Everyone with a baby knows how important it is to establish a night routine so that the baby can actually go to sleep instead of fighting it. It takes time to figure out what time he want to go down at, what does he enjoy before bed, how much does he want to eat...and when all that is figured out you are ecstatic!
But of course you learn that babies love to change everything up on you. We were so proud of ourselves for establishing a night routine with David that he seemed to enjoy and understand that it's bed time. It has been working for us for awhile now...so why all of a sudden does he have a problem with it?
We go upstairs to take a bath, get him dressed for bed, swaddle him up like a burrito (yes he still enjoys being swaddled and I will continue until he says no more), then feed him, he falls asleep on the bottle, and then he gets put down into his bed. But lately when it comes time for feeding he decides to throw a fit. He chokes, yells, and/or cries. What's his problem????
Eventually we get him to actually eat his food and put him into bed for him to relax and fall asleep. One day he falls asleep within minutes and other days I go up and down the stairs to calm him down. If possible I try not to pick him up and rock him to sleep but after 10 trips in and out of his room I usually give up and rock him to sleep. Just as usual, David wins.
So I guess we're back to our usual spot...trying to figure out what David wants and once that's figured out he's going to have a problem with something else.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Healthy Baby, Mommy, & Daddy
One minute you're feeding your baby what you know is the healthiest for him, and the next you're reading articles how everything you've thought is no longer recommended. There are changes to what babies should eat, drink, watch, and play with constantly. Don't these researchers know they're making it hard for us mommies!
Based on tradition, rice cereal should be a baby's first solid. When David was ready for solids I read blogs and articles about if rice cereal really is a good first food. Of course everyone has their own opinion, and after my own research I felt that rice cereal wasn't necessary for David but instead a tasty avocado. Recently I read an article discussing the top topics that pediatricians read in 2011 regarding changes and the #1 topic is whether rice cereal is necessary...check out the site http://www.drgreene.com/blog/2011/12/09/what-your-pediatrician-reading.
Then I hear about the breaking news of unhealthy levels of arsenic being found in apple juice and rice. David doesn't drink apple juice or eat rice so I have nothing to worry about. But this brought on an interesting point...who knows what other foods have toxins in it. We don't know what the hell the government is doing and unfortunately we won't know. The current recommendation regarding the unhealthy arsenic level in rice is to purchase organic. Since day 1 of David eating solids, I've been buying only organic for him. Some say it's not necessary, especially for certain foods. But after these recent articles I am happy that I've always been buying organic for David because who knows what the next food is that is going to have toxins in it.
These articles got me thinking about not only David's health but Gene's and my health as well. David needs a healthy mommy and daddy so I decided that we need to be eating organic as a family. I've always purchased certain organic food, such as diary. But nowadays I feel like you can't trust diary, meats, produce...nothing. So I guess our grocery shopping is going to be more expensive now, but at least our health is prioritized.
Based on tradition, rice cereal should be a baby's first solid. When David was ready for solids I read blogs and articles about if rice cereal really is a good first food. Of course everyone has their own opinion, and after my own research I felt that rice cereal wasn't necessary for David but instead a tasty avocado. Recently I read an article discussing the top topics that pediatricians read in 2011 regarding changes and the #1 topic is whether rice cereal is necessary...check out the site http://www.drgreene.com/blog/2011/12/09/what-your-pediatrician-reading.
Then I hear about the breaking news of unhealthy levels of arsenic being found in apple juice and rice. David doesn't drink apple juice or eat rice so I have nothing to worry about. But this brought on an interesting point...who knows what other foods have toxins in it. We don't know what the hell the government is doing and unfortunately we won't know. The current recommendation regarding the unhealthy arsenic level in rice is to purchase organic. Since day 1 of David eating solids, I've been buying only organic for him. Some say it's not necessary, especially for certain foods. But after these recent articles I am happy that I've always been buying organic for David because who knows what the next food is that is going to have toxins in it.
These articles got me thinking about not only David's health but Gene's and my health as well. David needs a healthy mommy and daddy so I decided that we need to be eating organic as a family. I've always purchased certain organic food, such as diary. But nowadays I feel like you can't trust diary, meats, produce...nothing. So I guess our grocery shopping is going to be more expensive now, but at least our health is prioritized.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
The Wonders of Breastmilk
David has had a stuffy nose for the past couple of weeks already. I can tell that it's not comfortable for him to eat from his bottle at times because his nose is so stuffed...poor boy!
I've been using a nasal spray for babies before bed and throughout the day. Also, his humidifier is on all night and during all his naps. It doesn't seem to be getting better! I know it's the season for stuffy noses but my little guy is uncomfortable with this!
My aunt suggested spraying a few drops of my breastmilk into his nose. My initial thought, "Crazy Russian traditions." But last night I decided to Google this crazy cure. After reading some blogs and articles on this, it started to make sense. Breastmilk has antibodies so it should help...that's why when a baby is sick you need to breastfeed often.
