We put a discovery mirror in P's room. Apparently Bailey was enjoying discovering as well.
Man she is cute.
Happy Discovery!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
The next Michael Phelps!
P is officially a "swimmer"!
There is a swim school in our area called Emler and frankly even before we got pregnant, I was dying to go! I couldn't wait until we had our own little ones because lets be honest, there is nothing cuter than baby bathing suits or babies swimming.
I looked online and found that Emler offered a class called Bathtub Babies that is for 2 to 5 month-olds and is used as an introduction to water and swimming. Awesome! This was just what I was looking for...but how much? I dug around some more and realized that...holy crap...it was FREE!!! I did have to pay a $25 registration fee but the classes were free from now until the end of the session which is in January. They meet every Saturday at 1:15. I couldn't sign up fast enough!
Grammy came with to be the official photographer and videographer and let me just say that we had a blast! I'm sure P loved it because he didn't cry and frankly he knew he was the smartest and cutest baby there.
This is more of an introductory class so we don't submerge the babies yet but we did lots of different things and every activity had a fun song that went with it!
We floated on our back!
And on a raft!
We rode Mr. Duck!
And we bounced!
Oh and P got to wear these ROCKIN' swim pants...I mean how cute are these?! (They have to wear 2 pair...just in case.)
It was an awesome experience and so much fun! I am so excited to have the time to spend with P and I cant wait until next week!
Happy Swimming!
There is a swim school in our area called Emler and frankly even before we got pregnant, I was dying to go! I couldn't wait until we had our own little ones because lets be honest, there is nothing cuter than baby bathing suits or babies swimming.
I looked online and found that Emler offered a class called Bathtub Babies that is for 2 to 5 month-olds and is used as an introduction to water and swimming. Awesome! This was just what I was looking for...but how much? I dug around some more and realized that...holy crap...it was FREE!!! I did have to pay a $25 registration fee but the classes were free from now until the end of the session which is in January. They meet every Saturday at 1:15. I couldn't sign up fast enough!
Grammy came with to be the official photographer and videographer and let me just say that we had a blast! I'm sure P loved it because he didn't cry and frankly he knew he was the smartest and cutest baby there.
This is more of an introductory class so we don't submerge the babies yet but we did lots of different things and every activity had a fun song that went with it!
We floated on our back!
And on a raft!
We rode Mr. Duck!
"Round and round and round we go...round we go...round we go. Round and round and round we go...riding on Mr Duck...quack quack!"
And we bounced!
It was an awesome experience and so much fun! I am so excited to have the time to spend with P and I cant wait until next week!
Happy Swimming!
Oh and this picture is just funny because the little girl behind us kept trying to pull her mom's swim top off. Apparently someone was hungry! Oh and P looks pretty much traumatized in this picture...I swear he had fun!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Reasonable Accomodations
So we are breast feeding and plan on doing it for as long as we can during P's first year. It really has more to do with being cheap than opposing formula.
Well since I am not around my kid when I am at work and he still has to eat, we all know what that means....well maybe not everyone knows....but that means pumping or as I affectionately call it...milking.
We wont get into the politics behind it (although I did vote for Obama so HA) but part of the recent Health Care Reform, now requires employers to provide women a "“reasonable break time” and a private, non-bathroom place to express breast milk during the workday, up until the child’s first birthday". When I was still pregnant I heard about this but didn't want to bring it up to my boss. Being that I am the other half of our department of two, I already felt bad enough that I was going to be taking time off and then to ask for a private place to express my boob juice, just felt like it was asking a lot...ridiculous, I know.
Anyways...because we do have female managers that work out in the field, one of our regional directors actually brought it to my boss's attention and created the perfect platform for me to bring it up as well. I volunteered to have Hubby come up and put blinds on my door (I have my own office) or hell, I would even settle for newspaper if necessary. It doesn't bother me any, I was just thrilled that there might be an option for me other than in the bathroom...which don't get me wrong would be fine but lets be honest, its not ideal. It was decided as a company that we would take it on a case by case basis and make reasonable accommodations where necessary.
Anyways, while I was gone, my boss had blinds installed on my door....awesome!
The first time to pump came around and don't get me wrong, I was nervous because hello...although I used a cover up that my awesome bestie gave me, its still kind of weird. I mean my boob is just out and about at work...in public. I just sucked it up though, got my stuff out and pulled down the blinds...
well hmmm...
