Monday, February 25, 2013
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Formula tip
I'm all about stealing tips from friends so its my turn to share one!
For the first two weeks of Reagan's life I breastfed and she got 1/2 breast milk and 1/2 formula (Similac Sensitive) at each feeding. Then... the gas set in. :/ Getting 1/2 breast milk meant she pooped literally 12 times per day. Poor kid, she couldn't burp without shooting out poo.
Since then, I've struggled to figure out what's going on with my mild-mannered princess.
I quit pumping (perhaps I was the problem?) and switched her to Similac Alimentum on Sunday, February 10. Her gas was "better" at first but the poor baby couldn't poo to save her life. Pooping was like an all day process. She was miserable. The final straw was Monday morning at 2:30 when I took off her diaper to change her and saw poop the size of a golf ball come out of rectum - I realized I had to do something.
Tuesday I researched formulas all morning and saw amazing reviews on Enfamil Newborn. Over half the reviews came from parents who experienced the exact same thing we were - gassy newborn, trouble going number two, etc. I ran out and bought some, praying it would work.
Today, day number 3, has been amazing. Reagan has WAY less gas, can toot when she needs to and has even pooped twice so far. One thing I find pretty cool is the fact that her poo consistency is "seedy" just as it is when breast milk is involved. I'm not sure how accurate this is but I've heard this seedy consistency shows that the baby is getting all the nutrients it needs which doesn't make me feel quite as bad for throwing in the towel as early as I did.
Just a little tip for anyone else experiencing this.
For the first two weeks of Reagan's life I breastfed and she got 1/2 breast milk and 1/2 formula (Similac Sensitive) at each feeding. Then... the gas set in. :/ Getting 1/2 breast milk meant she pooped literally 12 times per day. Poor kid, she couldn't burp without shooting out poo.
Since then, I've struggled to figure out what's going on with my mild-mannered princess.
I quit pumping (perhaps I was the problem?) and switched her to Similac Alimentum on Sunday, February 10. Her gas was "better" at first but the poor baby couldn't poo to save her life. Pooping was like an all day process. She was miserable. The final straw was Monday morning at 2:30 when I took off her diaper to change her and saw poop the size of a golf ball come out of rectum - I realized I had to do something.
Tuesday I researched formulas all morning and saw amazing reviews on Enfamil Newborn. Over half the reviews came from parents who experienced the exact same thing we were - gassy newborn, trouble going number two, etc. I ran out and bought some, praying it would work.
Today, day number 3, has been amazing. Reagan has WAY less gas, can toot when she needs to and has even pooped twice so far. One thing I find pretty cool is the fact that her poo consistency is "seedy" just as it is when breast milk is involved. I'm not sure how accurate this is but I've heard this seedy consistency shows that the baby is getting all the nutrients it needs which doesn't make me feel quite as bad for throwing in the towel as early as I did.
Just a little tip for anyone else experiencing this.
What is "good" sleep?
How would I know!?!?!? I haven't slept well in over a year!
When Allie was a newborn we slept well. Ben and I took turns on feedings, when he got up for work in the morning, he would shower in the addition and Allie and I would snooze. This go around, it's all me.
Allie sleeps with us (don't judge!) so one of us must remain in bed with her at night, otherwise she goes ballistic. Ben is her "nighttime buddy" so I do all the night feedings.
Although Reagan sleeps pretty long stretches, after a feeding I go back to a bedroom where I am laying on "nunu's" (yes, my 2 1/2-year-old is WAY too old for them, I'm well aware), have legs cracking my ribcage due to Allie sleeping horizontally, listen to Ben snore (or smack), Reagan grunt as she attempts to pass gas, Allie sucking violently on one of her 74 nunu's in the bed...it's a zoo!
....but man I love my family and wouldn't trade them for the world. :)
In the next 6 weeks we have to evict all living things under the age of 3 from our room so I can sleep. Any advice on getting a wild, very opinionated and high maintenance little girl to sleep in her amazing big girl room are greatly appreciated. :)
Also, anyone with newborns reading this - what does your child sleep in currently? How did you transition to their room?
