I don't typically post about my son's bowel movements because a. it's gross and b. who cares, but this is too funny not to share. Matthew for months has been a once-a-dayer, going only for daddy between the hours of 4:30 and 6 p.m. - after he's picked up from the sitter and before I get home from work. Don't tell Eric, but Matthew and I have been scheming on this for months. He is my bestie after all, and we get a kick out of making daddy change dirty diapers.
Matthew has since started eating more solids, and on Tuesday, I was mortified to find out that Matthew "went" big time during the morning commute, which resulted in an emergency bath, change of clothes and an impromptu laundry session at the sitter's house. The "poopslosion" as I like to call it is a rarity for my little guy. At least that's what I thought.
Last night, Matthew's eczema was bothering him, and he was itching and getting frustrated, so I decided to give him a bath a little earlier in the day than usual. He's sitting up, so I let him play in the water for a few extra minutes, too. After a while, I got him out, applied lotion to his skin and got him dressed in a brand new onsie and sleeper. After that, we went downstairs and I put him in his exersaucer for some play time so I could do the dishes. It wasn't more than 5 minutes until I heard Eric call for me. Houston, we have a problem. Enter poopsplosion # 2.
That new onsie and sleeper were officially "well worn" and it was back to the tub we go. Matthew looked confused at first because we had just finished tubby time, but he soon relished in the fact that he had another chance to splash in the water and play with his rubber ducky. He laughed and laughed, and I couldn't help but laugh a little, too. We finished bath number 2, put on another onsie and sleeper and were settled in for the night. Fingers crossed he doesn't make a habit out of this double bath time routine.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Friday, March 14, 2014
Touched by Blue4Ben
There is a family that doesn't live too far from me that is going through the unthinkable - one of their 4 year old boys, Ben, has in incurable cancer.
Ben's mom has blogged about fer family's experience and her unwavering faith in God. Ben was a happy, healthy 4 year old just a few months ago, and now, he's been given weeks to live. The Western New York community has rallied behind this family. Businesses, landmarks, and other moms and children have gone "Blue 4 Ben," and have been wearing blue in support of this courageous little boy. His mother explained that she often dresses Ben in blue so others can tell the difference between her identical twins. From what she describes, Ben is full of life with a kind heart and a lot to give to the world. It makes you stop and question why God would do this to this poor family. What could His big plan be, and why would He need to take this little boy away from his parents, his twin brother and his younger sister?
My heart breaks for this mother and her family. She explains their lives now and how it has so dramatically changed and yet, they are trying to keep things normal for all of the little ones. I often wonder how this mother has the strength to live her every day life knowing her child's days are limited unless God grants her a miracle. I pray that He does. I pray that through the power of prayer this little boy makes it. That she will see both of her sons graduate kindergarten, high school, college and then go on to get married and have children of their own.
After reading her blog posts, I find myself holding on to my son a little tighter. I find myself crying for this family and praying that they get through this.
Ben's mom has blogged about fer family's experience and her unwavering faith in God. Ben was a happy, healthy 4 year old just a few months ago, and now, he's been given weeks to live. The Western New York community has rallied behind this family. Businesses, landmarks, and other moms and children have gone "Blue 4 Ben," and have been wearing blue in support of this courageous little boy. His mother explained that she often dresses Ben in blue so others can tell the difference between her identical twins. From what she describes, Ben is full of life with a kind heart and a lot to give to the world. It makes you stop and question why God would do this to this poor family. What could His big plan be, and why would He need to take this little boy away from his parents, his twin brother and his younger sister?
My heart breaks for this mother and her family. She explains their lives now and how it has so dramatically changed and yet, they are trying to keep things normal for all of the little ones. I often wonder how this mother has the strength to live her every day life knowing her child's days are limited unless God grants her a miracle. I pray that He does. I pray that through the power of prayer this little boy makes it. That she will see both of her sons graduate kindergarten, high school, college and then go on to get married and have children of their own.
After reading her blog posts, I find myself holding on to my son a little tighter. I find myself crying for this family and praying that they get through this.
Friday, February 21, 2014
Allergies?
