The "dog days" of summer are upon us. This past week has graced us with temperatures reaching into the early 100's. I read once that small minds discuss the weather so as to avoid real conversation so I'll sum up my feelings on this stage of summer: I hate it!
Last weekend we traveled to Kentucky for Elio's family reunion. It was his Mom's side of the family. Except for a weekend trip to Wisconsin Dells when Calvin was 5 months old, this was our first family road trip. Let's just say that Calvin did as well as we could expect from a sweaty, energetic 8 month old! He did not like the car ride, did not like sleeping somewhere other than home, did not want to nap, and would not eat baby food. He did; however charm all of the family and put on a good face for all the activities! We ended up having a good time and made lasting memories. Elio was especially thrilled to reconnect with his cousins. I am grateful that God kept us safe and sound through it all! It was a great break from work and the daily routine. Calvin was especially grateful, though, to return to his daily routine. ;)
Calvin has turned into a full fledged BOY. He has a hilarious personality and is doing so many funny things. He loves to play games with us, and his sense of humor is amazing. He now has FOUR teeth! Two on top and two on bottom. His smile is just to die for. He keeps us on our toes and chasing him takes up the majority of our time. I love nursing him and the bond that it has fostered between us. Elio has been so proud of us and so encouraging!
I've felt the "Mama" blues lately. You know, the kind where you feel like all you do is clean, feed the baby, change diapers, do laundry, make dinners, go to work, and then start it all over again the next day. Work has been especially taxing as of late. I've prayed for God to open a new door for me for quite some time now. Apparently His answer is to "Wait". That's quite possibly my least favorite answer, ever...but I will do just that. Wait. I've applied for other positions and I've also felt a calling to possibly move in a different direction altogether. Since Calvin's birth, and even prior, I've always been inspired by Mothers, Birth, Breastfeeding, and Childcare. I've always either taken care of children or worked with children. I'm feeling called into a different direction other than social work, and I'm praying for direction, guidance, and wisdom to know exactly where to go and how to do it! I'm also hoping for more opportunities to reconnect with friends and just have some fun.
Time to go watch TV with my husband. It's the little things that make us happy! :)
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Summer Daze!
I cannot believe it's July! The past couple of months have been a blur of activity and our weekends have been pretty hectic.
Calvin is hilarious! He is now 8 months, and has had so many "firsts" in the past few weeks. He has a tooth! This has not been a fun experience for any of us...screaming, fevers, etc. Teething is NOT fun! We have pushed through it and I am just glad that our boy has his first real tooth! Many more appear to be on their way as well. Yippee! ;)
He can crawl like a big boy using all fours, and it appears that this was only accomplished so that he could crawl to an object and promptly STAND up! He stands in his crib, holding onto chairs or the couch, in his play yard, pretty much anywhere he can get a good grip. This, of course, comes with tumbles and falls which I hate! I know it's all a part of him learning and growing, and he is getting better about knowing to be careful. He is also imitating sounds and facial expressions, like whistling! It's amazing to see him learning so many new things! Calvin is developing by leaps and bounds, and he has sailed through all the "milestones" he needs to achieve thus far...and then some. I am so proud to be his Mama. He sure keeps us all on our toes! He loves to spit, yell, laugh, and play games with us. The boys sure love it when he spits at them! haha.
Summer has sure kept our family busy so far. Projects inside and outside, soccer games, and family outings take up most of our time (besides work, of course). It has been a rainy summer with alot of thunderstorms, so that has been quite the adventure. Running into the house with a 20 pound baby in an equally heavy carseat through torrential rain...or applying huge amounts of sunscreen on a very busy, sweaty baby...hmmm...I think I'll be glad when it's time for fall!
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Calvin is hilarious! He is now 8 months, and has had so many "firsts" in the past few weeks. He has a tooth! This has not been a fun experience for any of us...screaming, fevers, etc. Teething is NOT fun! We have pushed through it and I am just glad that our boy has his first real tooth! Many more appear to be on their way as well. Yippee! ;)
He can crawl like a big boy using all fours, and it appears that this was only accomplished so that he could crawl to an object and promptly STAND up! He stands in his crib, holding onto chairs or the couch, in his play yard, pretty much anywhere he can get a good grip. This, of course, comes with tumbles and falls which I hate! I know it's all a part of him learning and growing, and he is getting better about knowing to be careful. He is also imitating sounds and facial expressions, like whistling! It's amazing to see him learning so many new things! Calvin is developing by leaps and bounds, and he has sailed through all the "milestones" he needs to achieve thus far...and then some. I am so proud to be his Mama. He sure keeps us all on our toes! He loves to spit, yell, laugh, and play games with us. The boys sure love it when he spits at them! haha.
