Merry Christmas

Wow...this month has FLOWN by. We survived Christmas. As many of you may know Christmastime always leaves me well grumpy. I love giving and watching everyone open gifts but getting to that part drives me up a wall. I almost cancelled Christmas I was so fed up, but I took a deep breath and remembered that it isn't about the gifts given its about the sparkle in the eyes of Jackson as he tore into his presents (with the help of Daddy) and the surprised look on Cam's face when he got his iPhone (followed by a well planned out contract that he signed that Rich & I wrote). Now that its all over and done with I'm ready to get this year buttoned up and start next year FRESH. So thankfully my husband will be out of town...wait that came out wrong. Rich is going out of town for the annual Tulsa Shootout. As much as I am going to miss him and not looking forward to being by myself let along w/ Jackson for the first time w/o back up I am looking forward to a day of cleaning and organizing courtesy of my Mom. I don't know how I would survive without her down the road (even if it is 45 mins away).

There are a few things I need to tackle but the biggest on my list is a tie between the "Man Cave" and the Kitchen. For me to be such a Type A personality you wouldn't know it if you looked in my cabinets so I have been "creative farming" as my husband likes to call it and yes I have an addiction to PINTEREST. For those of you who haven't learned of this craze let me tell you once you get started you can't stop. Talk about a great way to lose a few hours. I have found some of the neatest ideas and the best part, I don't lose them cause I can pin them to their appropriate board and the go back. LOVE IT.

Back to Christmas...It was so strange having my own little guy to open presents. There's nothing like watching them be amazed at little things..like wrapping paper for instance. Even Zander and Jayden were so excited each time they opened a present. That was all I needed to remember why we work so hard all year long. It really isn't about the gifts (though I can't wait to use my new food processor *thanks MOM & DAD*) but it's about the smiles, memories, and laughter.

I hope everyone enjoyed their families and much as we enjoyed ours.

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes on the New Year!

I DID IT!

It's official...I AM AN ADULT! Thanksgiving dinner was a hit. The turkey was the perfect golden brown and juicy, everyone loved it. Talk about a feeling of accomplishment. Thanksgiving was a fun day too. All the family was here except for my dad who wasn't feeling well and Jim & Ang. We laughed, watched an awesome Green Bay game (GO PACK!) and enjoyed spending time as a family. I'm so thankful that my families get along so well, are close by, and enjoy eachother.

Jackson oh how I laugh at him. He is learning textures so he's constantly touching and feeling. It is so funny to watch him discover something new, like the stubble on Rich's face. He isn't quite sure what he thinks of it but he just sets there are touches then gives Rich the funniest look. I can't believe how well he is doing. Either the teething tablets that I got for him are working or the fussy baby that appeared for a few weeks decided to leave and I have the cutest little cuddle bug who just smiles and laughs (I greatly prefer the later...).

We are planning a date night Saturday. Jackson is spending the night with GramsZ and Pa while mommy and daddy do Christmas decorating and dinner on the town. This will be only the second date that Rich and I have had since Jackson. I firmly believe that we need time for eachother as much as we do spending time with him. Plus it also makes Jackson aware of being ok with other people and not totally dependent on us. I love the fact that he doesn't know a stranger, doesn't cry, that anyone he meets he just smiles. Of course when he is older we will have to change that a little bit but I'm sure he will adapt just fine.

With the year winding down we are making some changes. The biggest one is setting a budget and paying off debt. It seems like a never ending battle but Rich and I both have dreams that we know the only way to accomplish them is with hard work and getting rid of the debt burden. So we have been realistic and decided to tackle the dreaded credit cards first. I wish there was a magic potion that would take them away but there isn't so I guess overtime it is for him and I.

Pictures to come of our Christmas Tree!

Does this make me an adult?

I've asked myself that question alot lately. I have achieved some of my most important goals in life. Getting a degree and starting my career. Marrying the best friend and husband a girl could ask for. Buying a home. Having a baby. But the question "am I an adult" still rings in my ear. So I've set myself up for the biggest challenge yet....THANKSGIVING DINNER! If I succeed in pulling off this feast I think that officially puts me in adulthood!

