Last week I worked a couple early shifts. It was nice to be home in the afternoon but poor Juliana was a tired baby. Not use to getting up that early.
This past Saturday was a little crazy. I worked the early morning shift. When I got there the freezer temperature was not in the adequate range. Yay for me I had to call maintenance. Then while I was waiting for my tilt fryer to boil my water I ran upstairs to do some things to help the late cook. When I got down stairs my water had not boiled. That is when I discovered it had been unplugged. It's never unplugged. Ugh. That caused me to be crunched for time and on top of it maintenance said we needed to move everything to our other freezer. But we survived and food got served.
The best part of my weekend is Matt surprised be with a visit. I LOVED getting to see him and Juliana.
Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Monday, September 29, 2014
Here We Go Again
"I wish I could have breastfed longer....".
That is the number one phrase I have heard several mommy friends/coworkers say in the last few months. Yesterday this exact phrase was said at least three times in an hour to me from different new moms.
I am a first time mom so obviously it is something new to me. My whole experience has not been pleasant and I understand there are times when one is going to have to formula feed. However, I think majority of the time mommies are not given the support nor the information (benefits, suggests/guidance) they need. In the end they switch to formula and later regret doing so. Why is it that many doctors do not provide the necessary tools to make a clear decision.
Let's go back to my wonderful experience. So I work all day while having contractions, come home get everything ready, have Matt snap some pictures and head for the hospital at 2:00 a.m. Monday morning. We get there and I decide to get what rest I can before being admitted to a room. My water breaks on its own around 4:00 a.m. so now they decide yep you will be admitted. I struggle all morning, they give me pitocin without my knowledge and I end up getting an epidural. When they finally say I can push at about 6:00 p.m. I can't feel anything, they have me labor down, I'm exhausted and have no clue what I am doing. The nurse was not friendly and asked didn't I take my classes. Well yay but I can't feel anything and it is a whole lot different than classes. I'll I can think is I can't wait until the admitting nurse is back at 7:00 p.m. She was so extremely nice and helpful I just knew she would be able to help this tired soon to be mommy out. I pushed for several hours when they told me that I would need to deliver or we would have to have a c-section. It was about 11:00 p.m. and there was no way I was going to have a c-section. So forty-two minutes later and with the help of a vacuum we welcomed our beautiful daughter to our family.
That's when all the joys went out the window because she wouldn't latch. I was told she had a weak suck, no big deal, they would work with us to help... so we thought. There was no discussion of a plan or what would be done. Just go ahead get some sleep see you in the morning.
The next morning a lady came in and said we are gonna take Juliana to work with her weak suck. I was like okay. She grabs Juliana, then proceeds to sit down and use a tube to finger feed her with formula. WHAT? Formula... I want my child to have breastmilk. It was really bothering me, why didn't they ask if I could try to pump, or what about donor milk? I'm so confused.
Later I said I would really like to have a pump so Juliana can get my milk, it is what is best for her and the aide says but you probably won't get but a ml. of milk. I said well that will be a ml of my milk that she will get so could I please get a pump. We also discussed how I am going to school to be a dietitian and I would like her to have donor milk if she needs supplementing instead of formula. The aide says well then you have to sign a form. Okay I will sign... get me the form please. Why was this not offered to me prior to me asking? And why was I treated like it was such a hassle?
Anyways, throughout the whole morning I saw lactation consultants who were going to help Juliana and I work out the bugs. Our room for the next several days would be filled with all sorts of women trying to help get her to latch. None of which were helpful. There were three techniques they had me try. Juliana did try to latch to one side more than the other and would only do so in football position. They other ways were not working. I had one lady sit for hours trying to get her to latch sideways with me laying down. Obviously it wasn't working and she was just getting frustrated. I was treated like oh your a first time mom and have no clue. They were right I didn't have any clue but one thing I did know was it should be natural for a baby to latch... there was something else going on. On top of this they brought in a nipple shield to have me try. Everything was a disaster and I just wanted to go home.
We did have some luck getting her to latch on the left side with the shield if I squirted a little bit of my pumped milk first. What a mess that was. Knowing now what I know she was not even effectively sucking. Juliana was so patient throughout the ordeal, but because she had lost too much weight and was not gaining it back they discharged us and had her stay an extra day. They did let us stay in the same room for that extra day so we could be with her. We were still being treated as first time parents who knew nothing, which is so annoying.
On Thursday, the day she was to come home the pediatrician told us she was not where they wanted her to be weight wise but they had heard from the nurses that she may be latching better now (so they thought, I didn't tell them any different I wanted to go home) so they went ahead and let her come home. Once we got home we had to get her up in weight because they wanted us back in two days. Juliana wouldn't latch when we got home and there was no way I was given her formula. So I would pump ...but my pump was not getting anything. Ugh.
