The other day, Garrett and I decided to go to Barnes & Noble. It's a nice little retreat for the two of us and allows me to do my own book browsing. Sometimes, I just sit and read while in the store...never fully purchasing a book. But, this time I had full intentions on buying a book. I bought FIRST MEALS, by Annabel Karmel. Ok, not exactly your 'run out right now, gotta read best selling novel'. Yet, these days it comes pretty darn close.
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Now, I know many of you are saying, "Isn't Garrett still a bit young for solids?" And yes, you are correct. But, in my defense he does turn 4 months next week- so getting ready for the world of solids now, rather than later seems the smart thing to do.
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Besides, I am still contemplating on when I want to begin his first foods. Originally, I had thought I would wait until 6 months, since that's the recommended age. Yet, now I am a little eager and thought maybe I would go for 5 months.
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According to Karmel, babies shouldn't be given solids until 17 weeks after their due date. This is due to a baby's underdeveloped immune system and digestive system. It can help trigger allergies. Ok, I get that, makes prefect sense and if I can prevent Garrett from getting my dreaded eczema than I'm all for it!
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This means that Garrett shouldn't have solids until he is just shy of 5 months old, since my little man came 2 weeks early. And that goes with my own magical number, so I believe that we will wait to start solids until then.
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Of course, now I have this book egging me on to start solids.
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It peers at me from the counter top, somehow more noticeable than all the other cookbooks.
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No, that's not quite true.
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It does peer at me, but not to start Garrett on solids. I actually read the first 50 pages the day I bought it. The next day, I was making baby food. It was easy. I should have taken some photos, but I was preparing it during one of Garrett's nap and was trying hard to finish before he was back up. On my next go around, I will be sure to share pictures.
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I have about 20 servings of the following foods frozen, just waiting for Garrett to try out:
Apples, Pears, Peaches, Blueberries, Carrots, Squash and Zucchini
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(My mother had brought the squash and zucchini from home so it is organic, but the rest were bought and I didn't have the money to go organic. I am going to try to give him as much organic or at least locally grown as possible. Regardless of organic or not, making your own baby food is the best route if you keep things clean. Plus, I get to know exactly what he's eating and I get to save us some extra money, too.)
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The cookbook by Karmel is really wonderful and covers recipes up to the age of 7. She gives some great combinations for baby food and a lot of creative ways to jazz up a toddler and young child's food as well. So, even if you aren't up to making baby food or don't have a baby at home you'll find it helpful. Next time your at the bookstore or library, see if you can't browse through it...
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And to all you Mommas out there, I have a few questions:
When did you begin feeding your little one or when do you plan to feed your baby?
And, what did you feed them? Any recommendations, advice or suggestions you can share?
Simply an update...I'm so excited, we have 6 cloth diapers on the way!! That gives us a total of 8. I only need about 10 more and we should be able to make the switch to all cloth. The diapers I ordered are all different brands, so we can figure out which one we like best and order only those. I'll be sure to post more about each of the diapers later!!!
Whoo-hoo!!! I finally feel like I am making alittle bit of a difference for our environment.
Mommyhood truly is a full time job. Nursing is a second full time job. Cleaning the house is a third full time job. Cooking for anyone, save myself is sometimes impossible. Remembering what I need to do at my 'part time real job' the following morning is pointless. Making time for my husband and then for myself is a nano shy of obsolete. Where are my personal assistants when I need them? Oh yeah, I don't have any...that's right. So exactly why does a celebrity like Britney go cuckoo?
I'm jumping on the whine train tonight and I so wish that meant a red bottle of wine, like the good old days. But, shamelessly it doesn't. Rather it means five minutes on the deck as I take the trash out for Monday pickup as Bryan tries to coax Garrett back into LA-LA land.
Let's be candidly real for a minute. I miss me time and really miss we time.
Don't get me wrong, I love my baby more than anything in the world. He's perfect. He's always happy...that is, he is happy now. Once upon a time, I had a colicky baby...miraculously that period ended as if someone hit a switch when he turned six magical weeks old. No doctor bills or prescriptions needed. Luckily, the days have gotten much much easier. But, the long days have not ceased to exist and neither has his growing need for attention.
My day begins around 9 a.m. as we all begin to wake up. Depending on the day, I am either off to work by 10, sometimes by the grace of God I make it out by 8. But, that's on a very good day. Most days Bryan is off to work at noon and works a 11-12 hour shift. On lucky days like today, he leaves at 10 a.m. and doesn't return until 12 a.m. These days remind me of those first few weeks with baby Garrett and truly tempt my sanity. It's a day of constant struggles, in how to fit in all of my jobs without compromising Garrett's growing and learning.
I feel guilty if he doesn't get enough attention or if I take a moment to make myself a sandwich or browse the Internet for a few moments. He usually wins. No, he always wins.
We interact, we talk non-stop. I always had been told I was a talker, hence my name Brook. Yet, now I am a flood of words. We read books, sing songs and sometimes simply talk about everything. I tell him the who, what, where, why and how of everything. And Garrett eats it up and looks up at me with a twinkle in his eye, gabbing back as if he is in conversation over the most fascinating discovery. And I am certain that he is.
Today, he has completely found his toes. He grabs at them and holds them, feeling them with his fingertips. I try to show him my feet too, that way he knows that I have feet also. He has started perfecting his laugh. His first giggle was when he wasn't even 3 months old. We were in Walmart as a lady started talking to him. Of course, he has yet to giggle like that again, but he is getting close. I know any day now it is bound to come out! I am almost sure he laughed at the lady like that because we were playing with the giggle stuffed animals right before she spoke to him. So tonight, I bought a giggling frog. I know I 'm a sucker. And yes, I made a trip to Walmart at 8 p.m. on a S-U-N-D-A-Y. I hate Walmart, but with a child it becomes an experience and somehow makes the hours fly by.
Back home, we settled in to complete our nightly tasks. OK, those would be my tasks...I start cooking my dinner, make sure the dogs are taken care of and change Garrett's diaper before laying him down for bed. No night-time stories or a bath. We are both, too pooped for any routine other than the bed and the boob. He comes from a long line of sensitive skinned people and too many baths a week would surely ruin his precious baby skin. No lotions, either. Besides he smells sweet as it is. Of course, do I really need to justify this?