"This too shall pass" a phrase I have been saying alot to myself lately. Talk about anxiety and nerves. My poor little munchkin who is full of smiles and giggles has also been full of vinegar and grouchyness lately. One minute he is the cutest little thing around, the next I swear his head is gonna spin in circles cause he has morphed into a monster; crying, screaming, and virtually unconsolable. We have tried walking, bouncing, singing, letting him cry and it seems like nothing works. Then the fit stops and quickly as it starts, though to his dad and I it feels like it goes on for hours. Not sure what is causing all this but it is very testing to our patience. I love this little guy but there are sometime that I really don't like him (hey he's my kid its ok I'm sure there will be lots of days over the course of his life that I feel the same way lol). So as these fits come and go I just remind myself as I'm gently walking that "This too shall pass."

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

Will let you know how mine turns out!

My poor Baby

I have decided I hate TEETHING! Poor thing one minute is laughing and the next he's screaming. Now we are fighting a fever too. All I want to do is lay around and cuddle, though all night wasn't so much fun last night. He didn't want to sleep and everytime I laid him in his bed he woke up cause he's also all congested, so in the recliner we slept, but only for 2 hour increments. Poor little guy.

I'm slowling gearing up for the Holiday Season. This year I will be working Christmas Day which isn't soo bad, but thankfully I should have next Christmas off. Our family hasn't really been a stickler for the day, as long as we are all together that is Christmas to us. Heck last year Christmas came about the 12th of January

Last weekend was so much fun. We went on our first family roadtrip and saw family in Kenosha. Had an amazing time with the Aunts and Grandma Forman. Even got to raid the recipe box (though Aunt Deb wouldn't let me at all of them). Jackson did really well slept most of the way up and managed to go back to bed around 1230. Though he wasn't big on his pack n play so he got spoiled and got to sleep with us (which I totally against the rules in our house). Needless to say by Sunday we were already to be home and back to a normal routine.

This weekend is just gonna be a lazy one. Other than the weekly grocery shopping I have a feeling we won't be out of our PJs much.

More to come!

Someone Loves his Great Grandma!

I finally get it

18 weeks ago Jackson entered our lives. Over these past few months I have felt so many emotions from excitement to frustration but I finally understand what all of it meant. This little guy is ours. Rich and I are forever bound by this boy. He has changed our life so much and in so many ways. I use to worry about whether or not I was going to be a good mom (hell I still worry about that) but I have come to learn over the past few months that being a good mom isn't measured by the things you provide but by the love and memories you share. I can't wait to learn and grow with Jackson as a family. First christmas, first birthday, first tooth...all the important steps in life. Having traditions and making memories that he will carry with him is the best part of this whole parenting thing. Yes, I'm sure there will be just as many trying times as fun times but knowing that I have a husband who is my constant companion, who works with me, shares his ideas and feelings and who we are a united front only makes this even better.

I can't wait to experience this new life with Rich. I am so thankful I have him, so thankful for the life we have, and the days ahead.

Jackson is always growing, always changing, and each day brings more and more smiles, laughs and memories. I am so greatful that I have been blessed with this family.

Cameron is growing up and changing. Yes things are new for everyone but being able to be a part in his life and helping him choose the right path lets me know that as Jackson grows Rich and I will be that same united front. Cameron is so smart, caring, and mature for his wise old age of 12 that sometimes I forget he's still a kid. I'm thankful to have him as well.

So what have I really learned over the last 18 weeks. That for the first time I can say I am truly happy. I have an amazing family that I love unconditionally. I have a career that I feel I make a difference in peoples lives. And most of all I feel content that this is what I am meant to do. Be a mother, wife, and professional; it is possible.

Oohs..Ahhs..& Jibber Jabber

What a chatterbox! Jackson has found his voice and for once its not screams, LOL. He is a getting so big everyday. He talks to his toys, he yells at the TV during football games (like father like son), he even holds conversations with me. Well he jabbers back; at least I don't feel crazy talking to myself now when he responds lol. Weighed him about a week ago and he was almost 15#. We are starting on FOOD little by little. He has had mainly pureed peaches w/ rice cereal. He does better each time we try it. Since switching to Soy he has been a bit on the bound up side so the peaches definetly help keep him "moving".

