Thursday, February 28, 2008

Best Mom Ever

Not me by any means. MY mom is. I don't know what I would do without her, especially now that I have Evan. We've been close for a long time but I can't even describe how helpful she's been since I've had Evan. She's kept him three times overnight already, she's kept him countless times during the day while I run errands, she's gone to doctor's appointments with us, she's cleaned my house several times and she's provided so many helpful (not pushy) tips. I love how she never forces her opinions on me but instead provides constant encouragement that I'm doing a great job. She and Steve were my life forces when I first came home from the hospital and have continued to be as I frequently face new challenges in being a mother. Most importantly, she prayed for my baby non-stop until God healed his tummy problems. Particularly when I compare her to other moms, she shines far above the rest.

Mom, the words "thank you" and "I love you" don't scratch the surface. You have the biggest heart, you're such a giver and the greatest Nana ever! You're amazing.

I need a 5 year old

Briana (my niece) stayed the night with us last night. She is SOOOO sweet and perfect. Seriously, I don't know how my mean sister got such an angel. LOL (Just kidding Sissy, you know I love you!) She helped me so much with Evan. She would put his woo woo (pacifier) in his mouth if he dropped it, she was constant entertainment and she even set the table for dinner and got Evan's bath stuff ready for Steve. This morning she held him for me when he was screaming while I was desperately trying to get out the door....so helpful! She's learning to read too and she's so good at it! I am seriously impressed.

Call me crazy but somehow it seemed easier with two kids. I guess it's because I couldn't focus ALL my attention on Evan. I had to share it with Briana. It made taking care of Evan easier because I didn't obsess over every single thing he did.

And everyone with 2 or more kids says..."Duh!" :)

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Oh my GOSH!!!

You posted something!! I'm gonna pick myself up off the floor now. Let's rock Linkin Park!

Tough Job

Your doing great momma!!! That little guy has been alot of work, but you have totally met the challenge. You ready for Linkin Park? Whoooot!!!

Saturday, February 23, 2008

7 Weeks Old

I've been SO remiss in posting since Evan's birth. But man, that little boy has me worn out! It's all good though...he is SO precious and sweet. He knows his mama and I love that. He's 7 weeks now and has already changed so much since he was born. He gets cuter every single day. His eyes are starting to focus now instead of being the newborn "cross eyed". He really likes looking at things, especially the red, black and white. I always thought those toys were ugly so I didn't buy any, but now I know why they're so popular. Yesterday Nana bought him a ladybug book and little soccer ball that are those colors so he has something new to look at. He's just now getting out of his "newborn" sized clothes and getting into the 0-3 months. He's 11 pounds and still has lots of hair!

I'm thankful to the people that were honest with me about how hard the first 6-8 weeks are. I thought I was the only one struggling. I'm so glad a few of my friends opened up about these first few months and shared their struggles with me. I just didn't realize what I was in for. Fortunately, things are much better now and they're starting to normalize. Evan actually slept through the night for the first time Thursday night!! I didn't though because I kept getting up shaking him making sure he was okay! LOL I think it was a combination of getting medicine for his tummy, changing his formula to soy and not forcing a schedule on him. Sleeping through the night wasn't ever troublesome except for the few times he wouldn't go back to sleep after his feedings and when he got his nights and days mixed up. Curing his tummy problems was the biggest help as well as not jumping up every time he cries.

We're excited about our little guy and look forward to his "smiles on purpose". I think now that his tummy is better, it should be soon. We feel so incredibly lucky to have him. We love him so much. It makes me think about how God must have felt when He gave His only Son to be crucified out of love for us. I sure wouldn't give up my son for anyone.

Friday, February 22, 2008

Breastfeeding dilemna

Before I was pregnant, I was repulsed by the thought of breastfeeding. I didn't ever want to. But then I got pregnant and as time grew near his birth and I talked to other mothers, I really started wanting to breastfeed. So for the last 7 weeks, I've breastfed him almost exclusively, but with a few bottles here and there. It has undoubtedly been the longest 7 weeks of my life in regards to breastfeeding.

I've decided to start weening him off the boob though. Surprisingly it's been a tough decision. At first, I was really excited to stop because of the severe mastitis I have. But now, I'm almost sad about it. Breastfeeding has been a pain since day 1. He never developed a good latch, I couldn't ever determine if he was getting too much or too little therefore I couldn't tell if he was hungry or just wanting to be pacified therefore I couldn't get him on a schedule and with mastitis on top of it all, I thought I was going to go insane! And now I'm sad about it?!?! It's crazy. He LOVES being breastfed. He's so happy and gets this total "milk coma" where his eyes roll back in his head he's so content! It's obviously a special bonding time too. But then I have to struggle to produce enough milk and pumping is annoying and I'm tired of the 30+ minute feeding sessions versus the 10 minute bottle sessions. Ugh...I'm so torn.


I guess I really already made up my mind. I decided to put him on soy milk because of his tummy troubles. I've only breastfed him twice a day since yesterday. I know my milk production is already almost gone. :( I'm just enjoying these last few feedings. Becoming a mother has SO many emotions and ups and downs. One minute you're crying over something and the next minute you're thrilled over the very same thing!


Ah, who am I kidding...I'm really only sad about losing my big boobs! LOL!

Monday, February 4, 2008

New pics