The past couple of days have been awesome. On Friday, my neighbor Tatiana came by to visit Mason and I. She was so sweet and brought Starbucks and a breakfast sandwich. Tatiana has two kids, Noah, 3 and Chloe, 9 months. Noah was at pre-school but Chloe was in tow. Chloe is just the calmest and coolest baby! She's really relaxed and just happy. She's content in almost any situation and just a doll. They came to visit at 11 and left around 4. . .but the time flew by! We just chatted and hung out and it made my day! Tatiana is the type of person that although I just met, I feel like we've been friends forever. It was awesome having her over because all my worries were gone and Mason and I were just going with the flow. She also gave me two great tips! 1. Use the nursing pad to catch the leaking while nursing. Just fold it over, kind of slightly tucked into the bra and it catches everything and there is no need for towels and your clothes don't get all wet! 2. At night, don't turn the overhead light on in Mason's room, turn the light on in the bathroom and crack the door just enough so I can see but the room is still dark. This will help Mason realize it's still night time. Two tips that are amazing and seem like common sense but really weren't and have made a big difference!
I've really found over the past week that I either need to get out of the house or have visitors. It helps me not worry so much about Mason's schedule. Next week, my best bud Tab is on break from school, so I pumped about having her around. . . unbeknownst to our husbands we are hitting up the nail salons and going shopping!
Later that night we went to Tito's for dinner with all our good friends - John, Tabitha, Pam, Brian, Kayla, Tatiana, Joe, Cody and Delana. I was excited for this dinner because it was going to be the first time for me to have an adult drink in almost a year. Of course I only drink half of a Margarita but it was good! I was planning on giving Mason a bottle, but I fed him immediately before going out to dinner and by the time I nursed him again, it was completely out of my system.
This morning I let Carter feed Mason a bottle so I could get some extra sleep. Mason was up every two hours to nurse - I think he is going through a growth spurt so I was pretty exhausted to say the least. Carter then ran off to Home Depot to buy some bushes for the front. He's been dying to start the landscaping and was determined to start today. While he was gone, Mason and I woke up from our nap and headed next door to John and Tab's so I could have John make me a cup of the world best coffee. You see, John is a connoisseur of many things, coffee being one. By some bizarre chance, John has been grandfathered into this elite coffee club in downtown Nashville. I can't really remember how he met this man, but I think he is the father of this guy who owns this coffee shop that is a member only secluded place where celebrities and people with tons of money go for coffee. Apparently they own the machine where the best coffee in the world was brewed from (or something like that - I know I am getting details wrong, but you get the idea.) Anyways, John, the smooth man that he is, goes there weekly and has coffee and gets all this coffee stuff from this guy. This week he got some special white chocolate syrup. So John being the great neighbor and friend that he is, brewed me an amazing cup of coffee to start my day off right. It was DELICIOUS!
Later on, we headed to the Main Street Festival in Downtown Franklin. It's something we do every year, and I was excited this year to be pushing my son around in a stroller. We didn't stay very long because it was too hot. We ended up getting Mason naked (down to a diaper) while we strolled him around. We stopped in the shade several times out of the crowd to get some fresh air and feel the breeze. We met up with Carter's family (his parents Kermit and Melinda, Aunt Janet and Uncle Lynnwood and brother Dawson and his wife Liza and their son Pierce.) After spending some time with them we headed home. We then had my parents over for dinner and let them goo goo gaa gaa over Mason. We attempted to do one of those baby hand print molds where you stick your kid's hand in plaster - but it was total crap and didn't work. What a bummer. Then my mom and I decided to give Mason a bath since he was over due and we have church tomorrow and my church baby shower. My mom taught me an amazing trick for bath time - give the pacifier during the bath! It seems so simple, and I have no idea why I didn't do it during his first two baths but what a difference! It was like he enjoyed the bath this time! He was so chill! Duh! It so funny how simple things you just don't think of. It really helps having people around that have kids and can offer advice.
Alright well it's 10pm and Mason has been asleep for almost an hour so I'm going to bed. Let's hope all the nursing he did last night has him enough milk drunk tonight to let him sleep for longer stretches tonight. Mommy needs good sleep if we're going to make it to church at 9am tomorrow!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Thursday, April 28, 2011
April 28th, 2011
Last night we had a pretty fussy baby. I was thinking it was just gas at first, but then Mason kept spitting out the pacifier so I fed him twice in less than 2 hours. After the second feeding, he fell asleep and I put him to bed around 8:30. He then slept for 5 hours!! Carter and I both woke up and were shocked! For a second I was worried thinking he wasn't breathing, but then he started to stir and woke up to eat. He was up then again around 3:30 and then his last time at 6:30. Normally I would put him back down and sleep until around 9:30 but he was pretty awake and I decided I would go ahead and get ready for the day. We planned on meeting daddy for lunch, so it was a good idea to go ahead and get a jump start on the day.
After getting ready and having breakfast, I nursed him from 9:30 to 10 and then we headed out. I figured since I had extra time on my hands that we would go and surprise Nannie at her office before lunch with daddy. Mason and I walked in and my mom was so shocked! I think she even teared up. She was so happy to show off her grandson. After spending some time there, we headed to daddy's work so he could show off his little guy. Mason got to meet everyone at daddy's office and then we walked to Chile Burrito for lunch. It was so nice to be outside having lunch with my family. It will definitly become a weekly outing (maybe even several times a week). Afterwards we headed home, nursed and then visited with John and Tabitha.
I have to say getting out of the house is CRUCIAL for my sanity. When I am home all day long, I obsess about when he needs to be fed, doing housework around his schedule and I think I just worry more in general because there is nothing else to focus on. If I'm out and about, all I think about is what time he needs to eat, and just make sure I'm home for that. It's like the rest falls in place.
Nursing today was much easier. I tried reclining all the way back in my glider (practically laying down) and it made such a difference. Normally I am just reclined with the footrest up, but this time I pushed all the way back. Mason was pretty much laying on top of me, but he was able to nurse without having such a huge gush of milk. It's all about working with gravity! I have started to notice that I am only leaking now in the beginning of the feeding when I am really full, so hand expressing before feedings should really help. I think I just need to express more than what I'm currently doing.
