Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Another First
The day before yesterday we brought Laila to a playground and put her on a swing for the first time! She had a blast - she happily sat in the swing for a good half an hour at least ... she would have kept sitting there but we felt it was time to leave. She was so cute - I can't wait to go again!
Thursday, July 18, 2013
6 Month Drs Visit
The other day Laila went in for her 6th month check-up. All is well! She is in the 55% for height (I forget her exact height .. a little over 27 inches) and she is 15.10 ounces (in the 30th percent). She got an oral vaccine and a shot... and she was not happy about it! Infact, she was not happy with the visit at all. In the past she always enjoyed herself but she has a strong sense of stranger danger now and cried when the doctor touched her, and after that she cried if the doctor even looked at her for too long! Oh well...
Two things to note: 1) Laila is popping her jaw out of the socket.. the doctor said the area wasn't swollen though, so she thinks it is just something Laila has realized she can do and is no insisting on doing it. All. The. Time. 2) The labia adhesion has not gotten any better. It hasn't gotten worse either though, so that's good. The doctor is hesitant about using a hormone cream (for good reason) so we are just going to wait a while longer in hopes that it gets better. Fingers crossed!
Two things to note: 1) Laila is popping her jaw out of the socket.. the doctor said the area wasn't swollen though, so she thinks it is just something Laila has realized she can do and is no insisting on doing it. All. The. Time. 2) The labia adhesion has not gotten any better. It hasn't gotten worse either though, so that's good. The doctor is hesitant about using a hormone cream (for good reason) so we are just going to wait a while longer in hopes that it gets better. Fingers crossed!
Friday, July 5, 2013
Two Mom-Friendly Products: Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics & Olay Fresh Effects BB Cream
A while back a good friend of mine (Ella!) introduced me to the website Influenster.com, and I am in love with it! Basically you can see what other people are saying about and review different products. Once in a while they might even send you something to try and review in the mail! Anyway, a week or two ago I received what is called a Vox Box in the mail with a few things to try, and I just want to talk a little bit about my two favorite that are so mom-friendly!
1) Olay's Fresh Effects BB Cream which has 6 different skin-care benefits in just one step. It hydrates for 24 hours, protects your face from the sun with SPF 15, evens skin tone, instantly refreshes, smooths and brightens skin! I have to say, I've been searching for a BB Cream for months and this is the third one that I've tried. The others, despite good reviews that I read, made me break out like crazy. Needless to say, I was both excited and wary about trying this new one. Thankfully, I absolutely love it! I love that it has SPF 15, and that it has just the right amount of tinted coverage. It doesn't make my skin look weird like when you put on too much foundation, but it does cover up minor imperfections (like dark circles and redness) while making my skin glow. Like I said, it's mom-friendly. It is so hard to find time to yourself when you are a mom - especially a new mom! So often I go to work without any makeup on because I just couldn't find the time and/or energy to put any on. Not anymore (god that sounded cheesy)- Olay's Fresh Effects BB Cream goes on so quickly that now I always have time and energy. Maybe I'm not putting on full makeup, but I'm covering up the imperfections I feel self-conscious about and that makes me feel wonderful - no more walking into the bathroom half way through the day and seeing my reflection and just .. ugh. I know you know exactly what I'm talking about. You can buy this product on their website (see previous link) or on amazon.com.
2) Goody Hair Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the second product that I love. I've tried a few "high-end" versions of the same thing, and they always stretched out so much that they were unusable by the third or fourth use. While the Goody ones also stretch out a bit, I've been able to use them again and again no problem! How are these mom-friendly? Well - my daughter is at the age where she is always wanting to pull my hair, so I'm always wearing my hair up when I'm around her.. but when I go to work or out to run errands I would love to wear my hair down.. only problem? Normal hair ties leave those crimps in your hair. What I love about Goody's Ouchless Ribbon Elastics is that I can wear my hair up around my daughter and then go out and take it down without worrying about it having crimps!