Except this go around, Garrett doesn't want to sleep without mommy. Yuck. Two tries and still a baby fussing. Finally, I bring him out to the living room and hold him, as I eat. Multitasking has taken on a whole new meaning. And then, finally at 11:53 my sweet relief walks through the door, takes a shower and keeps baby for twenty whole minutes.
I emerge renewed and remember why we decided to become parents. Tomorrow night I need to make time for 'we' so Bryan remembers that, too. Because, what would I do without him? He makes mommyhood and all it entails so very worth it.
Ok, I intended on writing this review some time ago, preferably a week or so after we used them...but, the idea slipped my mind a few times. (Perhaps it was due to my inability to remember anything at all anymore.) As you may remember I purchased these online at diapers.com about two months ago. Man oh man, has it really been that long ago? Seriously, I can't remember.
Anyway....my initial reasoning for buying these were to create as little impact on the environment as possible why using disposable diapers. The thought of using disposable diapers is akin to nails on a chalkboard to me. I am in the process of purchasing cloth diapers, but until I get fully stocked in cloth, I must succumb to the wastefulness of disposables. Which means I need an alternative to the regular name brands (i.e. the extremely wasteful disposable diapers.)
While looking online for alternatives (as I have stated before, no local stores, at least not in a 20 mile radius carry anything even remotely eco-friendly in the diaper department) I ran across Nature Babycare Diapers.
(Oh, and the packaging is biodegradable as well!)
Here's the low down on what they have to offer (per diapers.com): ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NATURE BABYCARE - Eco-Friendly Baby Diapers Nature babycare, the award winning ECO diaper - A proven success in Europe and now available in North America!
Product features: - Award Winning Premium Performance eco-friendly disposable diaper- Awarded the Eco Label “Good Environmental Choice” of Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC)- NO oil-based plastics against baby’s skin- Kinder and more gentle to your baby and the environment- Breathable and chlorine-free with natural based material, for natural protection- Ultra-thin construction gives a non-bulky fit, enabling your baby to move around freely- Consumer packaging is based on 100% natural renewable material. No oil-based plastics!- Winner of the 06-07 Silver Award for “Best Disposable Diaper,” featured in Mother & Baby Magazine, a leading UK baby magazine
Features and Benefits of Nature babycare:-Chlorine-free absorbent materials – does not contribute to dioxin pollution-100 % natural based back sheet – NO plastic - reduce the greenhouse effect-100 % natural distribution layer – NO plastic - reduce the greenhouse effect-100 % compostable consumer packaging – NO plastic - reduce the greenhouse effect-No latex, fragrance, or TBT (tributyl tin)
The use of compostable natural materials based on renewable sources reduces the green house effect. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Over 170 users that have posted reviews on diapers.com give them 4 out of 5 stars.
I think all those users are right. Nature Babycare Diapers are good diapers, minus all that frill. They stand up, they do the job and they're ECO-friendly to boot! Although, they are stiffer than Pampers and all the 'name brand' diapers, they were just as absorbent when I used them on my son. Garrett didn't seem to mind them one bit. They also don't have the 'commercials' and all that dye on the diaper- they were rather plain with only tiny green leaves on the tab area. The tab area, however could have been more durable- once undone, they didn't have much wear to them. Which only meant you can't really wrap them up the same way you do the other diapers! But, really that isn't a big deal. These diapers also were more square and don't give as much in the legs, but I imagine that this is mainly due to the sizing issues. the size of the diapers I ordered were my only true disappointment. These diapers run extremely small. I would recommend ordering a size higher than what you think you need. When Garrett was two months old and around 10 lbs, I ordered the Size 2 for 12-18lbs and he could have easily wore a Size 3. Overall, these diapers are a must if protecting the environment is important to you, yet you aren't up to using cloth diapers.
At diapers.com, they run $11.99 for all sizes (less diapers as the sizes go up, like all diaper brands) and for that price there really isn't any good excuse for not using them. (The only possible excuse is availability, but remember there is the Internet!)
The company, Nature Babycare(located in Sweden) is starting an 'Ambassador' program that gives incentives for using and spreading the word about their product. (And, no that isn't why I am doing this review....the U.S. program hasn't begun yet! So, there!)
Point is, why spend money making the big companies bigger and polluting the environment all the while, when there are small companies making green products that do make a difference?
Recipes are such an experiment and I love experimenting with new foods and new flavors! I made this recipe for Banana Bread on Sunday and wanted to share it with everyone. I have to admit this is my first attempt at Banana Bread. To my delight, both Bryan and my mom seemed to enjoy it. (At least, they say they did.)
I would recommend using more bananas and to make sure they are a bit overripe, as this adds to the flavor and I didn't think the bread had enough banana flavor for myself. After I made the bread, I took a peak at other banana bread recipes online for comparison and after checking them out, will next time add cinnamon and I might also try chocolate chips or walnuts, too. Unfortunately, I was out of walnuts and didn't think of using cinnamon or chocolate chips until after it was made. I used a recipe for a crunch topping from an old recipe book and have included it, as well.
So, here ya' go!
BANANA BREAD
1 3/4 cup self rising flour 2/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1/3 cup shortening (I also added 3 tbs. of butter...I know, talk about fattening!) 1 tbs vanilla 2 tbs ginger 1 cup of bananas -mashed
(I used a mixer, but next time I think I will mash them with a whisk or fork and then mix everything by hand. Because, I think the mixer may have over-mixed and left the bread not having 'enough' of a banana taste-it was either this or I didn't use enough bananas.)
Grease and flour loaf pan. Mix all ingredients together until they form a batter like mixture. Pour evenly into loaf pan. Mix crunch topping ingredients together and spread on top of bread. Bake for 1 hour at 350 degrees.
For a crunch topping: (optional)
1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup or 1/2 stick of butter or margarine, melted 3/4 tbs of cinnamon
Hope you give the recipe a try and like it!! If you do try the recipe, I would LOVE to hear what you do differently and how you think it turns out!
