Happy Camper

LB experienced his first camping trip last weekend- in a tent on an inflatable air mattress that kept going flat through the night.  We rough'ed it while his grandparents & aunt/uncle/cousins (PC's side) stayed in their fancy campers, which we are now in the market for too since LB LOVED it!  He slept better on the deflating air bed than he has at home in weeks and he only cried when his body reached the sleepy stage and he was too afraid to miss out on something.  
His cousins (tween and teen) took him for stroller rides, fed him, and took turns changing diapers.
His grandparents fought over who he was reaching for and smiling at the most.
His aunt sang him to sleep and his uncle tossed him high up in the air. 
With all of those helping hands, PC got to go on a few bike rides around the campground and I got to take a long shower, which felt good even in a bathhouse!
He had a bite of a peach, biscuit, blackberry jelly & strawberry shortcake.  
He was big stuff in the swing!
He was big stuff in the pool!
There was a fair in town and LB was in awe of the sights and sounds.  We "won" (okay, just paid $5 for the souvenir) a Boots inflatable and it made our little guy so happy.  And guess what other souvenir LB came home with?  A bottom tooth!!!  Exciting times around here:]

Smiling because I finally cut that bottom tooth! 

Poop, it sometimes doesn't happen

Warning:  A post about poop, or lack thereof.   
Spoiler:  We now have a regular little pooper:] 

We have several baby "issues" that are a work in progress (sleep, teething, rashes, etc).  But, for now, we are winning in the battle against constipation (knock on wood).

The problem:  About a week into solids, LB started pooping about every 3 days.  Day 3 was miserable, for him and for us.  Very ill baby who would strain and whimper and look at us like "do something."  :[  (Sh)It usually happened in the afternoon so we would put him on the changing table, move his legs in a "pedaling" motion and spend about 10-15 minutes there and this poor baby worked hard!

After a call to the pedi and some crazy advice from grandma, here is what got things err... moving... around here.

Diet change- eliminated rice and bananas.  I found one website that said to remember no BRAT- banana, rice, apples, toast.  Switched to oatmeal.

Pedi-lax glycerin suppositories- this was a recommendation from the pedi on those "day 3's" when LB was straining so hard.  We used these grudgingly and sparingly but they worked instantly and provided him instant relief.  They come 6 to a box and I would say that we used about 8-10 total over those first few weeks of working on the issues.  We did not want him to become dependent on them so they were a last resort.

Prunes & apple prune juice- Daily.  One small jar (or half) of the prunes and 3-4 ounces of watered down juice.

And last, you know grandma has to have a say about it.  So she told me to pull out his little toilet (that she bought way too early because of her grand potty training plans) and just sit him on it when we started to see the strained look.

I'll be darn.  For 21 days straight, he has sit on that potty, leaned on me, and pooped like a champ.  PC would have a fit if I put the picture in its entirety here and it is a strange but pretty cute sight.  All he needs now is a bathroom reader lol! 

 
 

PAIL- July- Family Building

~Thoughts on the July PAIL theme ~

We are done with the life and part-time job that is otherwise known as ART.  In my mind, that closes a door on additional children through the "good 'ol fashioned" way.  Could it happen?  Well, holding this baby makes me think anything is possible.  But do I want to actively try by charting BBT and using OPKs and studying EWCM?  Nope.  I no longer want to be consumed with the acronyms!  

Child-spacing?  Ha!  That was truly my first thought.  I remember when we first started TTC I wanted to plan the time of year the child was born to be more convenient with my work schedule.  Ha again!  It's sad that that's funny to me and funny that that's sad.  It happens for so many right on schedule... I am still amazed.  This topic brings so many TTC emotions to the surface and the bitterness- obviously it is still there- it's just not on the forefront as I am beyond grateful to have one.  Repeat- beyond grateful to have one.      

Our original plan was the white picket fence with 2.0 kids (girl & a boy no doubt) and a dog.  The reality has become a black wrought iron fence with 1.0 IVF miracle baby and 3 dogs.  Blessed.  But IF threw us a curve ball.  It meant we had discussions about having no children, about adoption and then we entered the world of ART.  It means I have a blog of 4 years worth of trials, tears and then ultimately (thank you God) TRIUMPH!  

