Yesterday, my son turned 3 months old and tomorrow is the first day of school. That means it is Ethan's first day at the babysitter's house and my first "official" day as a working mom. I can't help but ask myself if this is the right decision. I know it is but now that the time has come, doubt is setting in.
The past 3 months have been the most incredible of my life. There have been low moments (many of them) but the way that my heart and life have changed is simply amazing. Ethan has amazed me every day of the past 13 1/2 weeks. I am so blessed to have him in my life and to be able to watch him learn and grow.
Having a child changes everything. It changes the way I look at my own life...in every aspect. It changes all of my relationships...with my friends, my family, and my husband. It changes my outlook on everything in life. I have to remind myself to slow down, not sweat the small stuff, and soak up every moment with my son. Every squeal under his playmat, every sigh while he sleeps, and even every meltdown in my arms. My baby boy is growing up right before my eyes and I know that his phases won't last forever.
The first quarter of Ethan's first year has flown by in a flash. I hope that being back to work will make me cherish every moment together even more than I have. I love you, Ethan.
I never thought this would be me. I didn't think I could do it. But the more I learned about cloth diapers, the more I became interested. There are many reasons to cloth diaper and for us, the biggest reason was the amount of money we will save. So far, my stash is up to about $250 dollars worth and disposables can cost about $2000 PER CHILD! Mike and I are planning on more children, so cloth made sense for us.
This video by Mama Natural spells out all of the benefits of cloth diapering (and of course, the one big negative...POOP).
Cloth diapers are SUPER easy to use and since we have the same diapers as Mama Natural, you can see what we have to go through during the process.
So...we have a stash of BumGenius 4.0s. Right now, we have 6 with snaps (a gift) and 9 with velcro (purchased on sale for only $10 each). Here you can see how the snaps can be adjusted to fit a baby from 8 -35 pounds!
I am now waiting on a shipment of 6 Sun Baby diapers. These things get great reviews and only cost $5 each! I'm hoping that they are as good as others think they are because the price is amazing. They also come in adorable prints and bright colors. I'm looking forward to my shipment that should arrive next week.
There is so much to read and learn about cloth diapers. I chose diapers that seemed to be the easiest for us and our lifestyle. There are TONS of different kinds out there and it can be overwhelming. But once we got going with cloth and I realized how easy it is, we won't turn back. We have a stash of disposables from Mike's diaper party that we are still working through. Although we are cloth diapering, Ethan will still wear disposables from time to time. We go to meet the babysitter tomorrow so I'm hoping that she is open to using these diapers. Really, they aren't harder than sposies AT ALL!
Oh...and cloth diapers make great swim diapers. Check out Ethan's first time at the pool during our family reunion at the Lake. So cute!
Life has gotten MUCH easier as we get into the swing of life. I did a post on our essential baby items at 3 weeks and it's time to add a few more things to the list.
1. Bibs- We have been blessed with a spitty baby. You know, the word "spitty" makes it sound cute and like it is just a small amount. It is neither. This kid practically pukes up every bottle. (Don't worry...we have talked to the pediatrician about this. Because he is gaining weight and not upset or in pain, they aren't concerned and don't think it is reflux.) Ethan practically lives in bibs and I really like this colorful set. I remember thinking that 10 bibs might be too much, but now I am thinking about getting another set. (EDITED TO ADD: These bibs were not the best. The velcro wore out within months and we had to throw them all away. Get bibs that have the snap closure vs. velcro. I liked the Carter sets at Target.)
2. Burp Cloths- Unfortunately, the cutesie burp cloths won't do. We need the real deal, Gerber cloth diapers. We fly through these things and always have one or two on hand. I struggled with a way to get them clean and white again but found a hot wash with detergent, Oxiclean, and bleach with an extra rinse does the job. (EDITED TO ADD: Make sure to buy the PREMIUM diapers. There are 3 kinds/textures and these are definitely the most quality and worth the more expensive price. I use the other ones as cleaning cloths now.)
Baby Einstein Activity Mat- Ethan loves this thing. We pulled it our around 6 weeks and it was an immediate hit. We started with the mirror on top and he did a great job punching the animals. Then, I put the sun that lights up and plays music and it was over. Amazing! This kid loves music and is quite the dancer. He kicks his feet like a crazy man and cracks us up along the way. I could watch it all day!
Homemade Moby Wrap- Ethan loves to be worn and I love my homemade Moby wrap. When he is fussy and there is nothing else that can calm him, I'll slip on the wrap and within 2 minutes, he's calm or sleeping. It really is amazing and allows you to get work done around the house (Mike even wears him while working on pictures on the computer). If you want to make a Moby of your own, just go to the fabric store, buy 15 feet of jersey fabric, and cut it in half down the middle (you will have 2 wraps). There are tons on tutorials on how to wrap the fabric on the Moby website and Youtube.