I still set in awe over this little guy. 4 months ago he was so small, so fragile and now hes working on rolling over, laughing, talking...I can't believe the changes that have happened so far.

The new job is going good. I am finally off orientation as of tonight so we will see how that goes. I love being only 5 mins away. We get dinner done, I get to spend some time w/ my hubby, and feel good being so close incase of something happening.

We are gearing up for a simple Halloween. Cameron is on fall break this week so he is gonna come spend a few nights and we are gonna carve pumpkins...Photos to come!

Better finish getting ready for work!
More later

Seriously!

Can't believe that my baby is almost 4 months old...where has time gone? He has been doing soo good since switching formula, again. Soy has really helped his belly and he's a happy baby. Though I'm beginning to wonder if he's ready for more than formula. He gets hungry around the 2-2 1/2 hour mark, but I'm worried about advancing him to quickly. We tried some purreed peaches w/ rice cereal and he seemed to like it but the whole swallowing thing was new still tried to push the food outa his mouth which according to the book is a reflex that goes away and lets you know when they are able to handle food.

So good news...they delivered the material for our new roof today. I looked out my window and saw a Semi full of shingles then I got to watching where he was putting everything. Right in front of the garage door. Now thankfully Rich's truck wasn't in the garage; when I asked him why he was putting it there he said "Your contractor told me to put it to the right of the garage". I smiled sweetly w/ my bed head (I just woke up from a nap) and asked him how he expected me to get my vehicle out of the garage (he didn't know there wasn't one in there). He just had this look on his face...and moved it. SERIOUSLY!

First Night Back

Two weeks down on days and tonight starts my first night back. I'm nervous. Not so much about work but I have not left my baby overnight since he was born. Granted I am only 5 mins away and if Daddy needs me he can get to me quickly but I still don't like the idea of being away while he sleeps.

Last night was awesome though. We got a "date" night at the track. Since it was so cold Jackson stayed with his GramZ and Pa while Daddy and I went to the races. Cameron did so good! He qualified 3rd fast out of the 14 cars and finished 2nd in his Feature! Not a bad way to end the season. Next week starts tear down and gearing up for a full season in his Restrictor car.

Better get going. I have to leave for work in a few.

                                                                 3 Months Old

First Week Back

Wow...what a week! Three days back to work and I can honestly say I missed it. Not nearly as much as I missed Jackson but I missed being at the hospital, taking care of people, and working. I really think St. Joe is going to work out. It's a new learning curve mainly with the computer charting, but after another week or two I think I will have it down.

Jackson did really well this week at daycare, except for one small oops where he pee'd on one of the teachers (she was warned lol).

This weekend has been rainy and quiet, can't say I hated it. Got to spend the last two days in comfy clothes with 2 of my 3 favorite guys. Cam had a birthday party to go to and the rest of the team headed to Eldora for the 4 Crown.

Need some advice...Jackson HATES tummy time and he's not wanting to hold his own head up for very long. Of course the books say he should be able to raise himself up on his arms and I'm getting worried. I know he won't be a bobble head as an adult but is this normal? How can I get him to hold it up longer or even tolerate tummy time. I hate hearing him scream cause he gets to frustrated. I've tried a mirror, being on the floor with him, even the boppy and he HATES it. Any suggestions?

He will be 12 weeks on Thursday...I can't belive it. To think not long ago he was still in my belly and now he has grown so much. Its scary how fast the grow and change.

                                                                      11 weeks

I Survived...

What a busy week. I started orientation Monday at St. Joe. After shedding a few tears dropping my baby off at daycare I headed to orientation; 4 days later and only a few tears gone I survived. I feel better about this change. St. Joe offers alot for their patients and not just on the medical side. They are a Catholic Ministry Hospital so they focus on the medicine and on the person to heal, which I really awesome. I start12 hour day shifts of Tuesday...wonder how many tears I will lose with that.

Jackson did amazing at daycare. I was so worried he was going to get kicked out on his first day. But he didn't and I felt much better. We are getting into a new routine and hopefully he won't be waking up at 2-3am for a bottle. Not sure if it was the lack of swaddling or the fact that he was on a new schedule w/ daycare and all. I'm sure after another week or so we will be good a situated.

