One.

Say hi to Matt.

One of my best friends.

With the biggest heart.

The Godfather of my child.

Passionate about a lot of things.

One of them being biking.  

Carson and I were lucky enough to watch him in his first bike race of the season this past weekend.

Biking is exciting to watch.

Especially Matt, because he's a stud.

Carson enjoyed the action.

Intently watching sleeping most of the time.

We all cheered him on.

And hoped that we didn't witness any crashes.

Matt took 2nd in the first race, 3rd in the second race, and 1st in one of the intermediate races. He placed 2nd overall.

 

Like I said, he's a stud.

We were all so proud of him.

Fast forward to Sunday. Matt was involved in a serious crash with a car slamming on their brakes to miss hitting a deer.  

He's OK and will recover, but underwent extensive surgery on his nose and face.  He is extremely lucky his injuries weren't worse.

It takes only ONE second to have your life taken from you. 

Life is short.

Matt, you're in our thoughts and prayers. We love you. You are ONE special person and wish you a speedy recovery.

Back to the Grind

Well, I survived my first week back to work.

I sort of forgot what the working world was like until I received a warm welcome back.

A not-so-small project on my desk on Wednesday.
With a deadline of Friday.
At Noon...in Topeka.

I felt like I was thrown into a ring of fire. But I finished it in time. I only had to eat breakfast brunch in the car while racing to Topeka...and then had to find a place to pump.

Oh the life of a working mommy.

Luckily, I have a battery pack, which makes pumping in the car easy if need be. Only problem? You have to find a somewhat secluded place to do the deed. Well, I stumbled upon a large parking lot with a lot of cars, and parked myself nestled somewhere near the back, but in a pack of cars, hoping for some blockage. I put up the window shade I use in the summer, you know the silvery ones that look like tin toil... for some extra blockage.

I know what you're thinking...why would anyone do that? Well, when you're breastfeeding, you must pump to keep up your supply, and do your best to stay on a schedule. In my case, it's every 3 hours. If I don't pump a certain amount of times during the day, I don't have enough to take to daycare.

Anyways, eight minutes into pumping I realized I was in a State parking lot which required a permit. All I could think about was a parking attendant coming to my window and questioning my actions. Wouldn't that be a story to tell?!

However, my first car pumping experience was successful.

It was a big week for us. Carson spent his first week at daycare and I had to learn how to adjust to our new routine. I think it hurt me worse than him.

The first day was painful, and so was the second, but it got better as the week went on. It's so hard to leave him, but I know that he is making lots of friends and getting smart:).

Big Boy is getting so much stimulation at school that he sleeps a lot when we get home. I barely get to see him! I can already tell how much he is learning. Seriously, in only five days, he is better at holding up his head and is starting to like tolerate tummy time. And...he rolled from his tummy to his back for the first time yesterday! I love that they are working on these things with him.

The drop offs are less fun, but the pick ups are the best. I can't even describe the feeling you get when you see your baby smile at you. All I could think is: "YAY, he knows me! And he remembers my face. And he's SO happy to see me."

It's our weekend away from Daddy, but we are staying busy. It was also my 28th birthday yesterday. Woo hoo. Another year closer to 30. We spent the day with friends, so we had lots to keep our minds off missing Brian.

In typical style, I forgot the Friday Phone Dump. Better late than never. Just like the long list of other posts I have planned to share. I'll get to them...someday.

For now, I'm going to enjoy my sweet baby. Back to fully appreciating the weekends!

Watch Me Grow: 3 Months

Well, you're three months old and officially a daycare baby.

It was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Handing you over to somebody else and walking away...leaving. It was horrific. It was heart wrenching. And it was just like everyone said it would be.

I thought about you all day, and even snuck out of work early to pick you up. I couldn't wait to snuggle you in my arms.

We aren't quite through our first week, but I know it will get easier. Eventually. Baby steps.

Your Daddy is away right now working in Canada. He just left Monday, so we both are adjusting to this new change. I don't know how I'm managing taking care of you all by myself (you are a lot of work sweet thang), but somehow I'm managing.

You were baptized earlier this month at Sacred Heart and for the most part, you did great. You were a major fuss pot towards the end and cried in all our photos. Whatever it takes for you to become a child of God.

We are both pros at feeding in public now. I just take you anywhere and everywhere and use breastfeeding as a convenience. We've fed in numerous dressing rooms, in the bathroom at some restaurants and even at Ky's wrestling tournament! You have a way of making everything an adventure!

The weather in Kansas City right now is unheard of. We are taking a ton of walks and you just love being in your stroller and up at me.

Big boy, your smile is the most precious thing in the whole world. Can you please keep those up? It just makes everything else in this world seem so distant.