There is nothing scarier than having your son look up to you and have his face is covered in hives. That was my experience last Saturday afternoon after I had eaten some candy with peanuts in it. Matthew has had eczema since he was a few weeks old, but this was different. This was an allergic reaction to something, and quite possibly it was something I ate.
As a nursing mother, I know that I need to drink a lot of water, make sure I eat balanced meals and to limit the amount of junk food that I will ultimately be passing on to my almost 5 month old son. It never occurred to me that he could develop a food allergy. I've had peanut m&ms and even a handful of nuts here and there, but never while nursing and never close to nursing time.
We don't know for sure yet if it is a peanut allergy, so I could be worrying over nothing. But, nevertheless, we go in Monday for blood work to find out. Seeing your child in pain is one of the worst feelings in the world, and I hate to put him through unnecessary testing if it was just a one-time reaction, but a peanut allergy isn't something to mess with. And I'd rather know sooner than later if he does have a food allergy, so we can take the proper steps to ensure that he stays away from anything that has peanuts in them and that the allergy doesn't get worse.
If you read this, please say a little prayer that Matthew doesn't have food allergies. I'll update again after the test results come back.
UPDATE:
Matthew had blood work and it ruled out food allergies, but his eczema is now worse than ever. He looks as though his poor little face has been burned because it's so red and raw. I took Matthew to Immediate Care the other day, because his original pediatrician wouldn't call me back in a timely manner.
It turns out the cream I was told to use was in fact drying out his skin even more. We switched regiments and are now using Aveeno baby eczema and it is helping. I also switched pediatricians, because of the lack of care my child was receiving. I had called a number of times about his rash and the severity of it, but nothing was being done to resolve it. Going to a new doctor, I now feel that my concerns are being addressed and Matthew is much happier now that his face isn't as affected by the eczema. He still has bad flare ups, but we're treating them as they come.
As a nursing mother, I know that I need to drink a lot of water, make sure I eat balanced meals and to limit the amount of junk food that I will ultimately be passing on to my almost 5 month old son. It never occurred to me that he could develop a food allergy. I've had peanut m&ms and even a handful of nuts here and there, but never while nursing and never close to nursing time.
We don't know for sure yet if it is a peanut allergy, so I could be worrying over nothing. But, nevertheless, we go in Monday for blood work to find out. Seeing your child in pain is one of the worst feelings in the world, and I hate to put him through unnecessary testing if it was just a one-time reaction, but a peanut allergy isn't something to mess with. And I'd rather know sooner than later if he does have a food allergy, so we can take the proper steps to ensure that he stays away from anything that has peanuts in them and that the allergy doesn't get worse.
If you read this, please say a little prayer that Matthew doesn't have food allergies. I'll update again after the test results come back.
UPDATE:
Matthew had blood work and it ruled out food allergies, but his eczema is now worse than ever. He looks as though his poor little face has been burned because it's so red and raw. I took Matthew to Immediate Care the other day, because his original pediatrician wouldn't call me back in a timely manner.
It turns out the cream I was told to use was in fact drying out his skin even more. We switched regiments and are now using Aveeno baby eczema and it is helping. I also switched pediatricians, because of the lack of care my child was receiving. I had called a number of times about his rash and the severity of it, but nothing was being done to resolve it. Going to a new doctor, I now feel that my concerns are being addressed and Matthew is much happier now that his face isn't as affected by the eczema. He still has bad flare ups, but we're treating them as they come.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
I love you forever
Night time with Matty is one of my favorite times of the day. We go up to his room, sit in the rocking chair, I nurse him and then we read at least one book before bed time. Last night I chose Love You Forever by Robert Munsch.
When I first got the book I tried to read it to Matthew when he was just days old and couldn't get through it with out sobbing. As touching as the book is, I am not usually the sappy type so I chalked it up to hormones. Now that he is 4 months old, I thought I'd give it another whirl. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that either my postpartum hormones are still in full effect or it's just a really good book that makes me cry when I read it, because by the last page the tears were freely flowing from my eyes and down my cheeks.