I promise soon my blogs will be more than just nursing, but heck, my kid is 3 weeks old tomorrow, and pretty much all he does is sleep and nurse, and there's nothing really to talk about in regards to his sleep. Soon he'll be awake more and actually playing and I'll have something more interesting to blog about other than my boobs. I'm not to worried about it though, I'm sure men aren't reading my blog and it's mostly other moms that likely appreciate reading about my craziness and struggles with nursing. Talking about it makes us all feel a little more sane, something I know from my sister Chrissy and best friend Robin. It's theraputic.
After getting ready and having breakfast, I nursed him from 9:30 to 10 and then we headed out. I figured since I had extra time on my hands that we would go and surprise Nannie at her office before lunch with daddy. Mason and I walked in and my mom was so shocked! I think she even teared up. She was so happy to show off her grandson. After spending some time there, we headed to daddy's work so he could show off his little guy. Mason got to meet everyone at daddy's office and then we walked to Chile Burrito for lunch. It was so nice to be outside having lunch with my family. It will definitly become a weekly outing (maybe even several times a week). Afterwards we headed home, nursed and then visited with John and Tabitha.
I have to say getting out of the house is CRUCIAL for my sanity. When I am home all day long, I obsess about when he needs to be fed, doing housework around his schedule and I think I just worry more in general because there is nothing else to focus on. If I'm out and about, all I think about is what time he needs to eat, and just make sure I'm home for that. It's like the rest falls in place.
Nursing today was much easier. I tried reclining all the way back in my glider (practically laying down) and it made such a difference. Normally I am just reclined with the footrest up, but this time I pushed all the way back. Mason was pretty much laying on top of me, but he was able to nurse without having such a huge gush of milk. It's all about working with gravity! I have started to notice that I am only leaking now in the beginning of the feeding when I am really full, so hand expressing before feedings should really help. I think I just need to express more than what I'm currently doing.
I promise soon my blogs will be more than just nursing, but heck, my kid is 3 weeks old tomorrow, and pretty much all he does is sleep and nurse, and there's nothing really to talk about in regards to his sleep. Soon he'll be awake more and actually playing and I'll have something more interesting to blog about other than my boobs. I'm not to worried about it though, I'm sure men aren't reading my blog and it's mostly other moms that likely appreciate reading about my craziness and struggles with nursing. Talking about it makes us all feel a little more sane, something I know from my sister Chrissy and best friend Robin. It's theraputic.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
April 27th, 2011
I have to be honest, yesterday, I was half way to crazy. The night before last, I did not get much sleep. It wasn't that Mason was up a lot, in fact, no more than normal, I just didn't get good rest. Lack of sleep is a recipe for an emotional and crazy mommy. That morning I felt like a bad mom for the first time. I put Mason back in his crib when he wasn't really that tired just so I could get some sleep. Looking back now it really wasn't a big deal. He fell asleep right away and never cried. Honestly, with as much as a newborn sleeps, I shouldn't have felt bad but I still felt guilty for wanting to sleep more.
That day nursing was difficult. I was leaking all over the place and getting frustrated with my oversupply. I cried while I nursed him, wishing things would be easier. I kept thinking what a waste of time the breastfeeding class I took was. The instructor briefly touched on oversupply and engorgement which effects most women. Later that day I caught a small portion of the show Bringing Home Baby. That episode a mom was dealing with not having enough milk. She would pump for a half hour and barely got a half an ounce. Immediately I felt irrational and stupid. Here I am with a very healthy son who eats like a champ and although he gags and spits up due to my oversupply, at least I am able to nurse him and spend that time bonding with him.
Last night Carter fed Mason a bottle of pumped milk at 11pm so I could sleep from 8-2 without interruption. Although I had to get up and pump again because I missed that feeding, those 6 hours were much needed! I literally feel like a completely new person and feel a little ridiculous for how emotional I was yesterday. But in all honesty, breastfeeding is very hard and no matter how hard people tell you it is, it doesn't sink in until you are doing it.
The truth is, nursing is getting easier. He's able to latch on and stay on for a longer period of time. Something he wasn't really able to do before since he was getting so much milk. I do have to hand express when I am really full before feedings so I don't overwhelm him, but it's totally manageable.
There are going to be good days and bad days, good nights and bad nights. It's just trying to manage the ups and downs and not go crazy. Hopefully all this rain will go away because walks during the day are much needed for myself, Mason and Rocky.
Mason is napping so I am going to take advantage and nap too before daddy gets home. It's so IMPORTANT to sleep when they sleep! In order to do my job well as a mommy I need to take care of myself.
That day nursing was difficult. I was leaking all over the place and getting frustrated with my oversupply. I cried while I nursed him, wishing things would be easier. I kept thinking what a waste of time the breastfeeding class I took was. The instructor briefly touched on oversupply and engorgement which effects most women. Later that day I caught a small portion of the show Bringing Home Baby. That episode a mom was dealing with not having enough milk. She would pump for a half hour and barely got a half an ounce. Immediately I felt irrational and stupid. Here I am with a very healthy son who eats like a champ and although he gags and spits up due to my oversupply, at least I am able to nurse him and spend that time bonding with him.
Last night Carter fed Mason a bottle of pumped milk at 11pm so I could sleep from 8-2 without interruption. Although I had to get up and pump again because I missed that feeding, those 6 hours were much needed! I literally feel like a completely new person and feel a little ridiculous for how emotional I was yesterday. But in all honesty, breastfeeding is very hard and no matter how hard people tell you it is, it doesn't sink in until you are doing it.
The truth is, nursing is getting easier. He's able to latch on and stay on for a longer period of time. Something he wasn't really able to do before since he was getting so much milk. I do have to hand express when I am really full before feedings so I don't overwhelm him, but it's totally manageable.
There are going to be good days and bad days, good nights and bad nights. It's just trying to manage the ups and downs and not go crazy. Hopefully all this rain will go away because walks during the day are much needed for myself, Mason and Rocky.
