makes me happy. And you eventually find yourself doing it anywhere and everywhere.
In line at the grocery store, while getting your taxes done, while on the phone with the cable company, in a handicap stall of a bathroom...I bet my bathroom neighbors thought I was crazy.
Which reminds me of a time I had to feed Carson at Macy's at the mall a few weeks ago. I headed for the dressing room because it seemed cleaner and more comfortable than the bathroom. By the way, if you're ever at Oak Park mall and need to feed your child, go to Nordstrom's. They have the BEST mother's room.
Anyways, as I was feeding big boy, he decided to rip a few good ones. Not just little tooties, loud ones that make you question how something so small can produce such force.
I can't imagine what the people trying on clothes next to me thought. I just hope they knew I had a baby in there.
So, Brian comes home tomorrow. Yipee!!! But then he leaves for a bachelor party in Vegas early Friday morning. I'm telling ya, this dad has it way too easy!! :)
This being at home alone stuff is becoming too familiar for us. Good thing the "Things your burglar won't tell you" email I received from my bestie today confirms we are safe.
Lucky for me, I have both.
Momma K sent me some baby pics of Brian this week. Everyone keeps telling us that Carson looks like Brian, and I believed it, but this confirmed it.
It's just crazy.
From the forehead to the cheeks, to the lips and down to his long fingers, as Brian would say, "Carson is my Mini-me."
Like Father, Like Son
handsome, charming, contagious, sweet, lovable, easy going
the loves of my life
Can't forget a few of the minor likes: weird feet, obsession with watching ESPN and snoring!!
Love my boys so much!
March 9, 2012
TGIF
It's Friday and we are happy!!
Is it weird that I am excited to have two whole days to do laundry, clean house and put my life back together?
I think so. But seriously, I'm ecstatic. The weekdays are just so crazy it will be nice to take a breather, relax and organize some things.
We also have plans to attend a friend's baby shower, go grocery shopping and go for a walk with Jakey Boy. Oh, and can't forget that baby book. Too bad Dad won't be here to cuddle with us. We miss you Daddy!
Happy Friday everyone!
Is it weird that I am excited to have two whole days to do laundry, clean house and put my life back together?
I think so. But seriously, I'm ecstatic. The weekdays are just so crazy it will be nice to take a breather, relax and organize some things.
We also have plans to attend a friend's baby shower, go grocery shopping and go for a walk with Jakey Boy. Oh, and can't forget that baby book. Too bad Dad won't be here to cuddle with us. We miss you Daddy!
Happy Friday everyone!
March 8, 2012
When I Grow Up
I've been working on Carson's baby book some, but I'm pretty behind. I told myself I wouldn't be that mom that finishes her kids baby books five years after birth.
I've set a personal goal to work on it while the hubby is working in Canada. Gives me something to do on the weekends!
I started with a book that has clear protectors to insert pages, but other than that -- it's pretty much all DIY.
I used to scrapbook back in the day, so I'm definitely that person that enjoys spending hours on end slicing, punching and sticking, all things paper. And stickers and ribbon. Hope Carson appreciates it someday.
I'll share it with you all once it gets to a 'worthy-of-a-post' point.
Anyways, one of the pages includes me and Brian's "Predictions." It lists things like hair color, eye color, favorite subject, favorite color, future job, etc.
We filled it out about a week before Big Boy was due. It was fun comparing our answers to see if we answered the same.
I know the three of us will share some laughs 20 years from now.
For future job, I listed lawyer and Brian put engineer.
I really wanted to put NFL football player, but I tried to be practical. I still think my son's name sounds like a football star. I don't know why, I just do:)
Whatever he chooses, I want him to love it. And be passionate about it. I can't imagine waking up every day to go to a job that didn't make you happy.
I'm sure his childhood dreams will change more than once. When I was little, I said I wanted to be a news anchor. Ha, makes me laugh.
I wonder what Carson would say today if he could talk. Whatever it is, it would have to be something where he could rock a wicked mullet.
Love you little booger! Even if you are losing your hair from rubbing your head on every surface we lay you on.
I've set a personal goal to work on it while the hubby is working in Canada. Gives me something to do on the weekends!
I started with a book that has clear protectors to insert pages, but other than that -- it's pretty much all DIY.
I used to scrapbook back in the day, so I'm definitely that person that enjoys spending hours on end slicing, punching and sticking, all things paper. And stickers and ribbon. Hope Carson appreciates it someday.
I'll share it with you all once it gets to a 'worthy-of-a-post' point.
Anyways, one of the pages includes me and Brian's "Predictions." It lists things like hair color, eye color, favorite subject, favorite color, future job, etc.