The words in the book are just so true. No matter what Matthew does that makes me angry or annoyed as he grows, I will love him forever, I will like him for always, As long as I'm living, My baby he'll be.
I sat there and really let the words sink in. I would do anything for him, and I hope he never doubts that. My main objective in life now is to love him and teach him the tools he needs to be, first and foremost, a good person. When he's little I'll savor the time that he's a mama's boy, but as he grows, my wish for him is to be independent and a hard worker, but also know that he can always count on his mommy to be there to guide him and love him.
As I sat there last night rocking my baby to sleep, I looked down at him with tears still flowing down my face, and he looked up at me and smiled and then reached up to touch my face. It was the most beautiful moment, and it's a memory that I'll cherish for all time. Matty Luke I will Love You Forever.
When I first got the book I tried to read it to Matthew when he was just days old and couldn't get through it with out sobbing. As touching as the book is, I am not usually the sappy type so I chalked it up to hormones. Now that he is 4 months old, I thought I'd give it another whirl. Unfortunately, I quickly realized that either my postpartum hormones are still in full effect or it's just a really good book that makes me cry when I read it, because by the last page the tears were freely flowing from my eyes and down my cheeks.
The words in the book are just so true. No matter what Matthew does that makes me angry or annoyed as he grows, I will love him forever, I will like him for always, As long as I'm living, My baby he'll be.
I sat there and really let the words sink in. I would do anything for him, and I hope he never doubts that. My main objective in life now is to love him and teach him the tools he needs to be, first and foremost, a good person. When he's little I'll savor the time that he's a mama's boy, but as he grows, my wish for him is to be independent and a hard worker, but also know that he can always count on his mommy to be there to guide him and love him.
As I sat there last night rocking my baby to sleep, I looked down at him with tears still flowing down my face, and he looked up at me and smiled and then reached up to touch my face. It was the most beautiful moment, and it's a memory that I'll cherish for all time. Matty Luke I will Love You Forever.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Mommyhood is amazing
Wow, it's been a really long time since I've written to my blog. No, I am not still pregnant!
Matthew Lucas was born on September 24, 2013 at 3:22 p.m. weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. He is absolutely amazing and the best thing that has ever happened to me. After nearly 2 years of trying to conceive Matthew, and possibly the worst pregnancy I could imagine, I can honestly say, every heart ache, every tear, every trip to the toilet bowl, was worth it.
I can't even remember what my life was like before he was in it. Before being a mom, I liked to do my own thing and have alone time where I could just decompress after work and on the weekends. Now, I can't wait to get home so I can snuggle my baby, talk to and play with him and nurse him. Nursing is such an awesome experience. It's a bond that I can't really explain. It makes me feel so content to be able to provide for my baby in such a close and personal way.
He is just shy of four months, and I have learned what his different cries mean - there's one for hunger, dirty diapers, tiredness and then my favorite one... the "I miss mommy" one. I just have to go pick him up and it's like all is right in the world again. He's laughing and becoming more vocal every day and he's just such a happy and content little dude. The love I have for him makes my heart literally want to burst open.
When it's a particularly tough day at work or the hubs and I just aren't on the same page, I look at that little boy and none of that matters. As long as he's happy and cared for, that's truly all I need to be happy. I of course still care about my work, but my priorities did a complete 180 after Matt was born and instead of stressing about the every day struggles in life, I now see the bigger picture.The laundry and dishes can wait if my boy wants to be held just a little while longer. After all, he's only this small for so long and then he'll grow up and won't want to snuggle with me. So, I am going to savor it while it lasts.
Matthew Lucas was born on September 24, 2013 at 3:22 p.m. weighing 7 lbs 10 oz and 19 3/4 inches long. He is absolutely amazing and the best thing that has ever happened to me. After nearly 2 years of trying to conceive Matthew, and possibly the worst pregnancy I could imagine, I can honestly say, every heart ache, every tear, every trip to the toilet bowl, was worth it.