When Allie was a newborn we slept well. Ben and I took turns on feedings, when he got up for work in the morning, he would shower in the addition and Allie and I would snooze. This go around, it's all me.
Allie sleeps with us (don't judge!) so one of us must remain in bed with her at night, otherwise she goes ballistic. Ben is her "nighttime buddy" so I do all the night feedings.
Although Reagan sleeps pretty long stretches, after a feeding I go back to a bedroom where I am laying on "nunu's" (yes, my 2 1/2-year-old is WAY too old for them, I'm well aware), have legs cracking my ribcage due to Allie sleeping horizontally, listen to Ben snore (or smack), Reagan grunt as she attempts to pass gas, Allie sucking violently on one of her 74 nunu's in the bed...it's a zoo!
....but man I love my family and wouldn't trade them for the world. :)
In the next 6 weeks we have to evict all living things under the age of 3 from our room so I can sleep. Any advice on getting a wild, very opinionated and high maintenance little girl to sleep in her amazing big girl room are greatly appreciated. :)
Also, anyone with newborns reading this - what does your child sleep in currently? How did you transition to their room?
Monday, February 18, 2013
Hi...my name is Reagan
* I am 3-weeks old today
* I love to party between the hours of 1:45 and 4 am
* I am fighting sleep today and have major gas
* Our male dog just puked but I won't let mom put me down long enough to clean it up so we are waiting on dad to come home
* I'm a sweetheart...as long as I can fart, poo and burp when I need to
* Mom hasn't showered in 24 hours...doesn't look like a shower is in her future today
Love, Reagan
* I love to party between the hours of 1:45 and 4 am
* I am fighting sleep today and have major gas
* Our male dog just puked but I won't let mom put me down long enough to clean it up so we are waiting on dad to come home
* I'm a sweetheart...as long as I can fart, poo and burp when I need to
* Mom hasn't showered in 24 hours...doesn't look like a shower is in her future today
Love, Reagan
Sunday, February 17, 2013
My little photographer
Allie loves to take pictures, of course, with a several hundred dollar camera. (That's my girl!). Last night I caught her playing photographer with Ben - she truly is a piece of work.
Pretty Woman
Does she not look like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman? My dear Lord this kid cracks me up!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Reagan Charlotte - 2 week stats
Reagan's 2 week appointment was today. She weighs 8 lbs 0.6 oz (gained over 1 lb since birth) and is 20.75 inches long (grew 1/2 an inch). She is almost out of newborn clothes and diapers - kind of sad how fast the little munchkin is growing!
Jenka Photography
My friend Kasey is very creative and loves photography. Her one-time hobby has now turned into a full- blown business with her friend, Jennifer Anne Hensley - Jenka Photography.
Over the last 6 months, Kasey has photographed our family several times and each session only gets better!
Last Tuesday, Kasey wanted to practice on newborns so she came to the house to have a little session with Reagan and Edith's son, Jack. We had so much fun and she captured some absolutely amazing shots of Reagan. I am in the process of figuring out what and how to buy; once I do I'll post them all.
Over the last 6 months, Kasey has photographed our family several times and each session only gets better!
Last Tuesday, Kasey wanted to practice on newborns so she came to the house to have a little session with Reagan and Edith's son, Jack. We had so much fun and she captured some absolutely amazing shots of Reagan. I am in the process of figuring out what and how to buy; once I do I'll post them all.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
My peanut is growing!
We just might be out of these newborn sleepers today...her poor toes are about to pop out.
My crazy world...but I wouldn't trade it
Poor Allie just doesn't understand how rough she can be!
By this point with Allie, we had pictures of her bathing every night, pictures of her snoozing in her swing, her poops (not really but you get my drift). I feel awful that poor Reagan literally has 1-2 pictures per day and they're normally with Allie pulling on her legs, arms or head. I guess this is the joy of being the 2nd child!
