We are heading to the beach soon. (Yeah for vacation!) So this means I need a new swimsuit. I have one that fits, but I hate putting on a wet suit, so its best to have two. I got a gift card for mothers day, so I went shopping on Monday.
Man, has my body changed. I now have the boobs I wish I always had, but I also have the permanent inner tube to go with it. I know that size is just a number, and swim suits seem to always run small, but its such a downer!
I tried on several suits. I stick with the Tankinis. One I almost couldn't get back off over my head. I had to hop around the dressing room for a while till it came loose. After trying several, I finally found one that I thought was acceptable. It doesn't show too much cleavage, and it hides the inner tube. Plus its black and white, which is slimming!
I'm not excited about showing myself off at the beach. But I see my shape as a badge of honor. I know I can work hard and get back down to a smaller size. And someday I will. But right now, I'll wear it with pride while I show off my precious little girl.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
What is it about churches?
Abby had her end of the year program at daycare last night. We went, only because each infant gets introduced to everyone. Her class didn't "do" anything, but they wanted all the kids to participate, so we went.
It was at her cranky time. I fed her before we left home, but she didn't have time for her cat nap, so she was extremely fussy. She also seemed to be running a fever.
Each class did a song for the parents. Then, before they handed out diplomas to the 4 year olds, they showed a video of all the kids. Abby got to be the first one they showed! Her perfect little smile opened the show. As the video kept rolling and the music played, I couldn't help but tear up. Sitting in the church pew, I thanked God one more time for giving me my miracle.
The second song they play was Darius Rucker's, She won't be like this for long. That hit me even harder. She's growing so fast. Soon that will be her walking across the stage getting her diploma. I could have ugly cried right there in the pew. I held myself together because I didn't want anyone else to see me! How embarrassing. Gene was the only one that saw me. He confessed he got a little choked up too.
Development happens so fast. Growing happens so fast. JJ will finish 6th grade next week. SIXTH! He's almost taller than me. He likes girls, and clothes, and texting his friends. He eats like a horse. He likes to stay up late and sleep in. He's smart, but not sassy. And, he loves his sister. He's so proud of her. I love seeing them grow together.
It was at her cranky time. I fed her before we left home, but she didn't have time for her cat nap, so she was extremely fussy. She also seemed to be running a fever.
Each class did a song for the parents. Then, before they handed out diplomas to the 4 year olds, they showed a video of all the kids. Abby got to be the first one they showed! Her perfect little smile opened the show. As the video kept rolling and the music played, I couldn't help but tear up. Sitting in the church pew, I thanked God one more time for giving me my miracle.
The second song they play was Darius Rucker's, She won't be like this for long. That hit me even harder. She's growing so fast. Soon that will be her walking across the stage getting her diploma. I could have ugly cried right there in the pew. I held myself together because I didn't want anyone else to see me! How embarrassing. Gene was the only one that saw me. He confessed he got a little choked up too.
Development happens so fast. Growing happens so fast. JJ will finish 6th grade next week. SIXTH! He's almost taller than me. He likes girls, and clothes, and texting his friends. He eats like a horse. He likes to stay up late and sleep in. He's smart, but not sassy. And, he loves his sister. He's so proud of her. I love seeing them grow together.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Family Ties
This weekend we travelled to Charlotte to see family. It was a day trip, just up and back. We went because my cousin graduated from college and they were having a party. Really we went because Grammy was going to be there.
I am trying to take every chance I can get to see Grammy. She's 80. She's not going to be around forever. Her health is, ok. I don't think she would tell us if it was bad though. I'm scared that she could be gone at any moment. Its important that she gets to spend time with JJ and with Abby. I remember two of my great grandmothers. I think its special to have those memories. I hope JJ can see that as well.
Grammy wasn't the only family there. Aunts and cousins were also there too! Including little Josie, who is just 4 months older than Abby. She is just starting to walk, with help of course. It was fun to see how much Abby will change in the next few months. It was also fun to see them playing together. They were very curious about each other. Abby wanted to pinch Josie's cheeks. (Abby has become a grabber)
Most of the extended family was there. We were missing a few people, but it was great to see the ones that were there. They live in Pittsburgh, so its not often that we can get together. Either just weddings or funerals.