I can't even remember what my life was like before he was in it. Before being a mom, I liked to do my own thing and have alone time where I could just decompress after work and on the weekends. Now, I can't wait to get home so I can snuggle my baby, talk to and play with him and nurse him. Nursing is such an awesome experience. It's a bond that I can't really explain. It makes me feel so content to be able to provide for my baby in such a close and personal way.
He is just shy of four months, and I have learned what his different cries mean - there's one for hunger, dirty diapers, tiredness and then my favorite one... the "I miss mommy" one. I just have to go pick him up and it's like all is right in the world again. He's laughing and becoming more vocal every day and he's just such a happy and content little dude. The love I have for him makes my heart literally want to burst open.
When it's a particularly tough day at work or the hubs and I just aren't on the same page, I look at that little boy and none of that matters. As long as he's happy and cared for, that's truly all I need to be happy. I of course still care about my work, but my priorities did a complete 180 after Matt was born and instead of stressing about the every day struggles in life, I now see the bigger picture.The laundry and dishes can wait if my boy wants to be held just a little while longer. After all, he's only this small for so long and then he'll grow up and won't want to snuggle with me. So, I am going to savor it while it lasts.
Thursday, August 15, 2013
X ray vision?
I had my 34 week appointment on Tuesday, and I met a different doctor in the practice. So far all of the doctors/midwives that I have met have all been very nice and acceptable choices for delivery of Baby Spills. While I am more comfortable with a female doctor for some reason, I have to say that this male doctor was very pleasant and took the time to explain the things that he was doing during the examination. For someone with the gift of gab, I find myself drawing a blank at each appointment when it comes to asking questions of the doctors, so it was a relief to me that he automatically talked me through the entire 10 minute appointment.
First, I was surprised when he told me that the baby is head down and in position. Baffled by his x-ray vision, I asked him how he knew, as I feel like I am getting a head butt to the ribs every night. He explained that years of experience and, by feeling my torso, he is able to know where the baby is at each stage of pregnancy - especially now that Baby Spills is anywhere from 4 to 5 1/2 pounds.
Next, I asked him about my nausea, headaches and dizzy spells that seem to catch me off guard at all hours of the day and night. He explained that in simple terms - I am pregnant and there's nothing to be done besides get up slower, stay hydrated and eat small, more frequent meals. All things that I have been doing for the past 8.5 months to no relief.
Finally, my favorite part of the appointment came when he took out the Doppler to hear the baby's heart rate. I was once again reassured when he said, "welp, it sounds like a baby." Thank God, because some of these crazy dreams I've been having include me delivering puppies, snakes and unisex dolls.
It's hard to believe that in roughly 38 days I will be due to deliver my bundle of joy. I wouldn't mind the baby coming a little sooner, but I know that when the baby is ready, he or she will make their grand debut!
First, I was surprised when he told me that the baby is head down and in position. Baffled by his x-ray vision, I asked him how he knew, as I feel like I am getting a head butt to the ribs every night. He explained that years of experience and, by feeling my torso, he is able to know where the baby is at each stage of pregnancy - especially now that Baby Spills is anywhere from 4 to 5 1/2 pounds.
Next, I asked him about my nausea, headaches and dizzy spells that seem to catch me off guard at all hours of the day and night. He explained that in simple terms - I am pregnant and there's nothing to be done besides get up slower, stay hydrated and eat small, more frequent meals. All things that I have been doing for the past 8.5 months to no relief.
Finally, my favorite part of the appointment came when he took out the Doppler to hear the baby's heart rate. I was once again reassured when he said, "welp, it sounds like a baby." Thank God, because some of these crazy dreams I've been having include me delivering puppies, snakes and unisex dolls.
It's hard to believe that in roughly 38 days I will be due to deliver my bundle of joy. I wouldn't mind the baby coming a little sooner, but I know that when the baby is ready, he or she will make their grand debut!
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Breastfeeding class
Last night, I attended a breastfeeding class at the hospital where I'll be delivering Baby Spills in T-6 weeks... can you believe how quickly his or her due date is approaching? Yeah, me neither! As I embarked on yet another item to check off on my countdown to delivery list, I was relieved to realize just how close the hospital is from our house - now we just pray that I don't go into labor at work, which is about a 45 minute drive.
