Eleanor's first Easter!
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Saturday, March 30, 2013
Tiny meals
I regularly started Eleanor on pureed baby foods when she was five and a half months. We started with avocados and carrots. I make and freeze all my own foods, though, I also purchase a few jars (Earths Best) here and there to introduce a new food before I buy a large amount of specific ingredients. Most of the time, I can make her food out of things we already have for our own dinners. In addition to the 30-36 oz of milk, I feed Eleanor 8 oz of puree per day. My book of choice for home made baby food is The Best Homemade Baby Food On The Planet. One of Eleanors all time favorite recipes (the only one not in there) is corn and sweet potato but she rarely turns any other food down. Now, one week shy of eight months, she is showing interest in chewing little morsels. Ive given her little pieces of pancake and oatmeal and she can handle them. I introduced her to tomato sauce a few days ago, she had no problem with acidity, digestion or allergy. So, I went ahead and made her first big girl meal tonight! It was a success! Here is what we had...
One box of star pasta is a little over $1 cant beat that!
I boiled 1/4cup for 9 minutes, or until very soft.
I boiled 1/4cup for 9 minutes, or until very soft.
I mixed in a small amount of tomato sauce
and refrigerated the leftover stars for tomorrow
and refrigerated the leftover stars for tomorrow
Like I said, I freeze...alot. One ounce cubes
for quick, single use later
for quick, single use later
Not just a small soiree
Today was Wes' 26th birthday!
Tuesday, we had a combined celebration at our bar (my brother in law and sister own it, wes also works there) honoring him AND my dad who turned 50 yesterday! My family enjoys a great reason to party...any occasion to eat and drink and be together! The parties didnt end with that specific one either, we continued (kids included here) with dinner at a local Italian restaurant last night, following with drinks downtown (no kids!). This morning I cooked Wes his requested breakfast with unlimited mimosas. We then headed to Chuck E. Cheese for a party thrown by my niece and nephews! ALSO Monday, we leave for our "mini birthday getaway"! Our destination, Cave B Inn, just a couple hours away from our home for a one night stay in their Desert Yurts! (Ill miss my little honey, It will be our first night away from her). As you can tell by all the exclamation points...Im very excited!
And to my dad,
Never has a man ever loved his grand kids with such enthusiasm.
You continue to show me dedication through hard work.
Your relaxed look on life is admirable and I know I speak for
everyone when saying we are all honored to have you in our lives.
Happy Birthday music man!
ALSO!
Wes' requested birthday breakfast!
(because this family is OBSESSED with poached eggs)
Eggs Benedict with pesto, avocado and pomegranate lemon olive oil to top!
Tuesday, we had a combined celebration at our bar (my brother in law and sister own it, wes also works there) honoring him AND my dad who turned 50 yesterday! My family enjoys a great reason to party...any occasion to eat and drink and be together! The parties didnt end with that specific one either, we continued (kids included here) with dinner at a local Italian restaurant last night, following with drinks downtown (no kids!). This morning I cooked Wes his requested breakfast with unlimited mimosas. We then headed to Chuck E. Cheese for a party thrown by my niece and nephews! ALSO Monday, we leave for our "mini birthday getaway"! Our destination, Cave B Inn, just a couple hours away from our home for a one night stay in their Desert Yurts! (Ill miss my little honey, It will be our first night away from her). As you can tell by all the exclamation points...Im very excited!
Wes, I am grateful to have you in my life
I admire your continual desire to support and provide for us.
It has been the ultimate to watch you and Eleanor bond,
the way she smiles when she sees you is pure, unconditional happiness.
I love you so much handsome man, happy birthday!
I admire your continual desire to support and provide for us.
It has been the ultimate to watch you and Eleanor bond,
the way she smiles when she sees you is pure, unconditional happiness.
I love you so much handsome man, happy birthday!
And to my dad,
Never has a man ever loved his grand kids with such enthusiasm.
You continue to show me dedication through hard work.
Your relaxed look on life is admirable and I know I speak for
everyone when saying we are all honored to have you in our lives.
Happy Birthday music man!
ALSO!
Wes' requested birthday breakfast!
(because this family is OBSESSED with poached eggs)
Eggs Benedict with pesto, avocado and pomegranate lemon olive oil to top!
(We dont mess around) ;)
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Our third day home
She still smelled new. Her linens were neat and folded, her little white onesies were washed, her bassinet was placed next to our bed so that I could reach her easily for feeding and changing while I healed. I felt no pain from birth and no worries about anything that was happening in the world. I was a new momma. I stared at her for hours and felt I needed no sleep...ever. I was on a momma high, I was smitten. She was the most flawless baby I have ever seen, the curl on her forehead, the big pouting lips.