Summer has sure kept our family busy so far. Projects inside and outside, soccer games, and family outings take up most of our time (besides work, of course). It has been a rainy summer with alot of thunderstorms, so that has been quite the adventure. Running into the house with a 20 pound baby in an equally heavy carseat through torrential rain...or applying huge amounts of sunscreen on a very busy, sweaty baby...hmmm...I think I'll be glad when it's time for fall!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Baby on the Go
I am now the parent of a 7 month old, active, hilarious, big baby boy! Over the past few weeks Calvin has grown so much and can do so many new things! He is now crawling, but not with all fours quite yet. He uses all his upper body strength to pull himself wherever his little heart desires...which is usually to something he's not supposed to have! He is SO busy and hard to keep up with! It makes me happy though, because it shows me how unbelievably smart he is. He sure keeps us all on our toes. Changing his diaper and getting dressed has turned into a wrestling match. We cannot get over how strong he is!
Calvin is eating so well, and that makes me so glad. Pumping at work is going great, thank God. People often say "I don't know how you do it", etc. but honestly if you want something badly enough, you just do it. I make the time, make the effort, and we're all happier and healthier because of it! It surprises me though when I get judgement from other women or people saying rude or ignorant comments. I have not judged any of my friends for their feeding choices, and as a woman and now a Mom I don't feel it's right. Having an opinion is one thing, but making me feel uncomfortable or being rude is a whole other problem. As Moms, we have to do what is best for our babies and families, and I feel like we should be nothing but supportive to one another.
Calvin is totally ready for solids, he tries to grab whatever we're eating, is so interested in food, and LOVES trying new things! He likes spinach, broccoli, pears, mangos, rutabaga, carrots, and a few others. It's so fun and I love having him join us for family dinners. I hope he stays open minded about food, and I intend to work on that. The whole "kiddie menu" thing is kind of a turn off for me. I want Calvin to experiment with food and love the experience as much as our family does! I was picky growing up, so I hope that he stays this open to new things. I love cooking and I can't wait to include Calvin in baking and cooking.
His personality is so sweet. He is starting to get stranger anxiety and always looks for Mom or Dad to make sure we're close by. He's sweet and happy to everyone, and he's a huge hit at church.
Some of the "firsts" in Calvin's life lately are pulling himself up to a standing position, sitting up on his own with no support, picking things up with his finger and thumb, "army crawling" everywhere, splashing in the tub, feeding himself with the bottle at the babysitter's house, and smiling with his gums together like a big boy!
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Our family has been through a lot the past few months, and I can't help but wonder why at times. I have to say that God is so good and provides us with exactly what we need, and when we need it! We lost one of our best, loved family pets on Friday. My Dad is still heartbroken, and it was hard on all of us. I'm grateful that she is no longer suffering but it makes us all think about why we even bother getting so attached to pets or even people. A quote that means alot to me and really describes this well is:
Calvin is eating so well, and that makes me so glad. Pumping at work is going great, thank God. People often say "I don't know how you do it", etc. but honestly if you want something badly enough, you just do it. I make the time, make the effort, and we're all happier and healthier because of it! It surprises me though when I get judgement from other women or people saying rude or ignorant comments. I have not judged any of my friends for their feeding choices, and as a woman and now a Mom I don't feel it's right. Having an opinion is one thing, but making me feel uncomfortable or being rude is a whole other problem. As Moms, we have to do what is best for our babies and families, and I feel like we should be nothing but supportive to one another.
Calvin is totally ready for solids, he tries to grab whatever we're eating, is so interested in food, and LOVES trying new things! He likes spinach, broccoli, pears, mangos, rutabaga, carrots, and a few others. It's so fun and I love having him join us for family dinners. I hope he stays open minded about food, and I intend to work on that. The whole "kiddie menu" thing is kind of a turn off for me. I want Calvin to experiment with food and love the experience as much as our family does! I was picky growing up, so I hope that he stays this open to new things. I love cooking and I can't wait to include Calvin in baking and cooking.
