4 Months

Another month has flown by!  Benjamin continues to amaze us with the many changes we see in him everyday.  I spent some time looking through his old pictures today, and it makes me very emotional!  Time is going so quickly.  I do have to admit that he becomes more fun every day, though.  He is really interacting with us now!  Benjamin smiles, coos, babbles, and LAUGHS! :)  He has long "conversations" with me, with a very serious look on his face, almost as if he's saying, "Mom, listen up - this is important!"  It is truly the best!  I can only imagine all the things we have to look forward to...

Benjamin's first Halloween is coming up tomorrow!  We had some trouble deciding what he should be this year.  Chris was sure that he would be the best Chewbacca ever, and I thought a little white lamb would suit him perfectly.  Well, neither of those worked out!  So we have a few options, and we are still deciding which one to go with...my personal favorite is one that involves the whole family. ;)  It'll be a surprise tomorrow!

Benjamin went to his first football game this month.  He watched his cousin Luke beat an undefeated team!  It was a beautiful fall day.  Benjamin and Tia laid on a blanket and played, enjoying the nice weather and their toys.  However, as the game went on, the score was tied and things got pretty intense.  The crowd was into it!  And every time they cheered, Benjamin's lip would slowly push it's way out into a pout position, and he would make a little noise...then a bigger cry...finally working it's way up to a pretty loud scream!  Poor little guy!  All the noise was pretty scary to him.  I guess we need to get out of the quiet house more. :)

We also took a trip to the apple orchard with our great friends Lynsey and Mike this month.  It was great to see them and catch up!  We didn't actually do any apple picking, but the donuts were totally worth the trip.

All tired out from a day of fun at the apple orchard.

This past weekend we went to Royal Oak to celebrate Mike's 30th birthday!  It was great to see everyone at the party, and nice to have a night out.  I always miss Benjamin whenever I am away from him, though!  We are so lucky to have family here in town that will babysit whenever we need them.  Chris and I joke that we have to come up with places to go because we have so many people offering to babysit! Definitely a good problem to have. :)

Finally, I have been playing around with my new camera that Chris got me.  It is so much fun!  I am definitely just a beginner with lots to learn, but I think some of the pictures have turned out really cute!  It doesn't hurt that I have a pretty great model to work with. :)  Here are some of my favorites...

Now for the stats!!

Age : 4 months

Weight : I will fill this in after our doctor appointment next week!

Clothing and Diaper Size : Still in size 6-9 month clothes, and size 2 diapers.

Milestones :  Benjamin started to laugh this month!  It was the BEST sound ever.  I was lucky enough to catch one of the first times on video.  Since then we have literally tried everything we can think of to get him to laugh again.  Sometimes it works, but most of the time it doesn't.  He will usually just give us a huge grin, almost like he's thinking, "You guys look really dumb and silly doing all that stuff to try to get me to laugh, Mom and Dad!"  

He also has started rolling over more consistently.  He did it a few times here or there prior to now, but just in the last few days he is rolling over all the time.  It's not my favorite milestone when he rolls over in the middle of the night and then can't get back to sleep!!!  That may have happened 3 times last night...

Sleep : Benjamin was an AWESOME sleeper...up until a few days ago!  He was sleeping 11 or 12 straight hours a night for a few weeks.  The first time he did it, I jumped out of bed at 7am on that Saturday morning feeling totally awake and refreshed.  I nudged Chris like, aren't you ready to get up yet?!  He must have thought I was crazy!  Benjamin was also taking two or three good naps each day.  However, ever since he started rolling over (like I explained above), he has been waking up 2 or 3 times each night.  Hopefully it is a phase that will pass quickly! 

