I've found he likes to nap on his tummy. Here he is on mommy and daddy's bed after breastfeeding while lying down next to mommy:
And a couple more pics from this week:
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Nicholas: 6 Weeks
The big news this week is that Nicholas got his first vaccines. He did pretty well, thanks in part to our brilliant idea to give him a bottle of breast milk while the nurse was administering the shots. He cried, but only briefly. I, on the other hand, cried longer than he did. I just can't stand to see him in pain. That night, he had a screaming fit and his legs hurt really bad to the touch. Lots of snuggling and some Infant Tylenol took the edge off.
I've found he likes to nap on his tummy. Here he is on mommy and daddy's bed after breastfeeding while lying down next to mommy:
And a couple more pics from this week:
I've found he likes to nap on his tummy. Here he is on mommy and daddy's bed after breastfeeding while lying down next to mommy:
And a couple more pics from this week:
Monday, July 25, 2011
Nicholas: 5 Weeks
When I was little, I had a doll whose eyes were open when she was upright, and then her eyelids closed when she laid down.
Nicholas is the exact opposite of this doll. I feel like we have taken several steps backward this week. He is perfectly content being held and will fall asleep easily, then his eyes pop open the second I put him in his bassinet to sleep. Another favorite trick of his is to pretend to be asleep in his bassinet just until mommy gets comfy in bed, then he starts grunting and fussing and wants to stay awake for another 2 hours. His extreme need to suck is back and when he's awake, he constantly wants his pacifier. That is the only way to get him to fall asleep when we're not holding him, but then the pacifier keeps falling out and we have to put it back in his mouth immediately or he will start crying.
Here are some pictures from this week:
This might be my favorite shot yet
First pair of shorts
Nicholas is the exact opposite of this doll. I feel like we have taken several steps backward this week. He is perfectly content being held and will fall asleep easily, then his eyes pop open the second I put him in his bassinet to sleep. Another favorite trick of his is to pretend to be asleep in his bassinet just until mommy gets comfy in bed, then he starts grunting and fussing and wants to stay awake for another 2 hours. His extreme need to suck is back and when he's awake, he constantly wants his pacifier. That is the only way to get him to fall asleep when we're not holding him, but then the pacifier keeps falling out and we have to put it back in his mouth immediately or he will start crying.
Here are some pictures from this week:
This might be my favorite shot yet
First pair of shorts
Monday, July 18, 2011
Goodbye Bottles, Hello Breast!
Last week I decided to try breastfeeding one last time with the help of a lactation consultant. I had pretty much told myself it wouldn't work since Nicholas has been exclusively bottle-fed since we left the hospital.
Barbara at The Pump Station was very helpful and gave me lots of good tips. I realized that I had been putting too much pressure on the back of his head, causing him to pull away. I also learned that many of his behaviors, while frustrating, are normal (shaking his head, putting his hands in the way, etc.) and not the result of my poor breastfeeding skills. After an hour with Barbara, Nicholas was latching on like a champ and I was feeling much more confident.
We've had a few rough moments and I caved a couple times and bottle-fed him when I just didn't have the patience, but overall breastfeeding has been a huge success. I'm so proud of my little man, and I love the closeness I feel when I'm nursing him. He is no longer inconsolable when he's hungry...he now realizes that nursing = satisfaction instead of frustration, which means both of us are a lot less stressed out.
In addition to my fabulous lactation consultant, I could not do this without the help of the Brest Friend nursing pillow and the Breastflow bottles. The Brest Friend is so much better than the Boppy because it stays in one place and it puts baby on a flat surface so he doesn't roll. And the Breastflow bottles were wonderful for transitioning him to the breast because they force him to compress as well as suck, just like with breastfeeding. When he was really upset and hungry, I had him drink expressed milk out of a Breastflow bottle for a few minutes, then I took it away and introduced the breast, and he was able to latch on pretty well.