My mom had come down to help, which I am grateful for, but that was stressful in itself because she thought that it was me and all I heard about was a manual pump plus I got to do this or that to get my milk in. She had Joanne come down to breastfeed Juliana, which was okay, but I wanted to be the one feeding her. Juliana didn't suck long and Joanne had said she was real dainty about it. Well she did have a weak suck. There were many ups and downs for the next five and half weeks. Times where I thought things were going good and no more worries. We went through times when my pump was working okay and then all of sudden nothing again. I thought it was me, I was failing my daughter, lactation consultants were not helping and the doctor got after us for using a nipple shield. It was so frustrating. I pumped every other hour just trying to get what little bit I could. Then I would walk away dripping. Nothing made sense to me.
It was not until my professor reached out to me about some of my assignments. We were suppose to be doing journal article reviews for my nutrition class and I said I am sorry but I don't really have anything to write about unless it has to do with breastfeeding. I told her nothing was working to get my daughter to latch and I was overwhelmed. She sent several links for me to read, many which Matt had already looked into, but she also gave me her number and said call me. I called her. Thank God for her. She talked to me for a couple hours, gave me several suggestions but craniosacral therapy was at the top of her list. I had always wanted to do chiropractic care for Juliana just because I heard it was good to get things realigned after going through the birth canal. However, I didn't understand all the benefits.
So I finally found a chiropractor who does craniosacral therapy in Burlington. Little miss Juliana started latching within 24 hours. It was amazing. No more nipple shield, no more struggle. I am so grateful. During this time I was having my own issues with healing and what not so I had been put on pain meds. I tried to not take them but there were a few times I did need to take them. Well I feel asleep with her in my arms and she rolled right onto the floor. I noticed a change in her latching. She still latched and it wasn't a struggle but it was with excruciating pain. I kept telling my mom something is not right. It shouldn't hurt. I had read articles that my professor sent me about if there is pain something is not right. In my head all I could think was something is probably out of whack from me letting her fall.
She was scheduled for a follow up in just a few days anyways so I endured through the pain, although I really wanted to just pump and give her a bottle. But it was only when I nursed the right side. When we went back for our follow up I told her what had happened. She made some adjustments because she was slightly out but not like the time before, which I still think was my fault. Good news is though her latch has been amazing since then. I LOVE breastfeeding her now and we get some much bonding time. I love it.
Point in all of this is why did all of this happen? Why couldn't people be upfront? Do they not know? Or what? There has to be other lactation consultants who have heard of craniosacral therapy. Don't you think? I don't know but I am very grateful that my teacher went above and beyond her role as a teacher to provide the necessary information to me and letting me know it WAS NOT me. It should be a natural for a baby to want to latch.
Since then I have read many articles regarding breastfeeding. I've read many posts from mothers who think they couldn't get enough or their baby is not latching right and while I do understand that there will be cases where mothers may have done everything but for whatever reason it didn't work I think majority are not given the information/resources needed. As with some of the mommies I have talked to recently.
Like I told them it takes a lot of work and I do understand but the benefits are so great. There are even benefits between breastfeeding and pumping/bottling feeding. For example, those who are breastfed have better developed airways. So why are mommies not having this explained to them? Shouldn't the doctors care to tell you that? I don't know maybe I am just nuts when it comes to giving my child the best.
I have heard many moms say that they dried up because they just couldn't get enough. Should you find yourself having low production problems and you have tried all the many techniques to increase it try craniosacral therapy because if you can get your child to effectively latch and suck properly, then your body will be able to produce adequately. If your child is not effectively emptying your breasts then of your course your body won't know to produce more, which may cause a low production.
Or try getting a different pump. Remember when I said my mom annoyingly talked about her manual pump all the time when I was struggling. Well guess what she was right after about six weeks of not being able to get hardly anything and having many ups/downs we went to wal-mart got a $30 manual. It worked amazingly for me. Maybe a different pump will help. Every baby is different, every pregnancy is going to be different so find what works for you.
There are so many things that one can try and I know it can be so frustrating trying to find what works. But reach out don't be ashamed of it. I know I was so embarrassed that I was struggling. Mommies really do need support. Be there for them. That is the reason for all my posts about breastfeeding not to go on and on about my experience. It is to let you know you are not alone.
As of right now I got so much milk it is coming out of freezers. I'm so glad I stuck with it and found the support I needed, I'm grateful for all of those who have supported my breastfeeding and listened to all my struggles... friends, family, coworkers. Now I just want to help others if there is anything I can do reach out to me even if you just want someone to listen.
I'll leave you with one last read. I've posted it before but I really think it helps put things into perspective.
That is the number one phrase I have heard several mommy friends/coworkers say in the last few months. Yesterday this exact phrase was said at least three times in an hour to me from different new moms.