I do have to thank my mom for her help in getting Benjamin to sleep so much better!  All the books I read say that you shouldn't sleep train until a baby is 4 or 5 months old. To me, this meant that I shouldn't let him cry at all when going to sleep.  The poor thing was barely taking any naps because he just didn't want to lay down during the day.  He must have been so tired!  One day my mom came over and noticed how fussy he was.  She said, "Amanda, he needs to take a nap.  He is so tired!  Just take a walk for a few minutes.  Let me try to get him to sleep."  She laid him down in his crib and I listened nervously from the kitchen.  He fussed for about 5 minutes, then cried hard for about 2 minutes.  And that was it!  Then he fell asleep.  Ever since then he has been going to sleep on his own so much easier thanks to my mom, the baby whisperer! ;)  

Eating : Benjamin is still a great eater!  He is thriving on breast milk, which we find incredible.  Such an amazing thing that our bodies can do.  He still eats about every 2 or 2 1/2 hours, but he is eating much more quickly now.  He will finish eating after about 10-12 minutes on each side.  Definitely an improvement from before!

Although we are excited to start giving Benjamin solid foods, we plan to wait until around 6 months (or maybe even a bit longer).  That is the recommended time frame so that baby's digestive system is developed enough to handle the solid food, and so their newborn reflex to push things out of their mouth is gone.  I have been researching baby food makers in the mean time!  I think I am going to try to make *some* of his food.  I just think it would be fun to try to whip up new concoctions and see what he likes!  That being said, I am totally all for buying baby food, too.  They have some great organic choices on the market these days!  I love watching what my sister-in-law feeds her 6 month old, Tia!

Favorites : Eating is still his favorite pastime :), watching TV (still only when he can get away with it!), going for walks in his stroller, taking baths, "talking" to Mom after he eats, napping and sleeping in his crib on his soft Pottery Barn chamois sheet, kicking his legs, practicing standing up, Sophie the Giraffe, and his Rhino ball toy

Doesn't like : Long car rides, sleeping in his car seat, being burped in between sides when he is eating (he just wants to keep eating! :)), getting dressed, pacifiers

3 Months

Benjamin is 3 months old!  I truly can’t believe it!  He looks and acts so much older.  I love to watch him grow and change everyday.   I am so blessed to be able to be at home with him to soak up every precious moment.

Daddy was away in China this past week for a business trip.  It was his first time away from Benjamin, and I could tell he really missed him!  We missed Dad a lot, too.  Benjamin and I stayed over at my parents house for a few days, though, and that was lots of fun!  We took him for walks by the lake, baked some cookies with grandma, and took baths in their awesome bathroom!  His baby tub was in their steam shower, and we wrapped him up in a heated towel from the towel warmer when he was done.  Benjamin was living the life!

He just came down with his first cold this week, too. :( That is why his 3 month picture is a little late; this is technically 3 months and 3 days old!  His first virus was probably harder on me than him.  It was really sad to watch him struggling to breathe, coughing up a storm, and sneezing nonstop.  He was kind of lethargic and just not himself overall.  I am really anxious for him to feel better!  He already seems to be doing much better than he was a few days ago.  Saline spray, the Nosefrida, Baby Vicks, and warm baths really helped!!

One of my best friends, Sara, had a baby this past week!  She is the first of my friends to have a baby since I’ve had Benjamin.  From the moment she told me she was going into the hospital I couldn’t stop thinking about her!  Having just gone through it myself, I was so excited for her to experience the birth of her first child. I teared up when I got her text that their baby girl, Finley Sophia, had finally arrived.  Those first moments are like no other.  It was the most emotional and wonderful day of my entire life.  One that I will never forget, that’s for sure!!

Ok, on to the 3 month stats...

Age : 3 months

Weight : 15 pounds

Clothing and Diaper Size : Size 6-9 month clothes, and size 2 diapers.

Milestones :  Benjamin has started to recognize his mommy and daddy, which is so much fun.  He will still flash his big adorable smile at strangers, but Mom and Dad get the biggest smiles now!  And he will search for me in a room when I am not holding him.  I love it!  I can tell his vision is getting much better because he will stare at me from across the room.  He has started to follow objects more and more.  He grabs at things, too!  When he plays under his activity mat he loves to try to grab the plastic animals that dangle above him.  Benjamin is talking SO much these days, too!  He is making all kinds of new noises.  Sometimes I will talk back to him, and we can go back and forth in our little baby conversation for 10 minutes. So fun!  He avoids tummy time at all costs, but when he does lie on his tummy you can tell he is trying to roll over.  Hasn’t happened again since the one day he did it in his crib, though!  His neck muscles are getting stronger by the day, too.  Such a big boy!

