Two things

These are two great things I learned today while on The Bump! 

1.  There is an Etsy shop that carries knitted hats for babies and OMG, they are the most adorable things ever!  Here's a picture of Tony in his sock monkey hat in which we chose to add the color Orange:
<a href="http://tinypic.com/?ref=dfes8k" target="_blank"><img src="http://i52.tinypic.com/dfes8k.jpg" border="0" alt="Image and video hosting by TinyPic"></a>

The Etsy shop is called "Grandma made this".  And the little girl in most of the pictures is the grand-daughter of the shop owner.  She's a precious little one!  Here's the link to this wonderful site:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/grandmamadethis

2.  I learned all about Baby-led weaning.  It's something I had never heard before.  It's where you let your child eat whatever you are eating starting at 6 months and it allows the child to explore the food more and become a better eater.  It's definitely something worth looking into for anyone that will be starting solids with their babies soon.  I've never heard of it until today, but I'll be doing my research.

Just thought I would share! NIGHT!

It's harder than I thought!

Breastfeeding...way harder!  Not only did Tony break-out in hives the first few months when I fed him.  We later found out that he had a "peanut sensitivity" per his pediatrician.  He's too young to be tested for a peanut allergy, but who knew that an allergy would show through breast milk.  Now, Tony has been spitting up after feedings and I'm frazzled as to what could be causing it.  The only thing that I have changed is that I started drinking diet soda instead of regular (I'm trying to lose weight so we can try for another baby..yay!).  I've been trying to research if a baby can have an allergy to diet soda.  I was unsuccessful at finding anything helpful.

Right now, Rob is watching "Eat, Pray, Love".  It's not a horrible movie...just not my favorite.  I'm still trying to think of reasons why my poor baby could be throwing up.  I'm such a mom...lol!

"Lazy Bums"

That is what my mother and father called us today.  We sat around the house in our pajamas all day.  It was my second day because of Tony teething, but my husband actually was lazy for once.  I knew eventually I would rub off on him...haha!  Every once in a while I think a person deserves to be "lazy".  This weekend was my weekend.  Especially since I have to return to work tomorrow after being off the entire week.  AND I have to manage getting both the kids out the door on time tomorrow..yea right!

Also, I lied yesterday.  I said that Tony only had 1 tooth popping through.  Nope! He has his top middle tooth coming through(the second one this month) AND his top right incisor! Poor thing...no wonder he is miserable.  Well, hopefully tonight we get better sleep considering tomorrow I go back to work.

Ebay has become my new best friend.  I'm having fun finding adorable cars for Tony for Christmas.  Like I said before, Skyler is already shopped for.  She's pretty easy compared to him. I mean, seriously, what do you get an 8 month old for Christmas? 

Skyler had her first friend sleep-over last night for a Birthday party.  She had SO much fun.  I, of course, was a nervous wreck.  Skyler still has accidents at night, so it made me nervous that she would be embarassed.  Not to mention that she has horrible nightmares and wakes up a lot  But, she had a blast and that's all that matters. 

Teething...need I say more?

  My poor baby is teething really bad.  I only see that one of his middle top tooth is popping through the skin, but he is just knawing away on EVERYTHING.  He doesn't run fevers when he's teething, but poor thing drools and fusses all day long.  I've done Tylenol, Orajel, and cold teething rings.  Nothing has helped him.  Although, I was given great a great idea from my pediatrician.  The "Munchkin Fresh Food Feeders" are great for teething.  You put a piece of ice in them instead of food.  The net rubs their gums to help the tooth to pop through the gums and the ice help to relieve the pain by numbing the gums.  It's helps so far, but today, nothing was going to relieve my babies pain. 

  OH! And did I forget to mention that my little one was up at 4:43am this morning.  He was all smiles and wide awake.  He didn't nap all day, except for a quick 30 minute nap.  I'm ready for bed.  Night!

There's nothing better...

Than a day full of shopping. Today was Black Friday.  Rob and I woke up around 7am and started to get ready.  I was truly suprised when Tony didn't wake up until 8am(I didn't want to wake him because he had been up a lot through the night).  He woke up and was the happiest little man.  My mom took Skyler so we could get some Christmas shopping done.  I was very suprised at how well-behaved Tony was the entire day.  He slept most of the time, but when he was awake...he was the happiest little boy around.

We were able to get some really great deals at Lowes on LED Christmas lights. I personally don't see a difference...but Rob wouldn't get anything but those ones. : )  We were able to get all of our Christmas shopping done for Skyler.  We got her some really neat Art and Crafts stuff from Michaels for SUPER cheap.  Then we went to Target and got Skyler a Barbie scooter that has a scooter attached to it just for her Barbie.  It's SO cute.  We got it for $17...couldn't pass that up at all!  We used a gift card at Pier 1 Imports and got some really cute Christmas gift for family there.  Overall...it was a VERY productive day!

We got home and Rob put up our Christmas lights! They look SO nice!  It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, FINALLY!!!!

Hmmm...what am I thankful for?

    I am thankful for my wonderful family.  For having two beautiful kids that I love more than life.  For an amazing husband that cooks, cleans, and is a VERY hard worker. Oh...and he loves me unconditionally.  I am thankful for my mom and dad, who watch the kids whenever we need someone...who would help us out at any point in time, and would always put me and my sisters first in their lives.  I am thankful for the past two years that I was able to spend with my Aunt. (She died of Brain Cancer Nov. 1st).  I'm thankful for my new job and the wonderful people I work for.  I'm thankful for all the blessing God has given to us in our life.