By this point with Allie, we had pictures of her bathing every night, pictures of her snoozing in her swing, her poops (not really but you get my drift). I feel awful that poor Reagan literally has 1-2 pictures per day and they're normally with Allie pulling on her legs, arms or head. I guess this is the joy of being the 2nd child!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Postpartum?
I so do not remember this after Allie. But I cry about something, every day. And it can be about the silliest little thing.
I blogged two weeks ago about Allie, and how guilty I felt about bringing RCR home. While it has been hectic around here, I've really struggled maintaining a balance with her and Reagan. I think I'm getting the hang of it now BUT last week, I was a complete trainwreck. One morning before school I made her waffles and we talked for 10-15 minutes while she ate breakfast. When Ben put her coat on for school she looked at me and said "thank you for the waffles mommy, I love you." I lost it. Did this sweet baby of mine really not think I was going to make her waffles anymore? I cried about this for probably 30 minutes and AGAIN when Ben mentioned it to me Friday at Reagan's doctors appointment!
My aunt, uncle and friend Joelle came to visit Saturday and out of nowhere, Allie came and laid on my lap and fell asleep within 30 seconds. What do you know, I started crying. I am so emotional right now!
I was in Wal-Mart Monday and "Half of my Heart" by John Mayer played. I started crying on the razor aisle. Jeez Louise!
As I sit here at 1:30 am feeding Reagan I am watching Teen Mom 2, and I wonder, how can people like these have children? How do they deal with the inconsistencies of a baby while they deal with being baby's themselves? It makes me so sad to see these poor children in such unstable environments. This show was once comical, a great "trainwreck" once a week...now a mom of two, it breaks my heart.
Enough rambling. :)
If you come visit, and I cry at the drop of a hat, don't be surprised!
I blogged two weeks ago about Allie, and how guilty I felt about bringing RCR home. While it has been hectic around here, I've really struggled maintaining a balance with her and Reagan. I think I'm getting the hang of it now BUT last week, I was a complete trainwreck. One morning before school I made her waffles and we talked for 10-15 minutes while she ate breakfast. When Ben put her coat on for school she looked at me and said "thank you for the waffles mommy, I love you." I lost it. Did this sweet baby of mine really not think I was going to make her waffles anymore? I cried about this for probably 30 minutes and AGAIN when Ben mentioned it to me Friday at Reagan's doctors appointment!
My aunt, uncle and friend Joelle came to visit Saturday and out of nowhere, Allie came and laid on my lap and fell asleep within 30 seconds. What do you know, I started crying. I am so emotional right now!
I was in Wal-Mart Monday and "Half of my Heart" by John Mayer played. I started crying on the razor aisle. Jeez Louise!
As I sit here at 1:30 am feeding Reagan I am watching Teen Mom 2, and I wonder, how can people like these have children? How do they deal with the inconsistencies of a baby while they deal with being baby's themselves? It makes me so sad to see these poor children in such unstable environments. This show was once comical, a great "trainwreck" once a week...now a mom of two, it breaks my heart.
Enough rambling. :)
If you come visit, and I cry at the drop of a hat, don't be surprised!
Monday, February 4, 2013
"Labor of Love"
Before Allie was born, Ben and I took a couple classes through Woman's Hospital and one was titled "Labor of Love." I made a mistake when signing up for the class; this one was geared more towards "natural" childbirth - i.e. no epidural - than the class I failed to register for. Reagan's birth was close to being a "Labor of Love!"
I went in to the hospital for Reagan at 5 am, pitosin was started at 5:30 am. When I was in labor with Allie, the nurse came in and "checked" me every couple hours, but I got the epidural earlier on (after less than an hour on pitosin). I dilated fast with Allie (4 hours or so ) but pushed for almost 4 hours (off and on). I was completely prepared for an equally intense labor with Reagan.
