Saturday, August 27, 2011

Baby item love

Some things that have helped us survive the first month or so.

The Fisher Price Newborn Rock and Play Sleeper. This has been so handy. It's a quick assembly, very portable, and folds/unfolds with one hand. Keller slept in this when he was still in our room and during the day I moved it into the den for him to nap in. We also take it to my parents so he has some thing to sit in and took it to Branson. So much easier to transport and set up than a pack and play. I even have one at work that he sleeps and plays in while we are there. It's also slightly inclined which would help a kid with bad reflux and it will rock on it's own when on a non carpeted floor.



Infant mittens and pjs (gowns) with fold over hands. We used these a lot during the first few weeks. Keller constantly kept his hands at his face. His nails grew super fast and even when freshly cut they were still pretty sharp. Everyone said "oh poor baby he doesn't like those mittens on his hands" but really he could have cared less and it was a quick lesson on crazy things people say when you have a baby and how to ignore them.

The Gentle Giraffe. A noise machine with four different settings. They make a sheep too but I like the giraffe because you can position him to help hold in a paci. People will have an opinion about this as well, "he'll smother", but you already learned your lesson about the crazy things people say (see above), right?


Onesies. This might be a given but as a summer baby Keller has lived in these. Just make sure you have enough.

Avent pacifiers. We went through two different types and I though he just wasn't going to take one. We finally tried a 0-3 month Avent and he likes it best. He still isn't a huge fan but it helps when he is really fussy or hungry and we are trying to get to a place where he can eat.
Side note: Avent has 0-3 month and 0-6 month pacifiers. Anyone know what the difference is? You would think it would be 0-3 month and 3-6 month.


Medela breast pump and my boobies. For obvious reasons. Breastfeeding has gone really well for us (knock on wood) and I am truly grateful because I have heard how difficult it can be. The pump has been great (after a quick visit with the laceration consultant). I can't imagine using a hand pump especially when I go back to work.


Summer Swaddlers from Target. These have worked best for us. The Velcro works great and keeps him contained but not to tight. They are also quick and easy to get him into. We have a miracle blanket but just have not used it as much, he is able to wiggle himself out of it. One downfall is that the Velcro is pretty loud during a middle of the night diaper change.


Gauze blankets. I use these to swaddle him during nap time and they are also great covers while inside. Not too hot for the summer time but also keeps him from getting chilled in the air conditioning.


And last but not least our stroller, its a BOB. We had to wait a few weeks before it came in because it was on back order, and it's a little pricey but totally worth it. I researched, a lot. I knew we would be using it a lot for walks and some for indoor shopping. This stroller has been great for both. It turns in a small radius, has shocks for bumpy surface and for bouncing when he's fussy, and the canopy pulls down very low. It fold up and unfolds within seconds. It it a little big when folded but I've come to realize that most strollers, with the exception of umbrella strollers, do take up some trunk space. This will be our one and only stroller and will last us until Keller refuses to get in it. It will also hold some resale value in a few years. Over all though we LOVE this stroller and would buy it again.


Some advise (from a rookie mom) on baby item purchases. Get the basics. Onesies, diapers, wipes, blankets. You can purchase other items with gift cards as the need arises. Lots of the items that seem like a really good idea probably won't get used but a few times. When making big purchase really think about your needs and what your baby will like. We ended up buying a swing and a bouncy seat after he was born but he still doesn't love them. I got both on sale so not that big of a deal but both do not have enough movement for him. If I had to do it again I might look into a mamma roo. Again think of you and your babies needs and spend a little more on an item that will really be used. Buying a bunch of other items will add up quickly.