We filled it out about a week before Big Boy was due. It was fun comparing our answers to see if we answered the same.
I know the three of us will share some laughs 20 years from now.
For future job, I listed lawyer and Brian put engineer.
I really wanted to put NFL football player, but I tried to be practical. I still think my son's name sounds like a football star. I don't know why, I just do:)
Whatever he chooses, I want him to love it. And be passionate about it. I can't imagine waking up every day to go to a job that didn't make you happy.
I'm sure his childhood dreams will change more than once. When I was little, I said I wanted to be a news anchor. Ha, makes me laugh.
I wonder what Carson would say today if he could talk. Whatever it is, it would have to be something where he could rock a wicked mullet.
Business in the Front.
Don't mind my drool everyone. I make up for it with my tie onesie.
Party in the Back.
Oh yeah. Check out my mullet. I know you're jealous.
But my cuteness makes up for it. :)
March 7, 2012
Don't Judge a Book By its Cover
I haven't been shy about talking about breastfeeding on this blog.
Disclaimer: This post is entirely about just that, so continue reading at your own risk. :)
I'm fairly confident this information will help someone, so that is the sole reason for this post.
Before our sweet boy entered this world, I had mixed emotions about breastfeeding. I knew I wanted to nurse my child, I just didn't know one, if I would produce enough, two, if I would be successful, and three, how long I would last before throwing in the towel.
I heard things like,
"It's so painful."
"Your nipples will crack and bleed."
"Just get through the first two weeks."
"Formula fed babies sleep better."
Everything I heard seemed negative. All this amongst other mentionings of engorgement, mastitis and a hassle. One friend did make a positive mention of "a bond you develop."
I didn't know what to think. Or what to expect.
I was definitely scared. And apprehensive about being successful. The class I took at Shawnee Mission Med helped, but all the "what-ifs" and negatives continued to flood my mind.
My guess would be that most first-time moms have these feelings about breastfeeding, but maybe not.
So, Carson was born and I started breastfeeding. Getting him to latch in the hospital was a challenge. And by challenge, I mean we experienced some intense crying fits where he was frustrated, I was frustrated, even Brian was frustrated. It took motivation to not quit.
He was a big boy, so he demanded more:). Thank God for the lactation consultants and their guidance. We had to supplement formula through a feeding tube until my milk really came in, faking him out and making him think there was more flowing from the source. This was a life saver.
Once my milk came in, we stopped the tube feeding and it became much easier. Big boy learned to latch and I started to enjoy feeding time with him.
We spent hours and hours together. There were no cracked or bleeding nipples. Not much pain. We developed the bond that a friend had referred to. He started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks. I had found a new respect for breastfeeding.
Today, I'm three and a half months in and I can't say enough positive things about it. To be honest, I thought I would have quit by now, but I have this unexplainable drive to keep on going.
Now, I'll be the first to say, I know it doesn't work for everyone, and everyone has a different experience. Mine just happened to really surprise me.
When people used to ask, "Are you going to breastfeed?" I would answer, "Yeah, I'm going to try,"" but there was never any real determination behind my response.
I wish I would have heard more positive things about it and then I might not have been so apprehensive or somewhat negative to begin with.
Don't get me wrong, there's pros and cons.
It's extremely good for your baby. Not saying formula isn't, but breast milk is the best choice if possible.
It's economical. As in, 'I'll-take-the-added-hassle-any-day' economical. Have you seen how much formula costs? It's crazy bananas!
And it truly does create a bonding moment for you and your baby. It it our time together, just the two of us, that nobody else can share (at least right now). Bottle feeding can do the same, but I think you tend to rely on help once you make the complete switch (I know I will!).
It can create a hassle at times, especially when it's time to go back to work. My deadline driven job definitely doesn't make it easy, but it's nothing unmanageable. Bottle feeding requires the same amount of time, it's just easier to feed in public or when you're on the go.
My goal is six months. I would be ecstatic if I continued for eight or nine, but I think that's a stretch for me.
I have experienced said "engorgement" a few times aka clogged milk ducts, but it's nothing to really fuss about. I wouldn't suggest trying to work out while you have it.
While I was on leave, I ambitiously tried to succeed at a P90x video during an engorgement outbreak. I cursed every single time I had to do "X time" or Tony said "Get em up!" Damn plyometrics.
Ok, now on to the more exciting part of this post.
You know the hands-free bras they sell in stores to make pumping easy?
Pretty freakin' cool invention, right? I think so! It's such a pain to hold the contraptions.
I went without one for the first month because I couldn't bring myself to spend $40 not knowing if I would stick with this breastfeeding stuff. After about a month, I decided I needed something to hold these things onto my ta-tas.