I am a first time mom so obviously it is something new to me. My whole experience has not been pleasant and I understand there are times when one is going to have to formula feed. However, I think majority of the time mommies are not given the support nor the information (benefits, suggests/guidance) they need. In the end they switch to formula and later regret doing so. Why is it that many doctors do not provide the necessary tools to make a clear decision.
Let's go back to my wonderful experience. So I work all day while having contractions, come home get everything ready, have Matt snap some pictures and head for the hospital at 2:00 a.m. Monday morning. We get there and I decide to get what rest I can before being admitted to a room. My water breaks on its own around 4:00 a.m. so now they decide yep you will be admitted. I struggle all morning, they give me pitocin without my knowledge and I end up getting an epidural. When they finally say I can push at about 6:00 p.m. I can't feel anything, they have me labor down, I'm exhausted and have no clue what I am doing. The nurse was not friendly and asked didn't I take my classes. Well yay but I can't feel anything and it is a whole lot different than classes. I'll I can think is I can't wait until the admitting nurse is back at 7:00 p.m. She was so extremely nice and helpful I just knew she would be able to help this tired soon to be mommy out. I pushed for several hours when they told me that I would need to deliver or we would have to have a c-section. It was about 11:00 p.m. and there was no way I was going to have a c-section. So forty-two minutes later and with the help of a vacuum we welcomed our beautiful daughter to our family.
That's when all the joys went out the window because she wouldn't latch. I was told she had a weak suck, no big deal, they would work with us to help... so we thought. There was no discussion of a plan or what would be done. Just go ahead get some sleep see you in the morning.
The next morning a lady came in and said we are gonna take Juliana to work with her weak suck. I was like okay. She grabs Juliana, then proceeds to sit down and use a tube to finger feed her with formula. WHAT? Formula... I want my child to have breastmilk. It was really bothering me, why didn't they ask if I could try to pump, or what about donor milk? I'm so confused.
Later I said I would really like to have a pump so Juliana can get my milk, it is what is best for her and the aide says but you probably won't get but a ml. of milk. I said well that will be a ml of my milk that she will get so could I please get a pump. We also discussed how I am going to school to be a dietitian and I would like her to have donor milk if she needs supplementing instead of formula. The aide says well then you have to sign a form. Okay I will sign... get me the form please. Why was this not offered to me prior to me asking? And why was I treated like it was such a hassle?
Anyways, throughout the whole morning I saw lactation consultants who were going to help Juliana and I work out the bugs. Our room for the next several days would be filled with all sorts of women trying to help get her to latch. None of which were helpful. There were three techniques they had me try. Juliana did try to latch to one side more than the other and would only do so in football position. They other ways were not working. I had one lady sit for hours trying to get her to latch sideways with me laying down. Obviously it wasn't working and she was just getting frustrated. I was treated like oh your a first time mom and have no clue. They were right I didn't have any clue but one thing I did know was it should be natural for a baby to latch... there was something else going on. On top of this they brought in a nipple shield to have me try. Everything was a disaster and I just wanted to go home.
We did have some luck getting her to latch on the left side with the shield if I squirted a little bit of my pumped milk first. What a mess that was. Knowing now what I know she was not even effectively sucking. Juliana was so patient throughout the ordeal, but because she had lost too much weight and was not gaining it back they discharged us and had her stay an extra day. They did let us stay in the same room for that extra day so we could be with her. We were still being treated as first time parents who knew nothing, which is so annoying.
On Thursday, the day she was to come home the pediatrician told us she was not where they wanted her to be weight wise but they had heard from the nurses that she may be latching better now (so they thought, I didn't tell them any different I wanted to go home) so they went ahead and let her come home. Once we got home we had to get her up in weight because they wanted us back in two days. Juliana wouldn't latch when we got home and there was no way I was given her formula. So I would pump ...but my pump was not getting anything. Ugh.
My mom had come down to help, which I am grateful for, but that was stressful in itself because she thought that it was me and all I heard about was a manual pump plus I got to do this or that to get my milk in. She had Joanne come down to breastfeed Juliana, which was okay, but I wanted to be the one feeding her. Juliana didn't suck long and Joanne had said she was real dainty about it. Well she did have a weak suck. There were many ups and downs for the next five and half weeks. Times where I thought things were going good and no more worries. We went through times when my pump was working okay and then all of sudden nothing again. I thought it was me, I was failing my daughter, lactation consultants were not helping and the doctor got after us for using a nipple shield. It was so frustrating. I pumped every other hour just trying to get what little bit I could. Then I would walk away dripping. Nothing made sense to me.