Before we went to Charlotte, my parents came up to spend Saturday with us. They just adore Abby. Abby got to go into the pool for the first time. She loved it. Until she got cold. But I think it was more hunger and tiredness that got her than the temperature. We will try again, maybe this weekend.
Everyone, of course, commented on how happy she is. A smile is always on her face. I think she just loves people. Shes not all smiles at home. We have our fits and our moments. She just loves attention, from anyone. At home, when she's not getting it (like when I'm showering, or folding laundry), she will cry and whimper till you hold her. We try not to indulge in that habit. I often tell her I will get her once I'm done doing what it is I'm doing.
The time with family this weekend was short, but sweet. I enjoyed every minute of it. If I could do it every weekend I would. Family is so important. Knowing your family is important. I'm glad we have some family close, some a little closer, but I miss the ones that are far away.
I am trying to take every chance I can get to see Grammy. She's 80. She's not going to be around forever. Her health is, ok. I don't think she would tell us if it was bad though. I'm scared that she could be gone at any moment. Its important that she gets to spend time with JJ and with Abby. I remember two of my great grandmothers. I think its special to have those memories. I hope JJ can see that as well.
Grammy wasn't the only family there. Aunts and cousins were also there too! Including little Josie, who is just 4 months older than Abby. She is just starting to walk, with help of course. It was fun to see how much Abby will change in the next few months. It was also fun to see them playing together. They were very curious about each other. Abby wanted to pinch Josie's cheeks. (Abby has become a grabber)
Most of the extended family was there. We were missing a few people, but it was great to see the ones that were there. They live in Pittsburgh, so its not often that we can get together. Either just weddings or funerals.
Before we went to Charlotte, my parents came up to spend Saturday with us. They just adore Abby. Abby got to go into the pool for the first time. She loved it. Until she got cold. But I think it was more hunger and tiredness that got her than the temperature. We will try again, maybe this weekend.
Everyone, of course, commented on how happy she is. A smile is always on her face. I think she just loves people. Shes not all smiles at home. We have our fits and our moments. She just loves attention, from anyone. At home, when she's not getting it (like when I'm showering, or folding laundry), she will cry and whimper till you hold her. We try not to indulge in that habit. I often tell her I will get her once I'm done doing what it is I'm doing.
The time with family this weekend was short, but sweet. I enjoyed every minute of it. If I could do it every weekend I would. Family is so important. Knowing your family is important. I'm glad we have some family close, some a little closer, but I miss the ones that are far away.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Tiny Tot
At Abby's check up yesterday, she weighed in at 12 pounds, 14 ounces. Almost double her birth weight. Still in the lower percentiles, at 2%. But her curve is increasing, so that's good.
Her height was 24.5 inches. Which also is in the lower percentiles, 3%, but it also is going up.
We've been okayed to eat all she wants. She just needs to consume 16-24 ounces of formula, or breastmilk a day. Its mostly formula now. I'm almost dried up. We travelled last week and that put a hurting on my supply. She doesn't seem to mind though. She'll take whatever she can get. She can put back some food. I was worried that I was feeding her too much, but the pediatrician said to just give her what she wants. As long as she's getting the required amount of fluid, the rest is up to her. He also gave us freedom to puree table food for her. To me that sounds gross, but we might give it a try with meat. He said baby food meat is awful, which I can imagine. I'll have to cook her up some chicken or steak to try.
We can also introduce a sippy cup and some water. Wow! Who knew those things started this early. But I'm glad that she will be able to have something when we go to the beach in a few weeks. I will try to keep her as hydrated as possible, but somehow drinking milk in the warm beach air just doesn't sound appealing to me!
She handled her shots well. She did cry, but she got over it quickly. She was fussy the rest of the evening and she didn't sleep well. But I think she was also having tummy troubles.
She passed her check up with flying colors. All her systems looked great. Still no teeth, but maybe those will come soon!
Her height was 24.5 inches. Which also is in the lower percentiles, 3%, but it also is going up.
