Mason and I have been busy on the go! We've been doing the normal out and about - shopping! Mommy's favorite pasttime, Mason's new favorite thing to do ;0). Recently I hit up Kohl's because I had a $10 coupon and figured I would get Mason an outfit. On the way to the infant section, I passed the women's - a section I've avoided because I won't purchase anything until I've lost my baby weight. This time however, I see a very cute flowy summer dress and thought, oh I'll pick up a 2 (my normal size) and a 4, just to see. Hey, maybe it will give inspiration for loosing the weight. I head to the dressing room and to my surprise, I can zip the 2 up past my waist. The problem - my knockers. Not even close to closing around the bust. So I think, okay this is a good problem to have. I've always wanted big boobs. I try on the 4 and NOPE, not even close. A little annoyed, I head back to the women's section and I pick up a 6, thinking surely this will fit. Boy was I wrong. I couldn't bring myself to try on an 8, so I gave up. We'll see if the boobs settle down in a few weeks after I've lost the weight.
Speaking of the diary farm - nursing is SO much easier! Mason rarely chokes and really has great control when eating. The leaking is minimal and I nurse when we're out and having great success. Such a relief. It only took 6 weeks LOL but that is really the time it takes for your body to adjust and for the baby to get old enough to figure out what the heck is going on. Mason is still spitting up but I've just accepted the fact that some babies just spit up a lot.
This past weekend we went out to Mellow Mushroom with our friends Justin and Kristen Womack. They have 9 month old Mia, who is just so stinking cute! She is absolutely adorable and really a good baby! It's great to hang with other couples that have little ones. You get to share stories and realize that all your fears and worries are also shared by other moms. It makes you feel less alone.
That night was a little rough, Mason didn't really do his normal night time long sleep stretch. Lately he's been sleeping 5-6 hours at night - this night he was pretty much up every 3. I think we were just out of our routine and got home at a wierd hour, plus we fed him a bottle while at the restaurant. During the 4:30AM feeding I had Carter feed Mason another bottle. I was exhausted and needed the extra sleep. Plus, I hadn't been feeling well that week and needed an extra boost. Well, I never got the extra sleep, I continued to toss and turn and when 7AM came to get ready for church, I just wasn't going to make it. I turned to Carter and said I think I am going to stay home, but if you want to go, I'm okay with you taking Mason. There was no reason for Mason not to go. In fact, he's been at church every Sunday since his birth - a tradition I don't want to break. At first, I was a little excited. I would get to stay home and sleep soundly since I would be all alone, and Carter would finally have a chance to be with Mason, just the two guys and show him off at church. As Carter is getting himself ready, he asks if I will at least change him and put his clothes on. Of course I would, so I get up and get him all ready. By the time I finish dressing him, tears are rolling down my face. He was just so cute, and I truly hated the thought of not being at church with my family. I immediately felt like a bad mom. New moms are supposed to be tired and not feel good but still forge forward and get on with life. I cried for a full hour after they left. I kept telling myself, he's with his dad, his grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousin, Mason is perfectly fine and in amazing hands. I was just so mad at myself that I didn't get ready and go with them. Out of guilt, I spent my crying hour doing stuff around the house - an attempt to feel less guilty for staying home. During that time I made it worse by thinking of what it will feel like when I have to go back to work. I was really just throwing myself a pity party. I finally was able to lay down and get maybe an hour of sleep. In hindsight, it was probably good for me. It was Mason's first time without me and he was safe with his dad and his family. Baby steps. Next time maybe Carter and I will drop him off for an hour or two at the grandparents. It's so hard leaving your baby. I've been with him all day everyday for really the past 10 months.
Yesterday, Mason and I made a surprise visit to Caterpillar. I was excited to finally show him off to everyone. At first, it was really weird being back, everyone looked a little different. I felt like I just left yesterday but my manager and my manager's manager made the comment that it feels like I've been gone forever and are ready for me to come back. 10 weeks left and I know it's going to fly by. These past 6 weeks have gone my in a flash. I cannot imagine leaving my son after 6 or 8 weeks. I would have to quit my job! We ended up spending several hours there and I have to admit I was a little sad leaving. July 29th is going to be a rough, bittersweet day!