Baby Bjorn- I use the Moby around the house but we feel more comfortable using the Bjorn while out on walks, at the dogpark, or even Target. Again, Ethan really likes being held close and he does well in the Baby Bjorn. (EDITED TO ADD: We didn't end up using the Bjorn that much. We used the Moby inside because it was so hot outside. He took a few walks with this but we usually just used the stroller outside. In the stores, we just put the baby carrier into the cart.)
Rock & Play- I know this product was mentioned in my first baby gear post, but I just needed to talk about it again to get you to understand the importance of this item. The Rock & Play plus the Miracle Blanket have been the perfect combo for Ethan. I didn't register for the item (big mistake) but we will buy one for baby #2 (we are borrowing from a friend and will get one of our own when we move and have more room). I get scared thinking about how we will transition the little man out but until then...we are enjoying our sleep. (Did I mention that Ethan slept from 10 pm-5 am the other night?) (EDITED TO ADD: This was the #1 best baby product and we ended up buying our own. Best best best best best!)
That is all for now! I'm sure that in another 4-5 weeks, we will have a lot more favorite items, as Ethan is becoming more and more social, responsive, and playful.
-My kid is so freaking cute. I mean, I know everyone thinks their kid is cute...but really, this kid is darling. Is it bad to admit I was scared that he wasn't going to be cute? -Life with a newborn is hard...but it has gotten much better. We enjoyed the safety of the hospital for 5 days and that first night home was insane. INSANE. Tears from everyone (and howling from the dog). Looking back at that night, it is kind of funny. Kind of. What were we thinking? We didn't really have a plan and just thought we were going to "go with the flow." Ethan said NO WAY to that flow. He had to be attached to this stupid bilirubin lamp all night so we couldn't walk around with him to calm him down. This caused a lot of frustration and a lot of screaming (from Ethan...not us). I think he sensed our fear (can't animals and newborns do this?). -Ethan is now 7 weeks old (time is flying) and I can't believe I will be back at work in 5 weeks. Where has the summer gone? -I hate when people ask me if I'm breastfeeding. Especially when it's a man. Or a stranger. It's weird to me. Mind your own business and stop looking at my chest. -Mike took newborn pictures of my beautiful little man. You can see them all HERE. Clary also came over to take some family pictures. Love! -How do you get your kid to sleep anywhere than your arms? He ROCKS at night (we are well rested parents...thanks Ethan) but the days are tough. He won't sleep flat so the bassinet and crib are out. He loves the Rock & Play at night but when I try to get him in it during the day, he wakes right up. I might have to start swaddling for naps. I love cuddling with him in my arms all day but it's not going to be possible when I go back to work. -My kid is the spit-up champ. I date any baby to try to spit-up more than him...you can't. It really is crazy and I'm not sure what to do about it. The pediatrician isn't worried because he's gaining weight and isn't upset or in pain. She said that we can add rice cereal to his bottle but I think he is still too young for that. I guess he will just live in bibs. Hoping the spitting ends soon. -His smiles melt my heart. We get to start each day with about 20 minutes of smiles for Mommy and Daddy in bed. Then I'll randomly get them throughout the day and a lot during playtime and diaper changes. He started really smiling at 4 weeks and they were definitely at us at 5 weeks. I can't wait till he starts to laugh.
In February, I posted my nursery inspiration. It is so interesting to see what actually happened and what didn't (most of it didn't!).
Let's start with some pictures that Mike took and posted on his blog.
1. Babyletto Mercer Crib
2. Ikea Hemnes dresser
3. Rocker and Ottoman from Walmart
4. Ikea bookshelf and wall shelf
5. Rug from Garden Ridge
6. End table from Target
7. Art custom made by my hubby in Ikea frames
8. Chachkis on the shelves from Etsy, Target, World Market, Urban Outfitters, and books
Please remember that our nursery was started when I was 7 months pregnant! Crazy, I know! My husband did ALL of the work in this room. I told him what I liked and what I wanted, and he did it! He also designed and painted the beautiful mural above Ethan's bed. I'm a lucky, lucky lady. Again, I have vision but the man has talent.
Luckily it all came together in time for Ethan's arrival (we bought the rug the night before my water broke). We wanted a simple, calming room with a classic feel. I think we pulled it off.
Oh man...I have a screaming baby so I have to go. I don't know how so many of you blogger mommies blogged everyday with a newborn! Yikes!!!
