Hello!
So I have been thinking about getting hunters schedule down for reference and in case anyone else cared. I know that personally when we were attempting to get Bug on a schedule it helped to see & know what others were doing with their little ones at the same stage!
But anyways, I know some people don't believe in schedules and I really didn't either. I didn't like anything that had a parent dictated approach. It just wasn't for us. However, we did want some sort of structure and right about the time we decided we would start trying we quickly realized that hunter had taken care of it! He gad really put himself on a schedule. It goes a little something like this:
Anywhere from 7-8:00 we wake up. Hunter gets a 6 oz bottle and we start paying. Usually just on my bed for awhile. Once I am ready to venture out of our room for coffee or to start cleaning, we start "stations". This is basically putting on his play mat, then his exer saucer his bound to watch tv while I float around the house cleaning and talking to him about god knows what! Sometimes I even throw in a good dance or two :) Hunter might be the only one who loves that!
Then it's usually nap time. We aren't quite at the stage where I can just put him down so I rock him for the most part. This is normally around 11:00. On a good day he sleeps for 2 hours and then we wake up, eat anotger 6 0z bottle and start playing again. Sometimes we throw in a walk or we can run our errands.
He goes down for a second nap about 3-4:00 for another blessed 2 hours while I start dinner, get decent for when Brock gets home, and other really awesome housewife duties :) Then it's dinner and we like to eat it together if hunter allows that. Now that he is eating too it both easier and harder in different aspects.
Bath time follows and that's a big hit at our house. Then a massage with bedtime lotion. Sometimes Brock takes him around the house saying goodnight to everything but usually he just settles hunter and himself into the rocker and he feeds him while I read goodnight moon and usually one other story. By this time Baby Bugs eyes are heavy and he is ready for bed. After a kiss goodnight, and a couple extra because we can't decide who should get to kiss him last, we put him down. Turn on his sleep sheep, cover him up and he's good till morning.
We really are blessed with a wonderful baby. I couldn't ask for more!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Breastfeeding Awareness
In honor of breastfeeding awareness month I thought I would share our breastfeeding journey. The good, the bad, and the ouch!
First things first. My sweet hunter was only about 30 minutes old (due to the c-section) when he and I nursed for the first time. My husband was in the room, and my best friend who is also hunters godmother. I was holding him when he cried, really cried and for a second I was in shock. Holy cow, this kid is mine and it's my job to figure out why he is crying and take care of it! So the nurse looked at me and asked me if I was nursing.
*sidenote* It was always my plan to breastfeed. I am not La Leche, I don't knock formula. In fact, as you'll read later I implemented it as well. It was my thinking though that I would try because it was the only natural thing to do and we would see how it went. If I could, and hunter would we would nurse. If not I wouldn't beat myself up and we would give formula. And c'mon, it's free!!
Back to the nurse, she asked me if I was nursing and I said yes, but the bewildered look on my face must have told her that I had no clue what I was doing. She gave me hunter, placed him and let me try to figure it out and amazingly, I did!!! I was doing it! I was a mom of a beautiful baby boy and I was feeding him. It was such a special moment!
For the 72 hours I was in the hospital we continued to nurse, never opting for formula because my little piggy was always eating and my milk came in fast. We did have a latch problem though. Hunter was severely tounge tied and his pediatrician said he needed it clipped, but we kept on trying. Another problem was that every single nurse that came in my room had their own opinions. And bless their hearts, they had no problem getting right in there! && by that I mean hands on, no permission, getting in there! Which was good & bad. The consensus was that we were doing fantastic so I was proud. So on our 3rd day post csection they sent us home & no one and no reading material prepared us for that.
Hunter was an eating machine. Every hour, sometimes twice in the hour. I wasn't sleeping. Brock wasn't sleeping. To top it off I was experiencing pain like I had never felt before. With the bad latch it was even worse. The breast feeding consultants said it had to be clipped and also said I had over active letdown, so I was basically drowning hunter. Around week two I was about to give up, Brock wanted me to keep going but it was one of those moments I wanted to kill him! He just had no idea. But it was him saying that and my stubbornness that kept me going. I kept saying, just make it to four weeks and you can stop. But slowly it got easier. Hunter was finally getting on schedule and was sleeping more. We also started the bottle so that others could feed him and that helped tremendously.