Yesterday was also my 6 week checkup and I got the "all clear." I am excited to start exercising, it will give me something else to do during the day. Plus we are headed to Destin the last week in June, so I really want to be back to normal. 5 weeks to loose 8 pounds - I think I can do it. I am too young to start wearing a onepiece! I'm just hoping now that the ugly brown pregnancy line will go away by then. It's getting lighter but still there.
My Doc prescribed me the "baby pill" it's the only birth control pill for nursing moms. I am a little nervous though, she said it's a fickle pill. She said I need to take it same time every day. And when she says same time, she means within a 3 hour window. Woah I need to be diligent about taking this pill - I can't imagine doing this all over again in 9 months.
Carter and I have started talking about the next one. I think in a year Carter is going to be ready again but I'm not so sure about myself. It's different when you are the food source and are home with the kids. It's so much work and such an emotional rollercoaster. I know mom's forget about how hard the first two weeks are, otherwise, we would all be only children. To be honest, I am starting to forget how crazy the first two weeks were. I mean don't get me wrong, I know I was half-way to crazy but then I think, I will know what to really expect with the next one. It's one thing to tell people about having a baby, it's another to actually eperience it. You really have to experience it to know! I think I need Mason to be close to being out of diapers by the time the next one comes. I have so much respect for women that have their second child with a small one already at home. You really need a support system and Carter and I are so blessed to have both families in town and to have a very supportive church family. I just started cooking meals this week!
Well, Mason needs to visit the dairy farm and then I am going to mulch the front yard while Mason naps. Hopefully cicadas won't attack me while I'm out there!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Monday, May 9, 2011
May 9th, 2011
It's been a little while since my last post and since my mom is home sick today, I need to update my blog so she can be entertained for a moment.
Mason and I have been busy as usual. We've been out and about shopping, going for walks, and visiting family. Yesterday he was one month old. I can't believe how fast the time has gone and I know that the next three months are just going to fly by. I have to admit, it's pretty awesome being a housewife. On Friday I went to the nail salon to get pedicures with my girlfriends, Tabitha, Pam, Kayla, and Tatiana. I mean how awesome is it to get a pedicure at 11 AM on a Friday afternoon? Who does that? Housewives do, that's who. Ugh, I am going to hate going back to work. Let's be clear though, I will miss the pedicures but above everything else, I am going to miss my little Mason. It's hard to imagine women having to go back after 6 weeks. I couldn't do it. I think I would have to quit my job.
Mason is growing like a weed. Every day Carter comes home from work and says, he looks so much bigger, he really does! He still eats like a champ. Last night he went 5 hours in between feedings! Hopefully he starts spreading them out permanetly. The previous two nights he went 4 hours. But then after those big stretches, he reverts back to 3 hours. Hey, it's better than nothing.
My little milk machine has turned into a real pacee baby. If he's awake and he's not in the car, stroller or moving around, he has to have his pacee. I'm a little nervous that he can't be awake with out it, but I feel better when I hear stories of other mom's who have kids that have to fall asleep with one and wake up everytime the baby spits it out. Luckily, Mason doesn't have to have it to go down to sleep. He just really likes to suck. I am hoping that the older he gets and is able to actually play, he will be distracted and not want to pacee any more.
I am really ready for the next two week to fly by because at that point I will be cleared for exercise. I've been walking but I really need to kick it into high gear since we will be going to Destin the last week in June. Luckily, breastfeeding is the best diet ever and I only have a little over 10 pounds to go. Although 10 pounds isn't a ton, I don't fit into ANY of my clothes. I am way too small for maternity and my jeans don't quite fit (I have to use a hair band to close the button). I'm just a little chubby in the belly and thighs and I know I will loose it quick if I can start to really exercise. I am not about to go out and buy any clothes since I know I won't stay this size and I'm over wearing the same three shirts and three dresses over and over.