We've been okayed to eat all she wants. She just needs to consume 16-24 ounces of formula, or breastmilk a day. Its mostly formula now. I'm almost dried up. We travelled last week and that put a hurting on my supply. She doesn't seem to mind though. She'll take whatever she can get. She can put back some food. I was worried that I was feeding her too much, but the pediatrician said to just give her what she wants. As long as she's getting the required amount of fluid, the rest is up to her. He also gave us freedom to puree table food for her. To me that sounds gross, but we might give it a try with meat. He said baby food meat is awful, which I can imagine. I'll have to cook her up some chicken or steak to try.
We can also introduce a sippy cup and some water. Wow! Who knew those things started this early. But I'm glad that she will be able to have something when we go to the beach in a few weeks. I will try to keep her as hydrated as possible, but somehow drinking milk in the warm beach air just doesn't sound appealing to me!
She handled her shots well. She did cry, but she got over it quickly. She was fussy the rest of the evening and she didn't sleep well. But I think she was also having tummy troubles.
She passed her check up with flying colors. All her systems looked great. Still no teeth, but maybe those will come soon!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Mothers Day
People kept congratulating me on my first Mothers Day. While yes, it is my first mothers day with my own biological child, it's not my first mothers day. For 4 years, JJ has celebrated me. He always makes or gets me a gift, and he always calls to tell me happy mothers day.
Mothers Day was surreal. The night before I felt like it was the night before my birthday, or Christmas. It was hard to believe that day was finally here. Even though, I've had 4 previous Mother's Day, it just felt different.
It does feel different with a child of your own. I got to spend the day with her. We snuggled and played in bed till it was time to get ready for church. We had lunch with friends. The weather was perfect and so was Abby. She's so easy going with people. She did get fussy when she was tired, but she settled right down and took a nice little nap.
When we got home, I did a little packing for our trip to Ohio, while she took another short nap. After that, I was able to work on a sewing project while she played on the floor. Sitting upright is awesome! I was so excited to be able to be crafty again. I made a little pinafore dress. Its almost complete. I just need to add the buttons to the front. Its not perfect, but I think its pretty darn good, and cute too. I think I'm going to take it to get her monogram on it (how southern is that!) I'm hoping it fits, I haven't tried it on her yet. If not, I have enough fabric to size it down and try again.
I'm so extremely grateful for the ability to have this day. There was a point in my life were I didn't think I would, were I would always just get a phone call. It breaks my heart that there are other women out there struggling. I hate when science fails, or miracles don't happen, or there isn't enough money, or time, or patience. Everyone who wants to be a mother should have a choice to be a mother.
I never thought I could love something so much. Sure, being a mother isn't easy. Its downright exhausting. It's not always fun. But its a challenge, and I love a challenge. I love seeing Abby exploring and learning new things. I love to watch her sleep peacefully. I love to see her with her Dad or with her brother. The sweet innocent giggles, the whole neck hugs, and the shoulder snuggles. Its magical.
Mothers Day was surreal. The night before I felt like it was the night before my birthday, or Christmas. It was hard to believe that day was finally here. Even though, I've had 4 previous Mother's Day, it just felt different.
It does feel different with a child of your own. I got to spend the day with her. We snuggled and played in bed till it was time to get ready for church. We had lunch with friends. The weather was perfect and so was Abby. She's so easy going with people. She did get fussy when she was tired, but she settled right down and took a nice little nap.
When we got home, I did a little packing for our trip to Ohio, while she took another short nap. After that, I was able to work on a sewing project while she played on the floor. Sitting upright is awesome! I was so excited to be able to be crafty again. I made a little pinafore dress. Its almost complete. I just need to add the buttons to the front. Its not perfect, but I think its pretty darn good, and cute too. I think I'm going to take it to get her monogram on it (how southern is that!) I'm hoping it fits, I haven't tried it on her yet. If not, I have enough fabric to size it down and try again.
I'm so extremely grateful for the ability to have this day. There was a point in my life were I didn't think I would, were I would always just get a phone call. It breaks my heart that there are other women out there struggling. I hate when science fails, or miracles don't happen, or there isn't enough money, or time, or patience. Everyone who wants to be a mother should have a choice to be a mother.