Sleep : Around 10 weeks Benjamin started going to sleep at 10:30pm and only waking up once (around 3 or 4) for a feeding.  Then something magical happened. :) At 12 weeks he slept through the night!  The first time it happened, I opened my eyes to find that it was light in our bedroom and PANICKED!  Why hasn’t he gotten up to eat?!  I was so worried in that initial moment.  Then I looked down at my sweet boy sleeping peacefully in his bassinet, and I was thrilled!  He had slept through the night.  He typically sleeps through the night about 3 or 4 times a week.  There’s still a handful nights each week when he wakes up to eat around 3 or 4am.  I honestly don’t mind, though.  I love those late night feedings now.  It’s so quiet in the house, and he is so snuggly after he finishes eating. :)  Pretty special moments.

Eating : Benjamin was in the 80^th percentile for weight at his last doctors appointment (10 weeks old), and I can see why – this boy loves to eat!  He eats about every 2 ½ hours during the day.  He was eating for a full 20 minutes on BOTH sides (sometimes even 25 minutes!), and I was beginning to wonder if 90% of my life would be spent sitting on the couch breastfeeding!!  Just in the last few days I have noticed him becoming a bit faster, though.  He is satisfied after about 15-18 minutes (still on both sides).  Slowly but surely, we are making progress! 

While we were over at my parents’ house for dinner the other night, Andrea and I went into the foyer (which we have lovingly renamed the lactation room) to feed Tia and Ben.  Andrea fed Tia, burped her, changed her diaper, and did some tummy time with her....and Benjamin was still eating on the first side!  Haha, maybe he’ll get there someday.  Or maybe he’ll just be my slow, dainty little eater – which is just fine. :)

Favorites : Eating, watching the TV (when he can get away with it!), sucking his thumb (aw!), watching his mobile in his crib, mirrors, toys that light up, napping on his tummy in his crib, bath time, heated towels from the towel warmer at Grandma’s, massages after his bath, Daddy making silly noises and faces with him, and his activity mat with the piano that he kicks and “plays” with his feet.

Doesn't like : Being in his Ergo Baby carrier (he used to love it so this makes me sad!), being hungry, tummy time, napping in his car seat, and pacifiers.

We are moms - and that should be enough.

The Unnatural Mom

This blog post struck a cord with me. I really struggled with the fact that I failed to bring Benjamin into the world naturally. In the weeks after he arrived I blamed myself for the need for a c-section. Maybe if I had just pushed harder...or longer... Should I have said no to the epidural? Maybe I didn't handle the contractions properly. Did I do too much to try to induce labor earlier that day? Maybe he wasn't really ready to come yet. 

I also really beat myself up over his blood sugar struggles. The poor thing was stuck in a NICU bed with IVs and cords all over him for 5 days, and I felt like it was all my fault. My diabetes put him there. What if my blood sugar had been in better control during labor? Did I do enough to control my sugars during my pregnancy? Should I have allowed the nurses to regulate my insulin during delivery rather than doing it myself? 

I talked with my OB about the delivery at my 2 week appointment. She helped me understand that the c-section was totally necessary because of Benjamin's size and posterior position. There was absolutely nothing I could've done to help him come naturally. He was in fetal distress, and might not have survived if we hadn't intervened with a c-section. 

Then I talked with my endocrinologist about Benjamin's blood sugar problems. The doctor said in his 20 years of practicing medicine, he had never worked with an expectant mom who had been in better control during her pregnancy. He said he wanted to "frame my lab work papers"! He insisted that I couldn't have done anything more. 

