Today

Anyone know what today is ... Yes July 1 - My Due Date!! And Baby A (aka Monkey Toes' (or MT) - yes he know has a nickname) is 3 weeks old today.
(3 weeks ago)

The changes that have happened are amazing.

• He went from not sucking and having trouble eating to 3oz. He has gotten much fuller in the body. (do you know I haven't taken a picture of him w/o a outfit/blanket on, I am going to do that today) I cannot wait to weigh him. I may take him to a grocery store scale today and see if I stand on it and then stand on it with him, If i can see about how much he weighs now.
• His belly button fell off yesterday (took 20 days). He can now have his first real bath instead of the lil bird baths he was getting.
• He is sleeping great
• I have only called the pediatricians office 2 times.
• He does have an irritated lil booty. The dr's office told me to stop using wipes and switch to either toilet paper/wet paper clothes and wet wash clothes to wipe then apply something with zinc oxide on his lil red bum. It looks like after a day of this, it is getting better. If not I will be calling again before Friday. He does have his one month appointment the 9th
• He loves to suck on his tongue and fingers
• His hair is turning a shade of red, he has the most beautiful long red eyelashes.
• He was laying on his floor gym the other night and grabbed at the toys overhead to pull on them - I wish I had the video camera. That was so cool to see.

*I am oh so forgetful, there are so many more changes my lil brain sits down to blog and it goes blank. If there is anything else, I will be back to update or post another*

As for my pumping - it took a nose dive in supply about 3 days ago. I am now still pumping every 2 hours, using a hospital grade rented pump (this one) MT has latched on to breastfeed about 5 times now. He still is having a hard time understanding that he can get milk out of them - he latches on for about 2-5 mins then I have to get his re-latched (?) while he is alil fussy and seems to get alil frustrated. My OB gave me some pill to try also. This morning I had my best pump session in 4 days - So I am hoping the efforts are starting to work.

The OB appointment was very standard and routine. (except for discussing breast milk supply and her encouraging me to see a lactation consultant). I will be seeing her again in 4 weeks and I still hope all is going smoothly still.

(I am hoping to get a good picture of Me and baby today to post. I have to wait until E wakes up)

This is how we roll

Baby A's annoucements where ordered from here.

Tomorrow at 9:45 am ish will be 3 weeks from when my water broke at the peri's office. I can not believe how much time is flying by.

Here he is (i won't make you wait til the end of the post for a pic):

I have an post delivery appointment with My OB today. I am not really sure what to expect. I am sure its an in and out appointment. I am still injecting lo.ven.ox for another 3 weeks. I am sure this is probably why I am going back every 2 weeks instead of waiting the full 6 weeks like most. (because we all know I am THAT/difficult/not normal patient) I am going to ask her if I can start taking my Met again.



I really do feel fantastic. I haven't had many hormonally induced cries like I expected to have. I just love this sweet baby so much. The bleeding has tapered off quite a bit - Which I am way grateful for. Baby A is eating more, so I am having to be very diligent with my pumping to make sure his needs are being met. I am pumping every 2-3 hours to try to up my milk supply. The pump I have (was bought used) and it does not allow me to double pump. I may be going to the hospital tomorrow to see about renting one. I am told that double pumping is the way to go. We'll see.



We haven't ventured out much with Baby A yet. We have ran a few errands. Our laptop died so it was a much to run to the nearest computer store so E could get something to try and fix it (which didn't happen - good thing for a manufactured warranty - a new one is in the mail and should be here shortly) Baby A does love his car seat/stroller for what little outings we have done. I have walked around with him in the sling also - which is his favorite thing I believe. A few friends from college highly suggest a ri.ng slin.g, Anyone know anything about those? I think my friend has one, I may ask to try hers out.



My parents are obsessed. Absolutely must see their grandbaby EVERY day. (which has mostly happened) There have been a few days that I haven't been over there - but they came over here instead. Trying to pump and keep up supply and keep the grandparents happy has been a bit challenging. I am afraid for those that encounter my parents - they can ONLY have Baby A conversations and show everyone their slide shows on their phones and palm pilots .... Sickening Huh ..



I was asked about what products I deem a must have - In all my 3 weeks of parenting, here is my list:



a little spiral notebook to write down the days schedule: I write the date on the top of the page, we count poop and pee diapers, what time and how much we fed him, (sometimes record naps), I also record if he did anything like sucking fingers, eye contact, etc - This helps gage what he did while I was sleeping and when he needs to be fed again etc. It also helps me see if there is a pattern or it may help me indicate irregularities to ask the dr's about.



Diapers - We have gone through ~172 diapers since we have been home. (17 days; about 10/11 diapers a day)



Bottles - (unless you plan on breastfeeding) - i would still consider having 1 or 2 bottles on hand and Formula (if you are nursing or planning on nursing this store is having a sale on nursing bras.)