I do everything in my power to get a smile out of you. Silly noises? Yep. Funny faces? Yep. I'll do anything. ANYTHING to see you smile. You just melt my heart.

Carson at 3 months:

In the Closet: 0-3 Months and 3-6 months, depends on the size

Diapers: Size 1

Grub: Exclusive breast milk

Sleep: You are such an angel child. Sleeping 7-8 hrs

New Activity/Development: You just started going to daycare a week ago, and I can already see a difference in your activity level and strength. You're starting to actually tolerate tummy time and getting better at holding up your head. You are SO tired when we get home. And...you just rolled from your tummy to your back!

Loves: Being happy, peek-a-boo, mirror time, staring at the fans and lights, the paci.

Hates: Napping (naps a lot in the swing) and tummy time.

2 Months
1 Month
Newborn

Love Day

Brian and I spent Carson's first Valentine's Day apart, but it didn't mean me and the little man didn't think about him on love day.

We don't really celebrate V-day, other than card exchanges and a heart shaped dinner like last year:), but I thought it was only fitting to try and do something special for him. Something that would really make him smile.

Nothing makes him smile more than his sweet boy.

Here's the card we sent him.

Ordered from Tiny Prints. Love that site.

Getting the monkeys together for an impromptu photo shoot was an adventure. I've gotten really good at making stupid noises and faces to get him to smile. I was hoping Carson would hold the sign since he recently discovered his hanging toys. Luckily, I caught Carson at a great time and was able to capture some great shots.

Man, do you really learn to appreciate your better half when you are away from them.

Daddy loved his card. And the picture collage we made for him to take back to Canada. He's home this weekend, so we are soaking up lots of love.

Have a great weekend!

Solo

It was frigid in Kansas City this weekend and we're supposed to get snow tomorrow. Boo.

I'm not really a fan of snow. At least in Kansas. Put me on a snowy mountain and I'm a happy girl.

Well, life was different this past week. I had to figure out how to cook for one, take care of Carson solo, and fix the Internet connection when Pandora was interrupted. I can now relate to the single moms out there.

Catching on?

Yep, Brian was out of town for work.
In Canada.
And will be for two months.
Minimum.

Sucks, eh?
We miss him like crazy.
Trying to stay positive.
There are worse things.

We found out Thursday and he left Monday. He gets to come home every other weekend, but being away from him is not easy. We've been skyping. Love me some technology. I was a first timer, and I give it an A. Excludes a plus only because the connection can be kinda wonky at times.

Only one more week and this momma has to deal with not spending the day with her angel anymore. And getting herself and the little monkey ready in the mornings...solo. I am not looking forward to this transition.

Well, I missed the Friday Phone Dump last week. I was busy preparing for a baby shower for a dear friend. More to come on that.

The daily phone pics have become even more special to Brian now that he's away. This week includes one of him cuddling big boy the day he left. So sweet.

This week, we stayed busy preparing for the baby shower (thank you to Heather for hanging out with me three nights in a row!), visited Kathy and the girls, ran errands and enjoyed cuddle time...just the two of us. 

We miss Daddy.

 

Carson Gets Baptized

Carson was baptized this past Saturday and he still smells like the oil they put on his head. I guess he's extra blessed because even three baths haven't done the job. Luckily, I really like the smell. :)

Carson and his all white get up. I didn't want to spend $60+ on the christening suits at the stores, so I went with these white dress pants and a white collared shirt from Children's Place. Oh and some white shoes. Love baby shoes! We joked that he looked like a painter boy!

Momma K, Great Grandma and Eric made the trip up from Wichita. Momma and Daddy B couldn't make it because Dad got called in to work the entire weekend. Boo.

Uncle Ryan and Aunt Amy were there of course and Godparents Matt and Heather!

Big Boy did great. Other than a few episodes of being a fuss pot and the paci falling out of his mouth onto the floor, I'd say it was super successful!

Carson loved Father Craig. Each time he came face-to-face with him, he would smile real big causing his paci to fall out. It was pretty cute. We were joking around that we need to get a green robe to have on hand.

Fuss pot!

We ended the night with a yummy pasta dinner at Olive Garden. Thanks to all our family and friends for being there for Carson!

Love It List: Newborn

I'm a little over 2 months into being a mommy and finally feel like I really know what I'm doing. Though I know there are many more learning experiences to come with my little guy.

When I was newly pregnant and going through the registering process, I remember feeling completely lost, uneducated and clueless. Let's face it, baby gear and all their "must haves" are just overwhelming.  You hear this and you hear that, but what really is necessary?

I thought I would put together a list of newborn products I would recommend to others, for any future moms that might care:).

Please keep in mind, this is only my opinion and includes things that have worked and are working for me and my baby. Every child is different and there are tons of great products out there to choose from.


