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?
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
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!
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!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
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.
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.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Friday, August 5, 2011
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.
Monday, August 1, 2011
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.
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.
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