A family of 3 we will be and we are all smiles about that, 

even though LB appears to be thinking it over lol.     

   

Cheap Entertainment

We are swimming in toys around here and LB does have some favorites but some of the best "toys" to entertain baby are not F.isher P.rice!  Enter...in no particular order...

1.  The remote- Loves this gadget so much that we pulled one that doesn't work out of a drawer and stuck it in the diaper bag.  I know it probably looks funny at church when we use it for a distraction, but it provides several minutes of serious play time.

2.  Our watches- It used to take the entire diaper change for LB to pull off my favorite N.ike watch but now he's got it down to 0.2 seconds flat.  He pulls it off, looks up to see my reaction and then throws it in the floor every. single. diaper. change.  Dad's is not quite as fun as it latches but any watch is still a point of interest.

3.  The iRoomba- I would like to know what he's thinking when this thing spins around the room.  He likes this from a distance... when it enters his personal space, he's not so sure.

4.  The paper towel holder- LB is not really into waiting patiently for me or dad to fix a bottle so he enjoys giving the paper towels a spin in the mean time!

5.  Feet/Toes- Good for holding, sucking, grasping... when there is nothing else around, the feet will just have to do!

6.  Hair pulling- namely, mine.  No picture because I am too busy untangling and explaining why that's not supposed to be fun!

Honorable mentions- paper bags, hats, eye glasses, spoons, light switches, cell phones, computers, straps/tags, napkins, mirrors, wallets and lotion bottles!

Fun at the Zoo

We decided to venture to a zoo that's about a 90 minute drive from our house this past Saturday.  Despite the hot weather, it was a fun day as a family of 3!  LB was more interested in his shadow than the animals but he was so happy to be outdoors taking in new sights and sounds.   

Cool, a shadow! 

Who are you calling a monkey?

First taste of Gelato is so good I'll close my eyes and savor!

LB was so exhausted by the time we got back to the car that he actually was happy to be put in his car seat for once. Good times:]  

Thanks for the Mammaries!

Blog title- I digress.  PC said this recently and we totally cracked up.  Blame it on the lack of sleep. 

But it is time for the ladies to go part-time.  Or that's what I am wondering... can the ladies just take over the night shift or is it all or nothing? 

I am proud and thankful for our nearly seven month run.  Not quite long enough to make it on the cover of T.ime magazine, lol, but I am grateful.  I have always had to supplement but have given this baby every ounce of breastmilk possible through pumping and nursing.  It has been a part of bonding with my son but it's just been that, a part.  We enjoy bonding with the "boo" game at the changing table and playing on the blanket in the living room floor just as much!   

Several reasons, but mainly the supply is dwindling since introducing solids and I want to return to work without having to think about the pump, pump parts, storage, nursing bra/pads, etc.         

Side note:  To those who formula fed, breastfed for a shorter/longer amount of time... you are feeding the baby the best way possible for your situation and will not get any judgment here.  Geez, I can't believe people have even felt like they have to justify how they feed their babies.  I've seen some posts lately that have made me cringe!  Feed the baby=healthy baby= it's all good!

I want to see more of this anyway.... 

What do I see?

When LB was just a couple of weeks old, we noticed what we thought was a scratch.  At his 2 month check-up, the pedi said it could be a scratch or could be a birthmark.  We were confused because he didn't have it "at birth" but we learned that it could be a hemangioma, a collection of blood vessels under the skin.  At the 4 month check-up it was definitely diagnosed as a hemangioma.  It will grow during his first 1-2 years, then "rest," then slowly regress... leaving no scar or indication that it was ever there.  LB has the kind (so far) that will stay closer to the skin while others turn a deeper bruise-like color and form a knot.  We did check into medical options but they are invasive and leave scars... a no brainer for us, we did our research and we will let it do its thing unless it ends up closer to his eye. I do not even consider using photo.shop on his pictures... it is part of him, it is part of his birth story.  The people who are around him the most- we don't even "see" it anymore.  He's just our sweet LB.      
  