Mason is napping so I am going to take advantage and nap too before daddy gets home. It's so IMPORTANT to sleep when they sleep! In order to do my job well as a mommy I need to take care of myself.
Monday, April 25, 2011
April 25th, 2011
This past weekend was packed full of things to do! Thankfully, daddy had off on Good Friday so we were able to spend the day together. We started the day off with a surprise trip to my mom's house before Mason's doctor appointment. She was thrilled we came by for a quick visit! She got to hold Mason while I helped in the kitchen as she had her assembly line going of Italian Easter Bread.
Next, we headed to Mason's 2 week check-up. Apparently the Dairy Farm has been doing one heck of a job and Mason weighs in at 7 lbs, 5 ounces! Dr. Chambers came in and said jokingly, please tell me that dad is slipping Mason supplement during the night. We both laughed and said nope, Mason is a BIG eater and the Dairy Farm has been in oversupply since day 1 with no signs of slowing. The doctor was really impressed because at most 2 week check-ups, babies have only gained their birth weight back (most babies loose weight when they go home, instead Mason has been a quick gainer). All this brought really good news as the doctor informed us not to wake him up during the night to nurse, let him sleep at night as long as he wants. Of course, he still needs to eat every three hours during the day, but this means more sleep at night for mommy! Everything else looked great and we'll see Dr. Chambers again at 2 months!
After leaving the doctors we had to run a few errands and then head to Jo-Anna Bucci's home to get some more newborn shots that she missed. But before leaving the doctors we decided to give Mason his first bottle of pumped breast milk. Daddy sat in the back seat and got to feed his son for the first time. Every once in awhile I would chime in with a "I burp him this way" or "hold his head like this..." I could tell Carter was a little annoyed with my micromanaging since this time was his and Mason's first feeding and he would figure it out on his own. I piped down, and Mason ate with great success! There is NO nipple confusion with this kid. He'll take any pacifier, nipple (mine or bottle) and never complains.
After running our errands, we headed to Jo-Anna's house and were able to get some more great shots! My favorite is the one below of Mason smiling.
On Saturday we continued our tradition and had lunch with John, Tab and Addison at Blue Coast Burrito. I bumped into my old boss Jim Vanderpool and was so excited to show off my Mason. I got to see his kids for the first time in a few years, and WOW have they grown! It's amazing how fast kids grow! I know Mason will be holding his head up and crawling in the blink of an eye. I need to keep reminding myself to enjoy this stage now while it's still here.
Afterwards we hit up a nursery because we are in much need of gutting the flower beds up front. Our house looks like complete white trash with just about every bush dead. Carter is dying to get going on the yard and is mapping out a master plan on what he wants to do. I'm just rolling with it and letting him do what ever he wants.
Easter Sunday was spent with both families as it usually is. First we went to church and within the first 5 minutes of arrival Mason had peed through his diaper onto daddy. Daddy learned real quick that the penis ALWAYS needs to be pushed down! I must say I was pretty bummed, Mason looked so cute in his Easter outfit (Thanks Nannie!) and his change of clothes was a onesie with frogs on it. We didn't even get a family picture all dressed up! Oh well, there's always next year.
Today Mason and I are just hanging out! I am getting some much needed cleaning done and am going to try and nap as much as possible. I don't even think I will get a shower in. Oh maybe I should since someone from the church is bringing us dinner tonight. I will really look like white trash opening the door of my house with all dead bushes in the front smelling like spit up in my PJ's. Then again, no judgement right? We'll see what I have time for ;)
Nursing is still challenging and I hope the next two weeks things will get easier. I still have an oversupply issue which means I leak pretty bad while nursing. I still have to nurse with bath towels on my lap to catch the fountain that pours every time Mason unlatches for a quick second or I have to burp him. I do think he his getting used to the heavy flow though. He is choking less but he still does spit up a lot. I have made all the modifications to help with oversupply (leaning back, nursing more frequently during the day and hand expressing before nursing). I'm thinking it will just take my body a little longer to figure things out.
Pumping is AMAZING! I pump once a day, 3-4 ounces. This will give us the opportunity to go out at night or on the weekends and not have to worry about nursing and all the leaking in public. This also gives daddy the chance to do a late night feeding so mommy can get even more sleep in! I am so excited to start having a milk supply built up. It makes me much less anxious about going out and night time feedings.
Well it's about that time for Mason to hit up the Dairy Farm again. I'll be back soon with updates from the week!
Next, we headed to Mason's 2 week check-up. Apparently the Dairy Farm has been doing one heck of a job and Mason weighs in at 7 lbs, 5 ounces! Dr. Chambers came in and said jokingly, please tell me that dad is slipping Mason supplement during the night. We both laughed and said nope, Mason is a BIG eater and the Dairy Farm has been in oversupply since day 1 with no signs of slowing. The doctor was really impressed because at most 2 week check-ups, babies have only gained their birth weight back (most babies loose weight when they go home, instead Mason has been a quick gainer). All this brought really good news as the doctor informed us not to wake him up during the night to nurse, let him sleep at night as long as he wants. Of course, he still needs to eat every three hours during the day, but this means more sleep at night for mommy! Everything else looked great and we'll see Dr. Chambers again at 2 months!
After leaving the doctors we had to run a few errands and then head to Jo-Anna Bucci's home to get some more newborn shots that she missed. But before leaving the doctors we decided to give Mason his first bottle of pumped breast milk. Daddy sat in the back seat and got to feed his son for the first time. Every once in awhile I would chime in with a "I burp him this way" or "hold his head like this..." I could tell Carter was a little annoyed with my micromanaging since this time was his and Mason's first feeding and he would figure it out on his own. I piped down, and Mason ate with great success! There is NO nipple confusion with this kid. He'll take any pacifier, nipple (mine or bottle) and never complains.
After running our errands, we headed to Jo-Anna's house and were able to get some more great shots! My favorite is the one below of Mason smiling.
On Saturday we continued our tradition and had lunch with John, Tab and Addison at Blue Coast Burrito. I bumped into my old boss Jim Vanderpool and was so excited to show off my Mason. I got to see his kids for the first time in a few years, and WOW have they grown! It's amazing how fast kids grow! I know Mason will be holding his head up and crawling in the blink of an eye. I need to keep reminding myself to enjoy this stage now while it's still here.