Well, Bryan and I did take a stroll on the beach, but we went as a family. It was one of those wonderful moments of being a family. One for the memory books. So why was this beach trip so special? Because, Friday was Garrett's first trip to the beach - EVER. He was completely mesmerized by all the sights and sounds. Garrett seemed to be in deep thought the whole time we were there, taking in all the 'new' sensations! He didn't make so much as a peep, unless you laid him down and obstructed his view. Bryan took him into the water so he could feel the cooler water on him, when a wave hit them- Garrett's first reaction was a shocked and scared one, but he soon changed his face as he realized he was okay and Daddy was still holding him.
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Sunbathing with Nana.
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Catching some waves with daddy...
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Feeling the water and sand between his toes.
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Drying off in his birthday suit and
feeling more sand between those toes.
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I wonder if our little boy will one day love all things water?
I have been seriously slacking on my blog!! What, you say...you haven't noticed? Well, for starters I haven't added any pictures in ages! What is up with that? And I've been relatively boring, too.
Tonight, I was planning to change all of that and get busy blogging one of the many drafts I have started, but decided "Aye, I'll just finish this a little bit later when I have more time to devote to it." But, once again I have let myself down. Equally disappointing in the past couple of weeks, I have forgotten the numerous potential blogs I feverishly type in my head as Garrett, I, Bryan or the dogs do something interesting that I think, "Now, that's definitely something worth sharing!" I could so kick myself. On top of all this, mother has come to visit and at last I am to entertain. Decisions abound, do I blog or do I sleep? Mercy me.
Like I said my mom is here. Yep. Before, I continue I would like to state for the record that we love mom being here and have a great time when she is here....
But, and this is a big BUT, she has.....
(You're not reading this are you, mom?)
That was a close call.
Ok, dare I type it?
I think I must.
Here goes.
QUIRKS.
They're really minor. Not really worth mentioning. Small and insignificant, the kind that truly just make her who she is. I'm going to list a couple of them anyway just for fun. All in good fun. She won't mind a bit, she'll get a kick out of them. Really. She will. Trust me. Ok, here goes. . . . Hmmm, that's funny....and kinda strange. I started to list all these quirks and believe me she HAS some, when I thought about whether or not I will have quirks that drive Garrett bonkers as well. And then IT hit me. I, sure the heck hope not. I mean, me...how could he find quirks in me, his mother. The person who gave birth to him and nurtured and cared for him every single day of his life. Won't this child know how I would give him the shirt off my back? No, not my Garrett. He would never think his mother was quirky or had quirks. Most certainly not.
And just like that, in a split second, all my mother's little quirks escaped me.
It's sorta like a three ring circus when she comes to town. A SIGHT NOT TO BE MISSED. That is unless its 12:30 AM. I woke up last night as she and her friend Debi were making their way into the house. I quickly made sure Garrett was still sleeping and huddled closer to him. I was not in the mood to get up and make chitchat. Not even for my own mother. Don't get me wrong, usually I will stay up and wait for her or I will get up when she arrives, but last night I was exhausted. It just wasn't happening. This morning at 6 am I heard her rumbles again and the coffee maker grinding. (The coffee maker I thought I would use religiously after our wedding. The coffee maker that has now become void with a baby. Who needs the pick me up aroma of fresh ground coffee when you can have the fresh smell of poo at 730 every morning?) Of course, I can smell neither but that's a story for another day.
Anyway, continuing to Nana...I then hear the screen door open, then close. As quickly as I hear this, I turn around, startled as she stands gazing over us laying in the bed. She tries to contain her excitement as she gets a quick glimpse of her other, much newer grandson before her daughter quiets her down. All the while hoping, (I assure you) that his eyes will open the harder and longer she stares at him. I hurriedly shoo her away, as he needs at least 2 more hours given our rocky day yesterday. (He is still refusing to take a bottle and now is struggling with sleeping without the ninny. Bryan also had off yesterday, which on those days his schedule gets a little haywire.)
Again, back to Nana. I follow her out and we talk small talk, Garrett's daily routine, her drive down and why in the world she's up at 6:30 in the morning. Apparently, she wakes up every morning at this time regardless of what time she goes to bed. Lord, I couldn't and don't want to imagine. I have been sleep deprived enough for the last 3 and half months. Yet. it feels very good to have her here and to actually be up this early. Somehow, I feel refreshed with only five and half hours of sleep. How is this possible? I'm sure by lunchtime, I will have the makings for a migraine. If I'm lucky, maybe I will escape the sleep deprivation's torture today. That reminds me, I am going to have my hair cut today!!!! It has become my one indulgence since being pregnant. I believe this time I am going to get it all cut one length, which means it will be cut up to my ears! I have been missing my long hair and hating the layers I allowed the last few haircuts. By getting it cut one length I can let it grow back out again! Whoo-hoo! Having a short haircut makes me feel so very 'mommy'. Not that its a bad thing, but it adds to the inevitable of growing old and being frumpy. Luckily, the weight is shedding and I am starting to fit tightly back into my pre-pregnancy clothes again. Yes, I said it 4 months later I am very close to being 135 lbs. again!!!
I am so off topic. By 7:30 I come back to bed and change little man's diaper and hope for the best. Hopefully, he has at least another hour of sleep in him and I can shamelessly blog until my heart's content.
SO FAR SO GOOD.
I'm excited for what's in store for the coming week. Nana is staying unit next Wednesday, which means Bryan and I get to go out one GLORIOUS night A-L-O-N-E for the first (read 1ST) time since June and only the second (read 2ND) time since he was born. That's along time for those of you who might not know. I reiterate this is along time not going out together alone. OK, you get the idea.
I'm almost tempted to book a hotel room. Did I just type that?
On second though, we better not, least we have another bambino in the oven. I'm definitely not ready for that. Not yet anyway.
Unfortunately, a hotel room would be out of the question even if we wanted to because we are on a limited cash flow. Which means two things. 1) We will have to have dinner at the house and 2) we will have to hit only bars where we know the bartender. Now that we are in our 'old' age, this means approximately ONE bar. Shuckers. I'm sure the night will consist of us becoming bored by ten or eleven. Well, at least that's what I expect for myself. I truly wish we had saved up some money for this night and thought up something more original then going out to a bar and going drinking. It seems to me that for this momentous occasion, we should have chosen something more fun to do together, like taking a stroll on the beach (free, maybe not extremely fun but relaxing nonetheless- of course we could still do this) or visiting the local art gallery (I could hear Bryan now..."oh, how boring.") But can't we find one thing more exciting than drinking at a bar? Now amidst our dilemma in finding something of value to do on our night out, I worry we will only converse on the topic of baby. That we as a couple will have forgotten how to have a conversation with one another.