Friday Fun Day (sorta)

I'm really trying to get some of this pre pregnancy "overweight weight" and post pregnancy weight off. A week after having Keller I was down 50 lbs which sounds like a huge number but really it was mostly water weight. But that did put me at about 10 lbs lighter then pre pregnancy. The sad part is I could still stand to loose another 30-40 lbs. If I wanted to be at college weight it would be 60 lbs but that is a dream I have given up. I have traded in working out for two hours a day and eating salad for 90% of my meals for real adult life. So 40 lbs down would be great.
Now that I am feeling more like myself after delivery I've decided I need to keep the ball rolling. So I signed up for Stroller Strides. and so far I'm loving it. I wanted to do something but again was struggling with leaving Keller and finding time. This is perfect. I take him with me, have a good workout, and get to meet other moms.
Speaking of strollers have I mentioned out much we love ours? It's a BOB and totally worth it. I plan on doing a baby items post later and will talk more about it.
Anyway, Keller and I went to the park on Friday morning to workout. He spit up a few times which he doesn't normally do. When we got home he was having some trouble breathing. Not turning blue or anything, but breathing quickly and loudly like he was struggling a little. I called the doctor a few times, it got a little worse and so we finally went in. They took some blood and a chest x-ray. Everything came back normal. The doctor seems to think he is developing some reflux and the stomach acid might have irritated his esophagus. A few hours later he was sounding like normal again and he is now on reflux meds. So glad everything is ok but it was scary there for a awhile but it makes me so thankful for a healthy baby. I can't imagine the stress that parents of really sick children are under.
After an eventful morning and a good nap everyone was feeling much better. The weather was amazing outside so we decided to take Keller to his first Travelers baseball game. We sat on the berm in the outfield. I just kept thinking about how fun It will be to take him when he is a little older and can run around and eat hot dogs and cotton candy. But for now we'll take him like this.







Saturday Morning Scene

Adjusting to the day after a good nights rest.



Thursday, August 25, 2011

And the little one said roll over

We have had a busy week. I went to book club on Tuesday night. (We read "Little Bee" and it was good.) Although it was enjoyable before it's even nicer now to be able to get out for a little on my own. Even if it's only for an hour or two. I've left Keller with Coby a few times now and feel so lucky to have such great husband who encourages me to get out on my own. At first I felt a little guilty. I suppose all moms do. "what if he gets hungry" "what if he cries" "he'll only be this small for so long I don't want to miss anything". But then I realized how much better I felt when I have a little alone time. My mind is so much clearer and like they say absence make the heart grow fonder. When I get home to my boys I realize all over again how lucky I am.



Coby had to work late on tonight so Keller and I hung out all evening and had a good time. We played and played and talked and talked.


YouTube Video

And then it happened. Keller rolled over for the first time ever! Now I know it was kind of a fluke, totally unintentional, and he probably won't do it again anytime soon but it was still exciting. Of course I didn't catch it on video the first time but did get him to do it again (with a touch of help) before he got too mad.

YouTube Video

This boy is growing so fast and I want it all to slow down but it's also exciting to see him learn new things.

Sunday, August 21, 2011

Branson

We decided to head up to Branson on Friday. Didn't have any real plans. Coby didn't want to go the the Kewpie Doll Museum or to see the 3 Redneck Tenors ;) so we just did some shopping and went to the HUGE BassPro Shop.
Keller did great on the way there and back. He slept the whole time and slept well at night. We did some shopping at the outlets, which aren't really outlets, and went to Branson landing. It was really nice. A little hot but there were good shops and a nice atmosphere. Friday night we ate at a local seafood place. Saturday we ended up ordering pizza. I guess that's what happens with a one month old. But for our first family "vacation" it went really well.


On our way home we stopped by the Buffalo River. On the way there we saw some pigs and goats.






Keller was sleeping but we got him out and let him test the waters anyway. He was upset at first. I think because it woke him up but then he enjoyed it. It was a little cold but the water was so clear. It was beautiful.




















Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Picture Dump






Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Love It!

I have this color on my toes right now. (sorry for horrid pic). Its a little bold for me but I like it. Think it would be better during early spring. It's Nichole by OPI from Target, Make Mine Lime.







I really love this. Found it on pinterest. Great fall color and did you know OPI makes a matte finish? Great way to double your polish collection. Found it at Sephora, which is another thing I'm currently loving. Especially their iPad app.