I breast fed her colostrum and thought how lucky I am to have such a smart girl that latched so well, I knew she was brilliant. On the third night home, my milk had not come in. Eleanor had woken up and was hungry. I knew she wanted milk. I tried my hardest to give her all I had. I knew milk would come soon, but at this time I felt hopeless and had no faith that anything would happen. She started to cry harder. I fed her more, in hopes that stimulation would create milk. Nothing happened. She fell asleep. two hours later, she awoke again, I fed her all I had. I fed her, and pumped, until I was sore. She cried, we did everything to comfort her. She fell back to sleep. I knew the problem, I knew the issue and how to solve it. Wes and I took turns through the entire night. We both could not sleep when it was our turn to rest. We felt powerless to this beautiful little baby. She was just as frustrated, she was hungry, and she cried, alot. I had infant formula but was hesitant to use it, I wanted to be the woman who could breastfeed, who could provide flawlessly to her baby.
Ten hours had passed. Crying, colostrum, crying, sleeping, repeat. I had never felt the emotions that I was having, I didnt know what to do other than breakdown and cry. I was uncontrollable and inconsolable. I felt I was less of a mom for not being able to produce milk. Wes was in no better shape than I was. He had feelings on a whole other level. Something dads can only understand. We decided to give her formula. I was ashamed, but I wanted my baby to be content. I didnt care about being the mom I expected myself to be, I was becoming the mom I needed to be. Eleanor eagerly drank the formula and fell fast asleep. My milk came in generously the next afternoon.
I breast fed her colostrum and thought how lucky I am to have such a smart girl that latched so well, I knew she was brilliant. On the third night home, my milk had not come in. Eleanor had woken up and was hungry. I knew she wanted milk. I tried my hardest to give her all I had. I knew milk would come soon, but at this time I felt hopeless and had no faith that anything would happen. She started to cry harder. I fed her more, in hopes that stimulation would create milk. Nothing happened. She fell asleep. two hours later, she awoke again, I fed her all I had. I fed her, and pumped, until I was sore. She cried, we did everything to comfort her. She fell back to sleep. I knew the problem, I knew the issue and how to solve it. Wes and I took turns through the entire night. We both could not sleep when it was our turn to rest. We felt powerless to this beautiful little baby. She was just as frustrated, she was hungry, and she cried, alot. I had infant formula but was hesitant to use it, I wanted to be the woman who could breastfeed, who could provide flawlessly to her baby.
Ten hours had passed. Crying, colostrum, crying, sleeping, repeat. I had never felt the emotions that I was having, I didnt know what to do other than breakdown and cry. I was uncontrollable and inconsolable. I felt I was less of a mom for not being able to produce milk. Wes was in no better shape than I was. He had feelings on a whole other level. Something dads can only understand. We decided to give her formula. I was ashamed, but I wanted my baby to be content. I didnt care about being the mom I expected myself to be, I was becoming the mom I needed to be. Eleanor eagerly drank the formula and fell fast asleep. My milk came in generously the next afternoon.
Monday, March 25, 2013
Top 5 Baby essentails
When coming up on the fourth month of my pregnancy, I had a wave of paranoia about being ill-prepared. God forbid I bring a new baby into the house without the best infant tub or most comfortable stroller on the market. With the help of my sister (mother of three under five and my personal momma mentor) we successfully scanned the best baby registry known to any expectant momma. She (Deborah) explained what specific product works the best for its category and why. She had five years of self trial and error and not one item that she had suggested has failed me.
After bring Eleanor home, I realized that my preparations were extraordinary. Although greatful for my hoard, I had a collection that resembled Babies R Us itself. I know it is always safe to be well prepared, but the percentage of things I used within the first three months (and even now) could have been cut in half.
That infant tub I worried about not having, Ive used it twice (we have always bathed together). And, the stroller we pined over, Ive used it three times (wearing her is more convenient).
I definitely will prepare differently, and more simpler, next time. But also, I have learned a few little products and tricks that have worked well for our family and Eleanor.
1. Booty balm, I swear by this product. I smear it on Eleanors buns about once a day. She has never had an irritation or rash of any kind. It smells amazing and applies non-sticky or thick, like other products.
2. Carters white long sleeve onesies with mittens. We had specifically asked for no clothes at our baby shower. That was one department I knew I would enjoy shopping for! We had purchased a few adorable outfits, one to wear home, and others because I couldn't resist. among all of what I bought, she wore nothing but these specific onesies for the first month. The mittens are practical and they were most comfortable for my little honey.
