Happy half-birthday Carson!

Whoa. These last couple of months flew by, and somehow, my baby turned six months old.

Look at those toes!

For me, six months is really the beginning of baby-hood. So many "firsts" happen right around six months...

First time sitting the the stroller without the car seat.

First time swimming. I love that he can wear sunscreen now!

First time he slept through the night, although it hasn't happened again.

First food- avocado.

Stats: I've been borrowing my friend's baby scale to weigh him weekly and I'm happy to say he weighs 14 lbs 6 oz! His 6 month appointment is not for two more weeks but I am excited to hear his "official" growth stats. He is wearing 3-6 month clothes depending on the style. They seem to make t-shirts so big (3 months) and he's wearing 6 month onesies. In pants/shorts he can wear some 6 month and 3 month bottoms depending on the length. I put him in a pair of 3 month elastic pants the other day and they were snug but long. Other bottoms are way to short in the 3 month size but fall off his waist. Carter's brand ( 6 months) seem to fit him the best.

Eating: Carson nurses every 3 1/2 to four hours, and since his doctor appointment with little-to-no weight gain, he drinks a 3 ounce bottle after the four daytime nursing sessions. He started solids at 5 1/2 months and his first food was avocado. Since then I have also introduced sweet potatoes, but due to a rash by his elbow (allergy related?) he's back to just avocado until it clears up. I am offering him a sippy cup of water with his meals too. He'll get the hang of it eventually.

Activities and Milestones:  This guy is all smiles! He is obsessed with his sister and tends to always keep her within view. He likes to play in the Exersaucer, sit in the Bumbo, and push and roll himself around the family room. We took down the swing last week and am happy to have some space back!

Just this week he started sitting up. He's still a little shaky and topples over after getting too excited. In my opinion, this is a HUGE milestone. He loves his new view and I love not feeling like I need to lay on the floor to look him in the eye.

He's also started getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. I'm not expecting crawling any time soon but it is great to see he has the strength to lift his body up.

Sleeping: ...like a Rock Star! Well, at least his naps are awesome. He naps at 8:15 and then again around 12/1 for about two hours each nap. (About twice a week he takes 3 naps.) Hooray for sleep training! It has made a huge difference for all of us.

His bedtime is between 6:30 and 7:00 pm depending on the time he woke up from his nap/ if he took a third nap. He usually falls asleep while nursing, but if he doesn't it's no big deal...he can put himself to sleep! He wakes up with the birds but is fine chilling in his crib until about 6:30 am (sunrise). Just this past week he went from waking two times at night to just once. Awesome. Sleeping through the night is just around the corner.

He's not always smiling, but almost!

Discovering the grass. He did not want to be on that blanket!

Happy half-birthday Carson!

Numbers don't lie {Carson's weight update}

Two weeks ago I found out that Carson (4.5 months old) was not even on the charts for his weight. After spending the last two weeks boosting my supply Carson has gained only 1.5 ounces, and for perspective's sake, only 7 ounces in the last 7 weeks.

Weight gain FAIL. 

Those numbers don't lie...but Carson's charming personality, gummy grim, and the fact that he's meeting all of his milestones, makes me wonder about those numbers.

Everyone who meets him thinks he looks as healthy as can be. One of my friends was surprised he was as slim as I said he was. Another said he looked heavier after just a few days of diligently boosting my supply. (I have very nice friends!) Today at our play date I expressed the concerns with Carson's weight gain and it seemed half of the parents had the same issue with their own child or knew someone who did. This was very reassuring!  

We do have a new plan to prove that he CAN gain weight. In addition to keeping up with the fenugreek and pumping, I will offer Carson a bottle after each nursing session. Breast milk until my freezer stash dwindles, then breast milk mixed with formula to eventually transition his tummy to formula bottles.  

Even with all the reassurance I have gotten from parents, I still can't help but wonder why my milk isn't helping Carson pack on the pounds. Unlike my nursing experience with Leila, nursing Carson has been a breeze.

Carson's next "weigh in" is Wednesday the 21st. I am trying not to go there with the "what ifs..." but of course I have a plan just in case.

The best words of assurance I have received thus far, "You will tackle this challenge like you do every other in your life." I told you I have awesome friends!

Care to share your tiny baby stories and what worked for you?

Boosting my supply...again

We went to Carson's four month doctor appointment this week. I was very anxious to get his stats.  There's something exciting about learning how big and tall your child is and where they fall on the growth chart!

I knew Carson was a tiny guy, but can see him growing out of his clothes. I see him meeting milestones like rolling over, laughing, consolidating his sleep, etc. I was aware that he is much smaller than other babies his age, but really had no reason to be worried. 

Until now.