The best tip Barbara gave me was to have baby practice latching with a bottle--touch the wide base of the bottle's nipple to baby's chin, wait for him to open wide, then pull him toward you while guiding his mouth up and over the nipple. This works well with the Breastflow bottles. I always make sure to hold him the way I'd hold him if I were breastfeeding (in a cross cradle hold), so he gets used to the positioning.
If you are considering seeing a lactation consultant, DO IT. It was so worth it!
Barbara at The Pump Station was very helpful and gave me lots of good tips. I realized that I had been putting too much pressure on the back of his head, causing him to pull away. I also learned that many of his behaviors, while frustrating, are normal (shaking his head, putting his hands in the way, etc.) and not the result of my poor breastfeeding skills. After an hour with Barbara, Nicholas was latching on like a champ and I was feeling much more confident.
We've had a few rough moments and I caved a couple times and bottle-fed him when I just didn't have the patience, but overall breastfeeding has been a huge success. I'm so proud of my little man, and I love the closeness I feel when I'm nursing him. He is no longer inconsolable when he's hungry...he now realizes that nursing = satisfaction instead of frustration, which means both of us are a lot less stressed out.
In addition to my fabulous lactation consultant, I could not do this without the help of the Brest Friend nursing pillow and the Breastflow bottles. The Brest Friend is so much better than the Boppy because it stays in one place and it puts baby on a flat surface so he doesn't roll. And the Breastflow bottles were wonderful for transitioning him to the breast because they force him to compress as well as suck, just like with breastfeeding. When he was really upset and hungry, I had him drink expressed milk out of a Breastflow bottle for a few minutes, then I took it away and introduced the breast, and he was able to latch on pretty well.
The best tip Barbara gave me was to have baby practice latching with a bottle--touch the wide base of the bottle's nipple to baby's chin, wait for him to open wide, then pull him toward you while guiding his mouth up and over the nipple. This works well with the Breastflow bottles. I always make sure to hold him the way I'd hold him if I were breastfeeding (in a cross cradle hold), so he gets used to the positioning.
If you are considering seeing a lactation consultant, DO IT. It was so worth it!
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Nicholas: Week 3
We saw a new pediatrician this week and I feel really good about her. She's personable and really took the time to answer all of my questions. The office staff was very helpful and pleasant also.
Nicholas is starting to stay awake for longer periods of time. We've been doing a few minutes of Tummy Time each day, and he likes laying on my lap and looking at me when my knees are bent and I'm laying on the couch. He is learning to visually track objects and can now turn his head left and right and look up to follow a toy rattle. Such a smart boy! I took lots of pictures this week. Here are some of my favorites:
Playing on Mommy's lap:
Our little family at the park:
Nicholas is starting to stay awake for longer periods of time. We've been doing a few minutes of Tummy Time each day, and he likes laying on my lap and looking at me when my knees are bent and I'm laying on the couch. He is learning to visually track objects and can now turn his head left and right and look up to follow a toy rattle. Such a smart boy! I took lots of pictures this week. Here are some of my favorites:
Playing on Mommy's lap:
Our little family at the park:
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Nicholas: Week 2
Wow, this week flew by!
Nicholas had his first pediatrician visit this week when he was 8 days old. We saw the pediatrician that we worked with in the hospital, but it was about a 45 minute drive and I was in tears by the time we got there because I was so stressed out. The next day, I called my OB and she referred me to a pediatrician that's only about 15 minutes away. We'll be going there next week for his 2 week check-up.
Nicholas now has tear ducts that produce tears, and his eyes get gunky sometimes. He is starting to eat more frequently. Instead of eating a meal every 3 hours, he sometimes wants smaller meals every 1-2 hours. I think he's hitting a growth spurt.
Nicholas has been looking very intently at my hair this week, and I tried tickling his face with it. He scrunched his nose and seemed amused. :) I didn't take many pictures this week, but here are a few:
Nicholas and Wiggles the cat:
His favorite napping position - we call it the "tree frog"
Nicholas had his first pediatrician visit this week when he was 8 days old. We saw the pediatrician that we worked with in the hospital, but it was about a 45 minute drive and I was in tears by the time we got there because I was so stressed out. The next day, I called my OB and she referred me to a pediatrician that's only about 15 minutes away. We'll be going there next week for his 2 week check-up.