Does anyone have suggestions? Seriously, what did each of you do when you finally got your 'night' out together? Did it turn out successful or did you worry all night and talk all night about the little one?
OK by 9 am, Garrett is wide awake in the bed as I am typing, so I have decided that maybe it is time to let Nana play with him. Morning time is his best time and she deserves to see that. Naturally, I will still be able to blog. Well, that's what I thought. It seems I can't help but want to join in their play. So, I guess that's it for blogging this morning, maybe I can sneak and get a free minute later today...and just maybe I won't be all over the place.
Bryan came home tonight and said he drove home thinking, "Man, I'm married and I have a kid." And he had to pinch himself, because its still so hard to believe some days. Which made me automatically think of the song, 'Once in a Lifetime' by Talking Heads. It took us a few moments to name the band, even though both of us are huge fans. Bryan even mistakenly thought that the Talking Heads box set in the living room have always been his. I simply shook my head. Then he believed I gave him them along with a few other Cd's one Christmas. I had to actually think back on that one. But no, thebox set is still mine. However, since we're married, I let him believe it's always been his. Because that's what you do when you're married.
I have to agree with Bryan about the reality of our 'new' lives though, we've experienced a whirlwind in the last year that has accumulated from fourteen years of knowing one another. For those that don't know our story, let me elaborate for just a moment. (To those who can sing our story in Latin, please bare with me.)
Bryan and I met working at a local grocery store, called Food City. 14 years ago. We were dating by that October. I was a senior in high school. We were in a car wreck together. October 28, 1994. We stopped dating but remained semi-friends. Bryan moved to Blacksburg. I stayed in Marion. In 1997, I moved to Blacksburg. Bryan and I are better friends. In 1998, I leave for Houston, Bryan leaves for Myrtle Beach. We lose touch. Fast forward to Christmas 2002. We run into one another back home and start corresponding via the tele. This continues for 3 years, with a few visits in between. I move to Myrtle Beach in February 2005. Bryan proposes September 2006 in Miami while on vacation together. We plan a wedding for October 2007. We paint our upstairs bedroom Duke Blue in July 2007. We lose a tree in August 2007. We find out I am one month pregnant in August 2007. We get married in October 2007, me 3 months pregnant. We vacation in the Riviera Mayan, Mexico; me 3 months pregnant. December 2007 we buy an Envoy. April 6, 2008 at 7:43 p.m. Garrett is born. Our lives as we know it are forever changed.
You can pinch me, but I know I'm not dreaming. At least not anymore.
I love how we got here and I love that its a 'Once in a Lifetime' feeling that we both get from all of this. And I'm pretty darn sure Bryan feels the same exact way. Not only because he told me so, but because he shows me. Every. Single. Day.
In Honor of that feeling we share:
And you may find yourself living in a shotgun shack And you may find yourself in another part of the world And you may find yourself behind the wheel of a large automobile And you may find yourself in a beautiful house, with a beautiful Wife And you may ask yourself-well...how did I get here? Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down Letting the days go by, water flowing underground Into the blue again, after the moneys gone Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground.
And you may ask yourself -How do I work this? And you may ask yourself-Where is that large automobile? And you may tell yourself-This is not my beautiful house! And you may tell yourself This is not my beautiful wife! Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down Letting the days go by, water flowing underground Into the blue again, after the moneys gone Once in a lifetime, water flowing underground.
Same as it ever was...same as it ever was... same as it ever was...Same as it ever was... same as it ever was...same as it ever was... Same as it ever was...same as it ever was...
Water dissolving...and water removing There is water at the bottom of the ocean Carry the water at the bottom of the ocean Remove the water at the bottom of the ocean! Letting the days go by, let the water hold me down Letting the days go by, water flowing underground Into the blue again, in the silent water Under the rocks and stones, there is water underground.
(I ommited the last lines because it doesn't pertain to us) ;)
I found this on my Baby Center Board- since I am on borrowed time tonight, I thought it would be a worthy post in the meantime. And to all the uncommented comments....I do plan to comment, I swear!!
-B
What if I want to wean? By: Diane Weissinger
Breastfeeding your baby for even a day is the best baby gift you can give. Breastfeeding is almost always the best choice for your baby. If it doesn't seem like the best choice for you right now, these guidelines may help.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR JUST A FEW DAYS, he will have received your colostrum, or early milk. By providing antibodies and the food his brand-new body expects, nursing gives your baby his first - and easiest - "immunization" and helps get his digestive system going smoothly. Breastfeeding is how your baby expects to start, and helps your own body recover from the birth. Given how very much your baby stands to gain, and how little you stand to lose, it just makes good sense to breastfeed for at least a day or two, even if you plan to bottle-feed after that.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR FOUR TO SIX WEEKS, you will have eased him through the most critical part of his infancy. Newborns who are not breastfed are much more likely to get sick or be hospitalized, and have many more digestive problems than breastfed babies. After 4 to 6 weeks, you'll probably have worked through any early nursing concerns, too. Make a serious goal of nursing for a month, call La Leche League or a certified lactation consultant if you have any questions, and you'll be in a better position to decide whether continued breastfeeding is for you.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 3 OR 4 MONTHS, her digestive system will have matured a great deal, and she will be much better able to tolerate the foreign substances in commercial formulas. If there is a family history of allergies, though, you will greatly reduce her risk by waiting a few more months before adding anything at all to her diet of breastmilk. And giving nothing but your milk for the first four months gives strong protection against ear infections for a whole year.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 6 MONTHS without adding any other food or drink, she will be much less likely to suffer an allergic reaction to formula or other foods later on; the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until about 6 months to offer solid foods. Nursing for at least 6 months helps ensure better health throughout your baby's first year of life, reduces your little one's risk of ear infections and childhood cancers, and reduces your own risk of breast cancer. And exclusive, frequent breastfeeding during the first 6 months, if your periods have not returned, provides 98% effective contraception.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 9 MONTHS, you will have seen him through the fastest and most important brain and body development of his life on the food that was designed for him - your milk. Nursing for at least this long will help ensure better performance all through his school years. Weaning may be fairly easy at this age... but then, so is nursing! If you want to avoid weaning this early, be sure you've been available to nurse for comfort as well as just for food.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR A YEAR, you can avoid the expense and bother of formula. Her one-year-old body can probably handle most of the table foods your family enjoys. Many of the health benefits this year of nursing has given your child will last her whole life. She will have a stronger immune system, for instance, and will be much less likely to need orthodontia or speech therapy. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends nursing for at least a year, because it helps ensure normal nutrition and health for your baby.