Thankfully I came to terms with everything that happened with the help of my doctors and Chris's support. But it definitely took some time. To all the other moms out there reading - you are doing a great job!! "We are moms - and that should be enough." <3

Schedules and Routines

Being a new parent is one of the hardest things I've ever experienced!  I am constantly second guessing myself and worrying about every. little. thing.  Am I feeding him enough?  Too much?  Should he be sleeping more?  Less?  Am I holding him too much?  Should I let him sleep in my arms or in the carseat?  Only in his crib?  Is his diaper too tight?  What time should he go to bed?  Should I let him nurse to sleep?  Should he be on a schedule?  Why is he spitting up so much?  I heard a toot but he JUST fell asleep - do I wake him to change the diaper, or let him (and me!) sleep peacefully?  :)

THE LIST GOES ON!!!  Seriously, I bet I spend 95% of my day worrying and wondering if I'm doing this parenting thing right!  This article is spot on.  There are so many theories about how to parent, and it seems like they all contradict themselves, as this lady hilariously states!

Lately a lot of my questions have been in regard to sleeping and whether or not Benjamin should be on a schedule.  I have read lots of books and websites, and think I might have finally figured him out - for now. :)

Before I talk about our 2 month routine (which I say very loosely), here are some of the places I got information on babies and sleep!

The Baby Sleep Site 

Healthy Sleep Habits, Healthy Child Book

The Baby Whisperer Book

Lucie's List 

The last one, Lucie's list, is a great site for all kinds of baby info.  She sends weekly emails based on the week of pregnancy you are in, or the age of your baby once he/she is born.  Her last email was all about schedules and sleep.  It was so nice to have her confirm that what I was doing was right!

Now onto Benjamin's current routine.  Since he was born, I have abided by the 2 hours of wakefulness rule.  This simply means that after your newborn has been awake 2 hours (or sometimes much less!), they are usually in need of a nap.  This was totally true for our little guy.  He is starting to be able to stay awake a little bit longer now that he is 9 weeks (around 3 hours tops).  For example, let's say in the morning he wakes up around 7:00am.  He has a diaper change, eats for about 40 minutes, and then we play for a bit.  By the time 9:30am rolls around, he is yawning and staring off into space - his signs that he is getting very sleepy!  

Speaking of signs that he is sleepy, it is really important to try to pay attention to those.  I've learned the hard way that if he is yawning and looking tired, you need to start soothing him to sleep STAT.  It doesn't matter if you have guests over, or if you need to run another errand.  It is really important to respect their sleepy cues because otherwise you will have an overtired, cranky little one.  And that is no fun!

Another thing I have learned is how to better soothe him to sleep.  It took quite a while for me to figure this out!  The books I listed above actually contradict themselves on one important thing: whether or not it is ok to nurse your baby to sleep.  The Baby Whisperer says you are creating bad habits, while Healthy Sleep Habits says it is a totally natural thing.  I have decided that for Benjamin and I, it is ok.  I don't nurse him to sleep every time by any means.  But if it is around the time he should be going to sleep, and he happens to fall asleep while eating, I don't wake him up!  I have learned other ways to help him drift off to dreamland, too.  Some include: car rides, rocking him with a paci, laying him down on his tummy in the crib while patting his back with a paci, and white noise.

So now a days, Benjamin's daily routine looks something like this:

7am - wake up

9 or 10am - morning nap

1 or 2pm - afternoon nap

5 or 6pm - nighttime nap

10pm - bedtime

His naps usually last anywhere from 1/2 hour to 2 hours.  I said routine loosely because this is by no means a set schedule!  This is what I have noticed him doing on his own.  He basically set his own "schedule".  Now with that being said, there are many days where he will skip one of these naps.  Or he will want to stay up until 11pm!  Or he will sleep a bit later in the morning.  This is just a rough idea of what we have going on on a day to day basis.

I have to admit something.  I used to think it was silly when parents said they couldn't eat dinner at a certain time or go someplace during the day because their baby had to eat or take a nap.  But let me tell you, I totally understand now!  Benjamin sleeps SO much better at home in his crib.  And that makes for a happy, smiley, fun baby (and a happy, smiley, fun Mommy!).  Sometimes I feel rude that I have to leave places or I can't make it to certain events because of this, but hopefully people understand.  If they don't, I truly think someday they will - after they have kids, like I did! :)

Well, those are my words of wisdom for now...until Benjamin switches it up on me again. :) 

My Must Have Baby Items!