Long story short we added formula as well because hunter was always so hungry and my milk just didn't have the substance he needed to stay full and satisfied. I kept nursing thinking some a day was better than none. Here we are at four months and we nurse sometimes at night, sometimes early in the morning and sometimes none at all. There is so much I would say I loved. It was such a special thing that only I could do. That was the best. Then there was the added knowledge that I was giving my son the best possible form of food. It didn't cost a thing and did (as promised) become second nature, I would even say easy. But there were downfalls. I was a prisoner to my sons hunger. Although I had no problem nursing if covered in public, it wasnt always that easy. When an infant wants a meal, they want it NOW!! It hurts, more than almost anything you'll ever feel. It is time and energy consuming.
All of those things aside I will try with all subsequent children and pray it works. If it doesn't, I'll grab some formula and do whatever it takes to keep my children full, and happy. That to me is the most important part anyways. So although I advocate breastfeeding I don't push it! I am a get it done kind of momma, no matter what that may entail!
First things first. My sweet hunter was only about 30 minutes old (due to the c-section) when he and I nursed for the first time. My husband was in the room, and my best friend who is also hunters godmother. I was holding him when he cried, really cried and for a second I was in shock. Holy cow, this kid is mine and it's my job to figure out why he is crying and take care of it! So the nurse looked at me and asked me if I was nursing.
*sidenote* It was always my plan to breastfeed. I am not La Leche, I don't knock formula. In fact, as you'll read later I implemented it as well. It was my thinking though that I would try because it was the only natural thing to do and we would see how it went. If I could, and hunter would we would nurse. If not I wouldn't beat myself up and we would give formula. And c'mon, it's free!!
Back to the nurse, she asked me if I was nursing and I said yes, but the bewildered look on my face must have told her that I had no clue what I was doing. She gave me hunter, placed him and let me try to figure it out and amazingly, I did!!! I was doing it! I was a mom of a beautiful baby boy and I was feeding him. It was such a special moment!
For the 72 hours I was in the hospital we continued to nurse, never opting for formula because my little piggy was always eating and my milk came in fast. We did have a latch problem though. Hunter was severely tounge tied and his pediatrician said he needed it clipped, but we kept on trying. Another problem was that every single nurse that came in my room had their own opinions. And bless their hearts, they had no problem getting right in there! && by that I mean hands on, no permission, getting in there! Which was good & bad. The consensus was that we were doing fantastic so I was proud. So on our 3rd day post csection they sent us home & no one and no reading material prepared us for that.
Hunter was an eating machine. Every hour, sometimes twice in the hour. I wasn't sleeping. Brock wasn't sleeping. To top it off I was experiencing pain like I had never felt before. With the bad latch it was even worse. The breast feeding consultants said it had to be clipped and also said I had over active letdown, so I was basically drowning hunter. Around week two I was about to give up, Brock wanted me to keep going but it was one of those moments I wanted to kill him! He just had no idea. But it was him saying that and my stubbornness that kept me going. I kept saying, just make it to four weeks and you can stop. But slowly it got easier. Hunter was finally getting on schedule and was sleeping more. We also started the bottle so that others could feed him and that helped tremendously.
Long story short we added formula as well because hunter was always so hungry and my milk just didn't have the substance he needed to stay full and satisfied. I kept nursing thinking some a day was better than none. Here we are at four months and we nurse sometimes at night, sometimes early in the morning and sometimes none at all. There is so much I would say I loved. It was such a special thing that only I could do. That was the best. Then there was the added knowledge that I was giving my son the best possible form of food. It didn't cost a thing and did (as promised) become second nature, I would even say easy. But there were downfalls. I was a prisoner to my sons hunger. Although I had no problem nursing if covered in public, it wasnt always that easy. When an infant wants a meal, they want it NOW!! It hurts, more than almost anything you'll ever feel. It is time and energy consuming.