Today is a simple, lazy day at home. Looking forward to some quality family time..after errands and laundry.

Am I ready for this?

We are T Minus 15 hours until the big day...I start my new job and Jackson goes to daycare. I'm starting to have mixed feelings about this. Have I made the right decision; new hospital, new policies, new people? Will Jackson transtion to day care? Will I have constant fits of regret for leaving him? I guess being the type A personality that I am I wasn't thinking this was going to be so hard. I don't want to miss a smile, a laugh, him rolling over...anything. I know that this is the best decision for our family not only financially but also as a whole. I do better working; I enjoy my job and what I do and that will only help make our family stronger.

Now the other big thing on my mind...what is wrong with my baby? He does so good sleeping through the night *knock on wood*. But for some reason unknown to me or his dad when the "tarnished" (cause gold is too nice of an adjective) hour hits he melts down. Typically Jackson wakes up about 830 (sometimes earlier). He gets a 4 oz bottle and is a happy little bug. Then by 1030 his starts screaming. So ok I give him another 2 oz and the meltdown continues. I'm thinking is it fighting a nap, is he hungry, is he in pain? I'm contemplating adding just a bit of rice cereal to his bottle. He doesn't have these melt downs at night nearly like he did. But he will typically scream, fuss, and cry from 1030 until he falls asleep but he never takes a good nap of the afternoon he fights it and will wake up in about 45 mins and it starts all over again. I'm wondering if the little bit of rice cereal will help him stay satisfied. I'm read info saying both yes and no. I guess we can give it a shot, if it works YEA..if not we go back to what we were doing. I'm worried the poor girls at the daycare will kick him out or worse ignore him because of his fits.

That's another worry of mine. Are these women going to love and take care of him the way I would? I'm feeling 80% that this daycare is going to be a good fit. Its a small infant room with two women; one older one my age who seem to really enjoy what they do. They document everything on the babies (when they eat, sleep, poop, play etc) and also build in enrichment activities as they get older. They also start on basic sign language such as more, please, mom, dad. I'm really hoping it will be a good fit. Part of the paperwork I filled out asked about your child, their preferences, etc so the staff can have an idea as to how the baby works. I just really hope this fits.

Well I better go get some bottles washed, laundry switched, and grocery list/meal plan done...a mothers work is never done! But I wouldn't trade this for the world

2 Years Ago Today...

On September 6th 2009 I married my best friend in a simple yet beautiful ceremony in my in-laws front yard. Fast forward to today and over the last two years we have gone from living in an apartment to owning our own home and best of all growing our family with our much loved Jackson. I couldn't ask for a better life. I have a husband who supports me, challenges me, and works not only with me but by my side. I am one very lucky woman.

So how did we celebrate today? Jackson and I drove to Westfield and had a simple Subway lunch while all Rich's co-workers oooh'd and ahh'd over Jackson. Then when Rich came home I had a scrumptious dinner waiting. I was pleasantly surprised to see a sweet basket of flowers in his hand.

We are simple people and don't need much pomp and circumstance. Just the love we share is all I need to get through the day. Two years ago when we walked down the aisle as husband and wife we were a bit untraditional and walked to "Lucky" by Jason Mraz and Colbie Caillat. The lyrics in this song ring so true to Rich and I.

"I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I’m lucky we’re in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday"

Happy Anniversary Rich! I love you more every day!

Supper Situation

Since being on Maternity leave I have had the pleasant opportunity to actually start cooking again. I believe that had I been able to choose any career and make a good living at it I would have been a chef and not a nurse. But practicality won that battle so I cook when I can. I have slowly started broadening my horizens (mainly because I spend alot of my day watching Food Network between diapers, bottles, and laundry). Sunday I watched $10 Dinners w/ the winner of that Food Network Star Show. She made this really yummy looking garlic chicken. Now when it comes to cooking I get a little nervous especially stepping outside of my comfortable box, but I did it. I bought all the ingredients (minus the herb d' Provence cause well Walmart doesn't carry that- sub McCormicks Tuscan seasoning). I pulled up the recipe online, followed all the steps, and it did turn out fairly good except the skin didn't brown quite like I wanted or expected. So after finishing my step outside the box I turned to a quick and easy side dish, Pasta Roni (hey it works- I want to get good staple of new recipes under my belt before jumping completely out of the box if you know what I mean). Then I decided to make a yummy toasted italian bread under the broiler. Well I picked French Bread instead of italian cause lets just face it that crusty wonder if not made right can be a bit tough. All was good with the bread toasting until I went for just a bit more golden and after a small fire (on the bread not on the kitchen) I was able to salvage a few slices for the hubby and I. So what I have learned- 1. Stepping out of the box may be a bit scary but can turn out to taste pretty good, 2. sometimes you don't need that PERFECT golden brown, 3. I can get a home cooked meal on the table by 6 pm which I great for when I go back to work.