Afterwards we hit up a nursery because we are in much need of gutting the flower beds up front. Our house looks like complete white trash with just about every bush dead. Carter is dying to get going on the yard and is mapping out a master plan on what he wants to do. I'm just rolling with it and letting him do what ever he wants.
Easter Sunday was spent with both families as it usually is. First we went to church and within the first 5 minutes of arrival Mason had peed through his diaper onto daddy. Daddy learned real quick that the penis ALWAYS needs to be pushed down! I must say I was pretty bummed, Mason looked so cute in his Easter outfit (Thanks Nannie!) and his change of clothes was a onesie with frogs on it. We didn't even get a family picture all dressed up! Oh well, there's always next year.
Today Mason and I are just hanging out! I am getting some much needed cleaning done and am going to try and nap as much as possible. I don't even think I will get a shower in. Oh maybe I should since someone from the church is bringing us dinner tonight. I will really look like white trash opening the door of my house with all dead bushes in the front smelling like spit up in my PJ's. Then again, no judgement right? We'll see what I have time for ;)
Nursing is still challenging and I hope the next two weeks things will get easier. I still have an oversupply issue which means I leak pretty bad while nursing. I still have to nurse with bath towels on my lap to catch the fountain that pours every time Mason unlatches for a quick second or I have to burp him. I do think he his getting used to the heavy flow though. He is choking less but he still does spit up a lot. I have made all the modifications to help with oversupply (leaning back, nursing more frequently during the day and hand expressing before nursing). I'm thinking it will just take my body a little longer to figure things out.
Pumping is AMAZING! I pump once a day, 3-4 ounces. This will give us the opportunity to go out at night or on the weekends and not have to worry about nursing and all the leaking in public. This also gives daddy the chance to do a late night feeding so mommy can get even more sleep in! I am so excited to start having a milk supply built up. It makes me much less anxious about going out and night time feedings.
Well it's about that time for Mason to hit up the Dairy Farm again. I'll be back soon with updates from the week!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
April 21, 2011
Today was actually pretty eventful. Well, the most eventful day that Mason and I alone have had thus far. For starters, this morning when I was changing Mason's diaper, I lifted back his onesie and his belly button had fallen off! I was wondering when that was going to happen and it's perfect timing since his doctor's appointment is tomorrow. I'm not really sure what it's supposed to look like once it's fallen off, so I am excited the Dr. will get to take a look.
We both had lunch and were just lounging around when Rocky started to get really restless. Since it rained last night, throwing the ball is out. I don't feel like bathing Rocky today. So I decided that we all would go for a walk. I wasn't too sure how successful I would be navigating a stroller and Rocky on a leash, but surprisingly it was really easy. I gave Rocky all the slack on the leash so he could walk ahead of us and I wouldn't run him over. We just walked to the beginning of the subdivision and back, but hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Tonight I think Mason will get a bath. Tomorrow will be another big day for him. Jo-Anna Bucci wants to take more NB pictures, so we will be going to her house for Round 2. Also, we have his 2 week check up. Anxious to see how much my little milk man weighs.
The dairy farm still has excess supply, so nursing is still a bit challenging. It's not really that it's challenging, it's just messy. He's getting too much milk still, so he's spitting up a lot, and when he's not latched, the dairy farm is just leaking everywhere. Hopefully the supply and demand starts to figure itself out. Nursing with bath towels on my lap is getting a little old. Plus two loads of laundry a day is a bit much.
Tomorrow is a big day for me as well. I can start pumping and driving! WOO HOO! It will be nice to have bottles so we can finally go out and I don't have to worry about nursing in public. It's a little obnoxious how there are no places suitable to nurse in public. Bathrooms are gross, and you basically have to do it standing up. Using a cover is okay, but everyone looks at you weird. The car is the best option. But that's not the most comfortable.
Plus I think it will be great that daddy can start feeding Mason. I think it will really help them bond. AND if I get enough of a stockpile, daddy can feed Mason at his 11pm feeding and let mommy get a good 6 hours of sleep. Oh how wonderful that sounds!
Driving is a big deal for me. I feel all cooped up at home and going for walks only goes so far. We'll be able to meet daddy for lunch! We can go to the zoo and the park and just go do things! We can go shopping too! Carter keeps saying how it's a bad idea that I am going to be home for four months. He thinks all I'm going to do is go out and spend money. But that is totally not true. Well, maybe a little. We'll see in a month how much money I've spent.
Mr. Mason is ready for a quick snack, so we're signing off!
We both had lunch and were just lounging around when Rocky started to get really restless. Since it rained last night, throwing the ball is out. I don't feel like bathing Rocky today. So I decided that we all would go for a walk. I wasn't too sure how successful I would be navigating a stroller and Rocky on a leash, but surprisingly it was really easy. I gave Rocky all the slack on the leash so he could walk ahead of us and I wouldn't run him over. We just walked to the beginning of the subdivision and back, but hey, you gotta start somewhere.
Tonight I think Mason will get a bath. Tomorrow will be another big day for him. Jo-Anna Bucci wants to take more NB pictures, so we will be going to her house for Round 2. Also, we have his 2 week check up. Anxious to see how much my little milk man weighs.
The dairy farm still has excess supply, so nursing is still a bit challenging. It's not really that it's challenging, it's just messy. He's getting too much milk still, so he's spitting up a lot, and when he's not latched, the dairy farm is just leaking everywhere. Hopefully the supply and demand starts to figure itself out. Nursing with bath towels on my lap is getting a little old. Plus two loads of laundry a day is a bit much.
Tomorrow is a big day for me as well. I can start pumping and driving! WOO HOO! It will be nice to have bottles so we can finally go out and I don't have to worry about nursing in public. It's a little obnoxious how there are no places suitable to nurse in public. Bathrooms are gross, and you basically have to do it standing up. Using a cover is okay, but everyone looks at you weird. The car is the best option. But that's not the most comfortable.
