Full Circle.

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.

Necessity is a Science

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.

What are the words Teething, Ninny, Canadian, Gripe Water and Parabens all doing in the same sentence?

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!!)

And if that isn't enough, check this video out:


If the video doesn't show up, here's the link: http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vd3d3LnlvdXR1YmUuY29tL3dhdGNoP3Y9YjRpcEFibHpwZk0=

Our 1st Fourth of July

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!

Pumping is for the COWS!

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.

Budding Friendships

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!"

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