Wonder what I will tackle later this week..any suggestions?

Can This Be True?

Two Nights...yes TWO NIGHTS in a row he has slept 4+ hours. Talk about feeling better on my part. I can actually remember things, sort of; new mom brain still catches up from time to time. How'd did we do it? I'm not real sure. I have been trying to schedule his naps a little better and give him his last bottle between 830-900 that way he has a full belly. Also, I went to our local library and checked out some books. Go figure, me looking for answers in books. One thing I did read fairly consistently was to use soft soothing music or sound machines to help them sleep. Well our sound machine works great but I also checked out a few classical CDs designed for babies. One in particular incorporates traditional nursery rhymes and a faint sound of a heartbeat in the back ground. I put them all on my iPod, plugged it in and let it play all night. So who knows if any of these actually played a part, but 2 nights now he has slept through.

Its getting closer and closer to me going back to work. I have a new found respect for stay at home moms (SAHM). As much as I love my little guy and wouldn't give these last 7 weeks up for anything I miss what I do. I truly feel that for our family to be well run we all need to take care of ourselves and one way I do that for me is to work. Thankfully I am in a profession that gives me the flexibility to work only 3 days a week and still be home with him quite a few days. Plus at my new job I am only 5 mins away and if need be can run home for a quick kiss...

Now let me vent on one thing...what happened to common courtesy. When did people in service positions get so rude. I am so tired of telling people thank you and getting a look like I have 2 heads. I remember being told as a child that if you give a smile it will spread that smiling is the best spreadable disease...well did they outlaw smiling too. I get so irritated by the lack of respect and friendliness. There I feel better.

Back to my library trip. I found some great books for new moms that I wanted to share. First off who knew there was actually a MANUAL for new moms. As a matter of fact the Must-Have Mom Manual answered alot of questions I had from breast vs bottle feeding, to co-sleeping, and that ever hush hush topic of Post Partum Depression (which I was beginning to wonder if I was suffering from, more on that in a minute). The book is written from the perspective of two moms both friends who raised children at the same time. Highly recommend this to new and not so new moms.

On to the Post Partum Depression. So first off let me say I LOVE my son. He is such a joy, but lately he has been a bit tiresome and fussy. I had the feeling like I wasn't doing something right. I actually continually apologized to Rich for doing it all wrong (who never blamed me for a meltdown just told me it would be ok). As many of you know I am a complete Type A personality and creature of habit and routine. Jackson has really taught me that routines don't always work especially for a newborn. What I realize now is that I'm not doing anything wrong, these are just adjustments that all new moms go through. Thankfully I have an awesome support system in my husband, mom, and many great friends. So Post Partum Depression, not so much but can definetly say I have Baby Blues from time to time.

Well, that's a bunch of updates and little man is awake and having fun with daddy so I better take advantage of some much needed smiles and coos from him.

My Little Piggie

6 weeks old today! 6 weeks...he is growing up so quick, LOL! Went to my New Mom's Group yesterday and weighed little man *drum roll please*... 9 lbs 10 oz! That is a 2.2 lb gain since birth. Today mom and I "measured" him and got 24". He is getting so BIG.

Things are getting better on the fussy front. He has maybe 2 good meltdowns a day and they are pretty consistent in time frame. Nice thing he doesn't scream when changing his diaper but he doesn't like to be wet and awake all at the same time.