All of those things aside I will try with all subsequent children and pray it works. If it doesn't, I'll grab some formula and do whatever it takes to keep my children full, and happy. That to me is the most important part anyways. So although I advocate breastfeeding I don't push it! I am a get it done kind of momma, no matter what that may entail!
Monday, August 6, 2012
Starting over & Eating clean
So as previously mentioned, Brock and I are starting to really change our lifestyle. In the past my idea of dieting has been to cut out carbs, or maybe dramatically reduce my calorie intake and expect results. Sure enough, that first week is mind blowing! We're talking like 10 lbs gone! Wait though,that's where the good news ends and bad news takes over! A soon as you take that first bite of bread or pasta, you gain it all back plus some extra. Wham bam thank you ma'am, and it's game over. Then I feel discouraged and guilty and I give up. Well this time I decided there would be no more yo-young for me or for my family. Brock and I owe it to Hunter to be as healthy as we an possibly be! So I began researching (and still am). I found this blog and loved her approach. Then I called an old friend from high school who does some personal training and nutrition coaching. We started out doing intervals one Tuesday night. Walk two minutes, run thirty seconds for a thirty minute block of time. It killed me because my body as just not used to being pushed like that but I as hooked. I drug Brock he next night and then my brother and sister in laws the next night! I loved that feeling I got when I completed something!
I really am starting to crave a good workout and it's only been a week! We went for a two mile hike Saturday morning and that feeling at the lookout was awesome! && to do it with my husband/best friend is the icing on the cake!
To round out our new plan we have decided to eat clean. Which has a definition that seems to vary from person to person. We define it as living as close to the earth as possible. Organic can become expensive but with a little work I think I can make it happen! I am slowly introducing new, cleaner foods into my fridge and pantry as wella s household and personal items. It is definitely a work in progress but so worth it. The couple pounds I've lost, that's great; but the overall feeling of energy and wellness I feel is even better!!
Stay tuned for recipes and tips and tricks! As I learn, I'll share!
I really am starting to crave a good workout and it's only been a week! We went for a two mile hike Saturday morning and that feeling at the lookout was awesome! && to do it with my husband/best friend is the icing on the cake!
To round out our new plan we have decided to eat clean. Which has a definition that seems to vary from person to person. We define it as living as close to the earth as possible. Organic can become expensive but with a little work I think I can make it happen! I am slowly introducing new, cleaner foods into my fridge and pantry as wella s household and personal items. It is definitely a work in progress but so worth it. The couple pounds I've lost, that's great; but the overall feeling of energy and wellness I feel is even better!!
Stay tuned for recipes and tips and tricks! As I learn, I'll share!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Couch to 5k
So I was one of those weirdo pregnant ladies that LOST weight. That's right. For starters, I got pregnant over weight so losing it was never a problem with my docs. I was carrying an obviously big baby, so as long as Hunter seemed healthy they never worried about me. Add on the fact that I was miserably sick and you get my story. For about 3 weeks all I could keep down was watermelon and a a few other things here and there. The rest of my pregnancy was a lot of meals that were ordered and barely eaten. I just went from nauseous to uninterested to too huge to fit anything else in my tummy! Then I nursed, and still do for the most part, and that helped tremendously. To put it int numbers I was 185 on my honeymoon (where baby-bug was conceived. oops!) and 179 when I was admitted to the hospital to have him, but after I got home and weight myself maybe the second week I was down to 135! Hunter was an almost 9 lb baby and you have all the other stuff but you do the math! To me, I was tiny! I hadn't been 135 since my Senior year and I was proud! I really didn't pay any attention to my diet. For the first 6 weeks of Hunter's life I maintained that 135, and then "IT" started happening. Slowly I would gain a pound or so without even really noticing it and before I knew it I was sad when I looked at the scale again! The other week I got on and it was a whopping 160 again, and it broke my heart. Now, don't get me wrong the number means NOTHING! 160 is fine for most but I am 5 ft tall and I now have this baby belly to worry about. I just wasn't feeling good about myself.