3. Graco swing I loved this specific design because it wasnt an eyesore to have in the living room. Eleanor slept in this during the day for the first three months. When I was pregnant, I had read that the music you favor calms your nerves, thus creating a calming environment for your baby in utero. When the baby is born, the same familiar sound will, again, sooth them. I agreed and made a playlist of music...and picked out this swing ;) This swing not only glides right to left, but also connects and plays your Ipod. Sure enough, Eleanor was smitten with the exact playlist I had listened to. She still, to this day, perks her ears to a specific genre of music.
4. Great expectaions. Deborah had given me this book. I had started reading the oh so popular "what to expect", I found it frightening. I hated the way they explained pregnancy, it seemed to be painful and unnatural. Great Expectations, for me, was enlightening. They answered every question and wrote in a positive manner. I also read Hypnobirthing. Although I did not have a "natural" birth (I loved my epidural), this book was an outstanding coach. I fully recommend and stand by both of these books.
5. Tommee tippee bibs. I love that "dribble catcher"! It prevents the dreaded "cheese neck".
After bring Eleanor home, I realized that my preparations were extraordinary. Although greatful for my hoard, I had a collection that resembled Babies R Us itself. I know it is always safe to be well prepared, but the percentage of things I used within the first three months (and even now) could have been cut in half.
That infant tub I worried about not having, Ive used it twice (we have always bathed together). And, the stroller we pined over, Ive used it three times (wearing her is more convenient).
I definitely will prepare differently, and more simpler, next time. But also, I have learned a few little products and tricks that have worked well for our family and Eleanor.
1. Booty balm, I swear by this product. I smear it on Eleanors buns about once a day. She has never had an irritation or rash of any kind. It smells amazing and applies non-sticky or thick, like other products.
2. Carters white long sleeve onesies with mittens. We had specifically asked for no clothes at our baby shower. That was one department I knew I would enjoy shopping for! We had purchased a few adorable outfits, one to wear home, and others because I couldn't resist. among all of what I bought, she wore nothing but these specific onesies for the first month. The mittens are practical and they were most comfortable for my little honey.
3. Graco swing I loved this specific design because it wasnt an eyesore to have in the living room. Eleanor slept in this during the day for the first three months. When I was pregnant, I had read that the music you favor calms your nerves, thus creating a calming environment for your baby in utero. When the baby is born, the same familiar sound will, again, sooth them. I agreed and made a playlist of music...and picked out this swing ;) This swing not only glides right to left, but also connects and plays your Ipod. Sure enough, Eleanor was smitten with the exact playlist I had listened to. She still, to this day, perks her ears to a specific genre of music.
4. Great expectaions. Deborah had given me this book. I had started reading the oh so popular "what to expect", I found it frightening. I hated the way they explained pregnancy, it seemed to be painful and unnatural. Great Expectations, for me, was enlightening. They answered every question and wrote in a positive manner. I also read Hypnobirthing. Although I did not have a "natural" birth (I loved my epidural), this book was an outstanding coach. I fully recommend and stand by both of these books.
5. Tommee tippee bibs. I love that "dribble catcher"! It prevents the dreaded "cheese neck".
Saturday, March 23, 2013
Growing girl
I picked up a few items from Baby Gap today. Eleanor is in the mid 90%
for height and weight,
which gives me an excuse to buy new clothes.
which gives me an excuse to buy new clothes.
$7 Grey pullover dress with bloomers
$8 Grey with turquoise heart, pants
$9 Grey and turquoise stripped sweater
Great deals!
Friday, March 22, 2013
Babywearing
My number one Momma (and poppa) Must Have is a baby carrier. We started using them as soon as We brought Eleanor home. At first, I used both the ring sling and the Moby. I favored the sling, it was easier and faster to slip into and maneuver her around for breastfeeding. As soon as she got big enough, about a month and a half, I started using an Ergo and have used it almost every day for over seven months. Its worn while I clean and cook around the house, I wear it for ten minutes or three hours. The Ergo is quick to snap on, and carries like a frontfacing backpack that straps to your hips for better weight distribution. Attachment Parenting enthusiasts believe some benefits of babywearing are as stated...
Infants who are carried are calmer because all of their primal/survival needs are met.
Parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) have balancing and soothing effects on infants.
Independence is established earlier.
Three hours a day has been known to reduce infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours.
I agree with these. Eleanor is an easy book to read (most babies are). When she is hungry, I feed her. When she needs to be changed, I change her. We play with her toys and exercise daily. Eleanor cries, but not often. Like I said, from day one, we have worn her. I believe she has adapted to our breathing and low stress levels by being against us so close. At moments when she struggles with her body and needing to sleep, it never has failed to put her in the Ergo and in less than five minutes she is in a deep sleep.