Bottle Warmer - the cheapest at bru has been awesome for us thus far



Boppy pillow or boppy lounger - It has really been the greatest gift thus far - because A likes to be propped up in it and talk to us. ( buy an extra cover just in case)



A place for your baby to sleep -



I have enjoyed having a changing table and all the necessities in one location. If you have a changing pad, buy 2 covers, one will be in the wash soon ..Trust me



Diaper Genie II & refills- greatest invention!



Blankets & Swaddles - absolutely the greatest. The tighter the wrap the better it seems. It is June in FL. HOT and humid do not begin to describe this kind of weather and this kid loves being wrapped up tight while napping. I didn't receive many blankets and have had to run to the store or send my parents for more blankets (we are using the thermal/waffle ones) They are light and comfy.



Burp Clothes - If you think you have enough - Buy 1 more pack. They are good for just about anything you can think of. (and you don't run out)



Soft wash clothes - This has helped with the blocked tear duct and sponge bathing until his umbilical cord falls off



Alcohol & non stick cotton pads - for umbilical care



Swing - He absolutely Loves it.



Onesies - Baby A does not like to be nekkid- He likes to be clothed. I bought a pack of 10 newborn ones and that has kept us well stocked - because I have to do a lil boy load of laundry about every day anyways it seems



Of course: Camera, patience, an extra hand, lots of love and flexibility. The best part, for me, is figuring it all out. Figuring what works for you (even if the books say it's bad, or scarring, or insert whatever stereotyping here)

Be willing to eat crow, be forgiving to yourself, be patient with yourself (and your significant other) and ask for help when you need it. Enjoy it for what it is and what it isn't.

More Q and A

Answering more questions - ( keep um coming it gives me something to blog about)

The Cats - they pretty much stay AWAY from A. They are not big fans of his at all. They try to keep a good distance between them. (excpet they like his "toys" ..I have to keep them out of his things.

The book I am reading is This (the last link didn't work for some) I am still not quite finished with it. *I know there are alot of controversial parenting books out there - I think the big key to all of them is to use common sense and give yourself room for error and as always stated, Be kind to yourself, it's a learning process for everyone.

Photo bloggin -
I finally got around to ordering his birth annoucements -

Anla made a sling for me - He LOVES it - absolutely Loves it.

It has rained (and by rained I mean gullywashing) everyday that we have been home from the hospital. I wish it would stop raining so I could get outside and enjoy a nice walk. A loves being in his carseat/stroller. He falls right to sleep as soon as the car/stroller starts moving.

My parents live about 8 ish miles away and bribe us with dinner pretty much every night we have been home. If i bring hte baby over, they will make us dinner. I am truly being absolutely spoiled rotten. Baby A is also because his grandparents hold him all the time. He is the first grandbaby on both sides ( I was the first grandbaby on both sides also) I know what is in store for him ... LOTS Of spoiled rotten-ness. (and I think that is just perfectly fine - remind me of this when I am ranting about being spoiled rotten and tantrums are mentioned)

As for a schedule - we sortakindamaybe have one - He wakes up about every 2.5-4 hours, I go get a bottle ready and warming, go pick him up and do a diaper change, feed him now about 3 oz-ish, after the bottle I try the swing (tomorrow I am going to try his floor gym) until he is just too tired to stay awake, then he sleeps and we rinse/repeat that whole routine every 2.5-4 hours during the day.

After the first feeding in the morning(anywhere from 6-8), He would rather cuddle or have me hold him on my chest. Sometimes he falls directly back to sleep after the first morning feeding. Sometimes he is wide eyed and busy tailed.

He has pee'd on me quite a few times, It's really just the funniest thing, I so want to get it on video.

Remember keep the questions coming - Sometime's I am just at a loss of words

A real post

I just want to thank all of you for being so kind and encouraging to me about our birth and few weeks with Baby A. It is/has helped so much in getting back on my feet.

So as of late - other than busy, I have been a tad bet reserve in my postings. (getting to that in a minute) Here it is a little over 2 weeks since A has arrived and we are getting along really well. I am being spoiled by my husband's presence. E has taken a month off of work - You have NO EARTHLY IDEA how much of a help this has been. I am not a night owl.. he is. He takes the late shift, I do the day shift. It works out quite well. I get sleep, he gets sleep and A get all his needs met w/o having exhausted care takers. It has/was also a HUGE comfort while trying to tend to my own health and needs after delivery. I think it made my recovery time so short and manageable. I was sore in the mid section (like pulled muscles and a horrible period, etc. for a few days but by the weekend I was feeling pretty darn great - the bleeding is still here but not nearly as bad - just enough to be annoying) Pumping is going well. Baby A is pretty much on a some what of a decent schedule - which helps out with pumping and planning on when I need to do things. (laundry, dinner, errands, dr's appointments, etc.)

I am reading this book and haven't really made it that far into it yet. My landlord swears it made a huge difference for her. She also had a little boy about 8 weeks before me. My next door neighbor growing up also had a baby about 9 weeks ago and suggested I go out and read this book. and a few others, So I started it. Give me a few days to finish it, I may have a post about it.