His personality is so sweet. He is starting to get stranger anxiety and always looks for Mom or Dad to make sure we're close by. He's sweet and happy to everyone, and he's a huge hit at church.
Some of the "firsts" in Calvin's life lately are pulling himself up to a standing position, sitting up on his own with no support, picking things up with his finger and thumb, "army crawling" everywhere, splashing in the tub, feeding himself with the bottle at the babysitter's house, and smiling with his gums together like a big boy!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our family has been through a lot the past few months, and I can't help but wonder why at times. I have to say that God is so good and provides us with exactly what we need, and when we need it! We lost one of our best, loved family pets on Friday. My Dad is still heartbroken, and it was hard on all of us. I'm grateful that she is no longer suffering but it makes us all think about why we even bother getting so attached to pets or even people. A quote that means alot to me and really describes this well is:
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless--it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”
Sunday, May 8, 2011
First Mother's Day!
Today was such a great day! I was able to sleep in late, had a great time at church, got some fabulous gifts, and spent a wonderful afternoon with my family. This Mother's Day was truly special!
I owe so much of my joy to my husband. I'm so blessed to have a man who takes the time to make sure that I know that my hard work does not go unnoticed.
Calvin is growing by leaps and bounds! He is well over six months and is trying so hard to crawl. He can do a full push up and launches himself forward to get whatever he has his eye on. He's very stubborn and makes it perfectly clear what he wants! Adventures with solid food are so fun as well. We take it slow and just experiment with different flavors to see what he likes and to expose him to different fruits and veggies. It's not a part of his daily routine and it won't be until he's older. So far, he loves mangoes! He also likes avocado. We tried some organic baby oatmeal mixed with mangoes and he loved that. It's such a fun experience for all of us to see his face as we try new things. I would like to make all his food, but the reality is that I won't always have the time so I've been exploring which products I like. Some brands that I've found are Ella's, Happy Baby, Earth's Best, and Plum. All are affordable and completely natural and preservative/pesticide free. Happy Baby, Ella's and Plum are in convenient pouches, it's great! I love our chunky, cute baby. I had to clean out all his drawers and closet and replace them with 6-9 months clothing. Even so, trying to get some things over his head is a challenge. ;) I tell him that just means he's smart...
I'm so blessed and grateful to have a healthy, happy baby boy. God is so good, and our family has learned so many lessons over the past few months! We recently sold one of our vehicles to down size and save money, and I am so grateful it worked out. I'm learning more and more about how what you think may be the worst thing that could happen to you can turn into a blessing in some form or another. Since my Dad is no longer able or wants to use his Jeep, Elio can use it for his work car. We are able to save a significant amount of money and begin to get to a point where we've wanted to be.
Mother's Day has also brought much reflection on how my life has changed! Not only with having a child, but with marriage and some of the trials we've been through, I've definitely come a long way. This time a couple years ago, I was driving a red sports car that I thought I'd always wanted. Now I'm happy to have my "normal" sedan that saves on gas and is safe for Calvin. I used to drop an embarassing amount of money on clothes and shoes, then Elio got laid off for over a year and I learned what's really important is having a fridge full of food. I'm so grateful for how far we've come and celebrating this day together was the perfect reminder of that.
I owe so much of my joy to my husband. I'm so blessed to have a man who takes the time to make sure that I know that my hard work does not go unnoticed.
Calvin is growing by leaps and bounds! He is well over six months and is trying so hard to crawl. He can do a full push up and launches himself forward to get whatever he has his eye on. He's very stubborn and makes it perfectly clear what he wants! Adventures with solid food are so fun as well. We take it slow and just experiment with different flavors to see what he likes and to expose him to different fruits and veggies. It's not a part of his daily routine and it won't be until he's older. So far, he loves mangoes! He also likes avocado. We tried some organic baby oatmeal mixed with mangoes and he loved that. It's such a fun experience for all of us to see his face as we try new things. I would like to make all his food, but the reality is that I won't always have the time so I've been exploring which products I like. Some brands that I've found are Ella's, Happy Baby, Earth's Best, and Plum. All are affordable and completely natural and preservative/pesticide free. Happy Baby, Ella's and Plum are in convenient pouches, it's great! I love our chunky, cute baby. I had to clean out all his drawers and closet and replace them with 6-9 months clothing. Even so, trying to get some things over his head is a challenge. ;) I tell him that just means he's smart...