1) Olay's Fresh Effects BB Cream which has 6 different skin-care benefits in just one step. It hydrates for 24 hours, protects your face from the sun with SPF 15, evens skin tone, instantly refreshes, smooths and brightens skin! I have to say, I've been searching for a BB Cream for months and this is the third one that I've tried. The others, despite good reviews that I read, made me break out like crazy. Needless to say, I was both excited and wary about trying this new one. Thankfully, I absolutely love it! I love that it has SPF 15, and that it has just the right amount of tinted coverage. It doesn't make my skin look weird like when you put on too much foundation, but it does cover up minor imperfections (like dark circles and redness) while making my skin glow. Like I said, it's mom-friendly. It is so hard to find time to yourself when you are a mom - especially a new mom! So often I go to work without any makeup on because I just couldn't find the time and/or energy to put any on. Not anymore (god that sounded cheesy)- Olay's Fresh Effects BB Cream goes on so quickly that now I always have time and energy. Maybe I'm not putting on full makeup, but I'm covering up the imperfections I feel self-conscious about and that makes me feel wonderful - no more walking into the bathroom half way through the day and seeing my reflection and just .. ugh. I know you know exactly what I'm talking about. You can buy this product on their website (see previous link) or on amazon.com.
2) Goody Hair Ouchless Ribbon Elastics are the second product that I love. I've tried a few "high-end" versions of the same thing, and they always stretched out so much that they were unusable by the third or fourth use. While the Goody ones also stretch out a bit, I've been able to use them again and again no problem! How are these mom-friendly? Well - my daughter is at the age where she is always wanting to pull my hair, so I'm always wearing my hair up when I'm around her.. but when I go to work or out to run errands I would love to wear my hair down.. only problem? Normal hair ties leave those crimps in your hair. What I love about Goody's Ouchless Ribbon Elastics is that I can wear my hair up around my daughter and then go out and take it down without worrying about it having crimps!
No More Breastfeeding
A few weeks ago now I made the decision to stop breastfeeding. I had been feeling like I wanted to stop for a little while because I was having a lot of trouble producing enough milk for my daughter (1/4 an ounce from one side, 1/2 - 1 ounce on the other in a pumping session), pumping at work was stressful for a number of reasons, and in a lot of ways it felt more like a chore than something I truly enjoyed. I did, however, enjoy the ease of feeding my daughter at night and of course the health benefits for my daughter. What pushed me over the edge was that I (once again) forgot an important piece of my breast pump and had to leave work to go and get it. It was just the last straw. Pumping was too much of a pain in the ass, and I just couldn't take it anymore.
Now, I know there are mother's out there who will be appalled at my doing and saying all of this, and to you I say: to each their own. I breastfed my daughter for five and a half months, and I'm proud of that! My daughter is happy and healthy, and I am happy and healthy, and that's all that should matter.
Despite my not really wanting to breastfeed anymore (and in a lot of ways my inability to breastfeed) I was still a little heart broken when I stopped. I felt guilt and sadness! I found myself missing when I breastfed her. Only once has she tried to breastfeed since I stopped (when she was starving and I was warming up a bottle) and it broke my heart that I couldn't - I almost cried. But, other than that ... I feel so happy and free! FREE! I can go out for hours at a time and not have to worry about pumping or engorgement or my milk supply. It's wonderful! I've gotten over the initial sadness, and I am so happy to no longer be breastfeeding.
My advice to moms out there who are thinking of weaning their babies, here is my advice to you:
1) Make sure you are truly ready, and even if you are, be prepared to feel a little sad. If you are on the fence, just wait until you have finally found that moment that pushes you over onto one side or the other. Don't stop if you are unsure! Breastfeed for as long as it makes you happy to do so, and then walk away from it. A happy mom using formula is better than an unhappy mom who is breastfeeding.
2) Read up on how to stop breastfeeding. Don't go cold turkey, ease into it. The more you produce the more slowly you should wean off breastfeeding. And prepare for discomfort and even pain. Get some advil or tylenol and some lettuce leaves ready. Don't wean your baby off when you are about to go on a trip or some other big event that might throw your baby for an even bigger loop than they might already be going through.
3) Celebrate! Once you have stopped do something you couldn't while you were breastfeeding to make you feel good about the change even when you might be a little sad. Perhaps go to a bar with some friends, or see a movie and go to dinner. Enjoy the freedom of having your body to yourself for the first time since you became pregnant.
Now, I know there are mother's out there who will be appalled at my doing and saying all of this, and to you I say: to each their own. I breastfed my daughter for five and a half months, and I'm proud of that! My daughter is happy and healthy, and I am happy and healthy, and that's all that should matter.
Despite my not really wanting to breastfeed anymore (and in a lot of ways my inability to breastfeed) I was still a little heart broken when I stopped. I felt guilt and sadness! I found myself missing when I breastfed her. Only once has she tried to breastfeed since I stopped (when she was starving and I was warming up a bottle) and it broke my heart that I couldn't - I almost cried. But, other than that ... I feel so happy and free! FREE! I can go out for hours at a time and not have to worry about pumping or engorgement or my milk supply. It's wonderful! I've gotten over the initial sadness, and I am so happy to no longer be breastfeeding.