The reason for this post is to talk about how very timid about posting what I do, haven't done, don't do, need advice on, or help on with Baby A. Just like the insecurities that arise after posting about a BFP. There are insecurities that follow posting about baby's arrival. Just like the BFP, assvice starts flowing. It seems this "mommie" gig is quite more of a competitive sport then the NFL. I can not tell you how many different schools of thoughts there are. Different Opinions there are and how many people are VERY assured their way is the only right way. I am trying to word all of this very delicately. (because I have partook in many "I will never do that to my child , or "How Horrible is that for a child", insert whatever judging statement here) It seems these days there are so many sure fire ways to send your newborn to therapy in years to come if you do not choose the right: bottle, swing, sling, crib, bassinet, clothes, dr, diapers, feeding schedule, breast, formula, carseat, wipe, .. I was told yesterday that Maybe I "didn't use the right kind of alcohol pads on his belly button because it hasn't fallen off yet" ... I thought to myself .. "Did she really just Say that" .... Then my mind started to wonder if there were different or better alcohol pads I should be using ... I mean really .... wasting precious brain powers worrying about alcohol swabs and worrying more.

I am not familiar enough with the parenting after IF, or mommie blogs therefore I am unsure of where to find helpful information that tends to reflect my style of parenting as of yet. I think this is all just stemming from another layer of my insecurities and afraid of more nasty comments. I never thought I would actually be researching or googling "what kind of alcohol pads are the best to use on a newborns belly button" , or "when do you introduce the newborn to a swing, bouncy seat, car ride, grocery store, mall, powdered formula, etc."

Do not get the wrong idea - things here are absolutely fantastic. He is sleeping about 3-4 hours at night, 2-4 hours during the day. He is starting to be more awake and alert during the day and We could not be more happier with the progress we have made from turning our nights/days around. I have breastmilk in the freezer .. I mean things are really trucking along at a very comfortable pace. It's just more transitioning ..It was like going from Treatments to "holy cow 2 lines", now "it's Holy Cow I have a lil bundle of magic and I am in charge .. Now what?!." So far it seems to be a trial by error and eventually it all starts to figure itself out. It is amazing how after only 2 weeks, I know the difference between a hungry cry vs a I just want to be loved on cry vs I am tired of being in this position cry. I am trying to make a pact with myself to allow myself to be confident in the decisions We make for our child so that I can get thicker skin to withstand the Mommie NFL Season because If I don't, It's going to be a long 18+ years. I hope that the next part of this community is just as open-minded and supportive as the first part.

Baby A does have a blocked tear duct. We were told to apply a warm compress on it after naps and massaging it to try and get it to open. The Dr said she would check it again at his next appointment - his 1 month appointment - (in a few weeks) unless we felt it was getting worse - she wanted us to call her and come in sooner.

Induction Day

Today at 4pm I was supposed to be admitted into the Hospital to induce labor. Boy did the world have other plans for me.

We tried A in the swing today. I am never sure when to introduce new things. He loved it. He just laid back and enjoyed the ride.


I already see him changing so much. We are up to 3-3.5 oz at feedings. I know he must be growing like a weed.

If you can spare a good thought, PLEASE stop over and offer Courtney some good thoughts. She needs to be in our thoughts today as she received some news today that is very less than favorable and could use our support.

Who Knew

a year ago:


1 week ago:


I am not sure if these photo's even do this justice. I am down 60+ lbs from last yr. I read that pregnancy is good for p.co.s but never really related or figured that it was just rumored. But WOW, I am wearing about 4 sizes smaller than when I got pregnant. I am in shock. I weighed 25 lbs less coming home from the hospital then when entering for delivery.

Things are still going well, I am so grateful for my husband who helps out SO much. He is just loving being home and able to tend to us. I even managed to get out and run a few errands yesterday with my mom and aunt while he watched the baby. (well I say errands, We went to the baby mega store for a few items and then to the mall for a quick trip to get me a new outfit to wear to a party in a few weeks and the grocery store)

*******
To answer more questions:

I have found these pads to be thin enough to annoy me less and really absorbent.

The bleeding has not been as bad these past few days (even on a blood thinner)

Pumping is still going. I am trying to pump every 5 ish hours.

I am writing all diaper changes and feeding times/amounts in a little spiral notebook to see if we can predict a pattern. It also helps my husband and I figure out when each fed him last because we are taking sleeping shifts still. It seems we have managed (for the most part) to switch, accommodate, or adjust to his day/night confusion.

My husband is a night owl, I am not. I can get by on a few hours of sleep, He must have atleast 8. I get my night pump in and go to bed, he does the midnight shift and I take over anywhere around 4-6 am (if A is awake). A does eat about every 2.5-4 hours. My dad claims he is much like a seagull and it is remotely close. (pooping, eating , sleeping) Although, I have noticed that he is staying awake more than before.

I think all in all - so far so good. I will admit, I have googled a few "how to's and when to's" while trying to figure out how to care for a baby. There are just some things that I need help with and I wish there was a clear answer.