Other people look at LB differently.  It's okay!  I understand that it stands out.  I understand that people want to ask but are not sure what to ask.  Sometimes I just start explaining, sometimes I don't.  Kids are great- they just come out and say "baby have boo boo" and I tell them "it doesn't hurt, baby is okay and it will go away" and kids are happy with that.  Love kids.  What I don't understand and frankly what hurts is when a person is getting ready to say "he's a cutie/sweetie/etc" but they stop... and it is obvious.  All mamas think their baby is the cutest, sweetest thing...I don't need anyone to say it... I am just taken aback that his hemangioma makes people standoff-ish.  He's just a baby with a bump!  And I would take him with big bumps, little bumps, red bumps, blue bumps...  didn't mean to sound Dr. S.euss here but you get this took-a-long-time-so-thankful-IVF-worked-I-will-keep-him mama's point! 
 
It does make me think.  When I see a child who has some kind of scar or birthmark, do I stare or do I smile?  I hope that I can always say that I smile and see a precious gift.  When I see a child running from his or her parents or shouting, do I think the parents need to have better control or do I have compassion knowing they may have a child with autism or an emotional behavior disorder?  I hope that I can have compassion and see a precious gift. 

This is from the heart and I appreciate everyone listening.  My baby's bump will go away.  Some are not so lucky and would gladly trade a hemangioma for what their baby has to go through.

I am beyond grateful. Blessed beyond measure.

  I see my precious gift in this child from head to toe, hemangioma, slobber and all:]  

  

Memorable Moment Monday

Done with the appetizer!  Where's the Beef?  :]

Linking to PAIL's MMM and a good picture to go along with my last post and to say thanks so much for the baby food advice!

Baby Food

LB has been on solids since 4 months... a little rice cereal at first, then some avocado.  Since then, a typical day consists of oatmeal in the morning and a veggie/fruit at both lunch and dinner.  He gets between 15-20 ounces of breastmilk and/or formula total.  The pedi said that is a little on the low side but it sounds like we have a "snacker" who is more content getting a little bit throughout the day.  I try to give him milk before the solids and after but when he knocks it out of my hand I get the point. But that's not where I want to go with this post.  I am looking for input about what "real" things to give LB.  I have given him sweet potato and avocado and the rest is baby food.  Baby food is real, but you know what I mean... "fresh" I guess is the better word. 

Beyond sweet potato and avocado, I'm out of ideas.  No bananas because of the constipation issues.  I should say here that baby led weaning makes sense to me but it just doesn't work out for our lifestyle right now (aka not enough time to clean afterwards & eating mostly junk!) 

Today, I embarked on cooking and freezing some squash.  If you think that I will show "pretty" pictures and say this was easy and fun, you will be disappointed.  My pics will not make it to p.interest lol.  This was hard, messy work and kudos to those that get this done with a little one!
 Basically, I washed the squash, cut it in halves, scooped out the insides, put in the oven face down in some water for 40 minutes, then scooped out the meat and put it in some small freezer containers.  I left out the puree step because it came out really mashed up anyway but that was included in the directions I used.  Whew!  I am looking for some easy ways to whip up some fresh fruit/veggies!

Washed, sliced and scooped out

In the pan before I added water

Done, scooped out the insides and placed in the containers for freezing

Well?  Maybe I like it... maybe not, let me think about it!

First Set of Wheels

Despite repeated efforts and encouragement from his parents...
Our LB refuses to roll from back to front, to sit up on his own, to scoot, to hold a cup or to sleep through the night.

But, Boy Oh Boy, can he RUN!!!
Ah bab bab uh uh da, excuse me, I've been corrected.  LB says "this is serious driving mom!" Lol.

To the Storage Totes

Dear storage totes,

To the clear tote- you hold tiny little onesies, outfits, hats and sleepers.  The tags say "newborn."  Most of them were gifts and I would sort, wash and stare at them time and time again while waiting until the day they could be used.  Then LB arrived and I loved using each and every piece- from the sleepers to keep him warm and cozy to the Christmas outfit that made our newborn look like such a little man.  You contain memories that will forever be treasured.     

To the blue tote- you hold sizes 0-3 & 3-6 months.  These pieces represent many special firsts- from smiles and rolling over to holidays and trips adventures! LB was so cute in the P.olo outfit that matched dad and the sleeper with duck feet!  You are full of onesies that my hot-natured little guy loved to wear alone as the days got warmer.  I can't believe you are full already, which means that my LB is growing up way too fast.  