Babies are extremely portable, baby carriers are extremely portable. Snuggling your portable baby for hours is amazing :)
One month old snuggled in a RingSling
(At the fair)
Getting bigger (spot the hand and foot) at the farm
Infants who are carried are calmer because all of their primal/survival needs are met.
Parental rhythms (walking, heartbeat, etc.) have balancing and soothing effects on infants.
Independence is established earlier.
Three hours a day has been known to reduce infant crying by 43 percent overall and 54 percent during evening hours.
I agree with these. Eleanor is an easy book to read (most babies are). When she is hungry, I feed her. When she needs to be changed, I change her. We play with her toys and exercise daily. Eleanor cries, but not often. Like I said, from day one, we have worn her. I believe she has adapted to our breathing and low stress levels by being against us so close. At moments when she struggles with her body and needing to sleep, it never has failed to put her in the Ergo and in less than five minutes she is in a deep sleep.
Babies are extremely portable, baby carriers are extremely portable. Snuggling your portable baby for hours is amazing :)
Just a few weeks old snuggled in the Moby
One month old snuggled with dad in the Ergo
One month old snuggled in a RingSling
(At the fair)
Getting bigger (spot the hand and foot) at the farm
Three and a half months, snuggled in my favorite Ergo in
Seattle. I comfortably carried her through the whole market
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Delicious dish
Un/stylish
Before I had Eleanor, I was always confidant with my style. I never had to try clothes on, I knew what I was looking for and I loved to go shopping. When I got pregnant, I felt an over abundance of femininity, whatever I wore felt beautiful.
I wasnt prepared for a postpartum lapse of fashion, but it came. My weight before I became pregnant was 125lbs and now I am 132 lbs. My hips significantly moved outward and I gained weight in my thighs. Nothing fit like before. My off the shoulder Ts, high waisted skirts, down to my satin tank tops, all seem as though they once belonged to someone else. Physically, I notice a difference but the mental difference is what I am struggling with. It all comes down to my change of lifestyle. Wes had told me recently that I "look comfortable", I know he is right. honestly, its been easier to put myself on the back burner and give Eleanor everything I have, but Its time I start caring about my style more. I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be, as a momma and as a spouse, I want my outward appearance to reflect that ;) I need to find what fits with being a stay at home mom, yet still maintain a style sense (one pair of sweats, not five). I have slowly lost my "sexy" and am trying to rediscover it.
With much planning, here is my game plan.
I have researched online the particular style I want with specific items highlighted. Finding solid basic pieces that can be paired together making several outfits.
I have made a list which will act as my guide when I am shopping, so that I have a direction.
These last couple of weeks, I weeded through my existing wardrobe and have selected a few things to keep, the rest are for donation.
At the end of my fashions adventure, I plan on having no more than seven outfits that I can blindly pair and be confidant.
I want fewer loads of laundry, and I want to cut down my "getting ready".
Most of all, I want to take back my sexy!
(follow up post with what Ive accomplished, soon to come)
I wasnt prepared for a postpartum lapse of fashion, but it came. My weight before I became pregnant was 125lbs and now I am 132 lbs. My hips significantly moved outward and I gained weight in my thighs. Nothing fit like before. My off the shoulder Ts, high waisted skirts, down to my satin tank tops, all seem as though they once belonged to someone else. Physically, I notice a difference but the mental difference is what I am struggling with. It all comes down to my change of lifestyle. Wes had told me recently that I "look comfortable", I know he is right. honestly, its been easier to put myself on the back burner and give Eleanor everything I have, but Its time I start caring about my style more. I am becoming the woman I have always wanted to be, as a momma and as a spouse, I want my outward appearance to reflect that ;) I need to find what fits with being a stay at home mom, yet still maintain a style sense (one pair of sweats, not five). I have slowly lost my "sexy" and am trying to rediscover it.
With much planning, here is my game plan.
I have researched online the particular style I want with specific items highlighted. Finding solid basic pieces that can be paired together making several outfits.
I have made a list which will act as my guide when I am shopping, so that I have a direction.
These last couple of weeks, I weeded through my existing wardrobe and have selected a few things to keep, the rest are for donation.
At the end of my fashions adventure, I plan on having no more than seven outfits that I can blindly pair and be confidant.
I want fewer loads of laundry, and I want to cut down my "getting ready".
Most of all, I want to take back my sexy!