I had a friend do a walk by and she assured me that nothing could be seen but it still made me laugh. My boss chatted me on Google Chat and the conversation went something like this:
My boss: "Do your blinds not go all the way down?"
Me: "No"
My boss: "I'm sorry, I thought they did. Feel free to put something in the gap if you want."
Me: "I had Leslie walk by and she said you cant see anything so as long as no one crawls by my office, we should be good."
My boss: "All crawlers will be sent to the HR department."
(This is funny because its funny and because he and I ARE the HR department!)
So I started pumping and all was well. I was switching sides when one of our regional directors came by and stood in front on my door, clearly confused as to why I had blinds and why they were down. So what would any logical person do in that situation...he bent down and looked under them....LOL....
I politely and of course while giggling said "give me just a second...". I finished and then went to find him. This is also funny because he is probably one of the nicest and most modest people in our company. He immediately apologized, looking totally embarrassed. I assured him that it was no big deal, to which he matter of factly replied..."I guess that is what they mean by reasonable accommodations". And dont worry, I reported him to the HR department.
Happy Pumping!
Well since I am not around my kid when I am at work and he still has to eat, we all know what that means....well maybe not everyone knows....but that means pumping or as I affectionately call it...milking.
We wont get into the politics behind it (although I did vote for Obama so HA) but part of the recent Health Care Reform, now requires employers to provide women a "“reasonable break time” and a private, non-bathroom place to express breast milk during the workday, up until the child’s first birthday". When I was still pregnant I heard about this but didn't want to bring it up to my boss. Being that I am the other half of our department of two, I already felt bad enough that I was going to be taking time off and then to ask for a private place to express my boob juice, just felt like it was asking a lot...ridiculous, I know.
Anyways...because we do have female managers that work out in the field, one of our regional directors actually brought it to my boss's attention and created the perfect platform for me to bring it up as well. I volunteered to have Hubby come up and put blinds on my door (I have my own office) or hell, I would even settle for newspaper if necessary. It doesn't bother me any, I was just thrilled that there might be an option for me other than in the bathroom...which don't get me wrong would be fine but lets be honest, its not ideal. It was decided as a company that we would take it on a case by case basis and make reasonable accommodations where necessary.
Anyways, while I was gone, my boss had blinds installed on my door....awesome!
The first time to pump came around and don't get me wrong, I was nervous because hello...although I used a cover up that my awesome bestie gave me, its still kind of weird. I mean my boob is just out and about at work...in public. I just sucked it up though, got my stuff out and pulled down the blinds...
well hmmm...
I had a friend do a walk by and she assured me that nothing could be seen but it still made me laugh. My boss chatted me on Google Chat and the conversation went something like this:
My boss: "Do your blinds not go all the way down?"
Me: "No"
My boss: "I'm sorry, I thought they did. Feel free to put something in the gap if you want."
Me: "I had Leslie walk by and she said you cant see anything so as long as no one crawls by my office, we should be good."
My boss: "All crawlers will be sent to the HR department."
(This is funny because its funny and because he and I ARE the HR department!)
So I started pumping and all was well. I was switching sides when one of our regional directors came by and stood in front on my door, clearly confused as to why I had blinds and why they were down. So what would any logical person do in that situation...he bent down and looked under them....LOL....
I politely and of course while giggling said "give me just a second...". I finished and then went to find him. This is also funny because he is probably one of the nicest and most modest people in our company. He immediately apologized, looking totally embarrassed. I assured him that it was no big deal, to which he matter of factly replied..."I guess that is what they mean by reasonable accommodations". And dont worry, I reported him to the HR department.
Happy Pumping!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Back to Work
Monday was my first day back to work after the birth of P. How it has already been 8 weeks is beyond me but we won't go there. On one hand, shocking I know, I didn't want to go back. I didn't want to leave our tiny (well...tiny-ish) and precious baby while I went out and made that money! I am fearful of missing everything. Missing the smiles, the giggles, the cooing...everything. But then I had to snap out of it and realize, hey...working moms rock and my mom worked while I was growing up and I am pretty normal so he is going to be fine.
