One year ago today...

One year ago today, I was staring at this in amazement:

And then, in January, three and a half weeks early,
my tiny miracle arrived and changed my life forever.

 Today, I have a four month old,
and yet again I'm staring in amazement.

Oh, the difference a year makes.

Read More

Wordless Wednesday - Bumbo Boy

Read More

Bottle vs. Boob and other thoughts

I wrote this blog entry back in February. It has now been over 3 months since I decided to stop breastfeeding & pumping and switch Colin completely over to formula. I can't believe it's already been that long. Time really does fly- especially when you have a baby. They grow and change and develop so quickly that if you blink, you just might miss something.

If you read my February blog entry about my decision to make the switch, you know that I didn't take it lightly. I still don't. To be honest, I still think about it almost daily. When Colin cries because he's hungry, and I have to make a bottle instead of just whippin' out the boob, it makes me wonder if I made the right choice. When I cuddle him close, I sometimes still miss the connection we had when he nursed. I've done a little reading on relactating, and even considered giving it a shot. But, from what I've read, it's only worth it if you can make a pretty huge time commitment to nurse or pump constantly, around the clock, as if you're nursing a newborn so that your breasts can get the memo that they need to produce milk again. Since I work a full time job, this just isn't something that's feasible for us.

Aunt Callie feeding Colin a bottle

Now, don't get me wrong; there are lots of good things about being a formula feeding mommy. I mean, how great is it to be able to throw a can of formula in the diaper bag and go somewhere, or let someone else (ahem, Daddy) feed him so you can get a little extra sleep after a particularly rough night. It's also nice to be able to leave little man with someone for a couple hours without having to worry about engorged breasts. The convenience of formula is definitely a bonus. So, there is that.

And, while our time breastfeeding was relatively short, I still feel good about the fact that Colin got the great benefits of breast milk while he was getting it. Those natural antibiotics must have done him good, because he's four months old now and still hasn't been sick once (knock on wood). He is a smart, healthy, happy boy, and I am proud of the parents Justin and I have become since our little sweetie came into our lives. We love him so much, and we care for him to the best of our ability. Apparently it shows, because everyone who meets Colin comments on what a sweet baby he is. It makes me feel so good to know that we're doing well as his parents.

As far as the breastfeeding thing goes, I am mostly at peace with my decision. Yes, it has taken a long time, and yes, sometimes I still question myself. I do plan to try again with our next baby, and now I have an arsenal of knowledge that I'll be bringing with me (along with a great lactation consultant who will be on board from the very beginning this time). I'm kind of excited to do it again. But, if it doesn't work out then either, I won't beat myself up about it, because whatever decisions we make will be what we feel is best for ourselves and our children.

And on that note, let me say this to all the mommies and daddies who might be reading this: whether your baby entered the world through a birth canal or through an incision; whether he drinks breast milk or formula; whether she wears cloth diapers or disposables; wherever he sleeps; whether she rides around town in a stroller or a wrap or sling... you're doing a great job. We all love our babies, and we all want the best for them. So whenever you're feeling inadequate, insecure or overwhelmed, remember that. If you ever question yourself or worry about your parenting abilities, that simply means that you want to be the best parent you can be for your child. I promise, you're doing great.. probably better than you think. Keep up the good work!

Sometimes we all need to hear it. :)

More to come.

Read More

4 months!

Colin is 4 months old! Tuesday was his 4 month birthday, and yesterday I took him to Dr. G (who we love!! She is awesome) for his checkup and shots.

Would you believe that my little monkey weighed in at 17 lbs, 8.5 oz?! Well, he did! He's also 25.5 inches long. That's 95th percentile for weight and 85th for height. His head was in the 94th percentile, too. His Daddy likes to pick on his big head, but the doctor said he looks proportional to her. :) Gosh... Where did this child come from? He sure didn't get his momma's genes.

He did incredibly well with his shots. Poor baby got one in each thigh, and they gave him an oral vaccine as well. He made a "yucky" face, but swallowed it down like a good boy. Of course, he screamed and cried when the nurse gave him his shots, but that only lasted a couple minutes, and he was smiling at me again before we even left the room. What a trooper! When we got home, he ate and took a THREE hour nap. After that, he was great- his usual, smiling self. I was worried he wouldn't sleep well last night, but he ended up sleeping NINE hours. I had to wake him this morning at 6:30 so we could change & feed him a little bit before we had to leave at 7ish. I love my little pumpkin so much; he's such a good boy.

More stories and pictures to come. Sorry I've been slackin' lately! Life gets in the way sometimes, you know? Have a great day, all - the weekend's just around the corner!

Read More

Wordless Wednesday - Watching ESPN with Daddy

Read More

Wordless Wednesday - "You Look Delicious!"

Read More

Colin's First Laugh!!

Colin was hanging out with his Aunt Shannon yesterday,

and gave us his first real laugh. I'm so glad we thought to get a video!!

 

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there. :)

Read More

Bath Time

Colin wasn't so sure about his first bath...

...but lately, it's one of his favorite activities! As soon as I lower him into the tub, he gets an excited look on his face. At first he just sort of lays there and takes it all in, enjoying the warmth of the water. But then, it's play time! Just over the past week or so he's started splashing in the tub. It's so cute, I had to share. :)

Read More

Almost Wordless Wednesday

This proud momma has to put in a plug for my sweet boy. Vote for Colin to be on the cover of Parents magazine! Just CLICK HERE to vote. You can vote every day!

And now, for your weekly cuteness fix:

 

Read More