So today I decided to give this weird cure a try. Poor David didn't enjoy it - I think he's used to the nasal spray going through his nose not his tasty milk. But it worked :) His stuffy nose isn't all gone...I had to do it twice today. But he sounds better than the other days. Who knew that breastmilk has multi-purposes!
I've been using a nasal spray for babies before bed and throughout the day. Also, his humidifier is on all night and during all his naps. It doesn't seem to be getting better! I know it's the season for stuffy noses but my little guy is uncomfortable with this!
My aunt suggested spraying a few drops of my breastmilk into his nose. My initial thought, "Crazy Russian traditions." But last night I decided to Google this crazy cure. After reading some blogs and articles on this, it started to make sense. Breastmilk has antibodies so it should help...that's why when a baby is sick you need to breastfeed often.
So today I decided to give this weird cure a try. Poor David didn't enjoy it - I think he's used to the nasal spray going through his nose not his tasty milk. But it worked :) His stuffy nose isn't all gone...I had to do it twice today. But he sounds better than the other days. Who knew that breastmilk has multi-purposes!
Monday, December 5, 2011
Time for the Holidays
This weekend was a very productive holiday weekend! This time of the year is my favorite. I love Christmas trees, holiday music, Santa, and all the bright lights. I will make sure that David will love the holidays as much as I do. I'm starting off early by teaching him to love this.
On Saturday we went to the city to walk around the Christmas Village and drink some hot chocolate. This was David's first time in the city - so that was exciting. He loved it! The lights, the people, the music was all exciting to him...and me. By the end he was getting antsy because he was sitting the entire time. He's not used to that. His usual routine is to be either jumping around in his jumperoo or rolling around the living room. So for 4 hours he was not his usual active self. He definitely made up for all the inactivity once we got home. He was wilding out. He didn't know if he wanted to jump, roll, or yell. So he did all at one time :)
Sunday we got a tree! Every year we get a very puffy tree and decorate the entire house. Some may think that I go a little overboard with my tree decorations, but I'm just giving the tree some sazz. And this year our tree doesn't just have sazz but a very specific personality. She does not want to stand straight! We decked her out and an hour later down she goes. Thank god my friend, Lady A, was standing next to the tree so she caught it with her back. Yes, you heard it correctly...Lady A caught my Christmas tree decked out in lights and ornaments with her back (she does cross-fit).
Poor Gene spent 30 minutes trying to get the tree to stand straight and for whatever reason she was refusing. We ended up putting a ginormous Intermediate Accounting book under the tree stand and it worked! Finally this $200 book came to use. But of course our tree top star broke, like it does every year. For some reason, our tree tops refuse to live more than a year long. We've been getting a tree top annually. I think it's time to invest in an expensive tree top with hopes that it's life span will be longer than one holiday season.
This morning I was nervous to come down and see the tree plopped on the floor with shattered ornaments. Luckily she was not on the floor! But she was once again refusing to stand up, so now we have a tree leaning fully on one side of the wall with a star tree top hanging of the tree top. One good part of this is that David is too young to come to the tree and pull the ornaments off. I'm sure next year I'll be having fun with that.
On Saturday we went to the city to walk around the Christmas Village and drink some hot chocolate. This was David's first time in the city - so that was exciting. He loved it! The lights, the people, the music was all exciting to him...and me. By the end he was getting antsy because he was sitting the entire time. He's not used to that. His usual routine is to be either jumping around in his jumperoo or rolling around the living room. So for 4 hours he was not his usual active self. He definitely made up for all the inactivity once we got home. He was wilding out. He didn't know if he wanted to jump, roll, or yell. So he did all at one time :)
Sunday we got a tree! Every year we get a very puffy tree and decorate the entire house. Some may think that I go a little overboard with my tree decorations, but I'm just giving the tree some sazz. And this year our tree doesn't just have sazz but a very specific personality. She does not want to stand straight! We decked her out and an hour later down she goes. Thank god my friend, Lady A, was standing next to the tree so she caught it with her back. Yes, you heard it correctly...Lady A caught my Christmas tree decked out in lights and ornaments with her back (she does cross-fit).
Poor Gene spent 30 minutes trying to get the tree to stand straight and for whatever reason she was refusing. We ended up putting a ginormous Intermediate Accounting book under the tree stand and it worked! Finally this $200 book came to use. But of course our tree top star broke, like it does every year. For some reason, our tree tops refuse to live more than a year long. We've been getting a tree top annually. I think it's time to invest in an expensive tree top with hopes that it's life span will be longer than one holiday season.