As for my hair, Kodi at Bevelle Boulevard did a tutorial on no heat curls. I tried it and IT WORKED! I have tried tons of ways to get my hair to curl and this is by far the easiest, quickest, and most successful.





I am also loving the Goody Spin Pin. It's a quick, easy way to pull my hair back without using a ponytail holder. Make a cute messy bun.



Lastly, and most importantly, I found these...



If you like coconut stop reading and go to the grocery store NOW! So yummy and only 130 calories per bar. Creamy enough for an ice cream craving but much better for you!!

Monday, August 15, 2011

Sunday, August 14, 2011

Sunday musings

We've had a pretty good weekend. Friday night we went a returned a few gifts then went to dinner. Saturday Coby got up and went hiking at Pinnacle Mt. And Keller and I slept in. We stayed around the house the rest of the day and got some laundry done. Coby made purple hull peas and corn bread for dinner. Sunday we got up and went to church and Sunday school. Keller did really well and slept the majority of the time. Next week he will be 6 weeks and can go to the nursery. I think we will test it out during church. I don't think it will be a problem. After church we went to lunch with my parents then headed home.




My boys, Coby, Keller, and the dogs took a nap while I went to the grocery store. Coby went to a work function tonight so its just me and little man for the evening. We took a bath, ate dinner and played a little. This is what Kellers hair does after a bath...



I usually brush it out because if I don't it dries like this...



I'm ready for it to get longer and actually curl when it dries instead of just stick up everywhere.
Kids in our area start school tomorrow. I feel so lucky to work in the school district and be able to take maternity leave when school starts. If not I would have had to start back to work next week, instead I have until mid-September to spend with him. We've got a few things on our agenda for next week. Hopefully I can remember to take pictures and blog!

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Superstar 1 month

Here are some videos of Keller from his first month.


YouTube Video



This one is of you throwing a little fit. It's so pitiful it's cute. I just love the the pouty lip you give.

YouTube Video




Monday, August 8, 2011

Keller 1 month

Keller Cruz...you are one month old!

Crazy how time flies! You are such a good baby. I know all parents say that but you truly are great. We went and got you weighed the other day and you were 9 lbs 13 oz. Almost one pound heavier than your birth weight. You are probably about 22" long. You cry just the right amount. When you get hungry or when you are tired. You also cry some when you get your diaper or clothes changed. The rest of the time you are pretty happy and content. We are working on getting you to stay in your swing or on your playmate for longer periods of time. You are enjoying it now more that you can track and watch the different toys and lights.




It does seem like you get bored sometimes and when you are held you like to be talked to, sung to, and played with. Sometimes you like to be cuddled, especially if you are tired.
You still sleep in mom and dads room at night but take naps in your crib. We will work on sleeping in your crib at night once you start sleeping through the night. Ever since you have been home you have slept pretty well. At first it was about 4 hours at a time. Now you go down at night around 9 and lay there awake for .5-1 hours before you go to sleep. You usually sleep until about 2:30 or 3 to eat real quick then go back to sleep until about 8 or 9.




I am shooting for you taking a nap in the morning around 10 and then another in the afternoon around 1. We are trying to find a happy medium between you being on a schedule and you being flexible enough to go and do with us during the day. You usually sleep when we are out and about. When you start daycare I'm sure they will get you on a good schedule. Your daycare called a few weeks ago to check on you and make sure you were still going to start in September which made mommy feel pretty good about sending you there.
You have really started to hold your head up during tummy time and even when mommy is holding you.

Your facial expressions are so funny and you have just started to have these wide mouth smiles and babble a lot more.
You get so mad sometimes and make the funniest pouty face. But as quickly as you get mad you are hsppy and content again.



One of you favorite things is listening to toddler radio on Pandora. Mommy let's you listen while she gets ready in the morning and you love it.
I can't wait to see what your second month of life holds for you little boy!