Well daddy is home and we need to have dinner and get some stuff done around the house. Be back soon!
Mason and I have been busy as usual. We've been out and about shopping, going for walks, and visiting family. Yesterday he was one month old. I can't believe how fast the time has gone and I know that the next three months are just going to fly by. I have to admit, it's pretty awesome being a housewife. On Friday I went to the nail salon to get pedicures with my girlfriends, Tabitha, Pam, Kayla, and Tatiana. I mean how awesome is it to get a pedicure at 11 AM on a Friday afternoon? Who does that? Housewives do, that's who. Ugh, I am going to hate going back to work. Let's be clear though, I will miss the pedicures but above everything else, I am going to miss my little Mason. It's hard to imagine women having to go back after 6 weeks. I couldn't do it. I think I would have to quit my job.
Mason is growing like a weed. Every day Carter comes home from work and says, he looks so much bigger, he really does! He still eats like a champ. Last night he went 5 hours in between feedings! Hopefully he starts spreading them out permanetly. The previous two nights he went 4 hours. But then after those big stretches, he reverts back to 3 hours. Hey, it's better than nothing.
My little milk machine has turned into a real pacee baby. If he's awake and he's not in the car, stroller or moving around, he has to have his pacee. I'm a little nervous that he can't be awake with out it, but I feel better when I hear stories of other mom's who have kids that have to fall asleep with one and wake up everytime the baby spits it out. Luckily, Mason doesn't have to have it to go down to sleep. He just really likes to suck. I am hoping that the older he gets and is able to actually play, he will be distracted and not want to pacee any more.
I am really ready for the next two week to fly by because at that point I will be cleared for exercise. I've been walking but I really need to kick it into high gear since we will be going to Destin the last week in June. Luckily, breastfeeding is the best diet ever and I only have a little over 10 pounds to go. Although 10 pounds isn't a ton, I don't fit into ANY of my clothes. I am way too small for maternity and my jeans don't quite fit (I have to use a hair band to close the button). I'm just a little chubby in the belly and thighs and I know I will loose it quick if I can start to really exercise. I am not about to go out and buy any clothes since I know I won't stay this size and I'm over wearing the same three shirts and three dresses over and over.
Well daddy is home and we need to have dinner and get some stuff done around the house. Be back soon!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May 4th, 2011
Boy oh boy have Mason and I been out and about! Where do we start? Well on Sunday we went to church and then I was able to successfully nurse him in the church nursery after Sunday school before going to lunch with the Toungette family. All of a sudden breastfeeding got a whole lot easier. It was right as I hit the 3rd week my supply starting getting more under control and I was not leaking so much. I'm able to nurse without bath towels and I am just using Tatiana's trick of letting the breast pad catch everything. Those little pads are SUPER absorbent! Unfortunately it's about $8 for a box of 60 and I use one every time I nurse, so I plow through a box pretty quickly, but hey it's a hell of a lot cheaper than formula! Still though when Mason first latches on, he is still getting a little too much but once there is a little let down, he is able to stay latched on for a 5-10 minute stretch. Anyways, after we nursed we all went to Shane's Rib Shack, daddy's favorite place and then hit up Target before heading back to church for my shower.