Plus I think it will be great that daddy can start feeding Mason. I think it will really help them bond. AND if I get enough of a stockpile, daddy can feed Mason at his 11pm feeding and let mommy get a good 6 hours of sleep. Oh how wonderful that sounds!
Driving is a big deal for me. I feel all cooped up at home and going for walks only goes so far. We'll be able to meet daddy for lunch! We can go to the zoo and the park and just go do things! We can go shopping too! Carter keeps saying how it's a bad idea that I am going to be home for four months. He thinks all I'm going to do is go out and spend money. But that is totally not true. Well, maybe a little. We'll see in a month how much money I've spent.
Mr. Mason is ready for a quick snack, so we're signing off!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
April 19th, 2011
Today is the first day that it's just me and Mr. Mason. I was a bit nervous last night, but I made sure all the laundry was done and the house was clean so we could just hang out and do nothing all day. Right now, Mason is in his ocean having some tummy time. But he's falling asleep so I should move him. Tummy time is exhausting! I must admit, I do have a buff little man. He pulls his head up really well.
This past week was a whirlwind, and I can't believe the weekend is over and it's Tuesday already. We had our first really big outing on Sunday. We went to church, then nursed in the car so we could go to Blue Coast Burrito with John, Tabitha and Addison. Every week, either on Saturday or Sunday, for probably the past year and a half, we have gone to Blue Coast with John and Tab. We're keeping the tradition! I will say I do have one awesome of a husband. He didn't want to miss Blue Coast so he was a big help to me while I nursed Mason in the car.
On Monday, my mom and I shopped at Kohls and Target, which really wore me out. I never thought I would say shopping would wear me out, but it did. Then we had Mason's newborn pics by Bucci Photography. I have only seen 1 picture so far (below), but I can tell they are going to be amazing and I can't wait.
This week is going to be awesome. It's going to be very relaxed and not a lot going on. Carter and I are VERY BLESSED for Heritage Church of Christ. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next three weeks, we have members bringing us dinner. I cannot explain what a relief this is as a new mom. I can't imagine even thinking about cooking when Carter gets home from work. I basically pass the baby to him so he can get some quality time with daddy while I finish stuff around the house and get ready for the next day (i.e. laundry!)
Tonight, we have Matt and Christina LeBlanc bringing us dinner and they finally get to meet Mason. Christina is WONDER WOMAN! She has 3 boys and is an amazing mother! She is my new idol. I have such an appreciation now for women with more than one child and single moms. I really don't know how they do it. Also, I have a very strong appreciation for women who have natural child birth. Although I may think they are crazy for not going with the epidural, I can't imagine going through all the way without anything. Big time kudos to them.
Many of you likely know of our first child, "Rocky" People often ask, "How is Rocky doing with Mason." To be honest, he really doesn't seem all to concerned with him. He will come up and give him the occasional sniff or lick on the head. Other than that he keeps his distance. Lately, he has been wanting to be in my lap while I nurse Mason, but I just tell him, no, and he leaves me alone. Here are a picture of Mason and Rocky. I would be lying if I told you this randomly happened. Carter made Rocky lay down, but he stayed and cuddled Mason for a little while. I think they are going to grow up to be best buds!
This past week was a whirlwind, and I can't believe the weekend is over and it's Tuesday already. We had our first really big outing on Sunday. We went to church, then nursed in the car so we could go to Blue Coast Burrito with John, Tabitha and Addison. Every week, either on Saturday or Sunday, for probably the past year and a half, we have gone to Blue Coast with John and Tab. We're keeping the tradition! I will say I do have one awesome of a husband. He didn't want to miss Blue Coast so he was a big help to me while I nursed Mason in the car.
On Monday, my mom and I shopped at Kohls and Target, which really wore me out. I never thought I would say shopping would wear me out, but it did. Then we had Mason's newborn pics by Bucci Photography. I have only seen 1 picture so far (below), but I can tell they are going to be amazing and I can't wait.
This week is going to be awesome. It's going to be very relaxed and not a lot going on. Carter and I are VERY BLESSED for Heritage Church of Christ. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the next three weeks, we have members bringing us dinner. I cannot explain what a relief this is as a new mom. I can't imagine even thinking about cooking when Carter gets home from work. I basically pass the baby to him so he can get some quality time with daddy while I finish stuff around the house and get ready for the next day (i.e. laundry!)
Tonight, we have Matt and Christina LeBlanc bringing us dinner and they finally get to meet Mason. Christina is WONDER WOMAN! She has 3 boys and is an amazing mother! She is my new idol. I have such an appreciation now for women with more than one child and single moms. I really don't know how they do it. Also, I have a very strong appreciation for women who have natural child birth. Although I may think they are crazy for not going with the epidural, I can't imagine going through all the way without anything. Big time kudos to them.
Many of you likely know of our first child, "Rocky" People often ask, "How is Rocky doing with Mason." To be honest, he really doesn't seem all to concerned with him. He will come up and give him the occasional sniff or lick on the head. Other than that he keeps his distance. Lately, he has been wanting to be in my lap while I nurse Mason, but I just tell him, no, and he leaves me alone. Here are a picture of Mason and Rocky. I would be lying if I told you this randomly happened. Carter made Rocky lay down, but he stayed and cuddled Mason for a little while. I think they are going to grow up to be best buds!
This week we also had some other visitors, Pierce and both sets of grandparents came to visit and have dinner. I can't wait for those boys to grow up together, play soccer and cause trouble! As well as my best bud from work, Vanessa and her husband Keith. Keith couldn't let Rocky miss out on all the attention. Addison also came over to hold baby Mason for the first time. She was very good and gentle with him!
Friday, April 15, 2011
The Dairy Farm
You may have already figured it out, but I am the dairy farm. My sister jokes that if the women in our family were born 200 years ago, we would be wet nurses for royalty. I literally could feed a village I have so much milk. Mason does still choke on the abundance every once in awhile. Hopefully soon it regulates and only produces what he needs. Right now there is no way I could nurse in while we are out of the house. He ends up getting drenched in the process. He's my milky baby!
April 15th, 2011
My little Mason is a week old today! Where has the time gone? The next four months are going to be amazing since I get to stay home with my little milk machine! Ever since I got pregnant, television and all my shows did not seem that interesting to me so I decided to start a blog for family and friends to keep up with our journey.