I'm so blessed and grateful to have a healthy, happy baby boy. God is so good, and our family has learned so many lessons over the past few months! We recently sold one of our vehicles to down size and save money, and I am so grateful it worked out. I'm learning more and more about how what you think may be the worst thing that could happen to you can turn into a blessing in some form or another. Since my Dad is no longer able or wants to use his Jeep, Elio can use it for his work car. We are able to save a significant amount of money and begin to get to a point where we've wanted to be.
Mother's Day has also brought much reflection on how my life has changed! Not only with having a child, but with marriage and some of the trials we've been through, I've definitely come a long way. This time a couple years ago, I was driving a red sports car that I thought I'd always wanted. Now I'm happy to have my "normal" sedan that saves on gas and is safe for Calvin. I used to drop an embarassing amount of money on clothes and shoes, then Elio got laid off for over a year and I learned what's really important is having a fridge full of food. I'm so grateful for how far we've come and celebrating this day together was the perfect reminder of that.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Spring has Sprung...
I love that spring is in the air! It's exciting to think about all the things we will be able to do with Calvin when the weather warms up. I've been thinking a lot lately about myself as a Mom...
I always knew I wanted to be a Mom. I vividly remember a conversation I had with my best friend while I was in college, studying my life away...I told her that the only vocation I feel like I was BORN to do was to be a Mom. I've always taken care of kids. I've helped to raise my three nephews as if they are my own. The oldest, Brandon, was born when I was 12 and I loved giving him bottles, changing his diaper and dressing him. We have a very special bond that I wouldn't change for the world. I've babysat others' kids for money while I was a teenager, nannied in college, and no matter what was going on with my college schedule or work schedule, I always was there for my nephews' games, school programs or just to take care of them. For me it's not hard, its just what you do. Family is everything! God has blessed me with a great family, and no matter how stressful or how "hard" it may get, it's all worth it!
Before Calvin was born, I was very "by the book". I researched everything, read online constantly, and even after he was born I found myself sucked into what you are supposed to do. I've found that now, today, in this moment I am more myself than I ever was or hoped to be. I do what I feel is best for Calvin, I pray for him, and I pray for guidance. Of course I read and ask the Doctor or other Moms for opinions or advice. At the end of the day, though, it's about what I feel is best for him. If Calvin is healthy and happy, then so am I!
I feel like the new question of the day is "how long are you going to breastfeed?" Why is there a time frame on it? Breastfeeding is so beautiful and natural, and we finally have such a good rhythm, why would I want to change that? I actually read a blog online the other day that said it is impossible to work full time and exclusively breastfeed. WELL...nothing is impossible with God and a little hard work, thank you very much. Motherhood has taught me more than ever that if you want something badly enough, or you feel strongly enough about something, you just DO IT. Regardless of others' judgement, opinions, or negativity, you have to do what is best for your baby and your family.
I don't know when this happened, or quite how, but I have realized that in all arenas of my life, I am ME. With my friends, at work, at home, wherever...I feel as if I have come into my own as a woman, wife, and Mother. It's a great feeling, and I feel like I am being the person that God created me to be. Of course, I have inumerable flaws, shortcomings, and moments of insanity but who doesn't? I've learned to embrace the "different" things about myself, and sometimes you just have to laugh!
Also-why should I have to choose between my education and career and motherhood? It shouldn't be an either/or scenario. I feel like so many people label mothers as either a working mom, or a stay at home mom. Aren't we all doing the same job?? Doing the best we can for our families? Although I would love to be able to stay at home with Calvin, my career is a worthwhile one that helps support my family. At work, I do make a difference in the lives of others. If I stayed home, I would still try to do that. I hope to begin my Master's program this fall, and I want to always push myself to go further, to work harder, and to show Calvin that mediocre is never good enough. Even if its just reading books at home, learning new things, or trying new foods, you must always push yourself to be the best you can possibly be!
CALVIN UPDATE:
Our little baby boy is no longer a little baby! In March, he was 15 pounds and on Sunday he will be 6 months old! He is getting so big and learning so many new things. He loves his bouncer chair, and yesterday Mommy and Calvin took a bath together for the first time. He loved the bubbles and playing with his toys. Calvin is trying to crawl and can almost sit up on his own! He tried some pureed bananas and really liked them. We're taking it slow with solids. I see no reason to force him, and babies don't need anything else until they're older. I'm taking it a little bit at a time, and letting him go at his own pace.
