Mixed Emotions

I had my first normal meal today for the first time in four days.

We've had a lot of sickness running through our household lately, and well...a stomach bug just ransacked its way through all three of us this past weekend. With Brian and I getting the brunt of it.

It all started last Tuesday when we found our sweet angel covered in vomit around midnight.

I just stood there for a few seconds, looking at my baby covered. Preparing myself to clean up the mess, but mostly trying to calm my racing worrisome mommy thoughts.

And then he gave us the biggest smile you've ever seen, just as happy as can be, to be lying there in soiled sheets. So I picked up my baby covered in vomit and cuddled him. Because that's what mommies do.

He then received his second bath for the night and we did a load of laundry.

I then hurried to the iPad to research baby vomiting. It was a first for us, so I immediately went into mommy freak-out mode. He seemed very normal, and it only happened once, so we chocked it up to a new food upsetting his stomach.

And then Thursday came around and he didn't eat much at daycare...
And then Brian threw up all night...
And then I threw up all day the next day...
And then Carson got diarrhea...
And now we are recovering.

We just can't seem to stay sick-free. We found out yesterday that a "stomach bug" has been going around daycare. Several babies and teachers out with flu-like symptoms. I keep telling myself that C is just building an insanely strong immune system with superhero powers that will help him one day when he goes to kindergarten. Sigh.

Thanks to the stomach bug, my milk supply has dwindled and I'm having mixed emotions about putting Operation Wean in place.

When I first shared with you my breastfeeding experience, my goal was six months. I've made that goal. I've stuck it out longer than I hoped for. I should be happy, right?

But no, I for some reason am finding it hard to let go. I, of all people, never thought I would be this way.

It's a bit out of character for me really. I tend to seek the easy way in most things.

And breastfeeding is definitely not that at times. It's hard work and takes patience, motivation and diligence.

I don't know why it's such a hard decision for me. I actually only nurse him once a day (in the mornings), and the rest of the time I pump. So, it's not the bond that I'm struggling with solely.

I guess I'll feel like I didn't go as long as I could have? The feeling of quitting when I didn't have to.

Whatever I decide, I need to tell myself that I did good. And that I was successful for longer than I expected.

Carson will still be the same sweet, healthy baby, and we'll still have the same bond.

Solids Are In

I like stripes, I really do, but solids are the choice this week.

I'm talking about solid food my peeps.

Big Boy is quite the little eater. He loves his sweet potatoes.

Oh you liked the sweet potatoes? How about some more? How about three times a day for five days straight?

Mmm kay Mom.

Daddy* tried them too.

When you start solids, you follow the 5-day rule to monitor any reactions they might have. So, Carson will get sweet potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner for the next 5 days.

Then, we'll move to peas. Maybe green beans. I haven't decided yet.

Carson can now relate to big brother Jake. Eating the same meal over and over and over.

This great site follows the 4-day rule and provides a ton of great 'make-your-own-baby-food' recipes for all stages of solids.

Yep folks, I will win the mommy of the year award for making my own baby food.

Just kidding. It's really super easy and I only plan to do veggies, fruits and a few combos of the two.

Making my own baby food was something I never thought I would do. I also didn't think I would successfully breastfeed for 6+ months either (I'm too impatient), but I'm still going strong.

Well, after hearing how easy it is to make your own baby food, it's a no brainer.

Thanks to a great suggestion from my extremely talented pediatrician friend, these trays are working out great.

So Easy...for real.

Cook, puree, distribute, freeze, pop out, store and repeat.

That way we will have lots of sweet potatoes on hand and ready to go for Big Boy.

I heard starting solids would be an adventure. Not to mention the mind blowing, rank-ass poopy diapers they cause.

Not gonna lie, the poops are thicker and way too similar to ours. Yesterday, I got to experience what I call a 'sweet potato patty poop cake'.

Just use your imagine. I'm sure next week we'll experience green poop cakes.

Ok, I'm done talking about poop today, promise.

Off to make and freeze some baby food. Bye Bye!

*Don't you just love the husband's cutoff? We keep it classy around here.

Just Like Chicken

We started rice cereal a couple weeks ago. Our pediatrician wanted us to try for twice a day.

I wasn't so sure how Carson was going like it.

Some comments about rice cereal provided by coworkers and friends included:

"It's downright messy."

"My kid loved it."

"Phhh, just let daycare do it once a day and call it good. I wouldn't even mess with it at home."

"The last thing mine wanted to do was work for it. It's such as hassle."

So, ready with bowls and spoons, and armed with bibs and washcloths, I tried rice cereal. Mind you, I was on my own at this point. No Brian to help out.

 

We started out in the Bumbo...

I'm not so sure about this Mom...I think I'd rather get distracted by the things around me.

Why the heck are you taking pictures of me?

This is strange. Where's my boob?

 Put that camera down and feed me damnit!

Success? Not even close.

On to Plan B.

We started trying on a Saturday, so I was three failed attempts in when daycare suggested I do it in the bouncer.

Again mom? Really? Are you sure you want me to have another breakdown?

Those teachers are smart at daycare I tell ya. Because it worked wonders! Still messy, but much more successful.

Cereal time is more fun these days. In fact, he loves it.

Well, most of the time.

He also loves toting around his SLR camera like mommy:). Cute bib from Auntie Roback.

 

I have to shovel it in pretty fast or he gets antsy.

He starts kicking his legs or grabs my hand...flinging cereal. Everywhere.

Cereal face!

Nom. Nom. Nom.

I still get distracted by my bib. And have breakdowns when I'm really hungry. I'm a work in progress.

After cereal, we have bathies! Every time. Too messy not to.

I just want to play with my feet Mom!

But thanks for the cereal Mom. Tastes just like chicken!