Carson IS growing...he has grown 3 inches (25 1/4 inches = 37%) in the past two months and his head continues to grow at an average rate too.  But his weight is low, like not-even-on-the-growth-chart low. At four months and 2 weeks old, Carson weighs under 12 pounds, 11 lbs 14 oz to be exact. Slim boy!

Having a tiny baby is not new to me. At four months old, Leila was 10 lbs 15 oz, although unlike Carson, actually made it on the growth chart. Barely. I was working full time at this point in Leila's life and not able to pump enough breast milk for her while I was at work. She started on formula, in addition to my milk, at the four month mark. By seven months our breastfeeding days were over and she had formula until she was one. She gained weight rapidly after being on formula. By ten months she weighed 19 lbs and was in the 50th percentile on the weight growth chart. Two years later...she only weighs 26 lbs. Slim girl!

Jeff and I make tiny children. That is a fact. Carson is showing the same growing patterns as Leila did this early in life. So on one hand, logic tells me not to worry, he will gain weight on his own time. On the other hand, I cannot help but wonder if there is another issue.

Can being TOO happy be an issue?

The nurse practitioner Carson saw on Monday (who also happens to be a certified lactation consultant) recommended that I supplement with formula or find a breast milk donor. Ummm, no and no. I made it clear that I wanted to continue exclusively breastfeeding Carson for as long as possible. She was on board, shared the story of her own slim son, and made some recommendations on how I could boost my milk supply.

So that's where we are today, working on boosting my supply. I am taking fenugreek and blessed thistle to increase my milk. I am feeling confident this will work after our earlier experience with no weight gain (from five days old until two weeks old) was successful. In addition, I am pumping between most feedings and storing it for a later time. (For some reason she doesn't want me to feed it to him.) I was also directed to eat oatmeal two times a day. I have taken it upon myself to make Betsylife's No Bake Peanut Butter Energy Bites and Milkin' Mamas Lactation Cookies. Both are delicious and have milk boosting ingredients.

I made a few changes to the cookie recipe. Comment if you want to know more!

We have a follow-up weight check on Monday, August 12th. Until then I am doing my best to boost my supply. I am not naive to the fact that I may have to supplement, but at this point I am taking it one recommendation at a time.

Any recommendations for boosting my milk supply?

Carson's fourth month

Guess who's no longer a newborn...

...this guy!

Carson turned four months old on July 14th. The four month mark brought a lot of changes. He's growing out of his 0-3 month clothing, especially the footed pajamas and onesies. His four month doctor appointment isn't until July 29th so I will know his official growth stats at the end of the month. Although he is bigger than Leila was at this age, he's still a little peanut. 

I think he's starting to look more like me, and less like his Uncle Jay, but still looks like a boy. (Isn't that strange how that works?!) 

Eating: Carson nurses every 3 1/2 to four hours around the clock, with one slightly longer stretch between feedings at night. He'll take a bottle, but doesn't need to very often anymore since I am home with him full time. We are not planning to start solids with him until he's closer to six months old. Hopefully the timing will work out perfectly with my return to work in September.

Activities and Milestones:  Carson is the happiest little guy. Besides being overtired and having some bad gas, nothing really makes him cry. His newest tricks include laughing, rolling from belly to back, eating his toes, drooling buckets, and grasping lightweight toys. He still slumps over in the Bumbo seat but likes the different view nonetheless.

Sleeping: Between months three and four things got a little rough in the nap department. I could no longer rock Carson to sleep and gently place him in the Rock and Play (or anywhere for that matter). This prompted earlier than usual nap sleep training, just three days before he turned four months old. Now he naps 2-3 times a day. His first two naps are at home in either his crib or in the Pack and Play in our room and (hopefully) last anywhere from 1.5-2.5 hours). Nap #3 happens where ever it may...the swing, Ergo carrier, car seat, etc.  

Days after we began sleep training we ditched the swaddle at night. He had busted out of the Miracle Blanket one too many times and has found his fingers soothing. He loves sleeping on his belly and the swaddle blanket just doesn't allow that safely.

I am so excited to say he's finally sleeping in his crib at night too! I was waking up with his every move, so after a very sleepless night I decided it was time to move him downstairs with Leila. So far so good...

Each new stage brings new joys and challenges. I am enjoying his longer awake periods in the afternoons and some quiet time while he naps. Next on the agenda, rolling from back to belly so he can easily choose his favorite sleeping position.

Carson's second month

Days with Carson are just what you'd expect as a mom of a two month old. Some are easier than others.  Some seem to repeat themselves. Some seem too short and some too long. But all of them are filled with love.

Alert!

Blowing bubbles

Carson is just under 10 lbs at two months old. He's a tiny little guy. He just outgrew newborn sized diapers and has been wearing 0-3/ 3 month clothing for a few weeks now. Some of the bottoms are too big on him around the waist but the newborn ones are too short.