Calvin sleeps so well now and has settled into a routine. He is alot like his Mom...if his routine is thrown off he is a maniac. ;)
I always knew I wanted to be a Mom. I vividly remember a conversation I had with my best friend while I was in college, studying my life away...I told her that the only vocation I feel like I was BORN to do was to be a Mom. I've always taken care of kids. I've helped to raise my three nephews as if they are my own. The oldest, Brandon, was born when I was 12 and I loved giving him bottles, changing his diaper and dressing him. We have a very special bond that I wouldn't change for the world. I've babysat others' kids for money while I was a teenager, nannied in college, and no matter what was going on with my college schedule or work schedule, I always was there for my nephews' games, school programs or just to take care of them. For me it's not hard, its just what you do. Family is everything! God has blessed me with a great family, and no matter how stressful or how "hard" it may get, it's all worth it!
Before Calvin was born, I was very "by the book". I researched everything, read online constantly, and even after he was born I found myself sucked into what you are supposed to do. I've found that now, today, in this moment I am more myself than I ever was or hoped to be. I do what I feel is best for Calvin, I pray for him, and I pray for guidance. Of course I read and ask the Doctor or other Moms for opinions or advice. At the end of the day, though, it's about what I feel is best for him. If Calvin is healthy and happy, then so am I!
I feel like the new question of the day is "how long are you going to breastfeed?" Why is there a time frame on it? Breastfeeding is so beautiful and natural, and we finally have such a good rhythm, why would I want to change that? I actually read a blog online the other day that said it is impossible to work full time and exclusively breastfeed. WELL...nothing is impossible with God and a little hard work, thank you very much. Motherhood has taught me more than ever that if you want something badly enough, or you feel strongly enough about something, you just DO IT. Regardless of others' judgement, opinions, or negativity, you have to do what is best for your baby and your family.
I don't know when this happened, or quite how, but I have realized that in all arenas of my life, I am ME. With my friends, at work, at home, wherever...I feel as if I have come into my own as a woman, wife, and Mother. It's a great feeling, and I feel like I am being the person that God created me to be. Of course, I have inumerable flaws, shortcomings, and moments of insanity but who doesn't? I've learned to embrace the "different" things about myself, and sometimes you just have to laugh!
Also-why should I have to choose between my education and career and motherhood? It shouldn't be an either/or scenario. I feel like so many people label mothers as either a working mom, or a stay at home mom. Aren't we all doing the same job?? Doing the best we can for our families? Although I would love to be able to stay at home with Calvin, my career is a worthwhile one that helps support my family. At work, I do make a difference in the lives of others. If I stayed home, I would still try to do that. I hope to begin my Master's program this fall, and I want to always push myself to go further, to work harder, and to show Calvin that mediocre is never good enough. Even if its just reading books at home, learning new things, or trying new foods, you must always push yourself to be the best you can possibly be!
CALVIN UPDATE:
Our little baby boy is no longer a little baby! In March, he was 15 pounds and on Sunday he will be 6 months old! He is getting so big and learning so many new things. He loves his bouncer chair, and yesterday Mommy and Calvin took a bath together for the first time. He loved the bubbles and playing with his toys. Calvin is trying to crawl and can almost sit up on his own! He tried some pureed bananas and really liked them. We're taking it slow with solids. I see no reason to force him, and babies don't need anything else until they're older. I'm taking it a little bit at a time, and letting him go at his own pace.
Calvin sleeps so well now and has settled into a routine. He is alot like his Mom...if his routine is thrown off he is a maniac. ;)
Saturday, March 26, 2011
10 Confessions
Here are ten things I've learned in the past few months!
1. You don't need to take the diaper bag everywhere. Just throw a diaper, a toy, and a burp rag in your purse and you're good.
2. Baby spit up, pee, poop, vomit, snot, etc are still gross when it's your own baby! Everyone says "Ohh when it's your baby it won't be gross". Nope, it's still gross.
3. Get used to doing laundry every day. If you don't, your house will resemble a laundromat and it will smell.
4. Who cares if my baby sleeps next to me?
5. Also, who cares if I get him when he cries? Isn't he supposed to be telling me something is wrong? I don't like the idea of "crying it out". It seems unnatural and I don't like it one bit.