It was not until my professor reached out to me about some of my assignments. We were suppose to be doing journal article reviews for my nutrition class and I said I am sorry but I don't really have anything to write about unless it has to do with breastfeeding. I told her nothing was working to get my daughter to latch and I was overwhelmed. She sent several links for me to read, many which Matt had already looked into, but she also gave me her number and said call me. I called her. Thank God for her. She talked to me for a couple hours, gave me several suggestions but craniosacral therapy was at the top of her list. I had always wanted to do chiropractic care for Juliana just because I heard it was good to get things realigned after going through the birth canal. However, I didn't understand all the benefits.
So I finally found a chiropractor who does craniosacral therapy in Burlington. Little miss Juliana started latching within 24 hours. It was amazing. No more nipple shield, no more struggle. I am so grateful. During this time I was having my own issues with healing and what not so I had been put on pain meds. I tried to not take them but there were a few times I did need to take them. Well I feel asleep with her in my arms and she rolled right onto the floor. I noticed a change in her latching. She still latched and it wasn't a struggle but it was with excruciating pain. I kept telling my mom something is not right. It shouldn't hurt. I had read articles that my professor sent me about if there is pain something is not right. In my head all I could think was something is probably out of whack from me letting her fall.
She was scheduled for a follow up in just a few days anyways so I endured through the pain, although I really wanted to just pump and give her a bottle. But it was only when I nursed the right side. When we went back for our follow up I told her what had happened. She made some adjustments because she was slightly out but not like the time before, which I still think was my fault. Good news is though her latch has been amazing since then. I LOVE breastfeeding her now and we get some much bonding time. I love it.
Point in all of this is why did all of this happen? Why couldn't people be upfront? Do they not know? Or what? There has to be other lactation consultants who have heard of craniosacral therapy. Don't you think? I don't know but I am very grateful that my teacher went above and beyond her role as a teacher to provide the necessary information to me and letting me know it WAS NOT me. It should be a natural for a baby to want to latch.
Since then I have read many articles regarding breastfeeding. I've read many posts from mothers who think they couldn't get enough or their baby is not latching right and while I do understand that there will be cases where mothers may have done everything but for whatever reason it didn't work I think majority are not given the information/resources needed. As with some of the mommies I have talked to recently.
Like I told them it takes a lot of work and I do understand but the benefits are so great. There are even benefits between breastfeeding and pumping/bottling feeding. For example, those who are breastfed have better developed airways. So why are mommies not having this explained to them? Shouldn't the doctors care to tell you that? I don't know maybe I am just nuts when it comes to giving my child the best.
I have heard many moms say that they dried up because they just couldn't get enough. Should you find yourself having low production problems and you have tried all the many techniques to increase it try craniosacral therapy because if you can get your child to effectively latch and suck properly, then your body will be able to produce adequately. If your child is not effectively emptying your breasts then of your course your body won't know to produce more, which may cause a low production.
Or try getting a different pump. Remember when I said my mom annoyingly talked about her manual pump all the time when I was struggling. Well guess what she was right after about six weeks of not being able to get hardly anything and having many ups/downs we went to wal-mart got a $30 manual. It worked amazingly for me. Maybe a different pump will help. Every baby is different, every pregnancy is going to be different so find what works for you.
There are so many things that one can try and I know it can be so frustrating trying to find what works. But reach out don't be ashamed of it. I know I was so embarrassed that I was struggling. Mommies really do need support. Be there for them. That is the reason for all my posts about breastfeeding not to go on and on about my experience. It is to let you know you are not alone.
As of right now I got so much milk it is coming out of freezers. I'm so glad I stuck with it and found the support I needed, I'm grateful for all of those who have supported my breastfeeding and listened to all my struggles... friends, family, coworkers. Now I just want to help others if there is anything I can do reach out to me even if you just want someone to listen.
I'll leave you with one last read. I've posted it before but I really think it helps put things into perspective.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Eight Months
Our little girl is growing faster and faster. This past weekend she took her first steps without help. ...Well that we have seen. I thought I saw her do some last week but I wasn't for sure what I had saw but I know I saw her walk Sunday.
Juliana is everywhere. She goes under and over everything to get where she wants to go. We can't seem to keep her contained. This sweet little princess also has monkey arms and steals everything. But we can't help but LOVE her. She brings us so much joy.
Below is a picture of her taking my credit card. Later that day I could not find it. So the next day I looked all over for it. I went ahead and went to work without it. Shortly after getting back home Juliana came up to me with it. Silly girl ... guess she knows where she puts things.
I love when Juliana visits me at work! Matt brought her by to say Happy Birthday to Keila.
Eight months old and growing!!! She is so cute and happy. This girl is pretty content majority of the time. We always get compliments on how good she is when we are out and about.
Today I dressed her in this cute little outfit for Meals on Wheels! So cute! We love it! Thanks Zulily.