My advice to moms out there who are thinking of weaning their babies, here is my advice to you:
1) Make sure you are truly ready, and even if you are, be prepared to feel a little sad. If you are on the fence, just wait until you have finally found that moment that pushes you over onto one side or the other. Don't stop if you are unsure! Breastfeed for as long as it makes you happy to do so, and then walk away from it. A happy mom using formula is better than an unhappy mom who is breastfeeding.
2) Read up on how to stop breastfeeding. Don't go cold turkey, ease into it. The more you produce the more slowly you should wean off breastfeeding. And prepare for discomfort and even pain. Get some advil or tylenol and some lettuce leaves ready. Don't wean your baby off when you are about to go on a trip or some other big event that might throw your baby for an even bigger loop than they might already be going through.
3) Celebrate! Once you have stopped do something you couldn't while you were breastfeeding to make you feel good about the change even when you might be a little sad. Perhaps go to a bar with some friends, or see a movie and go to dinner. Enjoy the freedom of having your body to yourself for the first time since you became pregnant.
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Laila Goes Swimming
Today we went to a pool party/engagement party for the fourth of July. It was a lot of fun, though we were only there for a little while because Enzio and I are both fighting off colds and Laila was a bit overwhelmed and was getting grumpy. However, while we were there we brought Laila swimming for the first time ever! At first she seemed a bit shocked and confused, but then she started splashing around and really enjoyed herself! I can't wait to bring her swimming again!
Friday, June 21, 2013
Father's Day
I realize this is a bit late, but I just wanted to show off the father's day cards that I made for my husband and dad. I feel kind of proud of myself. I kind of mastered infant art while I was 'teaching' in the infant room at my school, but it's somehow different when I make the art with my daughter for someone I love.
For my dad I made my daughter's handprint into a fish since my maiden name is a type of fish, and because my dad simply cannot wait until Laila is old enough to go fishing.
For my husband I xeroxed a copy of my hand over my daughter's hand.
For my dad I made my daughter's handprint into a fish since my maiden name is a type of fish, and because my dad simply cannot wait until Laila is old enough to go fishing.
For my husband I xeroxed a copy of my hand over my daughter's hand.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Rolling Back to Front
Today Laila rolled over from her back to her front for the first time ever! And then she did it again, and again, and again. Of course, by the time I finally caught it on tape she was starting to get hungry and grumpy, but oh well! I'm so proud and excited!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Growth Spurt, Labia Adhesion, & Fever
Monday (the 10th) Laila had her 5 month doctors check-up (she goes every month). She got a shot, and was checked over in general. Laila has had a big growth spurt this past month! She gained two pounds and grew two inches! She weighs 14 pounds and 5 ounces. That puts her in the twenty-fourth percentile for the first time ever! Considering that she was in the ninth percentile two months ago, this is very impressive and I am very happy. She is also 2 feet, 3 inches long (27 inches) putting her in the ninety-fifth percentile. I have no idea how she is so tall! I am 5'2" and my husband is about 5'9". Maybe my father's tall genes skipped a generation (he is 6'1"). Meanwhile, her head is 16.7 inches, putting her head in the sixty-ninth percentile. That's my big ass baby right there! She is so cute - getting plumper and plumper with her little thunder thighs.
And now for the not so good news - Laila seems to have a labial adhesion. The doctor told me to bathe her everyday and after her bath to put some aquaphor where they are sticking together to hopefully try and unstick them.... if that doesn't work the next step is to try an estrogen cream. Hopefully this will work though! I was doing some research on it and it said that while it can go away, it may continue to come back until she hits puberty. I really hope that it goes away quickly and never comes back. Well, I guess that is obvious enough. I just hate that anything is wrong. I hate that it could continue to plague her. At this point the doctor said it isn't really that big a deal, and that it is more common than one might think, so I am just trying to stay positive and not let my crazy mama brain work itself up.
In others news, Laila is sick. Last night she barely slept at all she had trouble falling asleep and then she slept for three hours, waking at 1:30. She woke again at 3:20 and was awake until 4:45. She finally fell back asleep only to wake up at 6:50, and she was up for the rest of the morning at that point. Normally when Laila wakes up in the morning for good she is happy and smiling and doesn't cry because, well, she is wide awake and has nothing to complain about. Often I wake up to her smacking her lips and playing in her crib. This morning, however, she woke up crying and screaming and was completely inconsolable. She wasn't hungry, she was just sad. She didn't feel particularly warm to the touch, but I asked Enzio to take her temperature anyway. She had a fever of 101! I think she may just be having a reaction to her shot... but who knows. Maybe it is that and the teething, I'm not sure. Apparently she was fine during the day while I was at work (my husband and Mom were both looking after her), but this evening when I got home she was acting strangely again. I took her temperature but she was fine in those terms. She barely ate her sweet potatoes, and she got fussy during bath time! After her bath I took her temperature again and once again she had a fever. Poor little thing. So tomorrow I am staying home with her to (hopefully) nurse her back to health.
