This year, I'm setting the bar high! These are my resolutions for a satisfying and healthy new year:
1. Gain 25 pounds.
2. Limit the intensity of exercising.
3. Sleep as often as possible.
4. Become more irritable.
5. Clean less.
I'm confident that I can be sure to fulfill all these goals because WE ARE HAVING ANOTHER BABY! I'm thrilled to announce that Baby Dos is due in August. On the one hand, it seems crazy to have our second baby so quickly after Hannah, but on the other I couldn't be happier. I'm looking forward to sharing the excitement (and trials) of this pregnancy with you while continuing to update you about Hannah.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Happy New Year!
Ever since 2003, I haven't spent nearly as much time thinking about the
future. I suppose that spending nearly a decade looking forward to the
year I would graduate high school formed an attachment to that year.
It's not that I don't prepare for the future, it's that I don't yearn
for it any more. I'm also not very nostalgic. As much as I enjoy thinking about how much Hannah has
grown and how great this year has been, I'm truly happiest living in the
present.
My wish for the new year is to continue this feeling of satisfaction and wholeness, and to hopefully spread the joy and peace by sharing about my family.
My wish for the new year is to continue this feeling of satisfaction and wholeness, and to hopefully spread the joy and peace by sharing about my family.
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
28 Weeks Old!
I have been in a post-Christmas coma for two days and all I can says is, "Whew!" Selecting the perfect gifts, eating delicious food, visiting friends and family, and taking lots of photos have all taken their toll on me. Sweet little Hannah had a wonderful day! I'm delighted that we have lots of new books on the shelf to enjoy in the coming months. Although memorizing the books makes it easier to continue the story while she eats the pages, a little variety is welcome.
A few weeks ago, the pediatrician gave me false hope (again) that upping the amount of food Hannah eats during the day would help her sleep through the night. This little girl rarely leaves a drop of food behind and she still wakes up a few times for milk. It is taking a toll on me finally. I used to be able to make it on just one quick morning nap a few times a week, but now I nap whenever she does. Unfortunately this is cutting down my blogging time! Fingers crossed that the little one will make it through one of these nights in the (very) near future. Until then, I am fully becoming a zombiemom.
Speaking of things that keep me up at night, our new puppy is actually pretty good. He tends to wake up when Hannah does, so at least there aren't any additional night rousings in the house. All in all, he's a nice little pup and we're happy to have him home.
A few weeks ago, the pediatrician gave me false hope (again) that upping the amount of food Hannah eats during the day would help her sleep through the night. This little girl rarely leaves a drop of food behind and she still wakes up a few times for milk. It is taking a toll on me finally. I used to be able to make it on just one quick morning nap a few times a week, but now I nap whenever she does. Unfortunately this is cutting down my blogging time! Fingers crossed that the little one will make it through one of these nights in the (very) near future. Until then, I am fully becoming a zombiemom.
Speaking of things that keep me up at night, our new puppy is actually pretty good. He tends to wake up when Hannah does, so at least there aren't any additional night rousings in the house. All in all, he's a nice little pup and we're happy to have him home.
Friday, December 23, 2011
Motherhood the Musical
Motherhood the Musical is playing at the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia through the rest of this month, then traveling to several other cities. It was a fantastic show with talented actresses! The candid perspectives of three experienced Mamas against the ambitiously naive mom-to-be produced a hilarious recap of Motherhood. Even with only 6 months under my belt, I understand a lot more about what these Moms are singing than ever before in my life. I especially relate to Amy, the Mother-to-be, with her high aspirations for Motherhood.
Although the worn out Mamas inspired side-splitting laughs, I'm worried that they are dampening her high hopes of being the best Mother. They laugh away her suggestion of cloth diapers, encourage her to choose a bottle over breastfeeding, and devote an entire song to taking "Good Drugs" during labor. I'm thankful that no one shot down these motives for me prior to Hannah's birth because I have had great experiences in the minority. Very few new Moms feel confident with their care choices in the midst of midnight wakings or hysterical newborn crying, so if you make the choice to follow what you consider the best option for baby- that's a great thing and no one should say otherwise!
Moms everywhere will enjoy this show, but moms-to-be should not be discouraged! You will be a great Mother to your baby no matter how you choose to feed, diaper, or deliver your child. Educate yourself and make your own decision about what will be best for your family.