A friend of mine told me that she heard of people making their own out of a sports bra.
In comes the DIY and frugal side of me, rummaging through my dresser drawer to find an old sports bra.
Two simple hole cuts later, I ended up with this:
Looks weird, I know. But this isn't about fashion people. It's all about functionality. I was unsure if it would work, but to my surprise, works like a dream!
Hands Free and Lovin' It!!
Note: You don't have to put your arms through the straps of the sports bra for it to work properly. I simply slip it on (straps down), so I can keep my dress clothes on.
Disclaimer: This post is entirely about just that, so continue reading at your own risk. :)
I'm fairly confident this information will help someone, so that is the sole reason for this post.
Before our sweet boy entered this world, I had mixed emotions about breastfeeding. I knew I wanted to nurse my child, I just didn't know one, if I would produce enough, two, if I would be successful, and three, how long I would last before throwing in the towel.
I heard things like,
"It's so painful."
"Your nipples will crack and bleed."
"Just get through the first two weeks."
"Formula fed babies sleep better."
Everything I heard seemed negative. All this amongst other mentionings of engorgement, mastitis and a hassle. One friend did make a positive mention of "a bond you develop."
I didn't know what to think. Or what to expect.
I was definitely scared. And apprehensive about being successful. The class I took at Shawnee Mission Med helped, but all the "what-ifs" and negatives continued to flood my mind.
My guess would be that most first-time moms have these feelings about breastfeeding, but maybe not.
So, Carson was born and I started breastfeeding. Getting him to latch in the hospital was a challenge. And by challenge, I mean we experienced some intense crying fits where he was frustrated, I was frustrated, even Brian was frustrated. It took motivation to not quit.
He was a big boy, so he demanded more:). Thank God for the lactation consultants and their guidance. We had to supplement formula through a feeding tube until my milk really came in, faking him out and making him think there was more flowing from the source. This was a life saver.
Once my milk came in, we stopped the tube feeding and it became much easier. Big boy learned to latch and I started to enjoy feeding time with him.
We spent hours and hours together. There were no cracked or bleeding nipples. Not much pain. We developed the bond that a friend had referred to. He started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks. I had found a new respect for breastfeeding.
Today, I'm three and a half months in and I can't say enough positive things about it. To be honest, I thought I would have quit by now, but I have this unexplainable drive to keep on going.
Now, I'll be the first to say, I know it doesn't work for everyone, and everyone has a different experience. Mine just happened to really surprise me.
When people used to ask, "Are you going to breastfeed?" I would answer, "Yeah, I'm going to try,"" but there was never any real determination behind my response.
I wish I would have heard more positive things about it and then I might not have been so apprehensive or somewhat negative to begin with.
Don't get me wrong, there's pros and cons.
It's extremely good for your baby. Not saying formula isn't, but breast milk is the best choice if possible.
It's economical. As in, 'I'll-take-the-added-hassle-any-day' economical. Have you seen how much formula costs? It's crazy bananas!
And it truly does create a bonding moment for you and your baby. It it our time together, just the two of us, that nobody else can share (at least right now). Bottle feeding can do the same, but I think you tend to rely on help once you make the complete switch (I know I will!).
It can create a hassle at times, especially when it's time to go back to work. My deadline driven job definitely doesn't make it easy, but it's nothing unmanageable. Bottle feeding requires the same amount of time, it's just easier to feed in public or when you're on the go.
My goal is six months. I would be ecstatic if I continued for eight or nine, but I think that's a stretch for me.
I have experienced said "engorgement" a few times aka clogged milk ducts, but it's nothing to really fuss about. I wouldn't suggest trying to work out while you have it.
While I was on leave, I ambitiously tried to succeed at a P90x video during an engorgement outbreak. I cursed every single time I had to do "X time" or Tony said "Get em up!" Damn plyometrics.
Ok, now on to the more exciting part of this post.
You know the hands-free bras they sell in stores to make pumping easy?
Pretty freakin' cool invention, right? I think so! It's such a pain to hold the contraptions.
I went without one for the first month because I couldn't bring myself to spend $40 not knowing if I would stick with this breastfeeding stuff. After about a month, I decided I needed something to hold these things onto my ta-tas.
A friend of mine told me that she heard of people making their own out of a sports bra.
In comes the DIY and frugal side of me, rummaging through my dresser drawer to find an old sports bra.
Two simple hole cuts later, I ended up with this:
Looks weird, I know. But this isn't about fashion people. It's all about functionality. I was unsure if it would work, but to my surprise, works like a dream!
Hands Free and Lovin' It!!
Note: You don't have to put your arms through the straps of the sports bra for it to work properly. I simply slip it on (straps down), so I can keep my dress clothes on.
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