And now for the not so good news - Laila seems to have a labial adhesion. The doctor told me to bathe her everyday and after her bath to put some aquaphor where they are sticking together to hopefully try and unstick them.... if that doesn't work the next step is to try an estrogen cream. Hopefully this will work though! I was doing some research on it and it said that while it can go away, it may continue to come back until she hits puberty. I really hope that it goes away quickly and never comes back. Well, I guess that is obvious enough. I just hate that anything is wrong. I hate that it could continue to plague her. At this point the doctor said it isn't really that big a deal, and that it is more common than one might think, so I am just trying to stay positive and not let my crazy mama brain work itself up.
In others news, Laila is sick. Last night she barely slept at all she had trouble falling asleep and then she slept for three hours, waking at 1:30. She woke again at 3:20 and was awake until 4:45. She finally fell back asleep only to wake up at 6:50, and she was up for the rest of the morning at that point. Normally when Laila wakes up in the morning for good she is happy and smiling and doesn't cry because, well, she is wide awake and has nothing to complain about. Often I wake up to her smacking her lips and playing in her crib. This morning, however, she woke up crying and screaming and was completely inconsolable. She wasn't hungry, she was just sad. She didn't feel particularly warm to the touch, but I asked Enzio to take her temperature anyway. She had a fever of 101! I think she may just be having a reaction to her shot... but who knows. Maybe it is that and the teething, I'm not sure. Apparently she was fine during the day while I was at work (my husband and Mom were both looking after her), but this evening when I got home she was acting strangely again. I took her temperature but she was fine in those terms. She barely ate her sweet potatoes, and she got fussy during bath time! After her bath I took her temperature again and once again she had a fever. Poor little thing. So tomorrow I am staying home with her to (hopefully) nurse her back to health.
Sunday, June 9, 2013
Painting
The day before yesterday Laila and I painted together for the first time! It was actually a lot of fun - and messy! By the end of it I just put Laila in a bath to clean her up - which she also loved because her new favorite activity is splashing in the bath. Afterwards I was covered in paint and soaking wet, but it was a lot of fun and very worth it! At first Laila was sort of shocked and didn't quite know what was happening, but then she started squishing the paint between her fingers and spreading it around on the paper and she really seemed to enjoy it. I can't wait to do it again!
 |
| Laila painting |
 |
| Laila painting |
 |
| The finished product |
 |
| Post-painting clean-up bath with Mr. Crab |
Eating Solids
 |
| Laila enjoying her sweet potatoes |
Anyway - it has been exciting! I am having a lot of fun with it - probably more fun than her, though she definitely likes it. When I feed her she seems to concentrate completely on the funny taste in her mouth, she gets so serious! Unless I play a funny game with her while she eats, that is.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Pacifier
This morning, after Laila's pacifier fell out of her mouth, she grabbed ahold of it and tried with all her might to get it back into her mouth. The only problem, her aim was a bit off. Every time she put it against her head she opened her mouth in hopes that it would go in. Good job Laila, good job.
My First Mother's Day
This past Sunday was my first Mother's Day as a mom! Last year I was pregnant, and my dad bought me some flowers, but this was my first official Mother's Day. I made myself a mother's day card, using Laila's footprints as a heart - nothing crazy but just a little cute card to put in Laila's baby book. Enzio thinks it is funny that I made myself a card, but whatever, I like it! And she kind of made it for me, in that they are her footprints! lol
Enzio took the morning off from work to spend some time with me, and we went to the mall and I bought myself a pair of jeans lol ... Enzio had bought me a Mother's Day present but not until the day before Mother's Day, so it didn't come until yesterday night! He got an infant care troubleshooting flowchart, a notebook to keep all my passwords in, and a necklace. The necklace is obviously my favorite one - it is one of those necklaces that has a meaning - the one I got is "quiet courage". I love it!
So, I realize it is a few days late, but happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers out there!
