Welcome Spring!

More new pictures of our precious little boy! :) We struggled with being up every 2 hours the first three nights this week, to feed or help him get out stubborn "tooties", but he's done better the last two nights and went down after his 9pm feeding and woke at 12, 3, 5:30, then up after 7am feeding with a happy smile today! Precious!

He was enjoying playing in his crib

Showing off his new hat as he falls asleep

Hanging out with Mommy before bedtime


Naptime for the cutie pie in his new overalls

"Hi everyone!"

Cousins

I thought you all might like a few photos of the cousins who were born on the same day. Naomi continues to be a tiny little girl although she is trying to play "catch-up" and Ryan is growing up a storm as 'eating' is one of his favorite things to do. He is definitely in the 10lb range now. Enjoy!

After delivery "must-haves"

So, I have several friends who are expecting their first babies and those that are considering getting pregnant. Therefore, I thought I would give my two cents about things that are "must-haves" to have on hand for the few weeks after delivery. Here we go, in no particular order...

1) Lansinoh- Lanolin Breast Cream

You can find this for $9.99 at Target. It is very helpful to prevent dry, cracked nipples from breastfeeding. It also helps relieve the initial discomfort/soreness from breastfeeding and I found it to be a necessity.

2) Lansinoh- Disposable Nursing PadsI also purchase these at Target- a package of 60 is about $7.50 I believe. These obviously are a must if you are breastfeeding to prevent leakage onto your bras and shirts. They have a sticky peel off and you place them inside of your nursing bras and throw them away when they become wet. On average, I typically go through two pairs a day. I've already bought two boxes and I have a feeling it's something I will be investing more money in - for the next few months anyways.

3) Maxi-pads- your choice

So, here you've gone 10 months without any bleeding or need for feminine hygiene products of any kind. Well, the next 3 to 4 weeks you will get your fill. After delivery your body releases lochia, which is the leftover blood/mucous from the pregnancy. It is very heavy for the first 3-4 days, especially while you are in the hospital, and so they will provide "diaper-like" pads for you there. (Sounds lovely right??!) By the time I returned home I was able to wear Always (heavy protection) with Wings and didn't have any problems. By week 2-3 thin 'light' pads were fine, and week 4 just pantyliners did the trick, but every woman is different. Just know that you should have some of these on hand if you don't want to make a trip to the store after baby arrives. (Or send your poor hubby out for these!!) Also, know that tampons are a no-no for the first 6 wks post-pardom period if you were a 100% tampon user like me...

4) Dermoplast- antibacterial/antiseptic spray

If you have a vaginal delivery and especially if you have a tear or episiotomy it is likely that the hospital might provide this for you. However, if they don't then it is a DEFINITE "must-have". I was lucky not to experience any hemorrhoids, but many women do so this is also good for pain associated with those. I found that I only had to take OTC Tylenol the first two days and no other pain medication because this stuff did the trick. You just spray it on the "affected area" and it reduces/eliminates pain from delivery/episiotomy healing. The hospital provided an antiseptic spray for pain relief, but they also have one that is both pain relief and anti-bacterial which I purchased later to ensure the stitches didn't get an infection of any kind.

5) Lansinoh- Double Electric Breast Pump

If you are a Mom who will be returning to work or just want to have the ability to pump occasionally so you can enjoy a date night away or something, this pump is a good investment. I know the Medela pumps are also nice but they are closer to $300-$400. This one you can find at Walmart or Target for $150 or even Amazon for about $120 (where we purchased). It was recommended to me by my lactation consultant at the hospital as the best buy for your money. I have been very pleased with it so far. I only pump once a day or every other and have had it for 5 weeks, but I don't have any complaints.

I hope this information is helpful to some of you and no, I am not a spokeswoman for Lansinoh, although I just realized it may seem that way from my recommendations. Ha ha.

~Emily

One Month Old

It is hard for me to believe that my little guy is one month old already!! Time sure does fly. I posted a few of the "first try" pictures then my favorite is last. I believe he was hungry at the time and not in the mood for his picture to be taken. A few things to share about his first month:

• As of 4 days before he turned 1 month old he weighed 9lbs 2oz.
• Still wears newborn diapers- about to try size 1 since I'm running out of NB
• Switched into 0-3 month clothing last week because NB was a little snug due to his length
• Smiled at Mommy twice the 2 days before he turned one month (non-sleep or gas smile)
• Enjoys sleeping on Mom and Dad or in boppy, but finds it hard to fall asleep in his crib
• Has very good control of his neck muscles and loves to lift up his head to look around
• Is very alert when he is awake and stays awake most of the day- generally 2 long naps (2 hrs) and one short one (30-45min) during the day
• Loves bath time- minus leaving bath
• Loves diaper changing time- he fixates on the quilt on the wall and is so happy!
• Was feeding consistently every 3 hrs the first 3 weeks, but has settled on every 2 hrs this past week- hopefully this changes soon for Mom's sleep!
• Enjoys car rides and riding in his car seat in the stroller around the house with Dad
• Has been very good during his first two church services

That is all that I can think of currently, but he is truly such a joy in our lives and while I want him to stay little forever, I'm excited to see him grow and develop these next few months. It is such a blessing to be home with him and while I don't typically have a lot of down time, it's great spending all this time with him. I still look forward to weekends to spend more time with Mike and for him to be able to help out with little Ryan too. Mike has been so amazing the past several weeks helping out with chores around the house and taking care of Ryan so I can sneak in a nap or get something done on my "to do" list. I am so thankful for you sweetie!! I don't know how single parents do it, you all are amazing people. Hope everyone has a wonderful week and HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY to my husband whose birthday is on Wednesday, the 10th. I'm so glad you were born! Love you! :)

~Emily