Here are a few of my FAVE baby items that I couldn't have lived without during these past 9 weeks.  I feel like I find something new everyday, so the list may grow! :)

We recently discovered that Benjamin LOVES sleeping on his tummy.  He is actually napping on his tummy right now!  We purchased this monitor to give us peace of mind that he was still breathing during his naps.  It is called the AngelCare Deluxe.  At first I thought it was a hoax - how could it know if your baby was really breathing?  I figured they were just trying to prey on new, worried parents.  However, when I checked out the reviews on Amazon, I was proven wrong!  There were THOUSANDS of rave reviews.  A few even stated that the monitor saved their baby's life.  When it alarmed, they went into the baby's room to find they weren't breathing, and the parents were either able to wake the baby out of their deep sleep, or give them CPR in time.  WOW!  A few of the reviewers even said they were pediatricians.  So far we haven't had any false alarms, and it seems to be working like a charm!  Even if it doesn't eliminate the risk of any issues, it gives me peace of mind that I am doing everything I can to keep our little one safe.

 I registered for a Baby Bjorn, and my wonderful MIL bought it for us for our shower!  However, after using it a few times, both my husband and I agreed it was pretty complicated to get on and off.  It also had so many buckles on it!  We were hoping there was something a little simpler out there.  Buy Buy Baby was great about returning the Bjorn, and we found this carrier:  The Ergobaby.  It is really simple and Benjamin LOVES it.  Anytime he is overtired and fussy, we just pop him in here and walk around.  He instantly falls asleep!  I can do laundry, do dishes, cook dinner, go for a walk...even talk on the phone.  The child sleeps through anything in here!  You do have to be a little careful though: I read that you don't want to leave your baby in the carrier too long.  Many babies will sleep until you take them out (which can be too long), and they can also get super hot.  

My sister-in-law Andrea got me some amazing nursing gifts.  They included lanolin cream, these heating or cooling breast therapy pads, and breast pads.  I had NO clue I would need all these things, and I was so glad she got them for me!  I used them all a ton.  She also got me a breast pump.  I ended up choosing the Medela Freestyle.  It is AWESOME.  It is super tiny, so if I need to bring it with me on the road it's pretty discrete.  Also, it is so portable that I can do stuff around the house while pumping.  I purchased the Medela pumping bra that allows me to pump hands free.  It's the best!

 Benjamin and I both love his Kissy Kissy pajamas.  We got them from Saks Fifth Avenue.  They were a bit pricy, but they feel amazing!  The cotton is SO soft!  They are really cute, too!  The snaps are also really easy to undo during a middle of the night diaper change.  We just bought a few pair in each size, and rotate through them.  He's already outgrown his first set of them, so I washed them and packed them away in case we have another baby boy someday.  I will definitely use these again.

Another really soft item that Benjamin and I BOTH love are his Little Giraffe blankies.  I got them at Nordstrom, and they are soooo snuggly!  Sometimes when he needs to take a nap while we're out and about, I'll lay one over one size of his face for some darkness and comfort.  He'll move his head from side to side to rub his cheek against the blankie!  It's so sweet.  They also come in a tiny size that he will be able to carry with him someday.  It's a perfect size to lay over him in his car seat on hot days when you don't need a big bulky blanket.

Benjamin was diagnosed with reflux, which is a really common problem a lot of babies have.  He was having a TON of spit up, and seemed pretty uncomfortable each time after he ate.  One day it was so bad (he had been crying NON STOP :(), I took him to the pediatrician.  He recommended this wedge for him to sleep on.  It fits into his crib under his sheet so he will be on an incline.  This helps with the reflux.  So far we have noticed it helping a lot!!  