I never thought I could love something so much. Sure, being a mother isn't easy. Its downright exhausting. It's not always fun. But its a challenge, and I love a challenge. I love seeing Abby exploring and learning new things. I love to watch her sleep peacefully. I love to see her with her Dad or with her brother. The sweet innocent giggles, the whole neck hugs, and the shoulder snuggles. Its magical.
Friday, May 10, 2013
Totally Tubular
I got one. A tube in my ear yesterday. One of the worst pains I've ever experienced. I was not prepared for that.
I described it to Gene like this... you know when you stick a q-tip in your ear, just a little too far and you get that piercing pain. Imagine that for 30 seconds at a time, a little break, and then again. Repeat 5 or six times. Oh and in between, stick a suction tube in your ear (like the thing at the dentist), and have it tickle your ear for a few seconds. He applied lidocaine to the ear drum, but my ear drum is all scar tissue. So I don't think it did a damn thing. I certainly didn't feel numb. It felt like he had to do a lot of extra digging. He seemed to request things that the nurse wasn't ready for, so I got the assumption that it wasn't a easy as it should be.
I wanted to jump off the table. When I left, my whole body hurt from cramping up. And, I was nauseous and dizzy, but the nurse said that's normal. Probably from my body rapidly adjusting to not having all that fluid in the inner ear. He said there was a lot of fluid. I can understand why they anesthetize small children. It only took 5 minutes, but that was the worst 5 minutes!
I got immediate relief from swishing sound. I still have a ringing but its subsiding. I can hear better, but I'm not sure its as good as the left ear. That might not get better till the tube comes out. I'm not really sure. The doctor really didn't give me time to ask questions. He was very personable, but really quick. I understand that there are patients to see, and time is money, but I would have appreciated a little more time.
I go back in a month for a check up. Hopefully I never have to do this again. If I do, I'm going to need a sedative to get me through it.
I described it to Gene like this... you know when you stick a q-tip in your ear, just a little too far and you get that piercing pain. Imagine that for 30 seconds at a time, a little break, and then again. Repeat 5 or six times. Oh and in between, stick a suction tube in your ear (like the thing at the dentist), and have it tickle your ear for a few seconds. He applied lidocaine to the ear drum, but my ear drum is all scar tissue. So I don't think it did a damn thing. I certainly didn't feel numb. It felt like he had to do a lot of extra digging. He seemed to request things that the nurse wasn't ready for, so I got the assumption that it wasn't a easy as it should be.
I wanted to jump off the table. When I left, my whole body hurt from cramping up. And, I was nauseous and dizzy, but the nurse said that's normal. Probably from my body rapidly adjusting to not having all that fluid in the inner ear. He said there was a lot of fluid. I can understand why they anesthetize small children. It only took 5 minutes, but that was the worst 5 minutes!
I got immediate relief from swishing sound. I still have a ringing but its subsiding. I can hear better, but I'm not sure its as good as the left ear. That might not get better till the tube comes out. I'm not really sure. The doctor really didn't give me time to ask questions. He was very personable, but really quick. I understand that there are patients to see, and time is money, but I would have appreciated a little more time.
I go back in a month for a check up. Hopefully I never have to do this again. If I do, I'm going to need a sedative to get me through it.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Seis on Cinco
6 months! I can't believe its been 6 months. Holy cow has it gone by fast. I can't wait to go for her check up to see how much she's grown. I can guess, given her growth patten that she's closer to 12 pounds now, and have grown at least an inch or 2.
Abby, you are still the most pleasant baby. You are happy, all the time. You really only get fussy when you are hungry, or tired. You do still get bored, and you want someone to play with you, and you'll cry out for that. But most of the time, you are content. You love people. You love hanging out with people. You love looking at people. You are very serious when you are taking in a new situation and new people. People tell me they've never seen such a content and happy baby.
You love to give hugs. You really like to grasp things. Especially my hair. But you love earrings and necklaces too. You love to grabs cheeks and noses. You're fascinated with feeling peoples features. I love that you enjoy exploring. You are completly fascinate with exploring my face when you nurse. I have to hold you arm back because you can't stop poking my face.