I am just not ready to part with a single piece.  I wanted to be sure you were aware of these precious  clothes stories you hold.  You represent a dream come true!   

Vacation with a Baby

I saw one of those sayings on a F.acebook post that "going to T.arget by yourself is a vacation for mom and going on vacation is work!"  After returning from our first vacation last week, I would agree!  However, I don't think we've ever laughed so much and the time together was priceless. 

If I had advice to give to someone who is about to travel with a baby to the beach, these would be my "top 5 must haves" (in addition to the necessities of course).
1.  Baggies and shopping store bags... in the car and in the luggage... for everything... soiled diapers, bottles, trash, sunscreen... multiple uses.  Wipes too! 
2.  The pack-n-play was a real pain in the backside but we couldn't have done without it- instant changing table, bed and place to play.  This seems like it would be a "given" but I debated taking it since he ends up in the bed with us anyway.  Glad we did. 
3.  If you end up with several inflatable things like we did, take a small inflator!  We took an inflatable pool for LB to lay in on the beach under our umbrella, a beach ball, a float, etc. 

4.  Travel size things really saved us space this year.  In fact, LB had his six month check-up the day before and the pedi loaded us up on lotion, sunscreen and baby wash samples.  Yay!

5.  For the car- a bag of familiar and some toys LB hadn't seen before.  This was advice from my co-workers and I wondered how much time toys could distract with a baby wanting out of a car seat but they did help.  I went to yardsales a couple of weeks before our trip and got several things that were "new" to LB, all for under $5.  I also never wanted a portable DVD player in the car but that is one of those never say never things when it comes to long car rides for us... it kept LB distracted for 10 minute chunks of time throughout the trip so it was worth it to me.  Note to PC:  I know it was by accident that the toy bag was packed in the !$*% cargo carrier on the way home.  However, this meant mom had to be very creative and that at times all I had was lotion, a bracelet, a cup and- I digress- a m.axi pad.   
 
Last thoughts on vacation- yes, it was different... supper was rushed and eaten with a baby in one arm, no long walks on the beach at night and lots more time spent in the room than ever before.  But to be on a trip with OUR baby, I'm tearing up as a type this, a void that we always felt was more than fulfilled.  To see him look at things with amazement and enjoy feeling the sand and water on his toes... our cup runneth over!   

     

Son Rise

Beautiful picture of a sunrise over the horizon as the ocean waves come in?  Nah.  Not nearly as beautiful as that dad carrying his baby out to see it... so blessed that they happen to belong to me!    Happy First Father's Day PC!  We love you!

Vacation... Arrival

No need to be so worried about the car ride.  LB was a champ... either sleeping, watching something on the portable DVD, playing with toys or just chillin.  We stopped three brief times to let him stretch and eat.  Yay LB!  

Then we got here.  Big oops.  Didn't check the clearance of the parking deck and the cargo carrier we borrowed doesn't fit.  Enter moment of panic and telling PC to please come back from check-in with a plan.  [Side note:  The lady at the office seriously tells him that "it will be fine on the open top deck."  ...Um, yeah, but that requires driving through the parking deck, which is the reason we came to ask what to do in the first place.  PC politely explained the situation again.]  Next.  PC gets some help and takes the thing off and loads it on a luggage cart and we plan on just taking it to our room.  LB and I take off to the top deck to meet PC after he's dropped off the cargo carrier.  Poor PC... a few minutes later he comes around the corner and still has the (!*#$) cargo carrier on the cart.  It won't fit through any of the elevator doors!  He is covered in sweat from pushing that thing up several levels of the parking deck and wouldn't you know something like this always happens when you have to use the bathroom!  End result- cargo carrier is tied down in our parking space for the duration of the trip and PC truly deserves a special Father's Day Weekend.  And... we are having a good laugh. 

To be continued....

Three Months worth of Thought Vomit

Feel free to peruse the topics below of life at the Mac & PC home and skip or read whatever may be of interest:]  Also, even though my son's name can be found in my blog, for the sake of keeping some anonymity I'm going to refer to him as LB (little bit/boy/blessing/baby, love bug... it works).    