The Beginning:
Carter and I decided early of 2010 to start our family. Ever since we were married we said we would wait until we've been married for 3 years before trying to start. As it turns out, we felt ready before that mark. We found out we were pregnant late May while in Peoria, IL for my friend Laurie Hasten's wedding. We were ecstatic and couldn't wait to tell family in person so we called everyone that night. We were so overwhelmed, we were only trying for one month and BAM, a positive pregnancy test. It felt so surreal but we were so happy. That next week I miscarried. I have to admit I was pretty devastated and felt like what's wrong with me. I'm healthy, young, in great shape, this should be easy. But I will say that I felt in my heart that God was sending us down a different path and that this was just a bump in the road. If I had not lost that baby, I would have never conceived Mason since we were pregnant with him just a month after the miscarriage. I can't imagine not having my little milk machine. I have faith that God gave us Mason for a reason.
The Pregnancy:
What can I say - I was the poster child for pregnant women. I was never sick, I felt great other than being tired, I slowly gained weight, I never had any problems or uncomfortable symptoms. I did start to really swell in the 9th month and sleeping was uncomfortable but that was the extent of it. I worked up until the day before Mason arrived. It was a great pregnancy and it flew by! Even Carter said it flew by which I felt like for anyone it would drag on for him, but I never really complained much other than asking for the occasional foot and back rub. I was really just taking advantage of my situation and it worked out pretty well.
Mason's Arrival:
On Monday April 4th I went to my 39 week doctor's appointment. Dr. Woodall told me I was 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. She was really optimistic and said she didn't think I would make it to Friday. And boy did I hope she was right. I was having a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions but never enough to send me to the hospital. That week drug on and on! Carter and I were praying for Mason to come before the weekend. Carter had zero vacation days accrued at work and we really were hoping that if Mason came on the weekend, we would have the weekend in the hospital and then he could work from home Monday - Wednesday. Thursday April 7th comes and still no Mason. I decided to call my doctor to ask about being induced. Dr. Woodall had mentioned at my appointment that I was "inducible" now but at the time I had said I just wanted Mason to come on his own. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how important it was for daddy to be home with us as much as possible. The nurse called me back a few hours later and said, OK you're scheduled tomorrow, be here at 6am and don't eat or drink anything after midnight. Woah, here I am at my lunch break at work and I was just told I am going to have my little boy tomorrow. I was ecstatic. Carter was thrilled. We couldn't wait! At the same time I was sad since I knew my dad would be leaving for the Master's in the morning and that my brother Frankie and his fiance Rachel would be leaving for a quick road trip that weekend. But our decision was best for our family and I prayed that night that everything would go smoothly since I am basically making my son come before he is "ready". I was nervous that maybe I was making the wrong decision, but we decided to go through with it knowing God would take care of us.
That night, Carter and I went on our last date as just a married couple. We went to PF Changs since I was hoping I could trick Mason into coming out with spicy food. We really enjoyed each other at dinner and just sat there in awe thinking that this time tomorrow we would finally have our little boy. After we got home, we went through a little nesting period. Carter frantically went around the house cleaning as I finished the hospital bag and got Mason's room in order.
We went to bed early in hopes of catching some zzz's but I knew it would be difficult. At around 2am I heard Carter's phone go off, I told him it was going off but he was asleep and I just figured it was a text or email about the delivery tomorrow, so I ignored it. Then again around 4:30 his phone was going off, it was about time to get up and get ready, so I woke him up. Just a few minutes later he said, I think something happened with Chad. Then I heard him say on the phone, Paul, tell me he's not dead. It went silent and then tears. Chad, Carter's best friend of 15 years had died just a few hours ago in a car accident. For a moment, time stood still. Here we are just an hour before leaving for the hospital to have our son, and Carter's best friend had passed. Immediately I said we can cancel, just let Mason come on his own. Carter thought for a little while and said, No, life has to go on, this is the best for our family. After drying the tears, we got ready and headed to the hospital. What a bittersweet day. It was going to be the happiest and saddest day of Carter's life. Looking back now, my husband is one heck of a strong man. I don't think I could have made it through the day if the roles were reversed. Below is a picture of Chad from our wedding. We miss him SO MUCH!
We arrived at 6am and by 7am I was in the room, in a gown, getting blood drawn and an IV. Next, it was time for the pitocin. At first it wasn't so bad, my contractions were coming but they were bearable. The nurse anesthetist came in and asked if I wanted an epidural. I said yes, but I wanted to wait - I figured as long as I could handle the pain I would forge forward. I didn't really know what my pain tolerance was so I was willing to try it as long as I could. 20 minutes later after the back labor had started I was asking for the nurse to come back in and juice me up. I have a TRUE appreciation for my mother and mother in law and all the women of the world who decide to go natural. You are all wonder women in my eyes, and are much stronger than I.
The rest was a piece of cake! My mom and in laws arrived followed by my sister. I progressed very well. At arrival, I was at 2cm dilated, at 2:20pm I was 5cm, then 20 minutes later I was 6.5cm and 100% effaced, then at 4:00 I was 9.5cm, zero station. The nurses started getting the room ready so I could start pushing. The day was spent updating facebook, playing dice with my mom, mother in law, and husband, taking brief naps, and just anxiously waiting for Mason to arrive. About 20 minutes after the nurse told me I was 9.5 I knew I was fully dilated. I could feel pressure and knew I needed to push. I had a wonderful epidural! I could move my legs, wiggle my toes and feel just enough. I pushed for about 30-45 minutes and Mason was out! For a brief moment we were worried because he came out blue/grey and did not immediately start crying. He was grasping the umbilical cord for dear life. The doctor placed him on my chest for just a moment before they whisked him away to get him fully breathing. We finally heard him cry, from then on, I could not stop crying!! I was so overwhelmed with emotion.
There are no words to describe the love that is felt when you hold your child in your arms and kiss their face. It's almost as though you breath in pure love and your heart stops for just a moment.