Juliana is everywhere. She goes under and over everything to get where she wants to go. We can't seem to keep her contained. This sweet little princess also has monkey arms and steals everything. But we can't help but LOVE her. She brings us so much joy.
Below is a picture of her taking my credit card. Later that day I could not find it. So the next day I looked all over for it. I went ahead and went to work without it. Shortly after getting back home Juliana came up to me with it. Silly girl ... guess she knows where she puts things.
Eight months old and growing!!! She is so cute and happy. This girl is pretty content majority of the time. We always get compliments on how good she is when we are out and about.
Today I dressed her in this cute little outfit for Meals on Wheels! So cute! We love it! Thanks Zulily.
Monday, September 22, 2014
Active Minds and Bodies
Today I can not shut my brain off between my work schedule this week, getting paperwork ready for my internship career portfolio, Juliana and house chores my mind has been racing all day long.
Juliana was adorable as usual today. She played and played. Check out the below video of her playing. Tomorrow we have to get up early because I am working the morning cook shift. I'm looking forward to it.
Today, with the help of my grandma, I finally completed a project with the yarn I had been wanting to get used up. Too bad I didn't get all the yarn used... now I have to make something else with it. I'll probably make some more baby hats with it to give out to other new mommies. It will be good practice crocheting.
I'm also wanting to do several other projects. One thing I would like to do is upcycle clothes like this. I've seen so many cute outfits made from other clothes that I have got to try it out. Another project I would like to do is to make a newborn nest to use as a photo prop. To bad I didn't see this sooner to make and use for Juliana. Oh well hopefully I can get to these projects in the near future.
Well that's all for today's ramblings. Have a great night everyone.
Juliana was adorable as usual today. She played and played. Check out the below video of her playing. Tomorrow we have to get up early because I am working the morning cook shift. I'm looking forward to it.
Today, with the help of my grandma, I finally completed a project with the yarn I had been wanting to get used up. Too bad I didn't get all the yarn used... now I have to make something else with it. I'll probably make some more baby hats with it to give out to other new mommies. It will be good practice crocheting.
I'm also wanting to do several other projects. One thing I would like to do is upcycle clothes like this. I've seen so many cute outfits made from other clothes that I have got to try it out. Another project I would like to do is to make a newborn nest to use as a photo prop. To bad I didn't see this sooner to make and use for Juliana. Oh well hopefully I can get to these projects in the near future.
Well that's all for today's ramblings. Have a great night everyone.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Happy Anniversary
Happy Anniversary to my sweet lovebug, Mr. Clark.
Oh how time flies. Matt and I have been together almost eleven years. Two years ago at this time we were in Canada, with our closest friends and family, preparing to walk down the aisle.
That day came and went so quickly. Today we are awakened by cute little noises and the movement of our beautiful eight month old. Time needs to slow down.
Thanks for all who weathered the trip to be there, to those who made it happen and to those who captured these cherished moments (PGP Studios and Netmonk Photography)! Happy Anniversary, Matt!
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Rolled Into One
Oh my I don't have much time... my computer is going to be restarting. Although I have several items to write about I'll be uber quick while I try to beat the restart.
First I've been selling my breast milk here and there. I've also donated milk along the way to some mommies who have needed it. Supporting breastfeeding mommies is important to me. There are so many benefits for it. However, I didn't realize how much work it is especially for mommies who are working, struggling with supply, etc.. My breastfeeding experience has not been a secret I've wrote about it before. At the beginning it was a disaster. But now things are GREAT. We have so much milk that I've had to slow production because I have no where to put it. I feel so bad when there is a mommy juggling the breastfeeding war. It definitely can be a fight. One thing I have noticed about new mommies including myself was I would always check the amount. I was really paranoid whether I would have enough when she got 6 months due to my struggle the first five and half weeks. Of course now I don't have that problem and I am able to help others out. But a couple days ago I found this amazing little article that help put things into perspective about tracking the ounces. However, should you find yourself with a low milk supply check out this page for some possible causes and solutions.
KellyMOM.com has also been a wonderful source of information. There are many great articles and tips offered on the site. But one article I wish I would have seen sooner was this one because when I first came home I tried doing a lot of things. Those tips would have been great and in the end I found out some of them on my own.
...Ugh So I didn't beat the timer before my computer restarted. Luckily, it did save what I had. The only problem is that I got distracted waiting for it to restart. I ended up getting ready to celebrate our anniversary (which is on Sunday!). We went to Des Moines to see the Phantom of the Opera. It was fun but made for a late night. Poor Matt had to get up early to be at a golf tournament for Medforce. Oh well more about all that later.
Let's see... my rant about breastfeeding is over. Haha. I'm sure some of you are glad because not all of my friends share my same view points.