Monday was awesome - my mom had the day off for her birthday so she decided to come and spend the day with Mason and I. Her birthday was actually yesterday, but it made more sense to take Monday off. We hit up a bunch of stores in the Spring Hill area, Ross, Kohls and Target. We didn't have much luck with buying anything, but it's always fun to just be out and about shopping with my mom. Afterwards we hit up Sweet CeCe's for a "nice" treat. Yumm I love that place. For some reason, every time my mom and I go out shopping we always have some issue where it's like dumb and dumber. Well, it's actually just me being dumb, my mom usually brings me back to sanity. The first time we ventured out with Mason when he was two weeks old, we went to Kohls and could not freaking figure out how to fit the car seat in the stroller. I knew it had to snap in and I was sure it was rear facing and I just didn't understand why it wasn't snapping into place. My mom suggests that the back needs to be pulled down, but I was convinced that wasn't it. Here we are in the parking lot trying to put the seat in the stroller looking like idiots for 10 minutes. Finally I realize my mom was right and I figured out how to move the back down. Duh. Then as we are rolling around in Kohl's, I'm like what the heck, this thing is not easy to maneuver around corners. Then I realize the lock is on the front wheels. Duh again! Well this time, we are getting back in the car after leaving Kohls and I can't find my keys! My mom said my face turned white as I empty my diaper bag and realize the keys are not in there. Immediately I start thinking ugh, I will have to call Carter, but likely he won't be able to leave work so I'll have to call a lock smith which will surely be $60. Ugh I was so annoyed. Then I flip up the little storage container in the front of the stroller and sure enough there they are. Then of course I get the lecture from my mom that I need a routine and that as soon as I get out of the car I put my keys in the same place in my diaper bag so I don't ever forget where they are and loose them. She's right, I need to be more organized. Heaven forbid I lock Mason in the car or us out of the car on a really hot day. Oh and that day I was able to successfully nurse in the car in the parking lot! 2 for 2!
Since yesterday was my mom's actual birthday, Mason and I went to visit her at work so she could flaunt her grandson to all her friends. We just hung out and on occasion she would let someone hold him. Oh and I was able to nurse in her office - 3 for 3! Being able to nurse while out is such a relief since I don't have to worry about rushing home. Such a breath of fresh air! Shortly after getting home, I went next door to visit with Tabitha. She has been overloaded with school work and finals and we haven't seen each other much, so we stopped over for a quick visit. All of a sudden Carter comes over, opens the door and says we have got to go! He realized that tonight was his mom's retirement celebration and we were late! Now I am thinking crap, it's 5:30 now, and Mason has to eat at 6. He will need to eat while we are in the middle of the ceremony. We rushed home grabbed the diaper bag and flew out the door. Luckily my mom and sister bought me the Medela hand pump for my church shower. I grabbed that and decided I would be redneck and pump in the car on the way up there. Once we got there it wasn't long before Mason was ready to eat. I had pumped 3 ounces and was pretty sure that would be enough. Well he dominated the bottle and was still hungry. I then go to get a pacee to satisfy him just until it's over and I realize I don't have one. We ran out of the door in such a hurry. I can't believe I forgot it! This kid likes to suck and was not going to be happy if he was still a little hungry plus not having a pacee. I put him over my shoulder to rub his back and sooth him and sure enough he spits up and it goes right down my shirt in my bra. Nice. I pass him to Carter as I attempt to clean up a bit. Mason starts getting fussy and then Carter attempts to give him the nipple from the bottle to settle him down which totally doesn't work. He starts crying and I take him out of the auditorium. Luckily Melinda was just done being recognized. I head to the bathroom to change his diaper and of course there is no fold down changing table. Why would there be, the ceremony was at Freedom Middle School. Ugh, so I change him on the counter hoping this will make him a little more happy. But nope, I was wrong. I take him in the hallway and walk him around but he was not happy. At this point I am about to head back to the car to nurse him when Mrs. Stinson comes up to me. She is Melinda's good friend and co-worker. She tells me I can use one of the classrooms to nurse. So I go in this room off the hallway, shut the door (so I think), sit at the desk with my back to the door and begin to nurse. Within a few minutes, a little two year old comes barging in the room and comes behind the desk and just looks at me. Then his dad comes following saying oh, I am so sorry, Max come on let's go. I am so embarrassed as I cover my boob with my hand. The guy picks up his kid and leaves the room and then doesn't shut the door! I'm thinking really? Thanks buddy. Fail - 3 for 4! So now I have to stop nursing, cover up to go and shut the door. This time I made sure it was shut all the way. I go to call Carter to tell him I think we should head home and of course, as I call him, his phone starts to vibrate in the diaper bag. I'm thinking really? What a night. Right as we finish nursing, I hear the ceremony is ending and I head out of the room to be met by Carter and Mrs. Stinson. Luckily she found Carter and told him where I was. I hand Carter Mason and say I think we should go and sure enough as I look in the car seat, a pacee is sitting right there. Wow, really? What great luck I've had. So now that he is fed and has a pacee to settle him back down, we decided to stay for the reception right after which was great because I was hungry and they had fried chicken and fruit tea. What a night!