We are 3 weeks into this whole parenthood thing and we are finally starting to know what works and what doesn't. I really appreciated other mommies blogging about their favorite baby products so I am going to do the same. These items have helped save our sanity through the last few weeks. They are in no particular order.
Graco Swing- It vibrates, it swings, it makes wonderful noises like ocean waves, babbling brooks, and classical music. I love this thing and so does Ethan. Actually he is sleeping in it right now as I type this out.
Sleep Sheep On the Go- This little guy is another sound machine. He is only $2 cheaper than his full-sized friend but I like him because he can strap on to the car seat and stroller. I'm not sure if his white noise is more soothing to us or to Ethan but this guy is always nearby. Itzbeen Baby Timer- This thing has helped us keep track of Ethan's feedings and diaper changes. It is especially helpful overnight when Mike and I change shifts and try to figure out when it's time for the next bottle. I know there are apps out there that do the same thing, but with 2 of us, it is just easier to keep the timer clipped to the side of the bassinet. Also, I feel like my phone has constantly been needing to be on the charger and I'm sure that using an app would drain my phone even faster. Miracle Blanket- Oh "baby straight-jacket", I love you so. Mr. Ethan is a big boy and he is VERY strong. He can maneuver his way out of any swaddle. We have tried big muslin blankets, hospital blankets, and other special swaddlers with velcro, and the little man busted right through them all. The Miracle Blanket is our night time swaddler. The regular blankets will do during the day but this is the only thing that will keep him wrapped for hours so we use it at night. It really is a miracle! (I went back to buy another. I might go get a 3rd.) Happiest Baby on the Block DVD- Oh. My. Goodness. This thing is a must! Watching this video, Mike and I couldn't help but think "yea right" as this man put babies into an almost hypnotic state by shushing and putting them on their sides. But the first time we tried the techniques with Ethan, they instantly put him into zombie-baby mode and it was AMAZING. The glazed and calm look in his eyes is just incredible as he receives ALL FIVE S's. Thank you, Dr. Karp!
Fisher Price Rock & Play Sleeper- For the first 2 weeks, Ethan did not like to sleep anywhere other than our arms or the swing. I didn't feel comfortable falling asleep with him in the swing, which means that we took turns sleeping on the couch, holding E. He WOULD NOT sleep flat in his bassinet. Thankfully, a wonderful friend let me borrow this product. Hallelujah! Ethan loves it, will nap in it, and has even allowed us to sleep in our bed this past week. YAY! These are our MUST-HAVES for the first 3 weeks. I'm sure I will have a lot more items in the future but for now, these are what we could not live without!
On Friday, May 13th, I woke up around 6:30 am and was excited that I had not gone into labor overnight.With my doctor out of town and family leaving town, we hoped to get through the weekend.I went back to sleep and at 8:30 am, something told me to get up and get out of bed.After 2 steps on the way to the bathroom, my water broke.Mike was in the shower as I burst through the door and told him the news.I waited a few minutes to make sure that it was actually my water that had broken and then called my mom while Mike called the doctor’s office.I took a shower, did my hair and makeup, and threw last minute items in my hospital bag, all while waddling around the house with a towel between my legs.The car ride brought my first few contractions, which were both exciting and not too painful (nothing compared to what was to come).
last belly picture. ready to go to the hospital.
We arrived at the hospital at 9:45 am and were immediately admitted.The hospital was busy and we got the very last labor and delivery room.At 10:25 am, I was dilated 4 cm and 90% effaced.Everything seemed ready to go and we all predicted a pretty fast labor.The nurse said that we were definitely going to have a baby today.
waiting for the epidural
Contractions were picking up quickly and at 12:00 noon, a nurse anesthetist came in to give me the epidural.I had to lie on my side, I couldn’t hold Mike’s hands, and I was absolutely terrified.She had a hard time finding the “space” and commented that I am a “very small lady.”After a bit of a struggle and a lot of tears, the epidural was in but relief never came.I knew immediately that nothing was happening and the nurses were telling me that it would take 15-30 minutes to kick in.Time passed slowly and contractions were coming faster and faster.The pain was horrible and Mike helped me through each contraction.Since we weren’t planning for a natural birth, we had not practiced breathing and relaxation techniques to help us through the contractions.Fear set in that I was maybe immune to epidurals or I would have to go through the terrible experience of an epidural again.
contractions close and very painful. they had to turn the machine so i couldn't see them coming.
At 1:45 pm, after almost 2 hours of very painful contractions, the anesthesiologist entered the room and re-did my epidural.I sat up, was curled over, holding Mike’s hands, and was completely calm.He easily placed the epidural, I felt instant relief, and was a much happier person.