Second topic for today is cloth diapering. I LOVE saving money by cloth diapering. Our cloth diapers (we use Sunbaby) seem to be doing well. I usually just wash them without an extended period of soaking. But before we left, for Des Moines, I soaked them, did a cycle with no detergent and then washed them with detergent. I recently joined this facebook group that talks solely about cloth diapering. A lot of them spend a lot more time then I do washing their diapers. But we really have not had a problem. The women on there have said that it is good to do a stripping once in awhile in case there is build up. So I did the above it to see if there would be a difference... make them seem more fresh I guess. I even decided to dry the inserts because I can't find where I read not to and everyone else seems to. This will make it that much better because sometimes waiting for them to dry would make them seem kind of musty.
I'm sure there were a few other rants I wanted to write about. But now I don't remember the rest of them.
Oh well. So yesterday was our anniversary celebration. We went to Des Moines waited for over 40 minutes for the waitress to come take our order. Matt and I must be pretty patient because we waited so long hoping she would come that we didn't even get to order. We ended up leaving without anything because we needed to get over to the theater. Matt said he enjoyed it but liked Wicked better. Although it was fun we were EXCITED to be back with our little princess.
As for today, Juliana and I went to a safety expo at the park. Not that she could do anything but it was fun to get out. Matt is gone as I mentioned earlier. And we are anxiously waiting for him to come back home. It is much better when we are all together.
The house needs some detail cleaning done and I am sure that it won't all get done because I would rather enjoy my time with Juliana. And now that she is napping I wanted to update. It seems like it has been so long.
Juliana is 8 months today! She is so fun. We LOVE chasing her around even though it wears us out. She is cute. I'll have to post a picture later after she wakes up.
Which reminds me... I LOVE that Joanne can watch Juliana. I'm super picky when it comes to watching my daughter. I have just a few people who are on the approved list. There can be no swearing or rude talking including music, they must interact with her...not just plop in a chair with some toys, there should be soft voices used and not fighting or hollering at one another, etc... Something ever mother would want for her child. But Joanne does a really GREAT job with Juliana especially since she has Sadie to watch too. Joanne even sends me cute little pictures or videos once in a while.
Check out the below video and picture she sent me.
Well I can't get the picture to upload from my phone. So I guess I will try another time.
First I've been selling my breast milk here and there. I've also donated milk along the way to some mommies who have needed it. Supporting breastfeeding mommies is important to me. There are so many benefits for it. However, I didn't realize how much work it is especially for mommies who are working, struggling with supply, etc.. My breastfeeding experience has not been a secret I've wrote about it before. At the beginning it was a disaster. But now things are GREAT. We have so much milk that I've had to slow production because I have no where to put it. I feel so bad when there is a mommy juggling the breastfeeding war. It definitely can be a fight. One thing I have noticed about new mommies including myself was I would always check the amount. I was really paranoid whether I would have enough when she got 6 months due to my struggle the first five and half weeks. Of course now I don't have that problem and I am able to help others out. But a couple days ago I found this amazing little article that help put things into perspective about tracking the ounces. However, should you find yourself with a low milk supply check out this page for some possible causes and solutions.
KellyMOM.com has also been a wonderful source of information. There are many great articles and tips offered on the site. But one article I wish I would have seen sooner was this one because when I first came home I tried doing a lot of things. Those tips would have been great and in the end I found out some of them on my own.
...Ugh So I didn't beat the timer before my computer restarted. Luckily, it did save what I had. The only problem is that I got distracted waiting for it to restart. I ended up getting ready to celebrate our anniversary (which is on Sunday!). We went to Des Moines to see the Phantom of the Opera. It was fun but made for a late night. Poor Matt had to get up early to be at a golf tournament for Medforce. Oh well more about all that later.
Let's see... my rant about breastfeeding is over. Haha. I'm sure some of you are glad because not all of my friends share my same view points.
Second topic for today is cloth diapering. I LOVE saving money by cloth diapering. Our cloth diapers (we use Sunbaby) seem to be doing well. I usually just wash them without an extended period of soaking. But before we left, for Des Moines, I soaked them, did a cycle with no detergent and then washed them with detergent. I recently joined this facebook group that talks solely about cloth diapering. A lot of them spend a lot more time then I do washing their diapers. But we really have not had a problem. The women on there have said that it is good to do a stripping once in awhile in case there is build up. So I did the above it to see if there would be a difference... make them seem more fresh I guess. I even decided to dry the inserts because I can't find where I read not to and everyone else seems to. This will make it that much better because sometimes waiting for them to dry would make them seem kind of musty.
I'm sure there were a few other rants I wanted to write about. But now I don't remember the rest of them.
Oh well. So yesterday was our anniversary celebration. We went to Des Moines waited for over 40 minutes for the waitress to come take our order. Matt and I must be pretty patient because we waited so long hoping she would come that we didn't even get to order. We ended up leaving without anything because we needed to get over to the theater. Matt said he enjoyed it but liked Wicked better. Although it was fun we were EXCITED to be back with our little princess.