Eating: He's nursing every 2.5-3 hours during the day until bedtime. While I'm at work he takes 4 oz bottles of pumped milk just as often. He's a spitter-upper (Is that a real word?) especially after a bottle. Carson is waking up twice at night to nurse, around 1 am- 2 am and again around 5 am. We go back to sleep after both wakings except on work days I usually have to get moving right away.

Activities: He's into his play mat and is especially fond of the changing table. Something catches his eye there and makes him smile and talk. He prefers tummy time on the Bobby and is really getting strong. I've seen him kick around so hard that he scoots to the edge of the blanket.

Sleeping: During the day Carson sleeps mostly in the Ergo. It's a guaranteed long-enough nap. Luckily he loves it because we are on the go a lot. Carson's been getting swaddled and rocked to sleep at bedtime by me. Lately he's been getting increasingly more difficult to put to sleep. Lauren, my sleep coach friend, suggested starting his bedtime routine earlier by 15 minutes. Carson and Leila now have the same 7:45 bedtime. Jeff does the bedtime routine with Leila and I take Carson. (How does someone with three kids work that out?!) Jeff and I both go to bed early too!

Carson is a sweet easy going guy so far. He has been the perfect addition to our family!

Carson's first month

It's been one month since Carson came into our life. He sure has shaken things up a bit! 

For the first two weeks of his life my parents, aunt, and uncle were staying nearby at a beach rental. They helped me ease into being a mom of two kids. They spent a lot of time with Leila, helped with dinners, did the laundry, and supported me in general. It was awesome.

After they left, it took me a few days to venture out with both kids alone. Once we did, I felt confident going out daily. Success! Carson has been to the park a few times, to his best friend Kai's house, an indoor play place, the grocery store, the bank, his Aunt Val's work, and for walks along the bay.

At one month Carson sleeps and eats most of the day and night. Luckily he loves sleeping in the Ergo (not that he would have a choice) because it allows Leila and me to go out during the day. At night he's sleeping in the Rock 'n Play for 4-5 hour stretches. I love this sleep (and am fully aware that it might not last).

Carson gained a bunch of weight this past week after what seemed like a 24 hour nursing session. At one month old he weighs 8 lbs 4 oz. That’s an 11 ounce gain in one week! He’s still a little guy though. He is wearing newborn diapers and newborn sized clothing. Not for long...if he keeps stretching out like this he's going to need bigger sleepers.

I swear this boy makes more messes at one month old than I thought possible. Am I stereotyping him? It's true. He spits up or poops on just about every outfit he wears. Laundry has doubled this past month.

Hey…I’m one month old!

Leila Lately {2.5 years old}

These days Leila is full of surprises.  She surprises us daily with her words (okay, sentences), her imagination, and her actions.  She's a typical two and a half year old...always changing, always moving, always lovable. 

Leila loves playing pretend.  One minute she is pretending to be a firefighter, the next a princess, and the next she's in a marching band (insisting that we all march along).  She plays basketball with a felt lettuce head and then is serving it to us and invisible Elmo in the next breath.  Empty yogurt cups turn into cupcakes baking in the oven and then a sidewalk for the lid she is using as a car.   Don't even try to suggest to Leila what she might be doing, because trust me, she doesn't like suggestions.  "No, that's not a tower.  It's a train."  What?!  Our typical response is, "Oh, of course it is."  Smile.

Leila loves adventure too.  In the mornings, or after nap time,  she asks what we are going to do to or where we are going.  She's up for anything!  Leila has been spending a lot of time at  the beach house with my parents, aunt, and uncle.  Earlier this week my dad and uncle took her on the city bus and then on the trolley downtown San Diego.  She has mentioned the humongous ships ever since.

If she could eat pancakes at every meal she would. Leila loves cheese...grilled cheese, mac and cheese, string cheese, cheddar cheese, you name it! We still drink our toddler-approved green smoothie most mornings. Leila is weary of most vegetables, but after discovering that she'll eat the "flower" off the asparagus Leila has been willing to at least smell most vegetables.  One day she loves blueberries and the next she won't touch them, which is pretty typical about most everything from fruits to meats.

Recently Leila has started calling me "Mom" and although it makes me laugh I think she's too young for that!  At least she hasn't called me by my first name...yet.  She will sometimes call Jeff by his first name or even just Dad.  It melts his heart when she calls for him, "Daaaaaaad...I need you."

One syllable words have two syllables if Leila is saying them and apparently she gets that from me. Who knew?! Jeff caught me saying "may-ill" for mail just this week.