Nicholas now has tear ducts that produce tears, and his eyes get gunky sometimes. He is starting to eat more frequently. Instead of eating a meal every 3 hours, he sometimes wants smaller meals every 1-2 hours. I think he's hitting a growth spurt.
Nicholas has been looking very intently at my hair this week, and I tried tickling his face with it. He scrunched his nose and seemed amused. :) I didn't take many pictures this week, but here are a few:
Nicholas and Wiggles the cat:
His favorite napping position - we call it the "tree frog"
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Nicholas: Week 1
Nicholas is 1 week old today!
He is beginning to be so alert and he stays awake for longer periods of time. Today he spent a lot of time looking at me, and he doesn't seem to need his pacifier as often anymore to soothe himself. I think he is beginning to know us and trust us. Sometimes he seems content to have me just hold him and talk to him. That is such a change from the hospital, when he was in an incubator under lights for days. I bet he was so lonely and I felt so bad. I finally feel like we're bonding and I love it. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this week:
Our first family photo
Catchin' some rays in the nursery (phototherapy to control jaundice)
Almost ready to go home!
This is what happens when Daddy is on duty:
One week old today. Here he is looking at the animal pictures on his crib bumper. He was staring at them and the crib rails for a 1/2 hour! Such an alert little guy!
He is beginning to be so alert and he stays awake for longer periods of time. Today he spent a lot of time looking at me, and he doesn't seem to need his pacifier as often anymore to soothe himself. I think he is beginning to know us and trust us. Sometimes he seems content to have me just hold him and talk to him. That is such a change from the hospital, when he was in an incubator under lights for days. I bet he was so lonely and I felt so bad. I finally feel like we're bonding and I love it. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this week:
Our first family photo
Catchin' some rays in the nursery (phototherapy to control jaundice)
Almost ready to go home!
This is what happens when Daddy is on duty:
One week old today. Here he is looking at the animal pictures on his crib bumper. He was staring at them and the crib rails for a 1/2 hour! Such an alert little guy!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Baby Nicholas is Here!
I have a son! Here's his story:
My water broke at home early Sunday morning, June 19. I woke up at 5am to a small trickle of fluid followed by menstrual-type cramps. Once I got up, I had several gushes of fluid come out and I decided to wake my husband to tell him my water broke. His response was, "You're kidding." I said, "Nope. You'd better go pack."
We got to the hospital at about 8am and they monitored my contractions for about a half hour, then checked and I was 1cm and 50% effaced. Pitocin started (gradually) at 10:45, then a trigger-happy nurse was increasing my Pit every 1/2 hour!
At 3:30 I was told I could get the epi now or wait an hour until the anesthesiologist was free again. Even though the pain was manageable, I decided to get it then...thank goodness. 5 minutes later I was in excruciating pain with contractions every 1-2 minutes. Damn that nurse! The epi worked great though.
At 4:15 they checked and I was still only 1cm but 100% effaced. Nurse increased the Pit again. About 15 min. later I was at 4cm. 5 min. after that, we heard a faint alarm sounding and DH went to get a nurse since baby's HR had dropped. She checked and I was 6-7 cm! Suddenly I had 5 nurses around me giving me oxygen and I started shaking uncontrollably. They called the doctor in and she checked me and said I was at 9cm! Baby's HR was down to the 60s and they shut off the Pit. The contractions slowed his HR improved and I was able to rest for a bit.
A little later, I tried 2 practice pushes since baby's head was already past the section of cervix that was left. But his HR dropped again and we opted for an emergency c-section. Nicholas was born at 7:08 pm. 7 lbs, 7 oz., 19 1/2 inches. We found out that he was "sunny side up" (head down, but face up) and had the cord wrapped around his neck, which caused the distress.