The Days Following:
The next two days were spent at the hospital. Both mommy and Mason were exhausted. We had TONS of visitors and enjoyed every minute of it. On our last day, my mom came to stay with me while Carter attended Chad's funeral. For about an hour or so I was alone with Mason before my mom came and all I could do was cry. I felt so blessed to have such an amazing little boy and at the same time I was so hurt that Carter lost his best friend. It hadn't really hit me until that moment when everyone was gone that Chad had actually past. I so wished I could have attended the funeral. Carter was the only person to speak at the funeral. I wasn't there to hear his words, but I received the following message from Foster, one of Chad's closest friends a day later.
"HEY MISSY! Hope your feeling OK!! CONGRATS hes soooo cute!!! I just wanted to tell you how wonderful a job Carter did at Chads funeral. It takes a strong, genuine, just good good man to do what he did and do it so well. I know he will be a wonderful father, but you already know that. You should be extremely proud of your man!!!!!!"
Carter is the strongest man I know. I am so proud to call him my husband and am honored to be the mother of his child. Mason is going to grow up with an amazing roll model.
Time at Home:
I must admit the first two days were really tough. If you ask Carter, he may tell you I was a bit crazy. Between the hormones and getting my milk in, I was really overwhelmed. Not to mention I never really got the chance to mourn Chad's death.
The first night home we had over family and some friends. We never had the chance to unpack and get organized before night time came, so once everyone left, I was really overwhelmed. Overwhelmed is my new favorite word ;) That night I was really anxious. I slept in the chair in Mason's nursery and barely got any sleep. He makes the funniest noises while he sleeps and as a new mom, I had to look at him every time he stirred.
Carter and I decided that he would sleep in his crib from the beginning. We didn't want to start him somewhere else and then later have a hard time getting him in the crib. Now, just a week since his birth, I think it's one of the best choices I've made.
That first night my milk came in. Poor Mason was having a hard time latching on since I was so engorged. I had to use the Medela Shield in order for him to latch on. The one problem with the shield is that it caused such a heavy back flow that he was choking trying to nurse. This frustrated us both. Because he was getting so much milk at once, he was spitting up a lot. This made me very nervous while he slept because every noise he made I felt like he was spitting up.
Day two we had our first doctors appointment with Dr. Chambers. We LOVE him! We learned a lot! That day, using his advice, we purchased the wedge to go under his sheet in the crib that lets Mason sleep at a slight angle. This really helped with the spitting up. Plus when we swaddle him, he naturally rolls to one side so if he does spit up I feel comfort knowing it will go away from him and down.
His bedtime routine now is diaper change, nurse, maybe another diaper change, dressed in a onesie and swaddled tight with a hat. We have this little bug that plays music that his grandmama gave him. We play it, rock him to sleep for maybe 5 minutes, lay him down and rub on his chest a few times and walk away. That's all it takes and he sleeps great. He sleeps through the phone ringing, Rocky barking, me moving around in his room and thunderstorms.
Now I have a really good routine and feel very comfortable. I sleep in my own bed and feel very comfortable with Mason in his crib. Last night was actually the first night I slept and got in a deep sleep. Hopefully it just gets better from here!
The Beginning:
Carter and I decided early of 2010 to start our family. Ever since we were married we said we would wait until we've been married for 3 years before trying to start. As it turns out, we felt ready before that mark. We found out we were pregnant late May while in Peoria, IL for my friend Laurie Hasten's wedding. We were ecstatic and couldn't wait to tell family in person so we called everyone that night. We were so overwhelmed, we were only trying for one month and BAM, a positive pregnancy test. It felt so surreal but we were so happy. That next week I miscarried. I have to admit I was pretty devastated and felt like what's wrong with me. I'm healthy, young, in great shape, this should be easy. But I will say that I felt in my heart that God was sending us down a different path and that this was just a bump in the road. If I had not lost that baby, I would have never conceived Mason since we were pregnant with him just a month after the miscarriage. I can't imagine not having my little milk machine. I have faith that God gave us Mason for a reason.
The Pregnancy:
What can I say - I was the poster child for pregnant women. I was never sick, I felt great other than being tired, I slowly gained weight, I never had any problems or uncomfortable symptoms. I did start to really swell in the 9th month and sleeping was uncomfortable but that was the extent of it. I worked up until the day before Mason arrived. It was a great pregnancy and it flew by! Even Carter said it flew by which I felt like for anyone it would drag on for him, but I never really complained much other than asking for the occasional foot and back rub. I was really just taking advantage of my situation and it worked out pretty well.
Mason's Arrival:
On Monday April 4th I went to my 39 week doctor's appointment. Dr. Woodall told me I was 2cm dilated and 80% effaced. She was really optimistic and said she didn't think I would make it to Friday. And boy did I hope she was right. I was having a ton of Braxton Hicks contractions but never enough to send me to the hospital. That week drug on and on! Carter and I were praying for Mason to come before the weekend. Carter had zero vacation days accrued at work and we really were hoping that if Mason came on the weekend, we would have the weekend in the hospital and then he could work from home Monday - Wednesday. Thursday April 7th comes and still no Mason. I decided to call my doctor to ask about being induced. Dr. Woodall had mentioned at my appointment that I was "inducible" now but at the time I had said I just wanted Mason to come on his own. The more I thought about it, the more I realized how important it was for daddy to be home with us as much as possible. The nurse called me back a few hours later and said, OK you're scheduled tomorrow, be here at 6am and don't eat or drink anything after midnight. Woah, here I am at my lunch break at work and I was just told I am going to have my little boy tomorrow. I was ecstatic. Carter was thrilled. We couldn't wait! At the same time I was sad since I knew my dad would be leaving for the Master's in the morning and that my brother Frankie and his fiance Rachel would be leaving for a quick road trip that weekend. But our decision was best for our family and I prayed that night that everything would go smoothly since I am basically making my son come before he is "ready". I was nervous that maybe I was making the wrong decision, but we decided to go through with it knowing God would take care of us.
That night, Carter and I went on our last date as just a married couple. We went to PF Changs since I was hoping I could trick Mason into coming out with spicy food. We really enjoyed each other at dinner and just sat there in awe thinking that this time tomorrow we would finally have our little boy. After we got home, we went through a little nesting period. Carter frantically went around the house cleaning as I finished the hospital bag and got Mason's room in order.