(follow up post with what Ive accomplished, soon to come)
Monday, March 18, 2013
Sunday, March 17, 2013
Her room
Nothing is more fun than decorating your daughters room! Its the little girl playing "doll house" that has come out in me! She has so many special gifts that have been given to her, the quilt on the back of her crib was made and the little yellow chair was restored and gifted by Wes' mom. The picture above her bed was bought by my sister at Farm Chicks last year when I was pregnant. She also gifted Eleanor the hanging butterflies and the garden chalkboard box. The lavender chevron stripes and the Bob Dylan "Forever Young" lyrics above her changing table were painted by my best friend.
Even at seven months, Eleanor knows that her bedroom is her own space. She recognizes her toys and has favorites. Its important to me that she has this space to call her own. Our home is for us three to share but her room is her own place to create and discover whatever world she wants. I'm excited to see how it changes to fit her personality as she gets older. I just hope that somewhere in her room will be a sticker collection, an obsession for tiny toy animals and gigantic pile of twirly dresses ;)
Saturday, March 16, 2013
Buns
Diapering is such a large topic these days. Cloth diapers, disposable, organic, we choose what best fits our family and our little bitty buns. In attempt to save us money, I decided to invest in cloth diapers. I bought G diapers, cloth insert and flushable inserts. My attempt lasted almost four days before I reached for that familiar disposable diaper one tired morning. I am not ashamed to say that I enjoy the convenience of disposable diapers. I don't mind the money I have to spend and Eleanor has never had one rash in all her seven months. For our "baby shower" Wes and I received enough diapers that had lasted us for six months (we have amazing friends and family)! This last month we bought one large box of Pampers (for the last time), then I stumbled upon The Honest Company. I had a package shipped to my door and fell in LOVE! Obviously they are adorable, non toxic, plant based, fragrance free and all that natural stuff, but what I love the most is that they are durable. When Eleanor is wet, they dont feel like they are about to crumble (like the popular store bought). Also, they are EXTREMELY cloth like for better comfort. Nothing is better than having diapers and wipes sent to your door every month, as well! Im addicted!
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Goodnight
I was prepared for early mornings with Eleanor. I was willing to give up my oh so loved routine for love!
BUT, I didnt have to give up my sleep!
This is what worked for our family...
I have always let Eleanor choose when she wants to sleep. I let her adapt to our routine at her own pace. We do, however, have a semi strict "calm down hour" where I slowly start introducing her to the idea of bed. This starts at 10pm. I turn off every light except for one small, dim one. We turn soft music on or I turn the TV down low. I feed her and we sit in the same place, with the same blanket in the same position EVERY NIGHT. I rub her little legs and feet and snuggle the blanket on her face. This lasts about twenty minutes and 90% of the time she is fast asleep by 10:30. IF she chooses to be awake, I keep with our routine of low lights and music and we play, read or bounce on our Yoga ball until she falls asleep.
We co-slept (her in our bed) for the first three months. I was prepared for it to be a permanent thing for atleast one year, I love having my baby close to me. Oddly enough, I felt that Eleanor had decided she was ready and wanting to be in her own bed. Her room is located directly across from ours. So, I positioned our beds in view of eachother. From then on out, she has slept peacefully in her room.
Twice a night, Eleanor needs the binkey popped back in her mouth and a pat on the buns but never has woken up and decided to stay awake. She sleeps every night for 10-12 hours.
Every morning, I bring her to our bed for a snuggle and we stay there, lounging for about half an hour.
She has become one of us.
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
Being selfless and selfish
Sometimes, all you need is one gigantic glass of wine.
Eleanor is amazing, she is smart and talkative. She is beautiful and I love her so much. I instinctively became selfless the moment a heard her heartbeat and the feeling has grew more intense with every kick and hiccup I felt, when she was born, it was transcending. I have been lucky enough to be a stay at home mom. I have a partner who enjoys providing for his family and I am insanely grateful. Ive always wanted to be a stay at home mom. I knew that it would be challenging and rewarding and I knew I would be addicted. Every bit of that came true. What I didn't know is that once it happened, I would savor my alone/me time (with the few moments I may have).
If you are a mom, you know the feeling, that feeling when your little darling(s) are peacefully asleep for the rest of the evening. Its a subtle feeling of accomplishment and relief. I don't ask for much "me" time, just an hour or two before bed. It took me until Eleanor was Four months old to understand that this time, for me, was healthy. It is ok to take time, to be selfish, for a bath, for a silent meal or (tonight) a LARGE glass of wine.
I feel that, even with these short "selfish" times, I can figure out myself as a mom and as an individual. I know these reflective moments will contribute to raising an independent, strong individual. Tonight, I lift my glass of Red Diamond to my stunning daughter. I love you so much Eleanor.
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