The surgery went well and I was calm throughout, but I don't remember much from recovery except that I was shaking terribly again and falling asleep every other minute. They had given me a lot of anti-anxiety meds and I was really out of it. I didn't nurse until about midnight.
The next morning a blood test showed his bilirubin was increasing so he spent 2 days in the nursery receiving light therapy to control/prevent jaundice. He was given a lot of formula to help flush out his system, and I was really sad that he had to be introduced to bottles so soon.I pumped so my husband could feed Nicholas breastmilk from a bottle, and once my catheter was taken out I went up to the nursery to breastfeed several times. He was brought to our hospital room on Wednesday and I was thrilled beyond words.
Breastfeeding on my own was really tough, and I had to call the nurse in at 3am to help me because he wouldn't stop screaming. She was amazingly patient, and she held my breast and the baby's head while I cradled his body and manually expressed milk into his mouth to encourage him to suck. Without her, though, I felt like I didn't have enough hands to do it all and I was so emotionally drained.
We are home now, and I am currently exclusively pumping. I know the most important thing is that he gets breastmilk, but I feel like a failure. I think he got spoiled with the bottle feedings in the hospital, and he gets so frustrated when he has to work for his food that he just starts screaming. It makes me feel awful. I plan to call a lactation consultant this week, but I don't know if the damage can be reversed...
Saturday, June 11, 2011
38 Weeks
How far along? 38 weeks and 0 days
Baby’s Size: 19 1/2 inches
Baby’s Weight: 6.8 pounds (probably more in my case)
Development: Baby is getting plumped up and his organs are ready for outside life. He has a strong grasp now, and I can't wait to feel him grab my finger! My internal exam this week showed I wasn't dilated at all yet (again), so I won't be meeting him for a while.
Weight gain/loss: Up over 40 pounds already. Damn.
Best moment this week? Honestly, it might have been the ice cream I had yesterday...(see cravings below)
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, back and hip pain, Braxton Hicks contractions, fetal movement, indigestion, swollen feet and ankles
Food cravings/aversions: I had the strongest craving for Cold Stone this week. This was the first specific craving I've had that wasn't a result of seeing a food or hearing someone mention a food. It came out of nowhere...I was driving and just HAD to have Cold Stone right then and there...so I searched on my GPS for the nearest Cold Stone. It was delicious!
What I'm looking forward to: Contractions! Bring 'em on...I'd like to make some progress this week!
What my baby and I look like this week:
Baby’s Size: 19 1/2 inches
Baby’s Weight: 6.8 pounds (probably more in my case)
Development: Baby is getting plumped up and his organs are ready for outside life. He has a strong grasp now, and I can't wait to feel him grab my finger! My internal exam this week showed I wasn't dilated at all yet (again), so I won't be meeting him for a while.
Weight gain/loss: Up over 40 pounds already. Damn.
Best moment this week? Honestly, it might have been the ice cream I had yesterday...(see cravings below)
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, back and hip pain, Braxton Hicks contractions, fetal movement, indigestion, swollen feet and ankles
Food cravings/aversions: I had the strongest craving for Cold Stone this week. This was the first specific craving I've had that wasn't a result of seeing a food or hearing someone mention a food. It came out of nowhere...I was driving and just HAD to have Cold Stone right then and there...so I searched on my GPS for the nearest Cold Stone. It was delicious!
What I'm looking forward to: Contractions! Bring 'em on...I'd like to make some progress this week!
What my baby and I look like this week:
Saturday, June 4, 2011
37 Weeks
How far along? 37 weeks and 0 days
Baby’s Size: 19 inches
Baby’s Weight: The doctor that did my ultrasound last week thinks the baby is about 7 pounds already. The average according to Babycenter.com is 6 1/3 pounds.
Development: Baby's lungs should be mature enough by now to allow baby to breathe on his own if he made an appearance today. I had my final ultrasound and found that baby looks completely healthy and "fully cooked" (doctor's words).
Weight gain/loss: I'm up 41 pounds. I am just not motivated to eat healthy foods...
Best moment this week? I've been nesting and shopping like crazy. This kid has just about everything he needs for the first 6 months of his life!