We went to bed early in hopes of catching some zzz's but I knew it would be difficult. At around 2am I heard Carter's phone go off, I told him it was going off but he was asleep and I just figured it was a text or email about the delivery tomorrow, so I ignored it. Then again around 4:30 his phone was going off, it was about time to get up and get ready, so I woke him up. Just a few minutes later he said, I think something happened with Chad. Then I heard him say on the phone, Paul, tell me he's not dead. It went silent and then tears. Chad, Carter's best friend of 15 years had died just a few hours ago in a car accident. For a moment, time stood still. Here we are just an hour before leaving for the hospital to have our son, and Carter's best friend had passed. Immediately I said we can cancel, just let Mason come on his own. Carter thought for a little while and said, No, life has to go on, this is the best for our family. After drying the tears, we got ready and headed to the hospital. What a bittersweet day. It was going to be the happiest and saddest day of Carter's life. Looking back now, my husband is one heck of a strong man. I don't think I could have made it through the day if the roles were reversed. Below is a picture of Chad from our wedding. We miss him SO MUCH!
We arrived at 6am and by 7am I was in the room, in a gown, getting blood drawn and an IV. Next, it was time for the pitocin. At first it wasn't so bad, my contractions were coming but they were bearable. The nurse anesthetist came in and asked if I wanted an epidural. I said yes, but I wanted to wait - I figured as long as I could handle the pain I would forge forward. I didn't really know what my pain tolerance was so I was willing to try it as long as I could. 20 minutes later after the back labor had started I was asking for the nurse to come back in and juice me up. I have a TRUE appreciation for my mother and mother in law and all the women of the world who decide to go natural. You are all wonder women in my eyes, and are much stronger than I.
The rest was a piece of cake! My mom and in laws arrived followed by my sister. I progressed very well. At arrival, I was at 2cm dilated, at 2:20pm I was 5cm, then 20 minutes later I was 6.5cm and 100% effaced, then at 4:00 I was 9.5cm, zero station. The nurses started getting the room ready so I could start pushing. The day was spent updating facebook, playing dice with my mom, mother in law, and husband, taking brief naps, and just anxiously waiting for Mason to arrive. About 20 minutes after the nurse told me I was 9.5 I knew I was fully dilated. I could feel pressure and knew I needed to push. I had a wonderful epidural! I could move my legs, wiggle my toes and feel just enough. I pushed for about 30-45 minutes and Mason was out! For a brief moment we were worried because he came out blue/grey and did not immediately start crying. He was grasping the umbilical cord for dear life. The doctor placed him on my chest for just a moment before they whisked him away to get him fully breathing. We finally heard him cry, from then on, I could not stop crying!! I was so overwhelmed with emotion.
There are no words to describe the love that is felt when you hold your child in your arms and kiss their face. It's almost as though you breath in pure love and your heart stops for just a moment.
The Days Following:
The next two days were spent at the hospital. Both mommy and Mason were exhausted. We had TONS of visitors and enjoyed every minute of it. On our last day, my mom came to stay with me while Carter attended Chad's funeral. For about an hour or so I was alone with Mason before my mom came and all I could do was cry. I felt so blessed to have such an amazing little boy and at the same time I was so hurt that Carter lost his best friend. It hadn't really hit me until that moment when everyone was gone that Chad had actually past. I so wished I could have attended the funeral. Carter was the only person to speak at the funeral. I wasn't there to hear his words, but I received the following message from Foster, one of Chad's closest friends a day later.
"HEY MISSY! Hope your feeling OK!! CONGRATS hes soooo cute!!! I just wanted to tell you how wonderful a job Carter did at Chads funeral. It takes a strong, genuine, just good good man to do what he did and do it so well. I know he will be a wonderful father, but you already know that. You should be extremely proud of your man!!!!!!"
Carter is the strongest man I know. I am so proud to call him my husband and am honored to be the mother of his child. Mason is going to grow up with an amazing roll model.
Time at Home:
I must admit the first two days were really tough. If you ask Carter, he may tell you I was a bit crazy. Between the hormones and getting my milk in, I was really overwhelmed. Not to mention I never really got the chance to mourn Chad's death.
The first night home we had over family and some friends. We never had the chance to unpack and get organized before night time came, so once everyone left, I was really overwhelmed. Overwhelmed is my new favorite word ;) That night I was really anxious. I slept in the chair in Mason's nursery and barely got any sleep. He makes the funniest noises while he sleeps and as a new mom, I had to look at him every time he stirred.
Carter and I decided that he would sleep in his crib from the beginning. We didn't want to start him somewhere else and then later have a hard time getting him in the crib. Now, just a week since his birth, I think it's one of the best choices I've made.
That first night my milk came in. Poor Mason was having a hard time latching on since I was so engorged. I had to use the Medela Shield in order for him to latch on. The one problem with the shield is that it caused such a heavy back flow that he was choking trying to nurse. This frustrated us both. Because he was getting so much milk at once, he was spitting up a lot. This made me very nervous while he slept because every noise he made I felt like he was spitting up.
Day two we had our first doctors appointment with Dr. Chambers. We LOVE him! We learned a lot! That day, using his advice, we purchased the wedge to go under his sheet in the crib that lets Mason sleep at a slight angle. This really helped with the spitting up. Plus when we swaddle him, he naturally rolls to one side so if he does spit up I feel comfort knowing it will go away from him and down.
His bedtime routine now is diaper change, nurse, maybe another diaper change, dressed in a onesie and swaddled tight with a hat. We have this little bug that plays music that his grandmama gave him. We play it, rock him to sleep for maybe 5 minutes, lay him down and rub on his chest a few times and walk away. That's all it takes and he sleeps great. He sleeps through the phone ringing, Rocky barking, me moving around in his room and thunderstorms.
Now I have a really good routine and feel very comfortable. I sleep in my own bed and feel very comfortable with Mason in his crib. Last night was actually the first night I slept and got in a deep sleep. Hopefully it just gets better from here!
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