Last Monday was SO different. I was never in pain while on pitosin. Sure, I could feel my body contract, but it was just an uncomfortable feeling. My family came in and out, I carried on multiple conversations, I even second guessed myself when I got the epidural. It was EASY!
Around 11 am, I asked my nurse when she would "check" me and she said after I got the epidural. When she walked out of the room, I looked at Ben and told him I really didn't hurt bad enough to get it...should I hold off? Should I get it? I was looking for his opinion and guidance on the situation, but in true Ben fashion he of course deferred to me. I talked myself into getting it, so around 11:30 am, the anesthesiologist and anesthesia tech came in, administered the line, and I was done by 11:50ish. The nurse said she was going to run to lunch and when she came back she would drain my bladder and "check" me to see what my progress was.
After she left (around noon), an interim nurse came in to see how I was holding up and I made a face like I could feel pressure. She checked me and to our surprise I was 10 cm. You would have thought an emergency was going on in our room. The nurse picked up the phone, called Dr. Gautreau, called the nurses station for all the delivery supplies, the nurse for the baby came in...all the people and "objects" descended on the room in a matter of minutes. Thank goodness I got that epidural when I did!
At 12:31 pm, after a laughable 4 pushes, Reagan Charlotte joined our sweet little family of 4.
Happy 1-week birthday Princess Reagan!
I went in to the hospital for Reagan at 5 am, pitosin was started at 5:30 am. When I was in labor with Allie, the nurse came in and "checked" me every couple hours, but I got the epidural earlier on (after less than an hour on pitosin). I dilated fast with Allie (4 hours or so ) but pushed for almost 4 hours (off and on). I was completely prepared for an equally intense labor with Reagan.
Last Monday was SO different. I was never in pain while on pitosin. Sure, I could feel my body contract, but it was just an uncomfortable feeling. My family came in and out, I carried on multiple conversations, I even second guessed myself when I got the epidural. It was EASY!
Around 11 am, I asked my nurse when she would "check" me and she said after I got the epidural. When she walked out of the room, I looked at Ben and told him I really didn't hurt bad enough to get it...should I hold off? Should I get it? I was looking for his opinion and guidance on the situation, but in true Ben fashion he of course deferred to me. I talked myself into getting it, so around 11:30 am, the anesthesiologist and anesthesia tech came in, administered the line, and I was done by 11:50ish. The nurse said she was going to run to lunch and when she came back she would drain my bladder and "check" me to see what my progress was.
After she left (around noon), an interim nurse came in to see how I was holding up and I made a face like I could feel pressure. She checked me and to our surprise I was 10 cm. You would have thought an emergency was going on in our room. The nurse picked up the phone, called Dr. Gautreau, called the nurses station for all the delivery supplies, the nurse for the baby came in...all the people and "objects" descended on the room in a matter of minutes. Thank goodness I got that epidural when I did!
At 12:31 pm, after a laughable 4 pushes, Reagan Charlotte joined our sweet little family of 4.
Happy 1-week birthday Princess Reagan!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Control
Ok so I admit it - I am a control freak.
With Allie, I was what I call a "breast feeding FAILURE!" I didn't produce enough (probably because I hated it), it was awkward and she never would latch on (I detest those words!). I quit even trying after less than a week and she became a full-blown "formula baby."
With Reagan, I told myself I was going to try, and give it my all. If I failed again, I at least wanted to be able to say I put forth my all. Now here is my control issue - I make it harder on myself than I really need to because I pump 4-5 times per day, and bottle feed her so I can see the exact amount she gets. Yes, this is laughable but it suffices my control issue.
Friday was Reagan's 4-day-old checkup and I absolutely love our pediatrician, Dr. Franz. To anyone reading this, who is looking for a great pediatrician and "mommy friend" I highly suggest Our Lady of the Lake Pediatrics. Dr. Franz did not nurse her kids so her opinion is ANY amount of milk the baby can get from mom is a win-win. She was proud of my accomplishments Friday which is something an overwhelmed mommy of two needed to hear.