Pumping/Nursing/Solid Foods:  I pump at or around 6 a.m., 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and nurse twice in the evenings and through the night.  Even with this, we use about 10-12 ounces of formula for supplementing and mixing with cereal.  LB eats oatmeal, avocado & has juice at lunch and rice cereal and another (baby food) fruit at supper.  These are all small portions but he (so far, knock on wood) is a really good eater with whatever is put in front of him.  The constipation from introducing solids has not been so great.  Prunes are usually the fruit choice for supper these days!  I love the idea of making food or letting him try out what we are eating but that would mean lots of McD.onalds & C.hicFil.A, so cereals & mashed fruit it will be!         

Avocados:  Took me some practice to figure these out and I'm still looking for ideas.  I let them ripen 2-3 days, then scoop out the insides, mash up and freeze in ice cube trays.  He gets one cube mixed with a little formula for his lunch meal. 

Sleeping:  We've actually seemed to go backwards since introducing solids or since 5 months old.  LB was waking around 1 a.m. and 4 a.m., nursing and going back to sleep.  Now if he starts out in the crib by 9 p.m. he ends up in our bed by 12 a.m. and nurses randomly until getting up around 5 a.m., ready to play.  If he's not nursing, he is wiggling, kicking or reaching out to hold my hair or touch my face.  Sweet as that is, I am tired from all the rest-less-ness.  I just keeping holding out for that one night when he starts out in the crib and stays in the crib all.night.long.   

Babydancing:  Do I still call it that?  It's actually referred to more often as "nap" time around here!  And we are not taking many naps because 1- when it is nap time we're too tired to nap, 2- scar tissue from giving birth means naps are painful, 3- no time for naps and 4- so many things to do when it really is nap time and 5- mood music for nap time is the humming of the baby monitor with lullabies in the background.  Do they make a mobile that plays Chi.cago's Greatest Hits?  Still it is great to be scheduling around nap times rather than OPK's!  And the scar tissue... the ob/gyn says that will be fine again in time or there is a procedure.  When he describes the procedure it sounds like it would just lead to more scar tissue, no thanks.  Ke.gels before birth, Ke.gels after birth!     

ART- Done.  A family of three we will be and we're both beyond happy & blessed with that!  I know that some would say "it can still happen" but I know my body and what we went through... it is broken when it comes to making a baby the "old fashioned" way.  Those treatments were a part-time job and I'm turning in my resignation! 

Marriage:  Strained, but we both know that this is a season of life that comes with new challenges. We've talked about being a united front on decisions.  We're seeing so many of our friends/colleagues (whose kids are much older of course because of our IF journey) navigate through the preteen years and some are taking sides with their kids when their spouse doesn't agree.  We've seen some marriages almost come apart because of this.  Our topics are diapers rather than dating but it's important to us for our child to see us as a team.  On that note, I have improved in the area of turning baby duties over to dad and then letting them be.  That was hard at first because I could anticipate some cues and cries and gave way too many instructions "try holding him this way, did you check his diaper, etc." and it just stressed all three of us out. LB is with his dad 2 hours every morning and they do their thing.  It's all good.       

Blogging:  I miss it.  I hope to read, post, and comment more when I have a few weeks off this summer. I can't wait to check out the new PAIL site!     

LB:  We're having more fun this month than ever.  We have GIGGLES, and all it took was making a hacking-gag-type noise and tickling his tummy... odd, but I'm proud to get them even if it requires weird noises.  We are spending a lot of time in the floor on a blanket just playing.  A favorite new game is to hold this big red ball with hands & feet then kick or push it away and watch mom and dad go get it.  I also think LB is going to be a champ at the "uh-oh" game... he drops it and we pick it up. 

    

Summer plans and need ideas:  Heading out for a weekend beach trip in a few weeks.  What do I need to survive this trip with a six month old... especially for the 6 hour car ride?  I am more worried about the ride than anything else.  Some of it will be timed during a nap but that leaves about 4 hours to figure out how to be creative at keeping a very active baby confined to a seat that long.  I've had one 20 minute back seat meltdown and it was awful!  I only want to take essentials and just a stroller and beach stuff is going to take up much of the car!  I stared out at the ocean on so many of our beach trips as a couple and dreamed of having a baby with us, it is going to be a surreal moment to experience the trip as a family of 3!    