Got my work schedule for my new job and finished up loose ends at MGH. I'm really going to miss the girls there but I need to make this change for my family and for my stress. Hopefully being closer to home will help decrease my stress a bit. I can't believe I go back to work on September 12th. This is the longest I have not worked since I was about 13. Working is what I know. I give it to stay at home moms though. I thought my nursing job was stressful but as much as I love hugging and cuddling and watching him grow I miss taking care of people. I'm fortunate that I get the best of both worlds because I don't have to work 5 days a week only 3.

We picked a day care center which was such a big step. I would love for mom to be a live in grandma but that's not realistic. The nice thing is this daycare is run by a mother and daughter and the mother runs the infant room. Its very homey for a day care. As long as he is happy there and stays healthy that's all I can ask for. Plus it will hopefully help us stay on a schedule.

Cam started Jr. High this week. Crazy to think that when we are doing Kindergarten round up for Jackson we will also be planning a graduation party for Cam.

Hoping to get some family pics soon. Rich has been doing freelance graphic work for a local photographer and I'm hoping to have him do so family pics. Plus my friend Jenn is home from Arizona so between the two I'm sure we will get something. Its kinda hard for Rich and I to take our own lol.

More Soon!

Many Decisions

Yea...colic is 100x better. Meltdowns still occur but now that I understand that his colic was mainly the fact that he was still hungry after nursing and we started supplementing with formula my little man is doing so much better.

Today was a little difficult for me though. I had to turn in my letter of resignation to MGH. It was bittersweet for many reasons. First it was the first hospital that I worked in since graduating and becoming a licensed nurse. As I told my old boss, it was home. It was where I started. I am partially excited and partially scared about starting at St. Joe. Its a new hospital, new people, new routines...all NEW and with everything else new in my world not sure how I will balance it all. The best part of the new job is that I will only be 10 mins from home vs the 40 min drive (on a good day).

Next to tackle besides the new job is what to do about child care when I'm sleeping and Rich is at work. We had a friend set up but unfortunately her schedule isn't going to work. As much as I would love to use grandparents they have lives too and especially since mom started school it is important to me that she focus on her (she has given so much of herself that she needs to take this time for her). So tomorrow I go to see a daycare that is right by the house. On the plus side they do alot of activities even with the infants including tummy time, stroller time, and even basic sign language. I'm a bit nervous because of course the new mom in me doesn't want anyone else to take care of him but I also think it may be a good thing. Build language skills and socialization skills. Plus we are also looking into Rich possibly becoming a stay at home dad this winter. He has been in contact with a local photographer and is started to do alot of graphic work for him. If we can get that going well and build the vinyl business he may just get to quit his crummy factory job.

Cam has been doing so good in his big car. And I'm so happy that I get to be at the next months worth of races. He is growing up so quick, he's going to be starting the 7th grade this year. Scary, I can still remember those years all too well. Rich realized the other day that Cam will be graduating when we put Jackson into kindergarten.

Planning on going to the State Fair thursday so will hopefully post pics of our trip.

Some New Pictures

Figured I needed to get some pictures on here...Enjoy!

Making Headway

So Colic...kinda stressful on the new mom if I may say so (and Dad too), but I think we may be making strides to getting over this hump. Came to a very clear realization yesterday, Jackson is HUNGRY. I realized that due to my eating schedule (or lack there of; I can go most of the day without eating because I get busy) when I'm nursing he just isn't filling his precious little tummy. Therefore we are still supplementing with formula. The key is I have changed it up and for the last few feedings been giving regular Similac Advanced and the fits have ceased, he slept from 9:30pm to 1:30 am (yea SLEEP!). Now we still have day and night issues cause at 1:30 til 5:00 he just kinda cat napped but at least he wasn't screaming for hours on end. I'm not giving up on the breastfeeding I just understand that I'm not making enough. Thankfully he still latches like a hungry little pig and feeds until I'm empty he just isn't full. Most importantly he is getting the best of both worlds, breastmilk and a full TUMMY! Plus we are both getting much needed sleep.

Colic..Enough Said

So being a new parent I expected ups and downs. Peeing around the diaper, not liking to take a bath, but colic that I was not prepared for. Of course I had heard how babies get it but I did not do my research and boy are we in the thick of it.

Hello google...what have I learned so far. Babies get colic and can be described as crying about the same time each day for consecutive days (yep we have that symptom) and difficulty soothing (yep that's covered too). Most of the information I've read said that it last a matter of weeks.