You've improved so much with your sleeping this month. Most of the time you will just wake up once a night now. And on a work day, you will wake up when its time for me to get up. Some nights, you can make it all night. Which is wonderful, but we haven't gotten 2 nights in a row of that yet. You are easy to put down at night. Sometimes you like to nurse to sleep, sometimes you'll fall peacefully in our arms, and sometimes you'll get restless and when we set you down, you go off to dreamland on your own.
You love to eat. There isn't something you've tried that you haven't liked. You were so into the cereal that we decide to try some purees. I know they say wait till 6 months, but you were so ready. We've tried sweet potatoes, apples, squash, and green beans and you love them all. You are also a champ at eating oatmeal and rice cereal. You've sucked on a few pieces of fruit, but you drop them on the floor and Woody eats them. I'm excited to see what other foods you will enjoy eating.
Last week, you learned to sit up on your own. You're still very unstable, so you don't stay long, but we practice every day and you are getting so much better. You are going to have so much more fun playing upright. Right now you get excited and start flapping your arms and you fall over. So far, you haven't cried once when you fall. We just set you back up and you go right back to flapping!
Sitting up has also allowed you to now ride in the seat of the shopping cart. You got to see a whole new world at the Publix on Friday. We bundled you around your blankey, but you had so much fun being able to turn your head and look at everything. We are going to have so much fun shopping together.
You love your brother very much. You love to watch him play on the ipad. He enjoys waking up with you in the mornings. You love laying in his bed and petting his hair. He loves to help you play in the jumperoo. He also loves to feed you, and you both enjoy making a big mess.
You are finally in 3-6 month clothes. Mostly because a lot of the 0-3 were out of season. Its starting to get warm enough that we didn't need long sleeves anymore, and they days that we did, we have plenty of 3-6 to wear. Summer is coming and its time to start wearing shorts. You have tons of cute little shorts to wear, and sundresses. I have one swimsuit already for you and Nana is getting another one. I can't wait to play in the pool with you. You love the bath, so I think you will love the pool.
We are transition to size 2 diapers. Once all the ones we have are gone, we are done. The twos are still slightly big around your waist, but the ones are cutting into your legs. We got a stock pile of twos that have been in the closet since last summer. I'm ready to get into those and get them out of there.
You love all your toys. The jumperoo is fun. You love sophie the giraffe. You love your monkey and your keys. You love to play with paper towels and napkins. You love your paci (daddy named it leroy this weekend since Woody barks when we call it Pappy). You love your nuk paci's the best, but this morning you took a MAM paci for the first time. Sometimes you will fall asleep with one, and sometimes not. But usually when you wake up at night, we can put it in your mouth and you will fall back asleep. Daddy isn't as fast as Mommy as getting it back in in the dark.
Abby, you have been a blessing. I'm grateful everyday to have this experience with you. I love you with all my heart, more than you can ever imagine.
Abby, you are still the most pleasant baby. You are happy, all the time. You really only get fussy when you are hungry, or tired. You do still get bored, and you want someone to play with you, and you'll cry out for that. But most of the time, you are content. You love people. You love hanging out with people. You love looking at people. You are very serious when you are taking in a new situation and new people. People tell me they've never seen such a content and happy baby.
You love to give hugs. You really like to grasp things. Especially my hair. But you love earrings and necklaces too. You love to grabs cheeks and noses. You're fascinated with feeling peoples features. I love that you enjoy exploring. You are completly fascinate with exploring my face when you nurse. I have to hold you arm back because you can't stop poking my face.
You've improved so much with your sleeping this month. Most of the time you will just wake up once a night now. And on a work day, you will wake up when its time for me to get up. Some nights, you can make it all night. Which is wonderful, but we haven't gotten 2 nights in a row of that yet. You are easy to put down at night. Sometimes you like to nurse to sleep, sometimes you'll fall peacefully in our arms, and sometimes you'll get restless and when we set you down, you go off to dreamland on your own.
You love to eat. There isn't something you've tried that you haven't liked. You were so into the cereal that we decide to try some purees. I know they say wait till 6 months, but you were so ready. We've tried sweet potatoes, apples, squash, and green beans and you love them all. You are also a champ at eating oatmeal and rice cereal. You've sucked on a few pieces of fruit, but you drop them on the floor and Woody eats them. I'm excited to see what other foods you will enjoy eating.