IF YOU NURSE YOUR BABY FOR 18 MONTHS, you will have continued to provide the nutrition, comfort, and illness protection your baby expects, at a time when illness is common in formula-fed babies. Your baby is probably well started on table foods, too. He has had time to form a solid bond with you - a healthy starting point for his growing independence. And he is old enough that you and he can work together on the weaning process, at a pace that he can handle. A former U.S. Surgeon General said, "it is the lucky baby... that nurses to age two." IF YOUR CHILD WEANS WHEN SHE IS READY, you can feel confident that you have met your baby's physical and emotional needs in a very normal, healthy way. In cultures where there is no pressure to wean, children tend to nurse for at least two years. The World Health Organization and UNICEF strongly encourage breastfeeding through toddlerhood: "Breastmilk is an important source of energy and protein, and helps to protect against disease during the child's second year of life." Our biology seems geared to a weaning age of between 2 1/2 and 7 years, and it just makes sense to build our children's bones from the milk that was designed for them. Your milk provides antibodies and other protective substances for as long as you continue nursing, and families of nursing toddlers often find that their medical bills are lower than their neighbors' for years to come. Research indicates that the longer a child nurses, the higher his intelligence. Mothers who nurse longterm have a still lower risk of developing breast cancer. Children who were nursed longterm tend to be very secure, and are less likely to suck their thumbs or carry a blanket. Nursing can help ease both of you through the tears, tantrums, and tumbles that come with early childhood, and helps ensure that any illnesses are milder and easier to deal with. It's an all-purpose mothering tool you won't want to be without! Don't worry that your child will nurse forever. All children stop on their own, no matter what you do, and there are more nursing toddlers around than you might guess.
WHETHER YOU NURSE FOR A DAY OR FOR SEVERAL YEARS, the decision to nurse your child is one you need never regret. And whenever weaning takes place, remember that it is a big step for both of you. If you choose to wean before your child is ready, be sure to do it gradually, and with love.
Our little boy is getting so big, but getting a picture of him with a smile is absolutely impossible. That is, unless I sing 'Silent Night'. It's Garrett's favorite song, he smiles whenever we sing it.
We've started singing the song anytime we see that frown and cry getting ready to emerge.
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Since he usually gets frustrated with my endless camera flashes, I decided I would sing it tonight and see what reaction I got. Guess what! I finally captured a smile on our little boy! After a month of trying desperately to see that lovely smile, I finally did!
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Before my Silent Night rendition....a not so happy baby boy.
Amused by my off key singing....see a he is a happy baby!
And one, just for fun as Garrett works his leg muscles for the camera-
It appears that Garrett has decided to give his daddy a run for his money. While I have been at work the last few days, Garrett has been refusing his bottle. Apparently, he throws one heck of a fit and literally cries himself into submission. This lasts for a good thirty minutes according to Bryan. I caught the action the last two days by coming home while he was 'trying' to be fed. I even tried myself, but as soon as he hears or sees me, his true temper hits the fan and he lets his wishes be known.
Upset in hearing him in such distress, I have two options, either pump and waste more liquid gold on a baby that refuses a bottle or I can succumb to his tantrums and give him the much anticipated ninny. I did that all 3 times this week and in total we dumped 3 ounces of liquid gold. On Monday, we dumped 2 1/2 ounces because Bryan could only get him to eat 2 1/2 out of the normal 5 ounces he takes. We dumped it because usually its impossible to get him to take it once I am home and then if I do give it to him, we miss a breastfeeding session. Thursday, I rushed home to make sure we didn't waste more liquid gold, but Bryan was a CHAMPION and made a bottle that only consisted of 2 1/2 ounces.
Today, I came home before Bryan was able to coax Garrett into eating, which left another 2 ounces that would have to be tossed. I wasn't having any of that. So, after getting Garrett down for his catnap by breastfeeding him, I schemed my way into a plan. I would feed him again by bottle, but this time I would use the Playtex Drop-in that my mother (Nana) gave us. (The same said bottle that I was not having anything to do with when my mom insisted he would like it better than the ones we had. But, I ALREADY have 20,000 bottles I have no clue what to do with and now she wants me to what? Get a NEW bottle.) Yeah, I was going to use that bottle.
Three hours later, like clockwork, Garrett was showing signs of sleepiness and was ready for his 'real' afternoon nap. I decided to feed him 'the bottle' in the living room and then I would breastfeed him in the bedroom.
It went something like this:
Me- "Here sweetie, only 2 ounces of liquid gold, I know you can do it for Momma!"
Garrett gives a shear look of disgust and disappointment but manages to suck on the bottle's nipple anyway. He seems to be testing it out. He realizes it is not the same bottle as this morning yet isn't for sure what it is. Shows signs of knowing it is not his ninny.
Me- "This is the only bottle you have to have until, well....tomorrow. It's mommy's milk. You can do it little guy, it's not that bad."
Garrett then gulps a few times and opens his mouth and acts as if he is going to gag.
Me- "Sweetie pie, you're doing so good. Just another half an ounce and we're done."
Garrett pushes the 'artificial nipple' out of his mouth, furrows his brow and turns his head as if to say, "I'm done now."
Me- "Sigh."
The bottle my mom gave us does seem to work better. I guess we need to go get some drop-ins for Bryan and hope that Garrett starts liking a bottle again. My mom is heading to visit this Wednesday, so here's hoping she has some magical plan to help him conform. At least for Bryan's sake that is. (Oh and Bryan just now told me that Garrett routinely acts like this while he feeds him with a bottle...for two months now!!!) Poor Bryan.