In the car on the way home I get a call from my neighbor Kayla. She says did you hear what happened? I say no and my heart drops knowing something bad was about to come out of her mouth. She said a couple of ambulances were in the neighborhood at Tatiana and Joe's house. Apparently Chloe, their 9 month old fell off the changing table and she could only move one side of her face and wasn't moving her neck. They rushed her to Vanderbilt. Carter and I prayed hoping everything would be okay. Today we heard the amazing news that Chloe is fine and is going back for a check up but the doctor's cleared her last night.
Let me say, Tatiana is an amazing mother and accidents happen to EVERYONE! This past year, my nephew and 3 year old neighbor fell down a flight of stairs. Just about every child I know at some point or another have been rushed to the hospital for something. It's so scary because at some point it's bound to be Mason, Carter and I. And seeing how Mason is Carter's son, we are almost guaranteed to be at the hospital regularly. Melinda jokes that they were late to just about every big family event because they would have to stop at the hospital for something. I think Carter has broken just about every bone twice. It's important to remember that although children seem fragile, they are resilient and heal very quickly. Luckily, Chloe was released and doing well, but please keep the Hajek family in your prayers.
Monday was awesome - my mom had the day off for her birthday so she decided to come and spend the day with Mason and I. Her birthday was actually yesterday, but it made more sense to take Monday off. We hit up a bunch of stores in the Spring Hill area, Ross, Kohls and Target. We didn't have much luck with buying anything, but it's always fun to just be out and about shopping with my mom. Afterwards we hit up Sweet CeCe's for a "nice" treat. Yumm I love that place. For some reason, every time my mom and I go out shopping we always have some issue where it's like dumb and dumber. Well, it's actually just me being dumb, my mom usually brings me back to sanity. The first time we ventured out with Mason when he was two weeks old, we went to Kohls and could not freaking figure out how to fit the car seat in the stroller. I knew it had to snap in and I was sure it was rear facing and I just didn't understand why it wasn't snapping into place. My mom suggests that the back needs to be pulled down, but I was convinced that wasn't it. Here we are in the parking lot trying to put the seat in the stroller looking like idiots for 10 minutes. Finally I realize my mom was right and I figured out how to move the back down. Duh. Then as we are rolling around in Kohl's, I'm like what the heck, this thing is not easy to maneuver around corners. Then I realize the lock is on the front wheels. Duh again! Well this time, we are getting back in the car after leaving Kohls and I can't find my keys! My mom said my face turned white as I empty my diaper bag and realize the keys are not in there. Immediately I start thinking ugh, I will have to call Carter, but likely he won't be able to leave work so I'll have to call a lock smith which will surely be $60. Ugh I was so annoyed. Then I flip up the little storage container in the front of the stroller and sure enough there they are. Then of course I get the lecture from my mom that I need a routine and that as soon as I get out of the car I put my keys in the same place in my diaper bag so I don't ever forget where they are and loose them. She's right, I need to be more organized. Heaven forbid I lock Mason in the car or us out of the car on a really hot day. Oh and that day I was able to successfully nurse in the car in the parking lot! 2 for 2!