At about 3 pm, I was 6 cm dilated and was started on Pitocin to speed up my contractions and further dilate my cervix.The next 6 hours were calm and while waiting to dilate, we spent time with family and friends.
waiting
still waiting
We met Dr. Manny, who would be delivering our baby and by 9:25 pm, I was dilated to 10 cm. FINALLY, after 13 hours, I was ready to push.We were so excited that we were going to meet our son soon…or so we thought.
time to push. there are a few pushing pictures but those are not going on the internet.
I began pushing at around 9:30 pm.After my first round of pushes, I was surprised at the difficulty of pushing.I could feel the pressure of contractions coming, but I didn’t feel like I was pushing “the right way.”I immediately was feeling frustrated and after each set of pushes, I felt defeated.I watched the minutes and hours pass on the clock; I pushed and pushed, and didn’t make much progress.Baby boy wasn’t able to get past my pelvic bone and he was facing up toward the ceiling.I was determined to have a vaginal birth and asked if I could continue pushing.I was told that as long as the baby’s heart rate stays stable and he doesn’t go into distress, I could continue.I have never wanted anything so badly in my life.With each sets of pushes, I knew that if I didn’t get him out, a c-section would be in my near future.I pushed on my back, I pushed on my side, and I pushed on my hands and knees…nothing.Finally, at around 12:30 am, after 3 exhausting hours of pushing, it was decided that a c-section was necessary for the safest delivery for baby and mommy.I cried.And cried.And cried.I felt like a failure and I was terrified of the surgery.Since we were not in an emergency situation, we needed to wait until an operating room was available and at 1:40 am, I was brought into the operating room.
last picture as a family of 2. scared, crying, and shaking.
21 minutes later, I heard the most beautiful noise my heart and ears have ever heard.I stared up at the look on Mike’s face as he watched our son taken from my body, and tears ran down my face.At 2:01 am, on Saturday, May 14th, Ethan Michael entered the world.
big, beautiful boy
All of the doctors and nurses were talking about how big and long he was and about all of his blonde hair.I watched as he was cleaned and weighed and couldn’t believe it when I saw 9 pounds, 4 ounces on the scale.My eyes were swollen and exhausted from the pushing and the crying, and I remember saying “Does that say 9?”
Touching and seeing Ethan for the first time is a moment I will never forget.He was the most perfect and beautiful thing I had ever seen and I was completely overwhelmed with joy, relief, and love.
tears, tears, tears
our first family picture. i will never forget this moment for my entire life.
About 30 minutes later, we were wheeled back to the labor and delivery room, where we were given private, family bonding time.For about 45 minutes, we did skin-to-skin and tried breastfeeding, as Ethan latched right on and knew what to do.It was another incredible moment that I am so lucky that we had together as a family. I watched as Mike and the nurses gave Ethan his first bath. Adorable.
Finally around 4 am, I was brought into the room where we would stay for the next 4 nights.I was so hungry (you can’t eat when in labor and you can’t eat 24 hours after surgery) and exhausted, but couldn’t sleep.The events of the day kept playing in my mind as I watched the sun rise from my room.
Recovery from the c-section has been surprisingly easy.I was worried about the long recovery time but I was feeling about 80% after a week and 100% by 2 weeks. I had heard horror stories and I am glad to say that it really isn't that bad at all. I think having a 9 pound baby was going to hurt either way he came out! I ended up experiencing a bit of natural labor and an epidural, as well as labor with contractions and pushing and a c-section. What a well-rounded experience, huh?!
We was extremely happy with our stay at Missouri Baptist.The nurses and doctors were wonderful and we received excellent care.It was definitely the most amazing day (well, 2 days) of my life.Although it was not what I envisioned Ethan’s birth story to be, it is a beautiful story that ended with my perfect man in my arms.We are so thankful to God, our friends, family, and wonderful medical professionals to have helped us through this trying pregnancy.We are truly blessed.
Ethan Michael was born on May 14th at 2:01 am. He was 9 pounds, 4 ounces and 22 inches. BIG BOY! He has a head full of blond hair and looks just like his daddy. After my water broke on Friday the 13th, I was in labor for 18 hours with 3 hours of pushing, and ended up with a c-section. I am feeling great (recovery was much easier than I expected) and Ethan is just amazing. I'm working on my birth story so I'm sure that will be the next post...whenever that may be. Until then, I'll be snuggling with the new man in my life. We feel so thankful and blessed with this incredible, new life in our home. We appreciate all of the love, support, and prayers our family, friends, and even "internet-friends" gave us that truly helped us through this rollercoaster of a pregnancy.
Cell phone pictures are all I have quick access to right now. As you can imagine, we already have SO many pictures of this little man.
Right after being born... Blondie... During his newborn photo shoot... Read more...