On the other hand though...I actually was kind of looking forward to going back. I feel selfish saying that but I was. Our office is super small, like 11 people small, so I totally missed everyone in the office. We are like a little family. Frankly I spend more waking hours with them than Hubby so what do you expect.
P will actually be hanging out with Grammy during the day for a few months so that has helped both mentally and financially. I know he is in good hands and Grammy just LOVES spending time with him. When I pick him up she fills me in on what they did during the day. Peek-a-boo. Story time (they finished Robin Hood already). Tummy time. And of course sugar time!
It is definitely going to be an adjustment, probably for both of us but in the long run, I think it will be good for him to be socialized once he is in daycare and frankly we don't have a choice so he is going to have to go. I know everyone has an opinion on SAHM versus working moms but in the end, this is the choice that works best for us and while it is hard...it is going to be great for everyone! And...I have some pretty hilarious daycare stories from my 12 years in child care so if nothing else, it will give him more things to talk about during his therapy sessions when he is older!
Happy Working!
On the other hand though...I actually was kind of looking forward to going back. I feel selfish saying that but I was. Our office is super small, like 11 people small, so I totally missed everyone in the office. We are like a little family. Frankly I spend more waking hours with them than Hubby so what do you expect.
P will actually be hanging out with Grammy during the day for a few months so that has helped both mentally and financially. I know he is in good hands and Grammy just LOVES spending time with him. When I pick him up she fills me in on what they did during the day. Peek-a-boo. Story time (they finished Robin Hood already). Tummy time. And of course sugar time!
It is definitely going to be an adjustment, probably for both of us but in the long run, I think it will be good for him to be socialized once he is in daycare and frankly we don't have a choice so he is going to have to go. I know everyone has an opinion on SAHM versus working moms but in the end, this is the choice that works best for us and while it is hard...it is going to be great for everyone! And...I have some pretty hilarious daycare stories from my 12 years in child care so if nothing else, it will give him more things to talk about during his therapy sessions when he is older!
Happy Working!
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Monday, August 23, 2010
Two Months!
P had his two month check up last week! He is up to 12 pounds and 23-1/2 inches. WOW! The doc asked what we were feeding him and Hubby the occasion steak when he has been good!
I can't believe two months has come and gone. Everyone warns how fast it will go but seriously...it goes fast. It feels like just yesterday we were driving home with him in the middle of the night, getting home and looking at each other like..."now what?!".
When I think back to this time last year, it just amazes me. I was SO ready to start a family but we still were not sure as to when to start trying. I was SO worried about not being able to get pregnant. I was SO worried that being on the pill for 10 years would affect my chances and abilities to get pregnant. I was SO worried that we would never be "ready", whether that was financially or emotionally or anything...
but here we are...
and it is wonderful.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Grandpa Joe
Grandpa Joe is Hubby's dad. He lives in Louisiana and made his first visit to see P this past weekend.
He was smitten from the moment he walked in.
P was pretty enthralled too.
Can you see the pride?! I love it!
Three Generations. Absolutely Priceless.
Happy Family!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Love at first sight?!
So our friends had a baby last October...I can't believe she is already nine months. Our friends live in College Station and last time they were in town, their daughter wasn't feeling good so they decided not to bring her over when they came to meet P for the first time.
Well...they finally met and frankly, we all feel that it might have just been love at first sight...
Well...maybe not.
Well...maybe so?!
Yep! I think we should go ahead and start planning the wedding now!
Happy Babies!
Monday, August 16, 2010
I apologize...
I apologize for the silly look of my blog today. I am trying to revamp but can't quite find anything I love. Bear with me and I promise it will be looking better soon!!
Happy Monday!
Happy Monday!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
And the baby cries....
When P was first born, he slept...and slept...and slept. He cried occasionally but not really that often. SWEET! We have created the perfect baby!
Being a new mom...I blame my naivety. He is no longer so silent. BUT I will say, it is oddly less annoying when it is your own kid crying than any other kid. That being said...at 3:00AM, it is still difficult.
I think the hard part is trying to figure out what he wants. Although it would feel less urgent, if he laughed when he was hungry...it would be so much easier! I know this is just another phase...I can't imagine he will cry when he is hungry forever...right...?! 24 and crying when he wants a bowl of cereal...but then again at 24 I hope he isn't crying to ME when he wants a bowl of cereal...