Since yesterday was my mom's actual birthday, Mason and I went to visit her at work so she could flaunt her grandson to all her friends. We just hung out and on occasion she would let someone hold him. Oh and I was able to nurse in her office - 3 for 3! Being able to nurse while out is such a relief since I don't have to worry about rushing home. Such a breath of fresh air! Shortly after getting home, I went next door to visit with Tabitha. She has been overloaded with school work and finals and we haven't seen each other much, so we stopped over for a quick visit. All of a sudden Carter comes over, opens the door and says we have got to go! He realized that tonight was his mom's retirement celebration and we were late! Now I am thinking crap, it's 5:30 now, and Mason has to eat at 6. He will need to eat while we are in the middle of the ceremony. We rushed home grabbed the diaper bag and flew out the door. Luckily my mom and sister bought me the Medela hand pump for my church shower. I grabbed that and decided I would be redneck and pump in the car on the way up there. Once we got there it wasn't long before Mason was ready to eat. I had pumped 3 ounces and was pretty sure that would be enough. Well he dominated the bottle and was still hungry. I then go to get a pacee to satisfy him just until it's over and I realize I don't have one. We ran out of the door in such a hurry. I can't believe I forgot it! This kid likes to suck and was not going to be happy if he was still a little hungry plus not having a pacee. I put him over my shoulder to rub his back and sooth him and sure enough he spits up and it goes right down my shirt in my bra. Nice. I pass him to Carter as I attempt to clean up a bit. Mason starts getting fussy and then Carter attempts to give him the nipple from the bottle to settle him down which totally doesn't work. He starts crying and I take him out of the auditorium. Luckily Melinda was just done being recognized. I head to the bathroom to change his diaper and of course there is no fold down changing table. Why would there be, the ceremony was at Freedom Middle School. Ugh, so I change him on the counter hoping this will make him a little more happy. But nope, I was wrong. I take him in the hallway and walk him around but he was not happy. At this point I am about to head back to the car to nurse him when Mrs. Stinson comes up to me. She is Melinda's good friend and co-worker. She tells me I can use one of the classrooms to nurse. So I go in this room off the hallway, shut the door (so I think), sit at the desk with my back to the door and begin to nurse. Within a few minutes, a little two year old comes barging in the room and comes behind the desk and just looks at me. Then his dad comes following saying oh, I am so sorry, Max come on let's go. I am so embarrassed as I cover my boob with my hand. The guy picks up his kid and leaves the room and then doesn't shut the door! I'm thinking really? Thanks buddy. Fail - 3 for 4! So now I have to stop nursing, cover up to go and shut the door. This time I made sure it was shut all the way. I go to call Carter to tell him I think we should head home and of course, as I call him, his phone starts to vibrate in the diaper bag. I'm thinking really? What a night. Right as we finish nursing, I hear the ceremony is ending and I head out of the room to be met by Carter and Mrs. Stinson. Luckily she found Carter and told him where I was. I hand Carter Mason and say I think we should go and sure enough as I look in the car seat, a pacee is sitting right there. Wow, really? What great luck I've had. So now that he is fed and has a pacee to settle him back down, we decided to stay for the reception right after which was great because I was hungry and they had fried chicken and fruit tea. What a night!
In the car on the way home I get a call from my neighbor Kayla. She says did you hear what happened? I say no and my heart drops knowing something bad was about to come out of her mouth. She said a couple of ambulances were in the neighborhood at Tatiana and Joe's house. Apparently Chloe, their 9 month old fell off the changing table and she could only move one side of her face and wasn't moving her neck. They rushed her to Vanderbilt. Carter and I prayed hoping everything would be okay. Today we heard the amazing news that Chloe is fine and is going back for a check up but the doctor's cleared her last night.
Let me say, Tatiana is an amazing mother and accidents happen to EVERYONE! This past year, my nephew and 3 year old neighbor fell down a flight of stairs. Just about every child I know at some point or another have been rushed to the hospital for something. It's so scary because at some point it's bound to be Mason, Carter and I. And seeing how Mason is Carter's son, we are almost guaranteed to be at the hospital regularly. Melinda jokes that they were late to just about every big family event because they would have to stop at the hospital for something. I think Carter has broken just about every bone twice. It's important to remember that although children seem fragile, they are resilient and heal very quickly. Luckily, Chloe was released and doing well, but please keep the Hajek family in your prayers.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
April 30th, 2011
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!
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!
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!
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