As for today, Juliana and I went to a safety expo at the park. Not that she could do anything but it was fun to get out. Matt is gone as I mentioned earlier. And we are anxiously waiting for him to come back home. It is much better when we are all together.
The house needs some detail cleaning done and I am sure that it won't all get done because I would rather enjoy my time with Juliana. And now that she is napping I wanted to update. It seems like it has been so long.
Juliana is 8 months today! She is so fun. We LOVE chasing her around even though it wears us out. She is cute. I'll have to post a picture later after she wakes up.
Which reminds me... I LOVE that Joanne can watch Juliana. I'm super picky when it comes to watching my daughter. I have just a few people who are on the approved list. There can be no swearing or rude talking including music, they must interact with her...not just plop in a chair with some toys, there should be soft voices used and not fighting or hollering at one another, etc... Something ever mother would want for her child. But Joanne does a really GREAT job with Juliana especially since she has Sadie to watch too. Joanne even sends me cute little pictures or videos once in a while.
Check out the below video and picture she sent me.
Well I can't get the picture to upload from my phone. So I guess I will try another time.
Monday, September 15, 2014
Darn Tooth
Sometimes you just have to sit down, relax and watch some tv when you are not feeling good. I hate letting Juliana watch tv but the poor girl is stumbling around like a lunatic. I think her tooth is bothering her. She has napped several times today but now she is fighting the sleep and falling all over. So I put her in the swing to swing and watch Little Einsteins. I really want to cuddle with the her but she is not having that. She just won't sit still and wants to bite on everything. Then she falls over and hurts herself. It is safer in the swing and the tv keeps her somewhat happy.
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Tired, Sleep, Pee?
Where to start? I forgot to post pictures of our newly finished paint job. Matt painted the rest of the bathroom. It looks GREAT! yeehaw! So I will have to do that sometime soon.
Juliana has her first tooth. Well we still didn't get a good look at it. But we were able to feel that it has broke through today. It sad she is growing up. This weekend she will be eight months. Tear. We weighed her today. According to our scale she weighs exactly 16 pounds. She is so stinkin cute. The other night she tried to walk by herself. She didn't get very far. I love how she tries for several times before she decides to move on to something else. The girl is pretty determined.
Crazy story... last night after I nursed her I left her out of the bassinet to sleep with us. Before cuddling up with her I changed her. Since our cloth diapers were still air drying we put a disposable diaper on her. She is really squirmy in bed and so she had got a portion of the diaper off. Can you guess what happened? Yep she peed all over our bed. What did we do? Went back to bed. You know you need sleep when you don't even care that you are sleeping on pee.
Juliana is beginning to stir. I will have to finish later...have a goodnight.
Juliana has her first tooth. Well we still didn't get a good look at it. But we were able to feel that it has broke through today. It sad she is growing up. This weekend she will be eight months. Tear. We weighed her today. According to our scale she weighs exactly 16 pounds. She is so stinkin cute. The other night she tried to walk by herself. She didn't get very far. I love how she tries for several times before she decides to move on to something else. The girl is pretty determined.
Crazy story... last night after I nursed her I left her out of the bassinet to sleep with us. Before cuddling up with her I changed her. Since our cloth diapers were still air drying we put a disposable diaper on her. She is really squirmy in bed and so she had got a portion of the diaper off. Can you guess what happened? Yep she peed all over our bed. What did we do? Went back to bed. You know you need sleep when you don't even care that you are sleeping on pee.
Juliana is beginning to stir. I will have to finish later...have a goodnight.
Thursday, September 11, 2014
Mommy's Little Helper
I really wanted to do a picture of Juliana wearing one of my outfits with other dresses of mine in the background. Well time flies and I decided I better try before it's too late. It was really sunny the day I attempted it. So I may have to try again because there were hotspots all over.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Absent Minded
Oh my... I'm an airhead! So yesterday Juliana and I were going to go to my sister-in-law's baby shower. But because I am so absent minded I thought it started at two. Needless to say it started at 10:30 a.m.. I was pretty bummed.
Instead we did a whole lot of nothing.
Juliana is teething. She should get her first in the next couple of days... I would think. You can feel a bump where it will be coming in. Lately, she has been making new cute noises. She enjoys playing with her stacking cups. As of right now she is trying to take a nap. I think she may finally be out. Juliana fights her sleep sometimes. But you can tell when she is tired because she becomes clumsy and sometimes she gets clingy.
Now that she is asleep I best try to get something accomplished before she wakes up. Happy Sunday. Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day! If nothing else go for a walk. It is gorgeous out!
Instead we did a whole lot of nothing.