My main question is what do I do? I have been breastfeeding and supplementing with formula designed for gas and fussiness. Though last night was rough. From 3 am to 530 am he cried and cried and cried. Talk about feeling completely useless. I was tired he was fussy and nothing I did made it better. Today after I did my research I got online and started looking at what we can do to help. First off I found that Similac makes a formula designed for Colic (check!). Also a few drops of Mylicon (anti-gas for baby med) can help relieve pain (check check!) and patience (doing my very best but I don't like problems I can directly fix).

As much as I want to continue to breastfeed I have learned that it may be a sensitivity he has. Which emotinally makes me feel horrible because part of me feels like I am hurting him and the other part feels like I'm not taking good enough care. But I know that as long as he is healthy and growing (which he is) that I am doing the best I can. There is nothing wrong with formula and if we need to switch to make it best for him then that's what we do.

On a brighter note Saturday was our first week back to the racetrack. Jackson did awesome. No fussy moments at all...as long as the race cars were running. As I got to thinking the sounds of the racetrack must be soothing because he has been hearing it since I found out I was pregnant. Also Cameron did AMAZING. I was so excited to get to finally see him run his big car. He is growing up so quick and maturing into such a good young man, Rich and I are so thankful.

I am totally up for any tips any of you new and seasoned moms out there may have in regards to our colic problem.

Holy Meltdown

So last night I thought I would be a SUPER wife and make salmon patties for my wonderful husband. While I was pregnant I steered clear of all fish products except for the occasional shrimp here and there. So I looked up this fab recipe from Rachel Ray online and prepared my salmon patties complete with red peppers, cilantro, and chives. So after dinner we decided to take some pictures of our little guy who proceeded to get fussy; so like any good breastfeeding mom I went ahead and fed him...BIG MISTAKE. Baby Jackson and salmon patties not a good match. It's true what they say that what I eat/drink he also gets. So after eating he proceeded to meltdown for at least 2 hours. It was 1030 last night before he finally fell asleep. The good thing was he then slept for at least 3 hours.

We are still working on this whole sleep schedule thing. Unfortunately he is so cute and cuddly while he sleeps that I am having a hard time getting him awake so he sleeps when he is suppose to. Any suggestions?

Sunday was amazing! We had such a wonderful time with friends and family welcoming Jackson. Rich and I want to thank everyone who came we were so glad all of you could make it. I also want to give a big THANK YOU to my mom. If it wasn't for her we wouldn't have had such a wonderful party. Also Aunt Ruth did such an awesome job on the party favors everyone loved the Jackson Robert Water!

More soon...

Jackson Robert Arrives

On July 7th 2011 at 4:34 pm Jackson Robert made his much anticipated arrival into our lives. After having been induced and experiencing the amazing world of childbirth Jackson was finally in my arms. Unfortunately he was then taken to NICU for being a little sluggish, personally I think he's just laid back and they were worried cause he wasn't crying all that much. As I have since learned he only cries when he needs to and soothes easily.

These last 2 weeks have been such a learning experience. When to sleep? How to manage the house? Can I go out and do things like I use to, lunch shopping etc? So far we have had a fairly uneventful two weeks. We were on a bili light up until yesterday so this made adjusting a bit more difficult. I wasn't prepared to come home and have to keep my child on a glow worm light. Makes it kind of difficult to maneuver life. Thankfully we came off the light and things have started to smooth out a bit. Jackson still has his days and nights backwards. He has a tendancy to be wide awake around 10pm and 230am. I am working on putting him on a schedule but of course that isn't always possible. I have to remember that babies don't come with an instruction manual or rule book. For someone like myself who has a bit of control issues this has been a hard hurdle to jump. When he cries I run through all the possibilities; is he wet, hungry, stomach upset, or maybe he just needs to cry. This has been the hardest. I don't want him to cry. I know its perfectly ok if he does and sometimes he just needs to cry but it still breaks my heart. I want to protect him and hearing him cry is the hardest thing.

Sunday will be the open house welcoming Jackson Robert. There will be lots of family and friends here. I look forward to seeing everyone and enjoying this special time with them.