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It's me again

I know...I am hugely inconsistent when it comes to blogging...which can't bode well for me or my readers. And I know I would be really a...

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Free Sling

Free code for a sling from Seven Slings via Family Planning.
Now I have never used these slings but I am willing to try them and I wanted to share the promo code with all of you.


Go to the Seven Slings website, click on "Shop Now" and select any baby carrier you would like (be sure to go to their sizing page so you can get the right size carrier for you). Once you have selected your size, you will automatically be directed to the "shopping bag" where you can enter the promo code "holidays". This promo code will take off 100% of the baby carrier purchase and all you are required to pay is the shipping fees.


Happy Holidays

Friday, December 10, 2010

La Leche for more than just breastfeeding

As I stated in my previous breastfeeding post I originally thought my supply was low.  I was worried my little guy wasn't enough.  It was frustrating because no one told me about cluster feeding until I experienced it during Ben's growth spurt.  Thus in my frustration, I packed up my little guy and went to a la leche league meeting. 

The meeting was completely different than I thought it would be.  It was small and intimate - there was a total of 4 mothers there and 2 facilitators.  And we discussed more than just breastfeeding, we discussed cloth diapers, baby carriers, mommy and me playgroups in the area.  We shared cool websites and discussed returning to work, it was a good experience.  Too bad the ladies only meet once a month and once I go back to work it will be during my work hours. I would be lying if I say that the reason I want to go back is not because I am having issues with breastfeeding but rather because I enjoyed the commodore and the small group environment. 

It was a good experience and I would recommend them to anyone who needs encouragement when they are having a hard time breastfeeding.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Maybe just maybe I am obsessed

When I was researching different things when I was pregnancy one of the things I rolled upon was cloth diapering.  After hearing that it would encourage potty training at an earlier age and that it would save tons of waste in the landfill.  On the other hand you use a ton of water in washing the cloth diapers every other or every 2 days.  After all my researching the pros and cons I decided cloth diapering was for me.

However, once I had Ben and seeing how tiny he was I was apprehensive about putting cloth diapers on him...don't ask me why.  After two weeks of disposables and his belly button stub falling off I transitioned to cloth diapers.  I started with prefolds and diaper covers.  All I had was one AIO, and about 5 diaper covers with 15 prefolds and about 15 cloth diapers (that I ended up doubling).  Anyway, fast forward to the last month and I saw just how many options in cloth diapering I had - prefolds, AIO, AI2, hybrid systems.  And there were so many brands and so many people who liked one brand over the other.  I started out easy and purchased used lots because I wasn't sure I would stick with it.   However, it wasn't before long that I became a little obsessed with buying diapers and trying the different brands.  (Poor hubby and his ebay account.)
 I started getting a little overwhelmed, so imagine my joy and excitement when I joined a local mommy and me meetup group that's having an information session on cloth diapering... I am so excited.  Honestly, it will be at least 60 mins of all cloth diapering advice and seeing what other mothers have been doing.

I can't wait until tonight.  I will be sure to share my experience with you all of you.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

2 months

My dearest Ben,

Yesterday marked your 2 month birthday.  And we went to the doctor to find out your weight is off the growth chart at 14lbs 15oz and in the 97th percentile for your length 23.75in and average in the head circumference with 40cm.  All this and you are my little butterball...I love you. 

In the past month you have brought added joy to our life.  Mommy is not a morning person but every morning when you wake up you smile and giggle as if to say let's get this party started and that wakes your mommy up in the best mood ever.  Who knew you would make me a morning person...thank you.

You coo now each and everyday and we have mini conversations.  You are starting to learn to control your limbs and will now reach out to grab things.  Mommy's shirt if she's taking too long to feed you, the little lion on your floor toy and so many other things.  You love to stand and are elated when Daddy and I pull you up on your chubby legs. 

In the past month we have turned around your schedule so that you no longer sleep all morning but wake up at 8 or 9 am and stay awake for at least 2-3 hours.  You go down for your nap at 2pm without fail and get mad if I try and delay it.  And for the last week and a half I have been able to successfully put you to bed by 10pm.  Thank you for going to bed by 10 it gives mommy and daddy a chance to relax and bond. 

You have weathered one holiday, meeting your great aunts and uncles on your daddy's side of the family.  You took your first airplane ride and did an outstanding job.  You didn't cry on the flight, you ate, played and slept...everyone was amazed at how calm you were for such a little guy. 

You are growing up so fast my little guy, while I love each day seeing you change and grow.  A part of me is sadden at just how fast you seem to be growing up.  I wish I could video tape each one of your laughs, smiles and funny faces. 
Mommy loves you Bengie, thanks for being 100% you.

Te Amo Amor!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Breastfeeding - my journey

Since studies have shown breastfeeding is best for babies, I decided I wanted to breastfed my little guy.

What no one told me:
To begin with at the birthing classes the instructor informed us during the breastfeeding session that breastfeeding should not hurt as long as the baby was latched on correctly.
Well, I found out that was not true..AT ALL! 
They neglect to tell you that latched on correctly or not, it takes 2 weeks for your nipples to toughen up. So the first suck when the initial latch on actually happens is frightfully painful.  During week one I seriously considered giving up.  However, 6 weeks later I am glad I didn't.  there was definitely no way I could prep my nipples for the trauma they had to undergo.
Secondly, my full supply doesn't come in until about 6-8 weeks.  I thought that what I was producing from the beginning would be all I would produce.  Not so, I was concerned my supply was low and my son wasn't getting enough.  Turns out my milk supply has increased week after week and that my son who gained 3lbs in his first month of life was getting more than enough.

Best part of  breastfeeding:
The calories burned!!!! LOL...also the ability to bond with my son in a way nothing else allows.  The first few weeks it felt like it was just me and this appendage but now he stays awake for part of the feeding and we bond or at least I feel like we are bonding ( it could be all in my head). 

The whole process definitely started out as a big ordeal because my son has favored one breast and would have trouble latching on to his favorite side but would latch on no problems to his least favorite side...my nipple would cauliflower which was painful and horrible so I spoke to a lactation consultant and we worked it out.  In the end so worth it and I plan on breastfeeding exclusively for 6 months and then breastfeeding up until a year if I can pump for that time but at least until he's nine month.