Needless to say, Brock and I have been talking and we BOTH want to do something to change our lives. I had already started doing little things, like making his lunches and cutting out soda but now we are both going to exercise as well. I start, today actually, a running routine with a girl I went to highschool with. I realized I needed someone to actually train me, and motivate me and that's where Lauren comes in. I really can't wait to get started. Anyways, the goal is to loose 30 but in no specific amount of time. I just want to slowly learn to change my lifestyle and slowly learn to be healthy again. When Hunter starts running I want to run after him. When he starts playing ball I was to chase that ball all night while him and his Daddy play catch. Most importantly I just want to FEEL good! I will update monthly and take pictures!
Wish me luck!
Needless to say, Brock and I have been talking and we BOTH want to do something to change our lives. I had already started doing little things, like making his lunches and cutting out soda but now we are both going to exercise as well. I start, today actually, a running routine with a girl I went to highschool with. I realized I needed someone to actually train me, and motivate me and that's where Lauren comes in. I really can't wait to get started. Anyways, the goal is to loose 30 but in no specific amount of time. I just want to slowly learn to change my lifestyle and slowly learn to be healthy again. When Hunter starts running I want to run after him. When he starts playing ball I was to chase that ball all night while him and his Daddy play catch. Most importantly I just want to FEEL good! I will update monthly and take pictures!
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Like Father Like Son
So as month 2 rolls on by I can't help but watch Hunter and remember all my prayers that my son would be just like his Father. I am pretty sure the Big Guy was listening because Hunter is Brock made over! It is so funny, from the minute I first saw him till now how much he has changed, yet stayed so very much like his Daddy! I love to watch them together. Daddy has his own style of parenting. So what if he holds him like a football, and talks to him about sports and fast cars, and girls already. Who cares if his idea of quality time with his son is propping him up to watch television with him. He is also the very same man, who kisses us BOTH when he gets home from work. The same man who feeds you your last bottle every night and tells you how pretty mommy is (I just love that!) and talks to you about all the fishing trips he will take you on and how much fun baseball will be. He is the very same man who never cares what anyone thinks and will talk to you in silly voices and blow on your belly to make you giggle, even in public.
My boys truly are a blessing. So even if Hunter's little personality has all the fire that mine has, he has all the sweetness of his Daddy and that same little crooked grin & that is exactly what I prayed for!
Some of my favorite Hunter & Daddy photos.
My boys truly are a blessing. So even if Hunter's little personality has all the fire that mine has, he has all the sweetness of his Daddy and that same little crooked grin & that is exactly what I prayed for!
Some of my favorite Hunter & Daddy photos.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
First & Second Month Must Haves
Well, we made it! Made it through late night feedings, learning to nurse, what we thought was colic, and everything in between! I'll admit, there were times I thought we wouldn't! Of course, there really was no other option so we trucked through with the help of our new parent instincts, the welcomed ( & some not so welcomed) advice of those who have gone before us, lots of naps, and these things!
My personal "must haves" for newborn raisin'!
Sleep Sheep- This little guy, fondly named "Shush" is a lifesaver. Just when I though I couldn't "shhh" in Hunter's ear anymore we bought him! It has a couple different sound settings, but ocean is our favorite! Word to the wise, stay away from the whale setting, kind of creepy! ;)
Carter's White Onesies- We of course go through all the colors and kinds, but these plain white ones are my personal fave! They don't seem to shrink and loose shape like all the others!
California Baby Shampoo- We use this daily! We give Hunter a bath every night. It seems to calm him and get him ready for bed. This stuff is fantastic. Smells super good & makes his hair so very soft! I've even tried it myself...
Boogie Wipes- We use the grape scented kind. Good for pretty much everything and smell so good!
Water- For us of course! Nursing makes me so thirty! I usually sit down with a big bottle for every session! Can't have enough...
Boppy- Great for tummy time, propping the little guy up so he can see the world and a big saver for your arms muscles when nursing!