I've always heard of babies refusing the breast after introducing the bottle, not the other way around!
Amuse me for just a moment. I am having a time figuring out exactly how I return blog comments after someone has commented on one of my blogs. Is there a proper etiquette or rule to the way it should be done? For example, if someone left a comment on my page, should I leave a comment after that one or if I wanted to comment on their own blog, should I just leave my return comment from my own blog with the blog comment I want to leave for them on their blog or should I put it all under my blog comment and hope they look back there again? It's a bit confusing, isn't? If anyone can tell me, I would appreciate it because I want to be sure I'm on the same page. Oh, the things that fill my brain these days...
Boy, is it pouring the rain! I'm almost afraid to type, since there is thunder involved. I am on my laptop, so perhaps it would hit the computer upstairs first? Wishful thinking. Oh well, what the heck, here goes. This rainstorm reminds me of last summer, it was in August and it was coming down like this...except there was massive wind with it and we lost our huge tree out back as a result. The very tip of the tree landed right in the neighbor's pool and took out half our fence in the process. We were lucky that it decided to fall in the opposite direction of the house! I remember waking that night from a huge boom and looking out the sliding glass door. The tree was taking up a good 1/3 of our backyard. The next day, the news reported that a small tornado had touched down in the area.
Yet, even with news like that, the most memorable part was that I found out I was pregnant with Garrett the next morning. It's funny though because in my heart I already knew I was pregnant when I saw that tree laying in our yard. I thought about the baby as I looked at that old tree as the lightning streaked the sky and the rain pounded the window. It was an unusual night because it reminded me of my papaw and our porch sitting days when a storm came. What's even more interesting is that Garrett was due on my grandfather's birthday. April 19th. Garrett didn't make that date, but he sure does remind me of him when he looks up at me with those big brown eyes.
So what is the point of saying you have a product, when in essence it isn't in your store? Why send a coupon of said product if said product is not in said store? To annoy a person like me, that's why.
I'm talking about a wonderful store called Toys 'R' Us and yes, I know if I want baby products, I should go to the Babies 'R' Us, but here's the kicker- there isn't one in our city only the former. The product I am speaking of is 7th Generation diapers or Nature's Babycare diapers. I was sent a coupon for the 7th Generation diapers (well actually it was an advertisement- but hey that's practically the same thing!) and the other, the Nature's Babycare diapers, well they only had those in newborns. What a tease. Hello? What's the point?
Further more, I went there to return unneeded nursing pads, lanolin, dishwasher racks and changing pads. All of these items I either no longer have need for or never needed but 'thought' I would definitely need. Oh yes...I have an abundance of items I never really needed but it seemed that **everyone** raved about their necessity, their importance in Garrett's beginning life.
First off, if any newly pregnant woman asks if I need more than one box of nursing pads, I am now making note of this, so that she does not waste money on such an unnecessary item. I almost bought another 3rd box. I don't know what I thought. I must have been under the impression that Niagara Falls was going to come spilling out or something! Rest assured, it didn't. I was never a leaker, not at all during pregnancy or hardly at all during the first few weeks and even now while breastfeeding for the 3rd month straight, I have no wet spots at all. Great, now I'm wondering deep down if this is actually normal. Does it mean something that I'm not leaking, that I don't need this product? This is one of those topics you can't find a straight answer about anywhere either. Obviously, if I don't need the pads, I don't need the 2nd tube of Lanolin either. I haven't had pain since about the 4th week, I guess I have tough boobies. Of course, it just now occurred to me...what happens when Garrett gets teeth, will I need ointment then? Oh dear God, I hope not. I'm pretty sure my boobies won't be able to withstand that.
I went through quite the ordeal returning the items, seems they usually don't return anything without a receipt, even though all the products were on my registry. According to them, this was because my registry is past 90 days from Garrett's due date! Whatever, I wasn't buying it and demanded to speak to a manager, who I proceeded to whine to about how I had to get my baby out and bring him in....which is sooooo hard. I have to say Garrett was a trooper, he was awesome! I have been using the Baby Bjorn and it is a lifesaver! I can clean in it and he falls asleep as I clean. I love it. I put him in it the other day as I was grocery shopping, talk about sweet. He loves seeing everything upright and it warrants many more smiles and looks from bypassers. And what mom doesn't love the baby attention (of course unless he's asleep, then ya better back off or be prepared for war!) So for the Baby Bjorn, I must send a shout out and a MILLION thanks to my SIL, Julie. It is by far one of the best gifts. EVER.
Ok, so where was I? Oh yes....
I asked the manager, "What exactly was I supposed to do with these products now, recycle them as gifts?" No way, not my style, well...not unless I didn't need to buy some diapers, that is.
I know, I know pathetic, shame on me...on all accounts. But hey, we did need diapers and until I can get my 'cloth' diapers built up we have to suffice and buy the disposables. And that means shelling out at least $10-20 a week. What a waste. Just to end up in a landfill and not break down for billions of years (but this is for another day). So anyway, we paid bills this week and I'm not making all that much working part time which equals no funds for a few days. Now, when times call for tough measures, returning unused items to get diapers is a very economical and savvy idea. Not necessarily something you want to be broadcasting, but hey I lost all couth months ago, actually about 3 months ago if you want to be exact.
Which brings me back to square one- why a store can boast about a product but not deliver on the product. I am trying to be as environmental while I use disposables and was very excited that Toys 'R' Us was carrying these products because they are the next best thing to cloth diapers. However, they didn't have them. Like every other store in this city. Now I am almost to the point that buying any product in person is almost impossible. Therefore, from now on I am only buying diapers from diapers.com.
That is, unless I have gift cards or items to return.
Someone doesn't want me to post tonight! I am having one thing after another occur and the thing is my brain is running WILD with topics!! Go figure, by tomorrow morning they will be gone and of course after all my typing tonight, its liable to disappear as soon as I hit that orange button with pride Publish Post. For a quick instance all will be lost. I really hate that you can't cut, copy and paste on their composer. It really does blow.