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, allergies, back and rib pain, leg cramps, fetal movement, swollen ankles & feet, indigestion, occasional mild contractions
Food cravings/aversions: More of the same...I crave sweets and fruit. Vegetables sound awful. I've also been craving high fat foods lately as well.
What I'm looking forward to: More contractions...I was not dilated at all at my last appointment. Let's get this show on the road!
What my baby and I look like this week:
Baby’s Size: 19 inches
Baby’s Weight: The doctor that did my ultrasound last week thinks the baby is about 7 pounds already. The average according to Babycenter.com is 6 1/3 pounds.
Development: Baby's lungs should be mature enough by now to allow baby to breathe on his own if he made an appearance today. I had my final ultrasound and found that baby looks completely healthy and "fully cooked" (doctor's words).
Weight gain/loss: I'm up 41 pounds. I am just not motivated to eat healthy foods...
Best moment this week? I've been nesting and shopping like crazy. This kid has just about everything he needs for the first 6 months of his life!
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, allergies, back and rib pain, leg cramps, fetal movement, swollen ankles & feet, indigestion, occasional mild contractions
Food cravings/aversions: More of the same...I crave sweets and fruit. Vegetables sound awful. I've also been craving high fat foods lately as well.
What I'm looking forward to: More contractions...I was not dilated at all at my last appointment. Let's get this show on the road!
What my baby and I look like this week:
Saturday, May 28, 2011
36 Week Belly Pics
I'm playing catch-up with my blog posts, so I only have pics for this week. But I've reached the 9 month mark, so that's a pretty big milestone! I'm also on maternity leave...hooray!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
35 Weeks
How far along? 35 weeks and 0 days
Baby’s Size: 18 inches
Baby’s Weight: 5 1/4 pounds
Development: Baby's kidneys are fully developed and his liver can process some waste. He is running out of room in there, and I'm feeling every twist and turn.
Weight gain/loss: I'm up about 38 pounds...yikes. I'm vowing to eat healthier and work out more once I'm on maternity leave!
Best moment this week? I had my second baby shower on Friday. My coworkers threw me a little shindig.
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, allergies, back and rib pain, leg cramps, fetal movement, swollen ankles & feet, indigestion, and awful round ligament pain
Food cravings/aversions: I crave fruit, cereal, and carbs in general.
What I'm looking forward to: 1 more week of teaching and then my maternity leave starts. I'm hoping this baby comes a little bit early so I have more time with him this summer before I have to start school again.
What my baby and I look like this week:
Baby’s Size: 18 inches
Baby’s Weight: 5 1/4 pounds
Development: Baby's kidneys are fully developed and his liver can process some waste. He is running out of room in there, and I'm feeling every twist and turn.
Weight gain/loss: I'm up about 38 pounds...yikes. I'm vowing to eat healthier and work out more once I'm on maternity leave!
Best moment this week? I had my second baby shower on Friday. My coworkers threw me a little shindig.
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, allergies, back and rib pain, leg cramps, fetal movement, swollen ankles & feet, indigestion, and awful round ligament pain
Food cravings/aversions: I crave fruit, cereal, and carbs in general.
What I'm looking forward to: 1 more week of teaching and then my maternity leave starts. I'm hoping this baby comes a little bit early so I have more time with him this summer before I have to start school again.
What my baby and I look like this week:
Saturday, May 14, 2011
34 Week Belly Pic
Here is a picture of my bulbous belly this week. It gets in the way and causes me quite a bit of pain at times, but I kind of like it. I love that it's perfectly round and not lumpy. :)
Saturday, May 7, 2011
33 Weeks
How far along? 33 weeks and 0 days
Baby’s Size: 17 - 17 1/2 inches
Baby’s Weight: Just over 4 pounds
Development: Baby's lungs are almost completely mature. The bones in his skull are soft and pliable so he can make it through the birth canal. He is continuing to put on 1/2 a pound per week.