Last week, you learned to sit up on your own. You're still very unstable, so you don't stay long, but we practice every day and you are getting so much better. You are going to have so much more fun playing upright. Right now you get excited and start flapping your arms and you fall over. So far, you haven't cried once when you fall. We just set you back up and you go right back to flapping!
Sitting up has also allowed you to now ride in the seat of the shopping cart. You got to see a whole new world at the Publix on Friday. We bundled you around your blankey, but you had so much fun being able to turn your head and look at everything. We are going to have so much fun shopping together.
You love your brother very much. You love to watch him play on the ipad. He enjoys waking up with you in the mornings. You love laying in his bed and petting his hair. He loves to help you play in the jumperoo. He also loves to feed you, and you both enjoy making a big mess.
You are finally in 3-6 month clothes. Mostly because a lot of the 0-3 were out of season. Its starting to get warm enough that we didn't need long sleeves anymore, and they days that we did, we have plenty of 3-6 to wear. Summer is coming and its time to start wearing shorts. You have tons of cute little shorts to wear, and sundresses. I have one swimsuit already for you and Nana is getting another one. I can't wait to play in the pool with you. You love the bath, so I think you will love the pool.
We are transition to size 2 diapers. Once all the ones we have are gone, we are done. The twos are still slightly big around your waist, but the ones are cutting into your legs. We got a stock pile of twos that have been in the closet since last summer. I'm ready to get into those and get them out of there.
You love all your toys. The jumperoo is fun. You love sophie the giraffe. You love your monkey and your keys. You love to play with paper towels and napkins. You love your paci (daddy named it leroy this weekend since Woody barks when we call it Pappy). You love your nuk paci's the best, but this morning you took a MAM paci for the first time. Sometimes you will fall asleep with one, and sometimes not. But usually when you wake up at night, we can put it in your mouth and you will fall back asleep. Daddy isn't as fast as Mommy as getting it back in in the dark.
Abby, you have been a blessing. I'm grateful everyday to have this experience with you. I love you with all my heart, more than you can ever imagine.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Gone
The freezer stash of breast milk is gone. There wasn't much there to begin with, and it was going to expire, so I used it. (I also forgot to put up what I pumped yesterday, so it worked out, I guess).
I've enjoyed breastfeeding, but I haven't loved it. Sure, its convenient, and I think that's why I've kept doing it, even though I know I have a low supply. Its just so nice to pop the boob in her mouth in the middle of the night. I think that's the only reason that's keeping me doing it.
She's getting a 50/50 mix at daycare right now. And that's stretching my 50. Somedays its 60/40, some even 70/30. She doesn't care what she gets, or how she gets it. She loves to eat. She doesn't complain. Although when I give her a bottle, she tries to root around at my boob.
We've started solids. She loves the oatmeal and rice. We've also tried sweet potatoes, apples, and squash. She's loved them all. I've mixed them in with the oatmeal. She did better with a thicker texture. I love seeing her face when she gets a new flavor in her mouth. She can put away some cereal. Most of the time I start her with 4 tablespoons, if I'm going to mix it with purees (which is half a container). Sometimes she wants 5 tablespoons. One night she ate 6 and an entire container of sweet potatoes! The pedi said she could have as much as she wanted, so that's what we are doing. I'm just glad to see her put a little meat on her bones.
I feel guilty that she might be small because she's never gotten enough milk. That's always been a concern of mine, but the lacation consultants have not been concerned and her weighed feedings have always been good. I've tried to believe in that, but at times, especially when she cluster fed, it was very hard.
She goes back to the doctor for her 6 month check up in two weeks. I can't wait to see how much she's grown. I know she's still petite, but I've noticed a big change in her size lately. Her little legs look so chunky now.
Its also time, I guess, to look into weaning. It would be nice to continue to breastfeed while I'm at home (mornings and evenings), and just suppliment formula during the day, but I don't know if or how that will work. I'm so over pumping at work. I love the break, but its such a pain to be tied to the pump every 3 hours. Especially when I'm only pumping out 2 ounces at a time! I feel no satisifaction from pumping.