Anyway, after I arrived at the parking ramp, I went to the building where I thought the class was in. Thank goodness I left early, because I was in the wrong building all together. After going floor to floor and finding no one in sight - no staff, no janitors, no fellow class participants, literally nobody - with 12 minutes to spare, I waddled as quickly as my legs would let me go to the main entrance of the hospital. Luckily I made it inside with now 5 minutes to spare. That is until I got to the elevator and had to wait another 7 minutes before I could take it to the floor that I needed to be on. As I arrived, late of course, I found a seat in the middle and kept thinking about how I should have found a bathroom before entering the room because now I can't be late and get up to pee. The power point presentation, though boring, was actually very informative and helped me better understand the benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby. Besides the obvious financial benefits and supplying nourishment to the baby, I also learned of the antibodies and countless supplements it provides that formula just can't. I had always planned on trying to breastfeed, but now I feel like I am more determined to make it work. It's all about a proper latch and having patience, because let's face it, I am not the only one who won't exactly know what I'm doing. I am sure that my child will be a genius and all, but it's his or her first few days in the outside world, so I think we can cut each other some slack for a while.
After about an hour of slides and a short recess, I was back in class to watch a "short" video. Another 45 minutes later of watching moms whip out the goods of all different shapes, sizes and ethnicity, I feel confident that I'll be able to do what nature intended me to do when Baby Spills arrives. I will, however, not be so free as to videotape and walk around topless everywhere I go. Although I have no problems with mothers who breastfeed in public at restaurants, the mall or at the movies without a shield, I do not feel I would be so comfortable to do so myself. That's why the manufacturers invented "Hide a Hooters" isn't it?
The class ended about 15 minutes late and I found that I could have entered the building through the parking ramp thus cutting my earlier late time by about 5 minutes... oh well though. The hospital tour is this weekend, so hopefully after that I'll know where I am going. If not, I'll be banking on the wise husband to keep a clear head as I am breathing through contractions, totally calm of course, and get settled in for baby's first day. Stay tuned...
Anyway, after I arrived at the parking ramp, I went to the building where I thought the class was in. Thank goodness I left early, because I was in the wrong building all together. After going floor to floor and finding no one in sight - no staff, no janitors, no fellow class participants, literally nobody - with 12 minutes to spare, I waddled as quickly as my legs would let me go to the main entrance of the hospital. Luckily I made it inside with now 5 minutes to spare. That is until I got to the elevator and had to wait another 7 minutes before I could take it to the floor that I needed to be on. As I arrived, late of course, I found a seat in the middle and kept thinking about how I should have found a bathroom before entering the room because now I can't be late and get up to pee. The power point presentation, though boring, was actually very informative and helped me better understand the benefits of breastfeeding to both mom and baby. Besides the obvious financial benefits and supplying nourishment to the baby, I also learned of the antibodies and countless supplements it provides that formula just can't. I had always planned on trying to breastfeed, but now I feel like I am more determined to make it work. It's all about a proper latch and having patience, because let's face it, I am not the only one who won't exactly know what I'm doing. I am sure that my child will be a genius and all, but it's his or her first few days in the outside world, so I think we can cut each other some slack for a while.
After about an hour of slides and a short recess, I was back in class to watch a "short" video. Another 45 minutes later of watching moms whip out the goods of all different shapes, sizes and ethnicity, I feel confident that I'll be able to do what nature intended me to do when Baby Spills arrives. I will, however, not be so free as to videotape and walk around topless everywhere I go. Although I have no problems with mothers who breastfeed in public at restaurants, the mall or at the movies without a shield, I do not feel I would be so comfortable to do so myself. That's why the manufacturers invented "Hide a Hooters" isn't it?
The class ended about 15 minutes late and I found that I could have entered the building through the parking ramp thus cutting my earlier late time by about 5 minutes... oh well though. The hospital tour is this weekend, so hopefully after that I'll know where I am going. If not, I'll be banking on the wise husband to keep a clear head as I am breathing through contractions, totally calm of course, and get settled in for baby's first day. Stay tuned...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)