Although the worn out Mamas inspired side-splitting laughs, I'm worried that they are dampening her high hopes of being the best Mother. They laugh away her suggestion of cloth diapers, encourage her to choose a bottle over breastfeeding, and devote an entire song to taking "Good Drugs" during labor. I'm thankful that no one shot down these motives for me prior to Hannah's birth because I have had great experiences in the minority. Very few new Moms feel confident with their care choices in the midst of midnight wakings or hysterical newborn crying, so if you make the choice to follow what you consider the best option for baby- that's a great thing and no one should say otherwise!
Moms everywhere will enjoy this show, but moms-to-be should not be discouraged! You will be a great Mother to your baby no matter how you choose to feed, diaper, or deliver your child. Educate yourself and make your own decision about what will be best for your family.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Breastfeeding Support Group
Although a nursing bra is an important component to successful breastfeeding, it is not the only support a nursing mother needs. Since nursing can be real challenge, it is helpful to find a network of moms who meet on a regular basis. Our local library hosts a fantastic group for moms every two weeks. It's a very casual setting, that's moderated by a knowledgeable nurse. Mainly we just get an opportunity to talk, ask questions, and offer support to others going through the same things. I wish I had found this group sooner because I didn't feel that the La Leche League was the right fit for Hannah and me. Plus, the evening meetings would have been a challenge with her bedtime. However, I'm happy to go to a new group now to "share the light" that comes after a few months of successful nursing.
A very small number of moms experience no issues with breastfeeding and kudos to them! The truth is, nearly every woman (including myself) hits a wall with nursing for any number of issues that can creep up in the early stages. Working with a lactation consultant, calling experienced family members, and talking to other moms currently nursing are all great ways to find the information and strength needed to keep up with nursing. Luckily, beginning in 2012, insurance companies will be required to cover nursing-related medical expenses. I would encourage all moms to use this benefit and book a lactation consultation for the week after baby's birth.
Once nursing is established, Moms can look forward to experiencing a wonderful "high" during nursing. Chemically speaking, the body is producing oxytocin and slowing down the mother to take a moment to enjoy the experience. In "lay-mom's" terms, this means you'll look at your baby and think, "Oh my goodness, she is the sweetest baby in the world. I love her so much." Of course, all Mom's feel this way, but it's nice to have your body reinforce the sentiment 6-8 times per day (especially during those wakeful nights.)
A very small number of moms experience no issues with breastfeeding and kudos to them! The truth is, nearly every woman (including myself) hits a wall with nursing for any number of issues that can creep up in the early stages. Working with a lactation consultant, calling experienced family members, and talking to other moms currently nursing are all great ways to find the information and strength needed to keep up with nursing. Luckily, beginning in 2012, insurance companies will be required to cover nursing-related medical expenses. I would encourage all moms to use this benefit and book a lactation consultation for the week after baby's birth.
Once nursing is established, Moms can look forward to experiencing a wonderful "high" during nursing. Chemically speaking, the body is producing oxytocin and slowing down the mother to take a moment to enjoy the experience. In "lay-mom's" terms, this means you'll look at your baby and think, "Oh my goodness, she is the sweetest baby in the world. I love her so much." Of course, all Mom's feel this way, but it's nice to have your body reinforce the sentiment 6-8 times per day (especially during those wakeful nights.)
Look at this beautiful nursing mother!
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
27 Weeks Old
Little Hannah has come a long way in the last 1/2 year. She's grown by
leaps and bounds, developed mentally, and strengthened the use of her
baby body. She shows her awareness of herself and the world by putting
everything into her mouth as all babies do. Her curious eyes take in the
surroundings everywhere we go and she listens inquisitively as I talk
and read to her. With all these big changes, it's exciting to think that
the next steps in Hannah's growth will be even bigger.
She hit her six month growth spurt this week, which meant NO sleep for Mama! It's funny that prior to her birth everyone thought Zac would handle the late nights, but that night owl has changed his tune. My friend couldn't help but notice that the part I laughed at loudest in Motherhood the Musical was the Mom's operatic lament that Daddy always sleeps on the couch and she knows he's pretending!
So, after two sleepless nights I spent the next day feeding Hannah nearly every hour and a half. Last night offered a little better sleep, and I'm hopeful we'll get back on track. During growth spurts I tend to revert back to some "attachment parenting" techniques. I "wear" her in a sling as often as she lets me. We'll take a nice long nap together and I'll feed her at the beginning, middle, and end. After all, the more she eats during the day, the less she'll ask for at night. But, I can certainly lament with other Moms who feel like a human pacifier during these growth spurts!
With only a week left before Christmas we are ready! We've almost got everything we need for our puppy. I just have to pick up dog food and then I can spend the rest of the week mentally preparing for a dog in the house! Luckily, I got to sit for a very sweet Bernese Mountain dog last weekend who reminded me how nice it is to have a furry friend around!