So anywho, looks as if Garrett really is teething! I put my finger in his mouth yesterday to feel (as he was quite moody the entire day and without a fever, I figured there had to be some other explanation) and guess what I felt to my astonishment, still under the gums no less, but unmistakeably there...teeth sprouting!!
They were on both sides, not in the middle like the 'experts' say, but rather the ones that are beside the front two and on the bottom gums. Which makes sense that this is where they are because he will take his tongue and place it on either side and chew it for a good 30 minutes at a time. He's been preforming this act for oh about a month now. At first I thought he was exploring his tongue and seeing what it could do. But, the more I watch and well, anytime I place the pacifier in his mouth, he immediately pushes it to the side (of course, that's after his initial "What is this? I hope you don't think you can pull a fast one on me" face.)
The pacifier never seems to last very long either. Unless I insert my finger into the backing. We use the soothie from the hospital. At of all the pacifiers we ended up with its the only one he'll take for more than one minute at a time. Yes we have a very particular baby. He prefers the ninny.
Speaking of which...Lord the child would not go to sleep to save his life without having the ninny either in his mouth or within arm's reach! I actually thought I was doing good, he had his bath and was pretty tired afterwards (as he tries to swim and gets very excited while bathing). So I brought him down to bed and nursed him. He was out for a good 30 minutes and then boom, he cries! I should have known really. I mean if he sleeps for 30 with me beside him he's out for at least 2-4 hours, but if I move before the 30 minutes is up, then he becomes a little gremlin. (I just realized I started typing and forgot to clarify that I nurse in bed laying down)
Anyway, by gremlin I mean the cute and fuzzy Magwi because he does this head shake along with a funny face that says, "Give me that Ninny" in search of my boob, then starts moving his arms frantically in hopes he will locate the ninny and then, if he sees it but can't reach it- (sometimes I guess I tease him- but only in hopes he will soothe himself back to sleep) he then will roll and scoot himself until he is again in range enough to grab it with his mouth or hands! If he can't see the ninny, then he immediately begins making a frowning face and starts to cry. He's quite versed in his quest for the ninny and dedicated, I might add. Many times I have thought I have outwitted him but his persistence always wins. The kicker though is when, like tonight, he stops nursing and looks up at me, stares for a few minutes contently and then smiles. Its enough to melt your heart a thousand times over, actually more than anything ever has before.
Okay so I lost track of my original post. I knew that would happen...I'm feeling random and environmental tonight. Where was I?
Well, I had called my mom to try to find my baby book because I am almost positive that I got my first few teeth between 4 and 6 months. The age of teething is apparently hereditary, so I'm guessing that Garrett's will come in at the same time as mine did. Of course, I should check Bryan's baby book too. I can't remember if we saw anything on his teeth or not....hmmmm.
We have found some relief for his teething with a product called 'Baby's Bliss Gripe Water'. We found the product on a fluke. While Bryan was at work one day and way before Garrett started teething, a couple from Canada was in the restaurant and they were comparing baby stories. (Bryan makes a point to talk to all parents with babies now). As they were talking, the couple recommended it to him and told him that it was a must have for colicky babies and for when they start to teeth. They were very adamant that we needed to get it because unlike other 'remedies' this one was natural. It's made with only herbal ingredients.
The next time we were out, Bryan and I searched for it. We almost gave up, when we decided to ask the pharmacist at Walmart if they carried it. The pharmacist explained that the store didn't carry it, that the pharmacy only did because so many Canadians were coming in requesting it. So they began ordering it through the pharmacy. We really lucked out because I'm not for sure how available it is here in at the beach, even in the stores that supposedly sell it.
It really is awesome! We give him only one dose and that seems to help him deal with the irritation. The first time we gave it to him, it was as if someone flipped a switch, he went from crying to laying quietly with Bryan in a matter of minutes. It was that noticeable! We have only used it for teething, but it is supposed to be good for colic, hiccups and gas pains, too. It is kinda expensive, a 4 0z. bottle costs around $11.99. But, I promise it's worth every penny!
I really don't know what we would have done, because I'm a weirdo and hate giving him even Tylenol if I don't have to. I'm one of those freaky moms that never takes medicine unless I'm in excruciating pain- I just think 'we as a society' overmedicate our bodies. In return, we breakdown our natural ability to fight off infections, colds, diseases, and what not and probably even indirectly create new bugs and viruses.
Originally, I had seen ads for the Little Remedies-Little Tummy's Gripe Water and actually thought this was what Bryan was talking about. Of course, I was wrong and boy, am I glad I was! I looked up the ingredients of their gripe water (to compare to Baby's Bliss) and it includes Methylparaben and Propylparaben!!! These are the 'preservatives' used mainly in cosmetics and some food and drugs which have been linked to hormonal issues and some types of cancer in humans. Lovely, heh? Don't even get me started on this....but, its definitely worth knowing, so you can make your own informed decisions!!
With that said and before I get off my soapbox....I thought I would leave you some information on Parabens that can be found on the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website:
Parabens are a group of compounds widely used as antimicrobial preservatives in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetics products, including underarm deodorants. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood. U.K. researchers found measurable concentrations of six different parabens in 20 human breast tumors. The study highlights the need for more research on the potential link between products containing parabens and increased breast cancer risk. Many companies, including Compact signers, have begun phasing out parabens from their lines by marking their products as “paraben-free.” Parabens are commonly listed on product ingredient labels as methylparaben,propylparaben, ethylparaben and butylparaben. (I don't even want to think about all the kids toys, bottles, pacifiers and baby products with parabens in them!!)
I love being in South Carolina on the 4th of July. The festivities always begin a few days early and continue for a couple more. The best part of living here on the 4th, has to be the fireworks. Although you have to have a permit for the really exciting fireworks, you can find them up and down the beach for miles and miles. Simply grab a blanket and take a seat and sit back and enjoy. This is definitely the life. We left the house at 7:30 for dinner at a local pizza joint, called Capricco's and enjoyed a wonderful pie before heading for some firework action of our own. By 9:00, as the sun was finally setting far into the west, you could start to hear fireworks in every direction. Once we got on the road, you could see them too.