Working:  I try not to dwell on the fact that I am away from this sweet baby 45 hours or more a week.  He is with people who love him during the day and he is usually at our home.  That is what keeps me going until I can get home and get my hands on him.  Weekends have new meaning!  I've known before and during IF that I would be a working mom outside of the home and it's just harder than I thought.  I am fortunate that working in the education field means that I have holidays and a few weeks in the summer off... the goal is to make memories and make the most of every minute. 

Life in general:  Having good great times.  Yes, we're tired and this is the hardest job ever, but we're having fun and experiencing a love for each other and this child that is just amazing.  LB and I recently walked to my grandparent's house (just up the hill from us) and we sat in the sun room and my granny said "These are the best days of your lives.  My mama used to say your children first step on your toes and then on your heart.  My children are grown and now my grandchildren are grown and here is LB... it goes by way too fast.  Enjoy every day."          Yes mam. 

Five Months

I'm sitting here the night before Mother's Day, reading through blogs and occasionally glancing up to watch the first movie that PC and I have rented since bringing home a baby five months ago.  PC fell asleep in the recliner within the first 15 minutes, about the same time as baby boy who is in his swing just a few feet away.  It all makes me :].
It appears that I'm only going to be able to post a monthly update until I can figure out how to fit blogging into my life as a working mom.  I am thankful to have that problem! 

Five Months

Weight- 14 lbs

Height- 26"

Clothing- some 3-6 months, 6 month jumpers and onesies

Diapers- size 2

Hair- Finally growing and looking light brown/blonde

Eyes- Blue

Feeding- Every 2 1/2-3 hours, longer stretches at night- you prefer the "more frequent small meals" plan

Sleeping- you have started really fighting sleep through the day so we're lucky to get in more than 30 minutes for a nap, you wake about twice through the night

Favorites- Jumperoo

Firsts- cereal

Things to remember:

You wake up in the morning calm and serious, but smiling on cue!  You wake up so suddenly from naps... you will be asleep one minute and we look over at you the next and you are staring right back at us, funny!

You are starting to recognize family and generally do well with people you don't see as often, but you are always scanning a room for a familiar face.  

You have started getting some rice cereal and a little bit of fruit every evening.  You hit the tray then spread your arms out to say "more."  It ends up looking like the Karate Kid balancing pose!  

We had our first visit to the pedi for cold-like symptoms.  Turned out to just be allergies, which we are accustomed to around here!  We keep the humidifier going and suction your nose often. 

You love for us to hold you up on your legs so that you can stomp the floor, or dance if that's what you're trying to do!  

One night I was laying by you singing to get you to sleep and you started "singing" with me, I laughed and cried at the same time, it was so sweet!  Warning:  I am only a shower/car singer!

You enjoy touching anything and everything with your hands or your feet, so curious!   
Still nothing makes you as happy as a bath!

You will repeat a few sounds and try to imitate our funny faces- we say "hey" and you say "a."  
We have gotten just a couple of giggles out of you... I've tried every silly thing I know to do but you are one serious little dude.   
Poop is something we celebrate these days!  It comes about every 3-4 days and you are cranky on that last day and a much happier baby afterwards, we've added a little apple prune juice to try to help speed things along.  
You do not want anyone to see you sleeping, so you pull the cover/burp cloth over your eyes.  


I know there are things I'm leaving out but it is time to wrap up this Mother's Day by snuggling with my boys and sending up a special thank you prayer... this is a day I used to dream about celebrating.  Anyone who is reading this and still waiting on your turn... don't give up!  I am a six-years-waiting-and-only-two-good-eggs-IVF-mom... miracles still happen! 

Four Months

Better late than never!  Busy right now is an understatement.
But happy.  And grateful. 

March 10- April 10

Weight- 13 lbs (10-15%ile)

Height- 25 1/2" (70-75%ile)

Clothing- 3 months, some 3-6 months

Diapers- size 1

Hair- ??? Not much left to even make a prediction!