Love it List: Newborn Must Haves

Itz been Baby Care Timer
When I first saw this product in the store, I thought it seemed sort of silly. Well, after it was recommended to me by several people, I registered for it and got it from my good friend Megan! This thing is awesome. I take it everywhere with me.

Basically, it keep tracks of feedings, diaper changes and sleeping, so you don't have to try and remember or log it on paper. I can't imagine having to remember the last time Carson ate. Plus, he is a great eater, so much that I have to cut him off from nursing every time. The timer allows me to easily time 10 minutes on each side. Note: I heard there is an iPhone App very similar to this concept.

JJ Cole Bundle Me Car Seat Blanket
What a great product. Especially for a winter baby. It goes inside your car seat and has holes for the straps so it firmly stays in place. The top flap easily flips over baby's head and doesn't blow off in the wind. I can't imagine having to use a blanket. A++ for this convenient product.

Summer Infant SwaddleMe Blankets
I know not all babies like to be swaddled, but Carson loves it and has to be swaddled to sleep. These make swaddling him easy peasy for Mom and Dad. And talk about secure. There's no way Carson can break out of this swaddle. Therefore, he sleeps better, we sleep better. It's a win-win situation. We don't even mess with the actual swaddle blankets anymore.

Don't get confused by the "Summer Infant", that's just the brand. When I saw their products, I thought it might mean only for summer babies. Call me blonde, but it confused me.

Boppy Nursing Pillow
I pretty much thought this was on everyone's must-have list, but I actually know people that didn't have one. I don't know what I would do without mine. I use it for feedings, rocking him to sleep, and propping him up on the bed or couch. It's easy on the arms and gives Carson a cushy pillow during feedings.

Good Bibs
I have a spit up child, so having good bibs is a must. The ones with a thick water resistant material are the best. Otherwise, the spit up just goes right through, entirely defeating the purpose of the bib. Also, I really like ones with a snap so they stay on better. These ones from Target are great.

Cloud B Sleep Sheep
A calming sound is one of the five S's according to the Happiest Baby on the Block book. I'm a firm believer in a sound machine. This little guy is inexpensive and cute, and easily hangs from any crib. With four different sounds and a timer, it calms Carson when going to sleep. At least I think so:). I've also heard Cloub b's Twilight Turtle is great for toddlers.

Boon LAWN Countertop Drying Rack 
One of the most nifty things I have. Seriously. There are a ton of drying racks to choose from. Most people get the ones that match what kind of bottle they are using. I personally like this one. It's small, compact, and holds a lot more than you would think. I really like that you can pretty much place anything on it, pacifiers, pumping parts, bottles, you name it.

Here's my drying rack in action:

aiden + anais blankets
Several experienced moms told me these were a must. At first, I didn't find a real use for them because we were using the SwaddleMe blankets to swaddle. Now I use them as blankets when he is in his swing, bouncer, on the floor, etc. They are bigger than the average receiving blanket (47" x 47") and thin, so they make it super easy to tuck and stay in place.

Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor Deluxe
Another product where there are lots of great choices. I opted not to do a video monitor. I had a few friends that had troubles with them breaking a lot so I went for this one. It detects his heartbeat and will alarm if there isn't any movement. I LOVE this monitor. Simply because it puts my mind at ease and gives me the peace of mind I need to sleep soundly. It also helped with transitioning him to his crib earlier.  

The First Years Deluxe Fold N Go Changing Kit
This makes out and about diaper changes so easy. And it's clean. This is also what I use when we travel. Our Pac N Play came with a diaper changing attachment, but we don't even use it because it takes up room and is just another thing to pack.

This pad works great on the floor, bathroom baby changing stations and in the car (while not moving of course:). It has two convenient pockets to hold wipes, diapers, diaper cream, hand sanitizer, etc. When out and about (say at a restaurant or running errands), I just grab this from the diaper bag, rather than taking the whole bag. The best part? Only $12 at Target.

JJ Cole Diaper Caddy
 Diaper changes need to be quick. Especially with a boy! Diapers and cream need to be within hands reach. This caddy is great and keeps everything organized. I have it to the right of our changing pad and it also holds other daily essentials such as nasal drops, face/hand wipes, fingernail clippers, the bulb syringe, thermometer, etc. I also have the storage bins in his closet and they are great too. JJ Cole makes great products.

So there you have it. My Love It List for newborns. Of course you will need a quality stroller/carseat, swing, bouncer, etc, but these were the products I thought could get overlooked.

Happy Friday

We had a big week! Just me and my boy. Lots of walks, a visit to the doctor, watched the Cats play with friends, a dinner date with Roback, and lots of cuddle and play time.

Only two more weeks with my baby...tear.