I swear she talks more than any toddler I have ever been around.  She wakes up talking and falls asleep talking to her stuffed animals (one of the million she wants in her bed). It's kind of nice she doesn't have just one favorite stuffed animal or lovey.  Sometimes we can't locate the exact "friend" she wants and most of the time it can be substituted by someone else.  Don't mess with her bedtime routine too much though or she will be hollering.

Leila keeps us on our toes! She's independent yet needs us at the same time. She makes us laugh, smile, and want to pull our hair out (okay, maybe just me). She's a typical toddler yet uniquely Leila. I love being her mother!

What a year!

This year has been one of exciting changes, fun-filled days, and hope for the future.

I started the year with a plan to work on myself.  After all the not-so-awesome changes we faced in 2011, I was ready to start over and lose the baby weight (even though Leila was a toddler), get out of my yoga pants, and make some mommy-friends.

I can happily say, one year later I feel so much better about myself.  Thanks for encouraging me on my weight-loss journey.  I set a goal, met it, and plan to do it all over again this summer!

Meeting Lauren and Charlie was one of the biggest things that happened to Leila me this year!  It got us out of our park rut, gave Leila a best friend, and allowed me to officially say I had made my first mom-friend.  It has been so fun watching Leila and Charlie grow this year, as individuals and as friends.  For me, making a new friend that shares many of my parenting views, my need to cuss, and desire to have a balanced life changed my outlook on this stay-at-home mom gig.  It's been a win-win for us all!

This year Jeff and I enjoyed our first vacation away from Leila.  The two of us headed up the coast to San Francisco for a long weekend.  It was just what a vacation should be...carefree.  We both missed Leila, but were happy to have missed her first case of the flu.

Summertime proved to be too hot for me, both here and during our three week trip to Chicago.  It was great to see my family and friends and I know they enjoyed seeing us too.  It's hard living so far away from so many people you love.

After our vacation I was sure I had the world's worst hangover.  Turns out it wasn't just the pile of mail, the unpacking, or the 100 degree heat that was getting to me. I found out I was eight weeks pregnant when I returned from our Chicago trip.  It was the biggest surprise of the year, and I still have moments when I can't believe this is really happening.

Leila had a big birthday in September!  Two, as everyone promised, has be kind of nuts.  Leila certainly has a personality all her own (or maybe she gets a little of it from me).  She's funny, sweet, a little bossy, and has a strong desire to be independent.  Our days are mostly wonderful, but some days feel much longer than others.  

The future here in Leilaland is hopeful, a little scary, and exciting all rolled into one.  I don't know exactly how it will play out, but I am sure it will involve some Mommy meltdowns, toddler tantrums, and lots and lots of love.  (Oh, and a new blog name too.  Suggestions are welcome!)

Happy New Year everyone! 

Two months untill two

As Leila gets older she is looking more and more like...herself!  She's a good mix between Jeff and I, not really resembling one of us more than the other.

Although this picture of me on my second birthday (with my mom and dad) may convince you otherwise.  What do you think?

August 1979,  my 2nd birthday

July 2012, Leila at 22 months old

What's up with Leila just two months from her second birthday? 

• She is really good on her feet!  Leila has been atempting to climb up and down a few stairs without any support.  It's pretty scary to watch, but I am amazed at her abilities.  She has started jumping and can just barely get both feet off the ground.  I can't belive how much she moves.  Getting a snuggle from her has always been a struggle!

• Yes! Yes! Yeah!  I love that when I ask her a question she actually thinks about it before she responds.  It's even better when she responds with a "yes" instead of just staring at me like I am talking to a wall.

• She still takes one AWESOME three hour nap a day.  That nap and her twelve-ish hours of sleep at night make for one happy Momma and toddler.

• Leila is willing to try almost everything we give her to eat.  She won't always swallow it, but at least she gives it a try.  The only vegetables I have gotten her to swallow lately are green beans and raw carrots.  She loves cereal for breakfast, fruit and pretzels are her favorite snack, and we feed her whatever we are eating for dinner.

• She has a best friend, Charlie, who is just two months older than her. Since we've been on vacation she has asked about Charlie a lot.  We've spent at least ten minutes (that's a long time for her to be focused on anything) looking at Charlie's pictures.  It is too cute!

• Leila has spent many hours in the pool since we've been away from the beach.  She doesn't love it yet, but she's slowly warming up to the idea that her feet cannot touch the ground.  The floaties are just for my own peace of mind since she is glued to me while in the pool.  Last week she enjoyed getting dunked and blowing bubbles.

• My favorite Leila-thing this month...she recognizes that the three of us are a family!  Before bed each night Jeff, Leila, and I have a family hug-a-thon and lately she's been recognizing us as a family outside of that bedtime ritual.  Her voice is so sweet, especially when she says "family"! 

Only a two more months until Leila's second birthday!  This is such a fun age!  I can't wait to see what age TWO will bring.