Oh and I think he is going to start crying actual tears soon. For those of you who don't know (because I sure didn't), their tear ducts aren't fully functioning when they are born therefore when they cry, there are no tears...which makes it a lot less painful as a mother when you cant figure out what the hell he wants...but I fear when the tears come...it will pretty much be heartbreaking. Ill keep you posted.
Happy Faces!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Check out this new blog!
My bestie started a parenting blog! You should check it out! She has her PhD so she knows what she is talking about.
Avant Garde Parenting
Happy Reading!
Avant Garde Parenting
Happy Reading!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The Pups!
One question we have been asked repeatedly is how the dogs are adjusting. We brought P home at around 1:00AM after he was born and needless the say, the dogs were a bit confused...
"Where have you been?"
"Why did Grammy and Grumps feed us and why was it so late?" and
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT NOISE?"
Bubba was immediately curious and wanted to sniff, sniff, sniff. I figured this would be the case because he is our protector and every other child that has been in our house, he has been fascinated with and immediately goes for a big mouth kiss!
Vegas (the princess) was confused, annoyed, and just barked every time P made a noise. This was difficult at 1:00AM after being tired, sore, and overwhelmed. It was stressful and I was scared.
Bailey was scared to death. She had no idea what this thing was and why it was here. Get it away.
Six and a half weeks later however....Bubba is still just as curious and is thrilled that I will actually let him kiss P's tiny little fingers. Yes I let him...don't judge! Vegas has actually come to terms with P's existence and she actually sniffs him and kisses him and doesn't bark when he cries anymore...thank God. Bailey is coming around. She still jumps when I put P near her BUT she is a lot more curious and willing to give him a sniff and occasional kiss on the ear. She is coming around.
They still bark just as loud as they did when I was pregnant. They still go C-R-A-Z-Y when people come over and P isn't even phased. We are turning into one big happy family!
Happy Life!
"Where have you been?"
"Why did Grammy and Grumps feed us and why was it so late?" and
"WHAT THE HELL IS THAT NOISE?"
Bubba was immediately curious and wanted to sniff, sniff, sniff. I figured this would be the case because he is our protector and every other child that has been in our house, he has been fascinated with and immediately goes for a big mouth kiss!
Vegas (the princess) was confused, annoyed, and just barked every time P made a noise. This was difficult at 1:00AM after being tired, sore, and overwhelmed. It was stressful and I was scared.
Bailey was scared to death. She had no idea what this thing was and why it was here. Get it away.
Six and a half weeks later however....Bubba is still just as curious and is thrilled that I will actually let him kiss P's tiny little fingers. Yes I let him...don't judge! Vegas has actually come to terms with P's existence and she actually sniffs him and kisses him and doesn't bark when he cries anymore...thank God. Bailey is coming around. She still jumps when I put P near her BUT she is a lot more curious and willing to give him a sniff and occasional kiss on the ear. She is coming around.
They still bark just as loud as they did when I was pregnant. They still go C-R-A-Z-Y when people come over and P isn't even phased. We are turning into one big happy family!
Happy Life!
Monday, August 9, 2010
Random Thoughts
I'm back! I apologize for my absence, it's not like I haven't had things to share...just finding the time to share them!
Things are going well...we are slowly but surely figuring each other out. Parenthood is definitely an adjustment and a lot to learn. Totally worth it but at times extremely overwhelming.
The first week or so were extremely emotional for me. I had been warned of and heard about the "baby blues" but never really knew what people were talking about. Well now I do. I cried A LOT that first week or two. For no reason in particular, just when reading P a story (yes I was attempting to read to a newborn...I know), listening to a classical song on my iPod, or even when coming home from Target (yes I actually left the house when he was a newborn...I was stir crazy) and seeing a little boy playing in the park. Hubby would walk into the bathroom and find me sobbing, and all he could do was laugh. Not laugh at me, but just laugh at the hormones. It was helpful as I attempted to do the same.