Eyes- Very Blue

Feeding- Every 2 1/2- 3 hours, longer stretches at night

Sleeping- you wake up twice and usually go right back to sleep at night, and maybe 2-3 hours during the day

Favorites- outdoors, t.v.

Firsts- Easter, trip to the mall

Things to remember:

You have really started "talking" a lot... sometimes nicely and sometimes with attitude!  I really wish we could translate everything you are telling us!  

I keep waiting on a giggle or a laugh.  Dad and I got one good giggle when we were playing with you on the back porch, but other than that, your giggles come out as cute squeals.   

You found your feet one day this month while sitting in the Bumbo.  You reached out and grabbed them and then moved on to something else more interesting.

You are still drooling a lot and making us think that you are going to be an early teether. 

You still love the piano gym and have started swatting at the toys more than kicking this month.  

You are still smiling all the time... until we pull out the camera!

Your birthmark is about the size of a pencil eraser now.   We are in the rapid growth phase for the next several months and then it will start to slowly get smaller and fade.

 You have so much fun in the bath, splashing and kicking around little squirt toys. 

You do not just like t.v., you love it!  Dad and I are getting so tired of cartoons already... we are going to have to come up with a t.v. time plan or else you will one day want to watch it all day long.

You really enjoy outdoors, it has been unseasonably warm and we have taken you on many walks around the house and hung out on the back porch.  You won't even cry with a wet diaper if you are outside!

You have started to fight sleep during the day, so afraid to miss out on something.  I have a feeling you will hate nap time and I can't say your dad and I blame you- we hated naps too.  

You are holding your head up now with little or no support... good enough for the Jumperoo and you love it, for 10 minute stretches anyway! 

You have grown SO much this month, you now have a tummy fat roll and chubby legs.

Easter Day, pants were a little big but still so cute!

You snore! 
You are hot-natured in a major way.  We have found out that keeping you as close to naked as possible keeps you happy.  I never thought I would be a mom who let her child go barefoot... until I had a baby who hates socks & shoes!  Never say never!

I thought I was clear about this mom... "I hate shoes!"

We went to the mall and you were great, either sleeping or staring at all the colors. 
To PC- You are busted staring dreamily at all those cool Mac gadgets.  And that baby you're pushing around, he's already trying to use my MacBook. Yep, just accept :]  

 

Can't wait to see what adventures await us next month!  Love you so much sweet baby boy!

Working, Growing, Pumping, Teething... Oh My!

I have a rare moment this evening because baby boy wore himself out with all of the attention and new toys he got today and has went to sleep early.  After washing pump parts, I couldn't wait to say hello and send out an update in the blogosphere.  I am reading on my phone when I get a chance, but I have been terrible at commenting:[  I really want to make time somewhere in the schedule for blogging because it is therapy, whether it's IF or new mom related... I need this place!

Working- it is hard, and I don't want to come across like I'm whining about it since there are so many who would love to have a job these days, but I am just struggling to get enough done there where I don't have to bring it here.  This sounds crazy but I would really like to get a promotion with more pay because that would open more doors such as the possibility of PC staying home.  I feel like I could actually handle longer hours and a bigger workload if PC was able to take care of all things home and baby.  That plan would at least be 2 years in the making since we would have to attack some major debt first.    

Growing- wow, is our little guy growing!  The next update will be one for a four month old.  Craziness!  I will fill that post with updates but I can't wait to find out his weight and length this Friday at his four month check-up.  First, those crazy doctors had to do a weight follow-up visit to make sure I wasn't starving him and now they will probably tell me he's eating too much lol.  I am going to ask them about starting H. on his first food- avocados.  Here's the website I've been using the most to research about introducing solids- http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/.  I know that six months is generally regarded as a better time to introduce baby to solids but all babies are different and H. shows signs of being ready for a little something more.  I will let you all know how it goes of course!

Pumping- I'm getting ready to transition to exclusive pumping with the exception of night time feedings.  For whatever reason, H. is frustrated with the ladies.  Maybe because he gets more bottles now that I'm back at work and nursing requires more effort... not sure... but I can enjoy bonding with him just as much by looking into those baby blues and holding his hand while he takes a bottle:]  I feel grateful, especially after talking to so many friends and co-workers, that we have been able to nurse this long.  He will still get as much breastmilk as possible as long as I'm pumping and producing.