So, I realize it is a few days late, but happy Mother's Day to all of the wonderful mothers out there!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Rice Cereal
So I tried giving Laila rice cereal for the first time today! My husband got the camera ready, we were both so excited, and then ... she cried! I mean, she really cried. So, that didn't work out. I had fed her some breast milk not that long before, and she was a bit tired, so we were thinking that perhaps that was why she wasn't into it. So, after her nap we thought we would try again. Nope. She did immediately fall back to sleep again, so perhaps she was just tired ... but perhaps being so upset about getting fed the cereal is what made her tired. Since there is no way to know, I'm going to take it as a sign that Laila just isn't ready for rice cereal yet.
The other reason she might not be that into it is that she is still a bit sick. She slept until 10am and then woke up grumpy, which isn't her normal way at all. It is not 2:40 and she is on her third nap of the day (though the first one was only about 20 minutes long)... I was thinking that maybe it was because we are now starting to ween her off of being swaddled, but she is still stuffed up and has a little cough, so I'm thinking that she might just be feeling crappy and is not wanting to deal with anything new. I am going to wait until she is all cleared up and sleeping well to try again, and hopefully she will actually enjoy it then!
The other reason she might not be that into it is that she is still a bit sick. She slept until 10am and then woke up grumpy, which isn't her normal way at all. It is not 2:40 and she is on her third nap of the day (though the first one was only about 20 minutes long)... I was thinking that maybe it was because we are now starting to ween her off of being swaddled, but she is still stuffed up and has a little cough, so I'm thinking that she might just be feeling crappy and is not wanting to deal with anything new. I am going to wait until she is all cleared up and sleeping well to try again, and hopefully she will actually enjoy it then!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Swaddling & Solid Food
Today was Laila's 4 month Drs appointment. She goes every month, which isn't the norm, but I actually prefer it. Anyway, she got another shot and an oral vaccine which she hated. The nurse was surprised, because it's sweet and apparently a lot of babies like it, but not Laila. She weighs 12.13 pounds, is 25 inches long, and her head circumference is 16 inches. Her weight went from being in the 9th percentile last time, to being back in about the 15th percentile, as it had been before. So that is very good.
Two bits of big news from the doctor today. One, it's time to stop swaddling Laila. Awesome. This is going to be a ton of fun. Two, we can start feeding Laila solid food! Well, try at least. She said that if she gags or pushes it all out with her tongue or something than she just isn't ready and to try again a different time. That is very exciting! I can't wait!
My last entry was about Laila being sick... well, her fever didn't last long, it was gone by the next day, but she is still very congested and is now getting a little cough. Poor little thing. I honestly don't know who it is harder on, her or me. I hate listening to her all stuffed up and coughing. I just want her to get over it, and fast.
Two bits of big news from the doctor today. One, it's time to stop swaddling Laila. Awesome. This is going to be a ton of fun. Two, we can start feeding Laila solid food! Well, try at least. She said that if she gags or pushes it all out with her tongue or something than she just isn't ready and to try again a different time. That is very exciting! I can't wait!
My last entry was about Laila being sick... well, her fever didn't last long, it was gone by the next day, but she is still very congested and is now getting a little cough. Poor little thing. I honestly don't know who it is harder on, her or me. I hate listening to her all stuffed up and coughing. I just want her to get over it, and fast.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
First Fever
Laila has her first fever! I last took it an hour ago and it was 101.4! I called the Dr and he said to give her baby tylenol - which of course I don't have! I only have ibuprofen, which apparently you can't give to babies that are younger than 6 months. Right now Enzio is heading home from work, and he is going to get some baby tylenol on his way.
Laila is slightly grumpy, but mostly she is just tired. She has been sleeping a lot more than usual, and sleeping deeply. I am going to call her doctor tomorrow (since the Dr I talked to before was just the on call Dr, not her own) and see if I should bring her in for a checkup or if she is fine staying home.
Ugh. I just hope she feels better soon... poor little thing. I'm not sure exactly where she got the fever - maybe it is something I brought home from work? I have been feeling like I am fighting something off for the past couple of days, so maybe she caught what I am fighting off?
Laila is slightly grumpy, but mostly she is just tired. She has been sleeping a lot more than usual, and sleeping deeply. I am going to call her doctor tomorrow (since the Dr I talked to before was just the on call Dr, not her own) and see if I should bring her in for a checkup or if she is fine staying home.
Ugh. I just hope she feels better soon... poor little thing. I'm not sure exactly where she got the fever - maybe it is something I brought home from work? I have been feeling like I am fighting something off for the past couple of days, so maybe she caught what I am fighting off?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)