P and I also struggled with feeding in the beginning. Things were going well enough for us to leave the birth center with no issues but once my milk came in...it was all down hill. On day five after a few awful days that involved 90 minute feedings, him crying, me crying, etc...we finally went and visited with a lactation consultant. She was an angel with bad teeth (sorry...I know that mean but they were!)! She fixed our issues within 5 minutes of being there and P and I have never looked back! Those struggles didn't help with the emotional turmoil I was in. When you are already feeling overwhelmed, stressed about how to actually BE a mother, and then you can't feed your child...it was a lot to take in. BUT we got help and are doing good! (Moral of the story here...don't be afraid to ask for help and listen to everyone when they say to give breastfeeding at least 2 weeks. It is the hardest job EVER but if you get things working right, it will pay off!)
Then there is the sleeping. We all know about those struggles. As of now...we are getting there. We are taking each day at a time and Hubby and I are figuring out that P likes to fill his belly before bed. Last night he ate roughly 8+ oz! Yes...our SIX WEEK OLD! Wild. He is apparently going to take after his parents in the love for food/appetite department!
Then there is the whole..."WHO THE HELL IS THIS PERSON?!" thing. I "knew" him in my belly. I knew he liked to kick me on my left side. I knew he had the hiccups ALL THE TIME. I knew that he tended to be active during the day and sleep at night. I knew that he was an awesome baby that led to an awesome pregnancy. But now that he is out, I have to get to know him without being able to communicate with him. It is hard but gives me a whole new understanding for unconditional love.
Regardless of the struggles, when I look at him, I just cant believe he is here. It is nothing short of WILD. I prayed and wished and hoped for a baby for so long and now he is here and he is perfect. I worried and stressed about not being able to get pregnant or something happening during my pregnancy but he is here. I don't know how people could continue to doubt the existence of God after this experience. It really is a miraculous process and I cant imagine going through it with anyone else.
Happy Baby!
Things are going well...we are slowly but surely figuring each other out. Parenthood is definitely an adjustment and a lot to learn. Totally worth it but at times extremely overwhelming.
The first week or so were extremely emotional for me. I had been warned of and heard about the "baby blues" but never really knew what people were talking about. Well now I do. I cried A LOT that first week or two. For no reason in particular, just when reading P a story (yes I was attempting to read to a newborn...I know), listening to a classical song on my iPod, or even when coming home from Target (yes I actually left the house when he was a newborn...I was stir crazy) and seeing a little boy playing in the park. Hubby would walk into the bathroom and find me sobbing, and all he could do was laugh. Not laugh at me, but just laugh at the hormones. It was helpful as I attempted to do the same.
P and I also struggled with feeding in the beginning. Things were going well enough for us to leave the birth center with no issues but once my milk came in...it was all down hill. On day five after a few awful days that involved 90 minute feedings, him crying, me crying, etc...we finally went and visited with a lactation consultant. She was an angel with bad teeth (sorry...I know that mean but they were!)! She fixed our issues within 5 minutes of being there and P and I have never looked back! Those struggles didn't help with the emotional turmoil I was in. When you are already feeling overwhelmed, stressed about how to actually BE a mother, and then you can't feed your child...it was a lot to take in. BUT we got help and are doing good! (Moral of the story here...don't be afraid to ask for help and listen to everyone when they say to give breastfeeding at least 2 weeks. It is the hardest job EVER but if you get things working right, it will pay off!)
Then there is the sleeping. We all know about those struggles. As of now...we are getting there. We are taking each day at a time and Hubby and I are figuring out that P likes to fill his belly before bed. Last night he ate roughly 8+ oz! Yes...our SIX WEEK OLD! Wild. He is apparently going to take after his parents in the love for food/appetite department!
Then there is the whole..."WHO THE HELL IS THIS PERSON?!" thing. I "knew" him in my belly. I knew he liked to kick me on my left side. I knew he had the hiccups ALL THE TIME. I knew that he tended to be active during the day and sleep at night. I knew that he was an awesome baby that led to an awesome pregnancy. But now that he is out, I have to get to know him without being able to communicate with him. It is hard but gives me a whole new understanding for unconditional love.
Regardless of the struggles, when I look at him, I just cant believe he is here. It is nothing short of WILD. I prayed and wished and hoped for a baby for so long and now he is here and he is perfect. I worried and stressed about not being able to get pregnant or something happening during my pregnancy but he is here. I don't know how people could continue to doubt the existence of God after this experience. It really is a miraculous process and I cant imagine going through it with anyone else.
Happy Baby!
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