 This thing, the Rock 'N Play Sleeper Deluxe, seriously saved us in the first few weeks after Benjamin was born.  He would wake up in the middle of the night to eat 3 to 4 times.  Each time I would feed him, and let him fall back asleep in my arms.  Then as caaaaaarefully as I could, I would lay him back in his bassinet (the Bedside Co-Sleeper).  The bassinet was a flat, wide open mattress that pushed up next to our bed.  Well, each time I laid him down in it, he would instantly wake up.  He hated it!  The feeding, letting him sleep in my arms, and laying him down cycle started all over again, because now he was wide awake.  :(
A mommy friend suggested this, and Chris and I drug our exhausted selves out to Buy Buy Baby that same day to get one.  Let me tell you, it was a miracle worker!!!!!  Whenever I laid Benjamin back down to sleep, he never woke up and cried again.  I think he liked the way this bassinet snuggled up around him.  Also, it is on a bit of an incline which is great for the reflux.  This bassinet is definitely a MUST HAVE for the first few weeks at home!!! And he still uses it at night to this day!

 Benjamin likes to be swaddled, but he is a master at breaking out of the swaddle blankets.  I found this, a swaddler from Ergo Baby, and it works great!  It velcros his arms so he cannot escape. :)  The thing I liked about this swaddler rather than the Halo Baby Sleep Blanket Swaddlers was the separate bottom part.  When I needed to change his diaper in the middle of the night, it was a pain to have to undo the entire swaddle to get to his diaper.  It definitely woke him up a lot more.  This one has the bottom little pocket that his legs tuck into, so all you have to do is pull that down and you have easy access to the diaper!  So smart!!

When we went to see the pediatric endocrinologist after Benjamin was born, he told me that the ONLY vitamin that breast milk doesn't have enough of for babies is Vitamin D.  Apparently this is huge in the pediatric world right now- there are tons of studies going on about the Vitamin D deficiency in babies. He suggested that we go out and get the vitamin drops at the drugstore to supplement.  Well, those were a NIGHTMARE.  They were smelly and gross, and Benjamin had to take an entire dropper full of them.  Yeah right!  He hated them.  So they ended up getting spit out all over.  And the other horrible thing about them is they STAIN!  My awesome Pottery Barn chair still has a big stain from those darn things. :(  

We found these drops a few weeks later and they are so much easier!  They only have Vitamin D in them rather than all the vitamins, but that is totally fine because breast milk has everything else he needs in it.  The great thing about these drops is that he only needs ONE drop (not a dropper full, ONE DROP!), and they don't have any taste!  I just put it on the end of a paci each morning and pop that in his mouth.  All done.  So easy!

We have loved Pampers Swaddler diapers so far.  They rarely leak.  I also like the yellow line on them that indicates whether they are wet or dry.  I've been ordering diapers from diapers.com, and they are awesome!  There is always a deal going, and I've saved a ton.  They ship super fast (and for free!), too.  I have heard great things about Amazon Mom, too, but haven't personally checked that out.

That's all for now!  I am sure I will be adding more as we continue to learn about our little guy and what he loves! :)

2 Months

Time is flying by!  Our sweet little man is 2 months old as of yesterday.  Chris and I both agree that we have learned SO much over the past 2 months. We have learned about what each cry means, how to soothe him, how to make him smile, and how to change a diaper QUICK. :)

Speaking of making him smile, I love Baby Ben's little grins!  He started smiling right around 6 weeks.  It is the best thing ever!  Each little smirk totally melts my heart.  My mom keeps telling me that if I think the smiles are good, to just wait until he's 3 months, or 6 months, or a year!  She says it gets better and better.  I can see what she means; with each passing day I seem to love him more and more!

Today is the first official day back to school for teachers in Marysville.  I thought I would be really sad about not going back.  To be honest, I feel ok!  I can't imagine leaving my sweet boy with someone else all day long.  While I know he would be just fine, I feel like I would miss out on so much.  I went to school yesterday to visit and see everyone's classrooms.  It was a great afternoon.  I think i will be just fine with a weekly "visit" instead of being at work everyday!