This morning I was nervous to come down and see the tree plopped on the floor with shattered ornaments. Luckily she was not on the floor! But she was once again refusing to stand up, so now we have a tree leaning fully on one side of the wall with a star tree top hanging of the tree top. One good part of this is that David is too young to come to the tree and pull the ornaments off. I'm sure next year I'll be having fun with that.
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Happy 6 Months!
I can't believe that it has already been 6 months since I heard the most amazing sound - the cry of my son. On June 3rd I met the most beautiful, sweetest, and perfect person! Everyday he amazes me simply by smiling.
It's crazy for me to think that my son is already 6 months old, rolling, eating solids, and attempting to sit. A few months ago these accomplishments felt so far away and now they're here. I can't even imagine what I will feel like when he takes his first steps and especially when he says "Mama."
I knew that I would love my son, but I never understood that it's not just love that I have for him. I'm definitely obsessed with him! He can do no wrong in my eyes. After waking up every hour throughout the night, he smiles at me in the morning and all that is forgotten. That one second smile is all worth it.
It's crazy for me to think that my son is already 6 months old, rolling, eating solids, and attempting to sit. A few months ago these accomplishments felt so far away and now they're here. I can't even imagine what I will feel like when he takes his first steps and especially when he says "Mama."
I knew that I would love my son, but I never understood that it's not just love that I have for him. I'm definitely obsessed with him! He can do no wrong in my eyes. After waking up every hour throughout the night, he smiles at me in the morning and all that is forgotten. That one second smile is all worth it.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Helloooo Veggies
When David was 1 month old he was VERY gassy and in pain from his gas, so I turned to Google to help me out. I came across some information - David was reacting to me eating vegetables. Prior to coming to this conclusion I observed if it can be anything else, such as diary. I noticed that once I eliminated all vegetables from my diet he was feeling better.
As for me, I was hating this. I love to eat vegetables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My dinners didn't feel complete without a side of broccoli or zucchini. But if Mr. David was gassy from it then it wasn't in my diet. I thought that he might be reacting to some specific vegetables instead of all so I tried eating one vegetable at a time and seeing how he reacted. Of course he reacted to all of them. I stopped experimenting and completely eliminated veggies.
When David was 3 months old I decided to try and reintroduce vegetables into my diet again. I read many articles and research that said by 3 months MOST babies were able to tolerate vegetables. Yup, that wasn't the case for David. Screaming and crying from his gassiness! Back to not eating vegetables :(
A few weeks ago I took the chance of reintroducing vegetables back into my diet and the verdict is....WELCOME BACK VEGGIES! I have missed salads and delicious, healthy sides for my dinner. But now I have a greater appreciation for my vegetables!
As for me, I was hating this. I love to eat vegetables for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My dinners didn't feel complete without a side of broccoli or zucchini. But if Mr. David was gassy from it then it wasn't in my diet. I thought that he might be reacting to some specific vegetables instead of all so I tried eating one vegetable at a time and seeing how he reacted. Of course he reacted to all of them. I stopped experimenting and completely eliminated veggies.
When David was 3 months old I decided to try and reintroduce vegetables into my diet again. I read many articles and research that said by 3 months MOST babies were able to tolerate vegetables. Yup, that wasn't the case for David. Screaming and crying from his gassiness! Back to not eating vegetables :(
A few weeks ago I took the chance of reintroducing vegetables back into my diet and the verdict is....WELCOME BACK VEGGIES! I have missed salads and delicious, healthy sides for my dinner. But now I have a greater appreciation for my vegetables!
How Much More Pumping?
Since I started this blog recently, most of you don't know that I exclusively pump because David was too lazy to latch on and eat properly. At first I barely got 18 oz. in a 24 hour period and David was eating 27 oz. at that time. With LOTS of pumping I was able to build up my supply to about 45 oz. and David eats between 35-40 oz.
I started saving my milk in the freezer and now this is what it looks like (plus some more at my mom's house).
I know, not bad. But my goal is to have enough breastmilk until David is at least 1 year old. It's hard to say if I have enough saved because he enjoys his milk so he still eats a lot. But over the past week I haven't been strict with myself to be pumping every 2 hours. If I was out or busy doing stuff around the house I ended up missing a pumping session. Over a few days my milk supply went down. This got me thinking whether it's time for me to slowly reduce my pumping sessions.
David definitely has enough milk for the next few months, but is it enough for longer than that? I'm so annoyed of pumping already so I definitely want to stop sometime soon, but I feel guilty stopping and not knowing if he will have enough until he's ready to stop eating his milk. Decisions, decisions.
I started saving my milk in the freezer and now this is what it looks like (plus some more at my mom's house).
David definitely has enough milk for the next few months, but is it enough for longer than that? I'm so annoyed of pumping already so I definitely want to stop sometime soon, but I feel guilty stopping and not knowing if he will have enough until he's ready to stop eating his milk. Decisions, decisions.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)