6. The baby doesn't need to be changed all the time. If the onesie has drool all over it, it's not going to hurt anyone.
7. He also doesn't need a bath every day!
8. So what if I let him snooze for a few extra minutes in his carseat if he's sleeping when we get home...sounds like a good nap to me. (Of course I'm watching him closely!)
9. A blanket on the floor, a few toys=a few uninterrupted minutes for me to do some dishes.
10. LAUGH at yourself! When Calvin puked all over our sheets, pillows, and blankets this morning...then smiled the biggest smile, we had to laugh. It's all part of the journey!
1. You don't need to take the diaper bag everywhere. Just throw a diaper, a toy, and a burp rag in your purse and you're good.
2. Baby spit up, pee, poop, vomit, snot, etc are still gross when it's your own baby! Everyone says "Ohh when it's your baby it won't be gross". Nope, it's still gross.
3. Get used to doing laundry every day. If you don't, your house will resemble a laundromat and it will smell.
4. Who cares if my baby sleeps next to me?
5. Also, who cares if I get him when he cries? Isn't he supposed to be telling me something is wrong? I don't like the idea of "crying it out". It seems unnatural and I don't like it one bit.
6. The baby doesn't need to be changed all the time. If the onesie has drool all over it, it's not going to hurt anyone.
7. He also doesn't need a bath every day!
8. So what if I let him snooze for a few extra minutes in his carseat if he's sleeping when we get home...sounds like a good nap to me. (Of course I'm watching him closely!)
9. A blanket on the floor, a few toys=a few uninterrupted minutes for me to do some dishes.
10. LAUGH at yourself! When Calvin puked all over our sheets, pillows, and blankets this morning...then smiled the biggest smile, we had to laugh. It's all part of the journey!
Friday, March 25, 2011
Family Update Time
The daily grind sucked me in for a while, but I think I'm back on track! It's so easy to get caught up in work, laundry, diapers, errands, bills, and lack of sleep. It's time to update friends & family on the goings on around our crazy little house.
Calvin is doing so well and getting SO big! He can roll over like a pro, is trying to crawl, and we've tried cereal but so far he hates it! Of course what Calvin will soon learn if he hasn't learned already is that his Mama is very stubborn and we will just keep on pushing through it...
That has been the theme of our lives lately. Pushing through when you feel like you can't push anymore! When I was in labor with Calvin, I just knew when it was time to push. At first, pushing was a huge relief and I was so excited to just be closer to the end of a very painful labor and to finally meet our boy. Then...I was exhausted. I pushed for 45 minutes which is relatively good for a first time Mom, but it felt like forever. My doctor could see I was losing strength and said "Amanda, you'll almost done. You're just going to have to push through the burn." Honestly, that phrase has stuck with me for the past few months. Dealing with my complicated, sometimes exhausting family situation, my high intensity stressful job, being a first time Mom, and trying to manage a household can take its toll on a girl. It's so easy to get caught up, to lose focus, and to just simply get TIRED.
But you just have to push through the burn. The things that hurt us the most, stretch us to our emotional and physical limits are what makes us the person that God has called us to be.
I am SO blessed, blessed beyond measure. I have truly been trying to focus on the positives. The fact that I have a family who would do anything for me, three nephews who are often like my own kiddos, a husband who adores me and supports me, and a beautiful amazing baby boy is what keeps me going.
God is good, all the time!
Here are some of my new "faves"
-We switched Calvin's bottles because he had been really fighting bottle feedings, choking, and becoming gassy. I am now in LOVE with the Playtex original nurser drop ins. Feeding with the sitter and Dad are so smooth now! The latex nipple (slow flow) is the most natural and he actually "latches" on to it! Disregard my previous blog about the bottles we were using...haha. You live and you learn!!
**Another life lesson about the whole bottle situation: When we made this discovery I really beat myself up about it because someone had given us these bottles as a gift for our baby shower and they sat in a drawer for 5 months before I tried them. If I would have just looked right in front of me, I would have saved tons of money that I wasted on trying all the "fancy" bottles that promised to be best for breast fed babies. I sometimes have to slow myself down and just be more simple. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and Motherhood can turn into a competition. I'm really happy with these bottles now, and so is Calvin. He's still exclusively breast fed and we're taking it one day at a time!