Age : 2 months

Length : 24 inches

Weight : 12 pounds, 15 ounces

Milestones :  Benjamin is smiling socially, cooing and "talking" up a storm, rolling to one side, lifting his head up for longer periods of time, focusing on objects, and following objects with his eyes.  He especially loves looking at himself in the mirror that we have next to his changing table!  He thinks he's pretty handsome just like Mommy and Daddy do. ;)

Sleep : At 6 weeks we had 3 or 4 days where he slept for 5 hour stretches!  However, for some reason we are now back to sleeping in about 3 hour stretches each night.  He'll have his occasional 4 or 5 hour stretch.  I'm hoping those will be back soon. :)  Benjamin's naps are still pretty sporadic.  He sleeps GREAT on his tummy!  I put him in his crib on his tummy for a nap for the first time the other day, and he slept for nearly 2 hours (normally we are lucky to get 30 minutes out of a nap!).  I sat in his room watching him almost the whole time.  I was terrified he would stop breathing!!  But after doing a lot of reading on SIDS and talking with a lot of other moms, it seems like sleeping on his tummy might be just fine.  We ordered a new monitor that will alarm if he stops breathing.  It should arrive today!  Maybe I'll feel more comfortable with him sleeping on his tummy at night when we have that all set up.

Eating : Benjamin continues to be a healthy eater.  Takes after his mom and dad. ;)  He eats about every 2-3 hours during the day, and every 3-4 hours at night.  Breastfeeding is still going really well.  I am so grateful!  I know it is the best thing for your baby, so I am very happy that it is working out so well for us.

Favorites : Eating, going for walks in his stroller, being outside, looking at himself in the mirror, bath time, massages, and laying on his playmats - especially the one where he can play the piano with his feet (thanks Grandma!)

Doesn't like : Being cold (especially after his bath!), having gas, taking naps, being hungry, or being held in the cradle position.  I wonder if it's because he is used to being fed when he's in that position, so if he isn't getting fed he gets anxious?

Well I better go get a few things done before my big 2 month old wakes up from his nap!!

1 Month!

 This sweet boy is already 1 month old!

On one hand, 4 weeks has flown by like the blink of an eye!  It seems like just yesterday I was 9 months pregnant, waddling around with a huge belly and complaining about how many times I had to wake up to go to the bathroom at night.  (Boy, I realize now that I had nothing to complain about when it came to waking up in the middle of the night!  Ha!)  :)  

On the other hand, I can't imagine what life was like before this little one come into our lives!  2am feedings, diaper changes, and tummy time seems like second nature now.  I will admit that mommyhood was quite an adjustment at the very beginning, and each day still holds new surprises.  Everyone told me that having a baby would change our lives, and they were right on!  Long gone are the days of leisurely 20 minute showers, dinner and movie date nights, and a clean house.  I am lucky if I can manage to eat all 3 meals each day!  (Usually breakfast and lunch consists of something I can eat with one hand since I am holding Benjamin in the other one!)  

Despite the fact that our lives have been flipped upside down, I can truly say I have never been happier!  The love I feel for Baby Ben is indescribable.  It is something I have never felt before.  *Every* face he makes is the most adorable thing I have ever seen.  Poor Chris gets at least 10 texts a day at work of the latest display of Benjamin cuteness. :)  He is so innocent and perfect in every way.  I think Chris and I would both agree that he is the best thing that has ever happened to us.

Speaking of Chris, Benjamin has brought an incredible new spark to our marriage.  I am sure raising a child will bring some difficult days, but for now, we are on cloud nine.  Watching the man I love with our little boy is the most amazing thing. 

And I can't forget to mention the other member of our family - Maggie!  She seems to love Benjamin just as much as us.  She is so good with him.  I never worry for a second when she is around him.  She has been nothing but gentle and sweet to her baby brother.  I do sense a little bit of sadness in her though - she is adjusting to a big change in her life as well.  