Weight gain/loss: I seem to have gained 3 pounds this week...oops. I blame the treats (see below). Up 31 pounds overall.
Best moment this week? This was Teacher Appreciation Week, so I got lots of various treats and gifts from my students each day, which was really nice.
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, allergies, severely swollen feet & ankles, back and rib pain, dry skin, fetal movement, indigestion, thirsty & chapped lips
Food cravings/aversions: I can't seem to get enough fruit. Tonight I am craving bananas and peanut butter, but we are out of bananas. Tomorrow my husband is taking me to a breakfast place that serves peanut butter and banana pancakes--I can't wait!!
What I'm looking forward to: Going into labor...is that weird??
Milestones: My wedding rings have officially been retired since they are getting too tight. We bought a cheap replacement set on Overstock.com and they are lovely!
What my baby looks like this week:
Baby’s Size: 17 - 17 1/2 inches
Baby’s Weight: Just over 4 pounds
Development: Baby's lungs are almost completely mature. The bones in his skull are soft and pliable so he can make it through the birth canal. He is continuing to put on 1/2 a pound per week.
Weight gain/loss: I seem to have gained 3 pounds this week...oops. I blame the treats (see below). Up 31 pounds overall.
Best moment this week? This was Teacher Appreciation Week, so I got lots of various treats and gifts from my students each day, which was really nice.
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, allergies, severely swollen feet & ankles, back and rib pain, dry skin, fetal movement, indigestion, thirsty & chapped lips
Food cravings/aversions: I can't seem to get enough fruit. Tonight I am craving bananas and peanut butter, but we are out of bananas. Tomorrow my husband is taking me to a breakfast place that serves peanut butter and banana pancakes--I can't wait!!
What I'm looking forward to: Going into labor...is that weird??
Milestones: My wedding rings have officially been retired since they are getting too tight. We bought a cheap replacement set on Overstock.com and they are lovely!
What my baby looks like this week:
Sunday, May 1, 2011
32 Weeks
How far along? 32 weeks and 0 days
Baby’s Size: 17 inches
Baby’s Weight: 4 pounds
Development: Baby is busy blinking, looking around, grabbing things, making faces, practicing his breathing, peeing and listening to everything around him. He will gain about a 1/2 pound per week for the rest of my pregnancy.
Weight gain/loss: I lost almost a pound this week, which I'm happy about. I'm still under 30 pounds of weight gain...yay!
Best moment this week? My co-workers are planning a shower for me on May 20, so I'm super excited that I get another shower! I'm also excited that I only have 4 more weeks of teaching before my maternity leave!
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, terrible allergies, back and rib pain, leg cramps, dry skin, lots of fetal movement, swollen ankles, feet, and hands, indigestion, cleaning/nesting
Food cravings/aversions: Still the same--I crave fruit and sweets, and I despise vegetables.
What I'm looking forward to: Our Baby Care class is May 8!
What my baby and I look like this week:
Baby’s Size: 17 inches
Baby’s Weight: 4 pounds
Development: Baby is busy blinking, looking around, grabbing things, making faces, practicing his breathing, peeing and listening to everything around him. He will gain about a 1/2 pound per week for the rest of my pregnancy.
Weight gain/loss: I lost almost a pound this week, which I'm happy about. I'm still under 30 pounds of weight gain...yay!
Best moment this week? My co-workers are planning a shower for me on May 20, so I'm super excited that I get another shower! I'm also excited that I only have 4 more weeks of teaching before my maternity leave!
Symptoms: Stuffy nose, terrible allergies, back and rib pain, leg cramps, dry skin, lots of fetal movement, swollen ankles, feet, and hands, indigestion, cleaning/nesting
Food cravings/aversions: Still the same--I crave fruit and sweets, and I despise vegetables.
What I'm looking forward to: Our Baby Care class is May 8!
What my baby and I look like this week:
Saturday, April 30, 2011
32 Week Bump Picture
I've been slacking on my pregnancy posts, so I'm going back and playing catch-up. Here's my bump pic from 32 weeks (8 months):
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