I hadn't really set any goals for breast feeding. I didn't know what to expect, so I just went with it. I guess that helps make the transition easier. I'm sure when its all over with, I'll miss it.
I've enjoyed breastfeeding, but I haven't loved it. Sure, its convenient, and I think that's why I've kept doing it, even though I know I have a low supply. Its just so nice to pop the boob in her mouth in the middle of the night. I think that's the only reason that's keeping me doing it.
She's getting a 50/50 mix at daycare right now. And that's stretching my 50. Somedays its 60/40, some even 70/30. She doesn't care what she gets, or how she gets it. She loves to eat. She doesn't complain. Although when I give her a bottle, she tries to root around at my boob.
We've started solids. She loves the oatmeal and rice. We've also tried sweet potatoes, apples, and squash. She's loved them all. I've mixed them in with the oatmeal. She did better with a thicker texture. I love seeing her face when she gets a new flavor in her mouth. She can put away some cereal. Most of the time I start her with 4 tablespoons, if I'm going to mix it with purees (which is half a container). Sometimes she wants 5 tablespoons. One night she ate 6 and an entire container of sweet potatoes! The pedi said she could have as much as she wanted, so that's what we are doing. I'm just glad to see her put a little meat on her bones.
I feel guilty that she might be small because she's never gotten enough milk. That's always been a concern of mine, but the lacation consultants have not been concerned and her weighed feedings have always been good. I've tried to believe in that, but at times, especially when she cluster fed, it was very hard.
She goes back to the doctor for her 6 month check up in two weeks. I can't wait to see how much she's grown. I know she's still petite, but I've noticed a big change in her size lately. Her little legs look so chunky now.
Its also time, I guess, to look into weaning. It would be nice to continue to breastfeed while I'm at home (mornings and evenings), and just suppliment formula during the day, but I don't know if or how that will work. I'm so over pumping at work. I love the break, but its such a pain to be tied to the pump every 3 hours. Especially when I'm only pumping out 2 ounces at a time! I feel no satisifaction from pumping.
I hadn't really set any goals for breast feeding. I didn't know what to expect, so I just went with it. I guess that helps make the transition easier. I'm sure when its all over with, I'll miss it.
Thursday, May 2, 2013
another dimension
It looks like we have a sitter! Abby can sit, momentarily, by herself. Of course, I'm right there to catch her when she falls over. She can catch herself if she goes to the front, but if she falls to the back or to the side, she's not sure what to do.
I can't believe this is happening so fast! She will be 6 months on Sunday!
I'm excited that this will open a world of opportunities for her. She will love playing so much more this way. I'll love playing more this way. Woody has already discovered he can lick her face better this way. I think I should just let the two of them lick each other and get it over with. I've been trying to keep mouths away from one another, but maybe I should just do it and be done with it!
She'll still need support for a while, until she can control her upper body. But for now its fun to see her sitting on the floor, playing with her toys. I'm hoping soon she can ride in the shopping cart. She's so curious, she doesn't like being constrained in the Moby. She wiggles so much, I still have to keep a hand on her, and that's not really helpful. Maybe if I can get assistance this weekend, I can try her in the cart. I don't want to be stuck alone with her and not be able to manage the cart and the kid. Although, I prefer to go shopping alone, so I will have to really think on this one!
I can't believe this is happening so fast! She will be 6 months on Sunday!
I'm excited that this will open a world of opportunities for her. She will love playing so much more this way. I'll love playing more this way. Woody has already discovered he can lick her face better this way. I think I should just let the two of them lick each other and get it over with. I've been trying to keep mouths away from one another, but maybe I should just do it and be done with it!
She'll still need support for a while, until she can control her upper body. But for now its fun to see her sitting on the floor, playing with her toys. I'm hoping soon she can ride in the shopping cart. She's so curious, she doesn't like being constrained in the Moby. She wiggles so much, I still have to keep a hand on her, and that's not really helpful. Maybe if I can get assistance this weekend, I can try her in the cart. I don't want to be stuck alone with her and not be able to manage the cart and the kid. Although, I prefer to go shopping alone, so I will have to really think on this one!
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