At 1 month old, Benjamin is becoming more and more alert everyday. When he looks all around his world, you can almost see his little mind learning and growing.  For now he is eating about every 2 hours.  Breastfeeding is going really well for us - we are blessed!  I know how difficult it can be for some mothers.  He is sleeping for 2-3 hour stretches at night, and we are hoping he will soon lengthen that to 4 or 5!  Fingers crossed. ;)  For now, I am trying to soak up every minute with him, even if it's 4 in the morning.  I know someday I will miss those late night (or early morning!) feedings and cuddles.

Well, it's almost time for the last feeding before bed, so I should sign off!  Benjamin is sleeping peacefully in his bassinet beside me.  We are so lucky! <3

The Hospital Bag

I read all kinds of blog posts about what to pack for delivery at the hospital.  I am going to share what I packed, what I actually used, and what I wished I had packed for any mommies-to-be who might be reading!!!

 For our new little one, I packed two outfits and his LIttle Giraffe Blanket.  We also brought his car seat.  He really didn't need anything more than this!

 We decided to do Cord Blood Banking through CBR, so we brought our kit for that.  If you are doing Cord Blood Banking, bring your kit in with you right when you arrive at the hospital.  I have heard many sad stories of parents who had their kit in their bag in the car, and ended up having their baby before they had a chance to go get it!  Also, they can draw blood from you for the kit when they put in your IV rather than having to poke you again later!

 I packed a few pair of comfy undies and an outfit to wear home.  The outfit was maternity leggings and a loose fitting nursing top.

 I ordered a hospital gown from "Gownies" so that was packed right on the very top of my bag!

I also packed these comfy Ugg slipper flip flops.

 I packed a bag full of toiletries including: pads, Lanolin cream, breast pads, shower gel and lotion, a travel size shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, and a few other random things.



I packed this pretty nursing nightgown and matching robe that my friend Megan got me for my baby shower!

I also packed one set of supplies for my insulin pump.  

So what did I actually use?

I was so glad that I got the Gownies hospital gown!  I felt somewhat cute in it during labor, and didn't mind wearing it for 2 days.  It opened at the top for breastfeeding, and snapped all the way down the back so it was easy to open when I was getting my epidural.  It was very comfortable.  I got lots of compliments from the nurses and doctors!  I ended up throwing it away afterwards, but I think it was still totally worth the investment.Another thing I was SO glad I brought was the pair of Ugg slippers.  I wasn't expecting to be traipsing around the hospital as much as we were, but because Benjamin was in the NICU, we went  downstairs to see him every 3 hours (or more during the day).

Another thing I was glad to have since we were up and about so much was the nightgown and robe.  I wasn't expecting to be out of our hospital room, nor was I anticipating we'd be at the hospital for 6 days!  I was really glad to have something cute but also comfortable to change into.  It was GREAT that it was easy to nurse in, too.

What did I wish I had packed?

As I said above, we were not expecting that I would have a C-section, or that Benjamin would have to stay in the NICU for a few days.  If I could have packed knowing this, I would have brought another change of pajamas or two.  I also would have brought more pump supplies and supplies for my glucose sensor.  FInally, I would have brought more toiletries!  I definitely didn't think I would be showering and washing my hair THREE times while in the hospital, so I didn't bring my hair dryer, straightener, enough shampoo, etc.  It would have been nice to have those things on hand since we were in the hospital nearly a week.


I also wish I would have brought my nursing pillow.  Again, I couldn't have predicted that I would be nursing Benjamin in the hospital for nearly a week, and it would have been really helpful to have the pillow there!

What did I end up not using?

The hospital provides many things that I brought, so I didn't end up using my own stuff.  For example, they will give you some fantastic mesh panties that are very stylish. ;)  But in all honesty, I actually loved them.  You didn't have to care if they got dirty, and it was nice that it was a breathable, LOOSE fabric after everything you've gone through!  The hospital also provides ginormous pads (you'll need them!), breast pads, pumping supplies, etc.  The only thing they didn't have that I was glad I brought was my Lanolin cream.

Well I hope this was somewhat helpful!  I know I will probably look back on it to prepare for any future Baby Wallbanks we might have! :)