Johnsons Bedtime Lotion- Another bedtime routine. Every night Hunter gets a "nakey massage" and he loves it. I swear by this too. I really think he sleeps better!
Baby Mittens- These were fantastic in the beginning. I was mainly too scared to clip his nails so before I got the courgage these rocked!
&& last but least
Paci- Hunter, being a little high maintenance like his Momma, only likes one certain pacifier but we bought a couple and try to keep them everywhere. The car, the diaper bag, the cradle, scattered around the house! Not that this won't happen to you but Hunter never had nipple confusion and took a paci really well. It helped since the little guy thinks hes hungry at least once an hour! Alot of times he just needs the comfort of sucking and that's where these come in handy!
So there you have it. Just a couple things that I thought were great these past couple of months. We will see what the future holds by way of awesome baby products! Share your favorites and we will try them out!
:)
Monday, June 18, 2012
Letters to Baby- 2 Months
Hunter,
Hunter-Bug, Hunter-Man, Leetle Man, Bugler Butt, Babylove, Little Love. So many things to me and your Daddy and most of all our whole entire world. When we knew about you we knew our lives would change but we had no clue that you would become so stitched into our lives. What is even more amazing is how fast the time has flown by and how attached I am to this new job of mine. It is without a doubt the most amazing job I have ever held. You have me so entirely wrapped that it is not funny.
In two months you have begun to grow and changed so much! I don't even know where to start. Sleeping I guess, since that happens to be what you are doing now. I started putting you in your cradle and you actually like it. You sleep there for most of the night but Mommy sneaks you in in the early morning for some snuggles. I think you love that. I don't know if it is you or me, but no matter how far apart we start out in the bed we end up right next to each other and you hand always finds its way to my chest. I love to see those five perfect little fingers laying on me when I open my eyes. Nap times are fun. You sleep maybe 15-45 minutes a couple of times a day. Usually with me, but today Daddy put you in your crib in your room all by yourself and you did just fine. I cried of course because my baby boy is becoming a big boy right in front of my eyes. Before I know it you will be in a big bed! We started putting you down to sleep awake, and you even put yourself to sleep. Hallelujah!
Let's see, another thing you love is nursing. You take bottles now, which is easier when we are out or we need to leave you with Nana or Nanee, but we still love our time together when we are at home or at night. It never fails, you fall asleep. You are the most comfortable then. No matter what is hurting you that can make it all better. You also take your paci now. Of course, that might be a problem later on but it helps a whole lot now. & you are awfully cute when it falls out in your seat or in your cradle and you are asleep just sucking away on nothing. Melts my heart!
You are becoming more and more independent. Not rolling over yet but you quickly realized that you could hold your head up and that if you grabbed our hands we would pull you into a sitting position and there has been no going back from that. You are always pulling at your straps in your seat trying to be a grown boy and sit up. When someone is holding you, you are straining trying to see the world! It is quite funny to watch you try to grow up so very fast! We are going to start putting you in your Bumbo seat a little bit! Maybe you will be an early crawler/walker. I both anxiously await and dread those days!
Something that you love and we have had to start doing a lot more is just laying you on you playmat or the bed or a blanket on the floor and let you go. Your little legs and arms just go and go! Papaw says you will be a boxer! Maybe, who knows! You love to look at everything from that angle and cry when someone tries to pick you up and hold you close! You just want to be able to play! The whole time you coo and smile and crack up up with your very Daddy-like expressions. && speaking is a whole other story! You started and haven't stopped. Morning is the best. You wake up smiling and we spend a little time every morning talking to you and basically telling you how handsome you are and what a great baby you have become. You must love the ego boost because you just talk to us, and squeal and laugh. My phone is probably going to bust with all the pictures that I have taken trying to catch you smiling.
Things you love:
-Paci
-Mommy talking to you
-Swaddling
-Bouncing
-Sitting Up
-You Are my Sunshine
-Being outside
-Nana & Nanee
-Bathtime
-Diaper Changes
-Nakey time
Things you don't like so much:
-Car rides (make that, hate. You HATE car rides. Scream the whole time. Daddy & I hope that's a phase)
-Being cold
-When I clean behind your ears (what a boy!)