Teething- It's happening.  Already.  The biggest clue is the bulging white blistery-looking places on his bottom gum but other signs are sucking on hands (or anything), drooling everywhere, pulling at ear/scratching head, some coughing and issues with nursing/taking the pacifier.  We haven't resorted to any infant pain relievers at this point but I would love to know of any teething product recommendations!
That reminds me... someone recommended the nosefrida when I mentioned that the bulb syringes were not working for us and we could not do without it!  I have had intentions of doing a blog post just devoted to that little handy tool and haven't made the time.  If you have a little one with a stuffy nose and the bulb doesn't work... look it up and keep an open mind because it is SO worth the relief it gives to a stuffed up baby!

I'll end with the picture of our little "bunny" from today.  We had this "My First Easter" outfit for fun and another one for dressing up. 
   
 

Yesterday marked one year that I got the call from the RE's office and our lives forever changed.  It is my favorite blog post besides the day we brought our little miracle home.
  Dream.Come.True.   

Happy Anniversaries!!!

Seven years ago today, I married my P.rince C.harming and life got so much sweeter!  What a roller coaster past year it was!  From giving me those awful PIO shots in the rear to holding my hand through the birth of our son, he stood by my side through every up, down, twist and turn.  All in all, there were many more ups:]  I love you PC.

One year ago today, I had a 12 and 8 cell embryo transfer and I'm holding one very special baby boy as a result! 

March 26th... you have been good to me, making it a special day to remember how grateful I am for the two boys that have stolen my heart more than I ever thought was possible.  Happy Anniversaries!

BTW= Back to Work & By The Way

Back to Work= The "New Normal"

Wake up at 5:15 a.m.
Shower
Get Dressed
Nurse
Any baby needs- diaper change, clean paci, clean burp cloth, wash bottles
Warm up breakfast sandwich
Pack lunch, pack pump parts & bottles
Leave at 7:00 a.m.
Eat breakfast on the way
Arrive to work at 7:15
Pump at 8:30 a.m.
Pump/eat lunch at 11:30 a.m.
Pump at 2:00 p.m.
Leave at 4:00 p.m.
Arrive home at 4:15 p.m.
Change clothes, wash hands
KISS BABY
Nurse
Eat supper
Play with baby
Nurse/Supplement
Wash pump parts, wash bottles
Prepare bottles for next day
Prepare breakfast/lunch for next day
Get baby ready for bed
Get myself ready for bed
Go to bed at 9:00 p.m.
KISS PC
Nurse between 12:30- 1:00 a.m.
Nurse at 4:00 a.m. on one side, pump on the other
Sleep for one more hour
Start over!

But we're making it!  My first day back was spent in a fog... not really thinking about baby every minute, but rather trying to remember where I left off and how in the world I was going to get caught up!  I had some sweet surprises along the day... a co-worker framed a pic of me & little man for my desk, another co-worker put some "caution" tape through the room and listed all the things I have to do for a fun joke, my mom and little man sent flowers, a sweet friend sent flowers and PC had flowers waiting on me when I got home.  It reminded me that I have a good job with people I care about and such wonderful friends and family.  Blessed. 

Then, there is the pumping.  Ugh.  I close the door and put the "code" sign on it.  I work through each time, about 10 minutes total, and eat & pump so that my "lunch break" is really divided up through the day and used on pumping.  I'm getting about 3-6 ounces total for the day right now.  It is not enough to leave for the next day so I'm having to pump at night as well.  I don't know how long I can keep it up!  We are having to supplement between 4-6 ounces through the day of formula and it is what it is.  I want a full, content baby rather than insisting that he only gets breastmilk.  I'm lucky that it has even worked out this long with minimal problems and that he is still getting about 90% breastmilk!

Code for "Pumping"  :]

Sandwich with milk, lol! 

And by the way... I hope that I have always been understanding to the moms that I work with.  Because I understand so much better now how hard it is to balance both roles.  I have several 2-3 hour evening meetings coming up and the once reply of "sure, no problem" is now "how soon can we be finished?" This is a blog post in itself but let's just say I'm feeling pressure of what the job requires and getting home to this.sweet.face as soon as possible!