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I remember as a child driving through South Carolina on our way to our annual Florida vacation and stopping because we HAD to get fireworks. It was all my brother and I knew about the state of South Carolina. It was the place you bought really cool fireworks. We would bring them home and my stepfather would set them off on the 4th for us. They never lasted long enough. My brother always managed to keep his stink bombs for use weeks later. Those days really seem like ages ago. Who would of thunk it, I would be living with my own family in that 'fireworks' state!
Outside of Drunken Jack's- where we met family friends from Marion, Greg and Pat Berry. We forgot to get any pictures with them!! Shame on us!
Cooling off in the shade, after walking on the Marsh Walk at Murrells Inlet, we missed the Boat Parade, but Garrett still showed off that he was a boat fan!
Yes, that's Bryan and Garrett on the beach during fireworks. Don't ask, we only stayed for about 15 minutes and Garrett's ears were covered the ENTIRE time, except maybe in this picture...eeek.
This year was a great experience, not very eventful but it definitely was a learning process- that planning and participating in holidays is a major process with a child. We had fun being together as a family! All three of us were worn out by the end of the night and ready for some R & R. We even slept in this morning for the first time in a long time!!
One of Garrett's many faces as I tried to captured a 'birthday' smile!
Side notes:
Garrett turned 3 months today!! YAH! Unfortunately, he has had a horrible teething day. More on that tomorrow.
My brother is safely back in the U.S. from his Bolivia trip and I am excited to share some pictures as soon as he sends them my way!
A man must have created this odd suctioning contraption! For no woman in their right mind would have created anything that looks so sightly. A woman would have at least created it hands free. I hear they do make a bra now specifically for a pump...which, I'm sure was invented by a woman!
So, the first time I tried the sucker on (no pun intended) I literally couldn't stop laughing- I wasn't for sure if it was the sight or sensation, either way it wasn't one of joy.
Of course, now it seems commonplace. Heck, I can even do it in the front seat of my car in a full parking lot or in the backseat of a moving vehicle as cars pass by and neither phase me.
Although, it is a godsend, especially in light of my issues when Garrett was only 2 weeks old. I rather wish it wasn't necessary. (For those of you who don't know, I landed a staph UTI infection (MRSA) courteous of our hospital and their wonderful job delivering Garrett) Let me quickly elaborate: because of the infection, I was forced to take antibiotics for 9 days. The antibiotics I needed were too strong for Garrett since he was under a month old, which meant I had to PUMP and DUMP.
PUMPING and DUMPING is pure EVIL. Why, well because breast milk is liquid gold, especially when its coming out of your own boobs and especially when you have already established breastfeeding with your baby! At the time, I was miserable (read HORMONAL and very very Postpartum) I cried at the drop of a hat. So imagine the flood waters when I had to feed my baby formula and still had to pump and see my milk be p-p-p-p-ooooo-uuu--rrrr---eee---ddd down the drain. I shutter now, even thinking about it.
Luckily, we both got through the ordeal, but not without a couple of minor issues. Because I needed antibiotics immediately, Garrett was abruptly removed from my breast and given a bottle. You can imagine how upset he was, I'm positive he sensed how insanely distraught his mommy was given the situation too. After the antibiotics ran their course, I resumed breastfeeding- however, being so eager to get back to my baby, we didn't ween him off the formula. This inevitably lead to another week of painful poo (we wrecked havoc on the poor little guy's stomach). What's more, Garrett was afraid that he might loss the boob again and became a CLING-ON. Therefore, week 3-6 of his life were very very emotional and dungeon-ness. He refused to be anywhere but at my breast or he screamed bloody murder. He has finally let go of this tendency but still requires the 'NINNY' in order to go to sleep. (NINNY a.k.a. BOOB)
Now as you can imagine, pumping really annoys me. Because although, it did help me keep my supply...it did dwindle some too. Pumping and dumping was hard to do while trying to feed him at the same time or at least in the same intervals, all while Bryan was working 14 hour days and no one was around! I'm not throwing a pity party over here, I'm just saying it was out of the ordinary and difficult given the circumstances.
The point to my blog, wasn't about going into my ordeal, but rather to explain the irritating device and the upkeep of keeping it clean and having to deal with bottles. I really can't stand it. When all I really need to do, is give my boy the ninny and life is good. Ahh, if only it were that easy. Since I am working again, I have to pump about twice a day to keep up my supply and some days I'm lazy because its a pain in the A@# to haul the contraption to work and stop what I am doing and go to the vehicle and pump in 100 degree weather! (It usually takes 40 minutes, just because I have to cool the car down first or I'm sweating like a pig!) And that's what drives me crazy, I could be home and not going to all this trouble, I could be feeding him myself and then I remember all the different reasons I am pumping and I realize this is what being a mother is.
I guess it could be worse and I could be pumping as I work. Poor cows.
On Sunday, we had 7 children under the age of 4 hanging out at the picnic. Along with around 15 adults, that makes for a very loud get-together, especially when it starts to rain. None of that seemed to bother Garrett, he took all the noise in and still managed to catch a 45 minute nap. As the crowd was winding down, I noticed how fascinated Garrett is becoming with other children and babies. He keeps a close eye on them and even mimics their actions to an extent. I caught a few pictures of him intrigued by his future 'friends of the family' buddies: In the picture above, he is with Ben, our friend Jon's 3 year old son. It looks like Ben is showing him his toy! Watch out Ben! Garrett might just grab it!
These three pictures, are of Garrett and Allison's son, Eli (who's 4 months older).
"Man, how cool are these things called hands?"
It appears that they are catching up on old times, huh?
I absolutely adore how Garrett is looking at Eli throughout these pictures. It's as if he's saying, "This is a baby like me! WOW!"
Proud wife to the love of my life, Bryan and first time Mommy of our little man, Garrett. A work in progress, learning to balance Mommy-hood with life and work. Preoccupied by babytalk and fasinated by everything. Reinventing myself. Life is my hobby.
"I have found the one whom my soul loves." Song of Solomon 3:4
Baby G
"Before you were conceived, I wanted you. Before you were born, I loved you. Before you were here, an hour I would die for you. This is the miracle of life." ~Maureen Hawkins
Yet, these days it comes pretty darn close. 
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