-When I have to take the bottle away for a second
-Putting clothes on
-Your swing
I just can't believe we have been blessed with you. I truly feel honored to be your mom and I know I am biased but you are just a great baby. It blows me away how sweet and precious you really are. I can't wait to keep watching you grow into a big strong man.
Love you always little bug.
Mommy
Hunter-Bug, Hunter-Man, Leetle Man, Bugler Butt, Babylove, Little Love. So many things to me and your Daddy and most of all our whole entire world. When we knew about you we knew our lives would change but we had no clue that you would become so stitched into our lives. What is even more amazing is how fast the time has flown by and how attached I am to this new job of mine. It is without a doubt the most amazing job I have ever held. You have me so entirely wrapped that it is not funny.
In two months you have begun to grow and changed so much! I don't even know where to start. Sleeping I guess, since that happens to be what you are doing now. I started putting you in your cradle and you actually like it. You sleep there for most of the night but Mommy sneaks you in in the early morning for some snuggles. I think you love that. I don't know if it is you or me, but no matter how far apart we start out in the bed we end up right next to each other and you hand always finds its way to my chest. I love to see those five perfect little fingers laying on me when I open my eyes. Nap times are fun. You sleep maybe 15-45 minutes a couple of times a day. Usually with me, but today Daddy put you in your crib in your room all by yourself and you did just fine. I cried of course because my baby boy is becoming a big boy right in front of my eyes. Before I know it you will be in a big bed! We started putting you down to sleep awake, and you even put yourself to sleep. Hallelujah!
Let's see, another thing you love is nursing. You take bottles now, which is easier when we are out or we need to leave you with Nana or Nanee, but we still love our time together when we are at home or at night. It never fails, you fall asleep. You are the most comfortable then. No matter what is hurting you that can make it all better. You also take your paci now. Of course, that might be a problem later on but it helps a whole lot now. & you are awfully cute when it falls out in your seat or in your cradle and you are asleep just sucking away on nothing. Melts my heart!
You are becoming more and more independent. Not rolling over yet but you quickly realized that you could hold your head up and that if you grabbed our hands we would pull you into a sitting position and there has been no going back from that. You are always pulling at your straps in your seat trying to be a grown boy and sit up. When someone is holding you, you are straining trying to see the world! It is quite funny to watch you try to grow up so very fast! We are going to start putting you in your Bumbo seat a little bit! Maybe you will be an early crawler/walker. I both anxiously await and dread those days!
Something that you love and we have had to start doing a lot more is just laying you on you playmat or the bed or a blanket on the floor and let you go. Your little legs and arms just go and go! Papaw says you will be a boxer! Maybe, who knows! You love to look at everything from that angle and cry when someone tries to pick you up and hold you close! You just want to be able to play! The whole time you coo and smile and crack up up with your very Daddy-like expressions. && speaking is a whole other story! You started and haven't stopped. Morning is the best. You wake up smiling and we spend a little time every morning talking to you and basically telling you how handsome you are and what a great baby you have become. You must love the ego boost because you just talk to us, and squeal and laugh. My phone is probably going to bust with all the pictures that I have taken trying to catch you smiling.
Things you love:
-Paci
-Mommy talking to you
-Swaddling
-Bouncing
-Sitting Up
-You Are my Sunshine
-Being outside
-Nana & Nanee
-Bathtime
-Diaper Changes
-Nakey time
Things you don't like so much:
-Car rides (make that, hate. You HATE car rides. Scream the whole time. Daddy & I hope that's a phase)
-Being cold
-When I clean behind your ears (what a boy!)
-When I have to take the bottle away for a second
-Putting clothes on
-Your swing
I just can't believe we have been blessed with you. I truly feel honored to be your mom and I know I am biased but you are just a great baby. It blows me away how sweet and precious you really are. I can't wait to keep watching you grow into a big strong man.
Love you always little bug.
Mommy
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)