I do combine my milk with formula because I do not produce enough to feed her 100% AND she's sleeping like a champ at night. Why rock the boat on this?!?!?!
I crack myself up with my control issues but hey, I guess at least I admit it. :)
With Allie, I was what I call a "breast feeding FAILURE!" I didn't produce enough (probably because I hated it), it was awkward and she never would latch on (I detest those words!). I quit even trying after less than a week and she became a full-blown "formula baby."
With Reagan, I told myself I was going to try, and give it my all. If I failed again, I at least wanted to be able to say I put forth my all. Now here is my control issue - I make it harder on myself than I really need to because I pump 4-5 times per day, and bottle feed her so I can see the exact amount she gets. Yes, this is laughable but it suffices my control issue.
Friday was Reagan's 4-day-old checkup and I absolutely love our pediatrician, Dr. Franz. To anyone reading this, who is looking for a great pediatrician and "mommy friend" I highly suggest Our Lady of the Lake Pediatrics. Dr. Franz did not nurse her kids so her opinion is ANY amount of milk the baby can get from mom is a win-win. She was proud of my accomplishments Friday which is something an overwhelmed mommy of two needed to hear.
I do combine my milk with formula because I do not produce enough to feed her 100% AND she's sleeping like a champ at night. Why rock the boat on this?!?!?!
I crack myself up with my control issues but hey, I guess at least I admit it. :)
Saturday, February 2, 2013
NEW Allie-isms
As she walks into the hospital room Monday night - "mommy have new jommies!" - as I'm sitting in the bed with a beautiful hospital gown (fully exposed in the back) on and IV in my arm.
Once she walked in she asked "Hey mommy, what are you doing? Are you just chillin'?"
As I was pumping last Thursday on our bed, Allie walks in from school and immediately runs to me. We were hesitant to let her see all the new "mommy" things but decided not to hide anything since this is our new life. She walks into our room, the record literally stops and the questions begin. Once I answered everything she looked at me with the straightest face and said, "I need to pump nilk from my belly too, mommy!"
We are adjusting quite well around here. Allie says something new every day that catches me off guard or literally makes me laugh hysterically. :)
Once she walked in she asked "Hey mommy, what are you doing? Are you just chillin'?"
As I was pumping last Thursday on our bed, Allie walks in from school and immediately runs to me. We were hesitant to let her see all the new "mommy" things but decided not to hide anything since this is our new life. She walks into our room, the record literally stops and the questions begin. Once I answered everything she looked at me with the straightest face and said, "I need to pump nilk from my belly too, mommy!"
We are adjusting quite well around here. Allie says something new every day that catches me off guard or literally makes me laugh hysterically. :)
Allie's Hair Cut
Allie and I had a "mom and Allie" day that included hair cuts with Mrs. Ashley - one of Allie's favorite people. :)
Friday, February 1, 2013
Reagan - 4 days old
First doctor's appointment was this morning. Reagan is 1 ounce above her birth weight, and is eating and sleeping like a champ.
Last night she ate at 8:30 pm, went to bed and woke up to eat at 12:30 am. Went straight back to bed and slept until 5:30 am. Ate again, went straight back to bed, and had to be woken up at 10 to get ready for our doctors appointment. She's a total sweetheart of a baby!
Allie is doing well. She LOVES to hold, help feed and love all over her little sister. She can be overbearing, but her intentions truly are sweet. :)
Last night she ate at 8:30 pm, went to bed and woke up to eat at 12:30 am. Went straight back to bed and slept until 5:30 am. Ate again, went straight back to bed, and had to be woken up at 10 to get ready for our doctors appointment. She's a total sweetheart of a baby!
Allie is doing well. She LOVES to hold, help feed and love all over her little sister. She can be overbearing, but her intentions truly are sweet. :)
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