Juliana is teething. She should get her first in the next couple of days... I would think. You can feel a bump where it will be coming in. Lately, she has been making new cute noises. She enjoys playing with her stacking cups. As of right now she is trying to take a nap. I think she may finally be out. Juliana fights her sleep sometimes. But you can tell when she is tired because she becomes clumsy and sometimes she gets clingy.
Now that she is asleep I best try to get something accomplished before she wakes up. Happy Sunday. Hope everyone enjoys this beautiful day! If nothing else go for a walk. It is gorgeous out!
Wednesday, September 3, 2014
First Seven Months
Juliana is growing... When will it stop? She is so cute. The other day she figured out how to go under objects to get where she wants. So now not only does she crawls over things but she goes under. Juliana is also trying to figure out to climb things better. I've caught her a couple times trying to get onto the entertainment center with the help of her activity center and carseat. Joanne said she went up a couple steps. I try to make sure everything is blocked so she can't climb anything. But I'm sure soon she will figure it out. She is just on the go!
One Of Those Days
There is so much to be done... but what have I spent most of the day doing? Blogging and tending to Juliana. She has been sick the last couple days. Poor girl. I feel so bad. It's now almost three o'clock I look like I just got out of bed and the house looks like a tornado hit. Where is my fairy maid? LOL. I have tried to do some things but every time I turn around Juliana is getting into something she is not suppose to. When she is asleep I have to be quiet or she wakes up and thinks she needs to be doing it too. So what to do? ... Blog and organize my computer files.
DIY and Photography
I've started to crochet again. When I was younger I did a little bit here and there. Anyways, I had some yarn I've been toting around for five plus years so I decided to use it to make something like this. Grandma Trapp had to stop by and show me how to do some of the stitches... I swear I'm brain dead sometime. But I got it somewhat together. It is definitely not perfect but at least the yarn won't be just sitting around and I can use the little hat for fun photo props.
Speaking of photo props I would like to get these cute items. I've been researching different ideas/poses for babies along with ways to take better pictures. I have found some good ideas and tips. It's just that our camera is not real great... it's kind of slow. But we have to work with what we got.
Speaking of photo props I would like to get these cute items. I've been researching different ideas/poses for babies along with ways to take better pictures. I have found some good ideas and tips. It's just that our camera is not real great... it's kind of slow. But we have to work with what we got.
Miracle
Many things often weigh on my mind. But lately it has been on how amazing the human body is. The body can does thousands of things everyday just to survive and then it can create such amazing, beautiful little beings. How could anyone abort? ...or walk away. I recently heard how a precious little baby (12 hours old) was found in the dumpster. The child still alive. How could anyone do such a thing? I know this happens all the time but I just don't understand. Then some people have horrible accidents and lose their child. Why can't those people keep their babies and those that don't want them not be able to have them?
Monday, September 1, 2014
My Dad
Do you know how HOT it was yesterday!!!! Oh my gossh! I know I mentioned in my post about the Grape Fest and how hot it was. But this is a different post and it is about how GREAT my dad is! He does all kinds of things to serve the community as well as his family. Yesterday, was nothing abnormal he walked the parade in his full fire gear despite the weather! He has been doing this for years! Here is a picture of the BEST dad in the world walking in the parade. I'm glad my dad is my dad!... I wouldn't want anyone else to be.
Grape Fest 2014
Ugh. I was working on a lovely post when the internet on my phone decided to go off. So now I get to start over. Drives me nuts.... it's so annoying.
Today it sure was a HOT one. We went to the Grape Festival and car show. First we enjoyed a picnic outside my parents house...
and then we went to visit some good friends down the street, the Shirey's...
before sitting down to watch the parade.
It was fun as usual to see my parents walking in the parade. I helped the kids get candy and then we went down to the festivities on the flats. Juliana was such a good sport with it being so hot and having been up for so long that as soon as we got in the car to venture to the park she was out. So we didn't get to do the slide with her but we did walk over to the car show. After quickly looking we hurried to get something to eat because we were about to die.
In all it was a GREAT but HOT day!!! I love spending time with my family... I wish we could have taken Ty though. But he would have gone nuts we all the action.
Today it sure was a HOT one. We went to the Grape Festival and car show. First we enjoyed a picnic outside my parents house...
and then we went to visit some good friends down the street, the Shirey's...
before sitting down to watch the parade.
It was fun as usual to see my parents walking in the parade. I helped the kids get candy and then we went down to the festivities on the flats. Juliana was such a good sport with it being so hot and having been up for so long that as soon as we got in the car to venture to the park she was out. So we didn't get to do the slide with her but we did walk over to the car show. After quickly looking we hurried to get something to eat because we were about to die.
In all it was a GREAT but HOT day!!! I love spending time with my family... I wish we could have taken Ty though. But he would have gone nuts we all the action.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