About the whole breastfeeding thing, that has also been a struggle lately! We had smooth sailing for several months, then Calvin decided to go on a "nursing strike". We still have our moments of frustration because it's hard for both of us when I'm away from him at work. Pumping just isn't the same as nursing him. My supply has gone up and down, but we PUSHED through it. The best things in life are not always easy! I also learned through this experience to ask for help. Ask for advice, admit your weaknesses, and learn from the hard time. I'm so grateful to my good friends who are also Moms that encouraged me and gave great advice. I also can't forget to mention my husband, who is BEYOND supportive.
So for now, I'm still nursing and I will do it as long as Calvin is healthy and happy and as long as it continues to be relatively conducive to our lifestyle.
Now for more faves...
-Pampers Swaddlers Diapers (Either "New Baby" or "Sensitive")
We have literally tried EVERY diaper there is. We were so blessed with tons of diapers for our baby shower so we got all brands as gifts. So far, the absolute best is Pampers!
-I'm still in love with Burts Bees Baby products! All natural and they smell so good.
That's all for now!
Calvin is doing so well and getting SO big! He can roll over like a pro, is trying to crawl, and we've tried cereal but so far he hates it! Of course what Calvin will soon learn if he hasn't learned already is that his Mama is very stubborn and we will just keep on pushing through it...
That has been the theme of our lives lately. Pushing through when you feel like you can't push anymore! When I was in labor with Calvin, I just knew when it was time to push. At first, pushing was a huge relief and I was so excited to just be closer to the end of a very painful labor and to finally meet our boy. Then...I was exhausted. I pushed for 45 minutes which is relatively good for a first time Mom, but it felt like forever. My doctor could see I was losing strength and said "Amanda, you'll almost done. You're just going to have to push through the burn." Honestly, that phrase has stuck with me for the past few months. Dealing with my complicated, sometimes exhausting family situation, my high intensity stressful job, being a first time Mom, and trying to manage a household can take its toll on a girl. It's so easy to get caught up, to lose focus, and to just simply get TIRED.
But you just have to push through the burn. The things that hurt us the most, stretch us to our emotional and physical limits are what makes us the person that God has called us to be.
I am SO blessed, blessed beyond measure. I have truly been trying to focus on the positives. The fact that I have a family who would do anything for me, three nephews who are often like my own kiddos, a husband who adores me and supports me, and a beautiful amazing baby boy is what keeps me going.
God is good, all the time!
Here are some of my new "faves"
-We switched Calvin's bottles because he had been really fighting bottle feedings, choking, and becoming gassy. I am now in LOVE with the Playtex original nurser drop ins. Feeding with the sitter and Dad are so smooth now! The latex nipple (slow flow) is the most natural and he actually "latches" on to it! Disregard my previous blog about the bottles we were using...haha. You live and you learn!!
**Another life lesson about the whole bottle situation: When we made this discovery I really beat myself up about it because someone had given us these bottles as a gift for our baby shower and they sat in a drawer for 5 months before I tried them. If I would have just looked right in front of me, I would have saved tons of money that I wasted on trying all the "fancy" bottles that promised to be best for breast fed babies. I sometimes have to slow myself down and just be more simple. It's easy to get caught up in the hype and Motherhood can turn into a competition. I'm really happy with these bottles now, and so is Calvin. He's still exclusively breast fed and we're taking it one day at a time!
About the whole breastfeeding thing, that has also been a struggle lately! We had smooth sailing for several months, then Calvin decided to go on a "nursing strike". We still have our moments of frustration because it's hard for both of us when I'm away from him at work. Pumping just isn't the same as nursing him. My supply has gone up and down, but we PUSHED through it. The best things in life are not always easy! I also learned through this experience to ask for help. Ask for advice, admit your weaknesses, and learn from the hard time. I'm so grateful to my good friends who are also Moms that encouraged me and gave great advice. I also can't forget to mention my husband, who is BEYOND supportive.
So for now, I'm still nursing and I will do it as long as Calvin is healthy and happy and as long as it continues to be relatively conducive to our lifestyle.
Now for more faves...
-Pampers Swaddlers Diapers (Either "New Baby" or "Sensitive")
We have literally tried EVERY diaper there is. We were so blessed with tons of diapers for our baby shower so we got all brands as gifts. So far, the absolute best is Pampers!
-I'm still in love with Burts Bees Baby products! All natural and they smell so good.
That's all for now!
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