Blast from the (recent) past:
Hannah pictured at 5 weeks and 27 weeks. We had these pj's in two sizes. Her Dad called them "Hippy" pjs the first time she wore them.
She hit her six month growth spurt this week, which meant NO sleep for Mama! It's funny that prior to her birth everyone thought Zac would handle the late nights, but that night owl has changed his tune. My friend couldn't help but notice that the part I laughed at loudest in Motherhood the Musical was the Mom's operatic lament that Daddy always sleeps on the couch and she knows he's pretending!
So, after two sleepless nights I spent the next day feeding Hannah nearly every hour and a half. Last night offered a little better sleep, and I'm hopeful we'll get back on track. During growth spurts I tend to revert back to some "attachment parenting" techniques. I "wear" her in a sling as often as she lets me. We'll take a nice long nap together and I'll feed her at the beginning, middle, and end. After all, the more she eats during the day, the less she'll ask for at night. But, I can certainly lament with other Moms who feel like a human pacifier during these growth spurts!
With only a week left before Christmas we are ready! We've almost got everything we need for our puppy. I just have to pick up dog food and then I can spend the rest of the week mentally preparing for a dog in the house! Luckily, I got to sit for a very sweet Bernese Mountain dog last weekend who reminded me how nice it is to have a furry friend around!
Blast from the (recent) past:
Hannah pictured at 5 weeks and 27 weeks. We had these pj's in two sizes. Her Dad called them "Hippy" pjs the first time she wore them.
Friday, December 16, 2011
First Christmas
Not only is this Hannah's first Christmas, but it's also my first Christmas being a conscious and green consumer. If you read my post about being a grinch, you know that I had a lot to make up for this year! In order to keep my husband happy, I had to make sure that our tree was stocked with gifts for him and baby Hannah and release the tight reigns on his budget so that he could delight in buying gifts as well. Overall, I've got a way to go to "green" my holiday habits for next year. To make up for that, I'm planning to take advantage of the post-Christmas sales to buy fabric so that I'll be able to make reusable gift bags. I also need to find a good space in my home to start keeping a reserve of household materials (such as empty spaghetti jars) so that Hannah and I will have fun items for crafting next year.
I can't tell you what I got Zac until after Christmas on the off chance that he reads this blog. (Except he accidentally opened his growler cover so that's no secret.) But, I can tell you what I got Hannah so that you will understand how excited I am for Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve, she'll get an ornament and a set of Trumpette Socks. These will be traditional gifts for every year.
This was one of Target's Daily Deals and I couldn't pass it up. I can't wait to get a picture of her on it next to the tree. I also split my clothing purchases between Baby Gap and Positively Organic so that she'll have a few new outfits for the rest of the winter and early spring. We got her some books and I ordered a Sound Bird from Mama May I. I'm looking forward to telling you more about this shop and letting you know how Hannah enjoys the toy after we receive it. Last, but not least, I bought 6 new diapers on Black Friday to take advantage of the sales. Technically they could be a Christmas gift because they are so cute with owl and farm patterns, but I wanted to get them into the rotation right away to ease my laundry time.
I think Hannah is going to be a delightful little gift recipient on the big day and I'm looking forward to taking too many pictures and videos so that she can have a special keepsake from her first Christmas.
I can't tell you what I got Zac until after Christmas on the off chance that he reads this blog. (Except he accidentally opened his growler cover so that's no secret.) But, I can tell you what I got Hannah so that you will understand how excited I am for Christmas morning. On Christmas Eve, she'll get an ornament and a set of Trumpette Socks. These will be traditional gifts for every year.
In big news, Hannah is getting a pony!
This was one of Target's Daily Deals and I couldn't pass it up. I can't wait to get a picture of her on it next to the tree. I also split my clothing purchases between Baby Gap and Positively Organic so that she'll have a few new outfits for the rest of the winter and early spring. We got her some books and I ordered a Sound Bird from Mama May I. I'm looking forward to telling you more about this shop and letting you know how Hannah enjoys the toy after we receive it. Last, but not least, I bought 6 new diapers on Black Friday to take advantage of the sales. Technically they could be a Christmas gift because they are so cute with owl and farm patterns, but I wanted to get them into the rotation right away to ease my laundry time.
I think Hannah is going to be a delightful little gift recipient on the big day and I'm looking forward to taking too many pictures and videos so that she can have a special keepsake from her first Christmas.
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