    Thanksgiving was spent at my Nana's house on the beach.  It's a house that I'll always remember from my childhood...and the childhood of my children.  My husband first kissed me there and then he proposed to me there.  It was the sweetest thing ever!  My aunt and her husband were there.  And my side of the family and then, of course, my Nana's best friend Cindy and my mom's old friend(I've known since I was born), Rosemary!  My little man was SO good.  He ate sweat potatoes, mashed potatoes, and some green bean casserole.  And, of course, corn/sweat potatoe & turkey baby food.  He was full!!  Skyler was a good little girl and played with our cousin's little boy, Brady.  It's crazy how when you get family together, things always get bad. haha.  My family especially.  But, that's definitely a story for another day. 

  I wish everyone a very safe and blesse Thanksgiving day!

**Oh!!! And for those of you that will be going SHOPPING tomorrow! I'll be with my crazy husband...(I'm apologizing in advance for his impatience)..and my 2 kids..on Black Friday.  Who's the crazy one now? haha!**

Breastfeeding in Public

    Is this even something that should be debated?  I know that everyone will have their opinion.  That's perfectly fine.  We live in a free country which gives us that right.  But, as a mother of 2 that breastfed/breastfeeds...it upsets me a little.  I was only able to breastfeed my daughter because I didn't feel comfortable enough to feed my baby in public place.  Now that I'm older and more secure with myself...I breastfeed my son anywhere/anytime if he's hungry.  I would never deny him food.  I know that breasts can be seen as a "sexual" thing..but in a mothers eyes..those are what makes her babies food.  I always use a cover when I'm in public.  That's my personal choice.  Women who can pull their boob out of their shirt without the whole world seeing their nipple..I give you props!  I have a DD boob.  There is NO WAY that's going to happen.  I'm more comfortable with my cover. 
    Those women who decide not to breastfeed....good for you.  As a mother, you do what YOU think is right for YOUR child.  And that's a decision that no one has any right to say anything about.  Just as a formula fed baby gets hungry and the mother has to make a bottle and sit in the food court of the mall and feed their baby.  I must do the same and feed mine.  If that means putting my cover on and feeding my child, then that's the choice I made and what I must do.  I don't carry formula around for me to just "make a bottle".  And, yes, I could pump.  But a pumped bottle needs to be refridgerated..and I can't do that in the mall.
   Like I said before, people can make their own decisions...and it needs to be what is right for your child and you.  But,just like I would never say anything about you giving your child formula...please don't say anything about me.  I'm not abusing my child, I'm not harming him, I'm not "exposing" myself, I'm not traumatizing my child, or any other comments people want to make.  I'm feeding my child nutrients that he needs to survive. 
    Ok, so to move on...AF showed up and showed up hard.  I'm still extremely tired, nauseous, and dizzy,but I'm starting to wonder if it is due to Anemia.  If I'm not feeling any better soon, then I'm going to call the doctor. 
   Oh! And check out my new signature.  My best friend made it for me! It's beautiful! Night!

Nicole

Sorry...again...

    It seems like when I decided to make this blog...I was at the peak of my energy.  I am currently going through some issues.  I've been trying to figure out if I'm pregnant or not.  To think, that there might be a possibility that we could have 2 kids under the age of 2 years...I'm going to be honest...it freaks me out a little bit.  But, at the same time, I think about how wonderful it would be to have another baby.  Rob and I decided we wouldn't have another kid until Tony was atleast 2 years old...and hopefully potty-trained. : )  After the next child, I'm getting my tubes tied.  And a part of me wants to have this baby soon.  The sooner it happens, the younger I am...the more my body can handle.  Altho, with the way I'm feeling, such as, nausea, fatigue(majorly), achy abdomen, leg cramps, and dizzyness...I don't know if that's much.
   I'll keep you updated on whats going on.  I promise to be a better blogger! : )

 

Hmmm....Saturday!

    Woke up this morning....exhausted.  My little man was up twice in the middle of the night to nurse.  Of course, I'm going to feed him.  Rob told me I should just let him cry...but I think it's another growth spurt and "Mommy knows best!" ; )
    Rob took Skyler, our daughter, over the bridge to go see a sand castle show.  He told me they would be gone "MAX of 3 hours"..NOT!  Tony and I took a 2 hour nap from 11-1ish, I fed him lunch and we waited.  It was 8pm before they walked through the door.  I was fine with it...but a phone call would have been suffice.  
    Tony is officially crawling all over the place.  He is still pretty slow at it...but he still managed to get into the blinds(got stuck), under the table(bumped head), into the potted plants(made a mess), and on the dog bed(I had to give him a bath!).  It definitely was a new experience for me.  Skyler never crawled...she did a crab walk for 1 week and then walked.  She wasn't very mobile until she was 1 year.  Tony is only 7 months!!!
    I've been looking at Christmas cards, because my dear friend Sara from "A Moment In Time Photography" will be taking our family photos on Tuesday.  I can't wait to get an updated photo and to finally hang one on our wall. 
    If you live in the Tampa Bay Area...check out my friends website for photography at:  http://www.saracarterphotography.com/ or at her blog http://www.sara-amomentintimephotography.blogspot.com/.
She's an amazing friend and a WONDERFUL photographer.  She will definitely be taking our pictures for years to come.
   Well...have a great night.  Until tomorrow....

A lot happened in 3 days...

Which definitely made it hard to post.  So I'm going to count this as day 4 and just continue with my daily posts after this.

Day 4:
    Working with 2 kids...sometimes I ask myself "How do you do it every day?"  It's a challenge...but I love every minute of being with my children.  Working only makes me cherish it more.  Not that I wouldn't love to be home with them...but I definitely think that working has made my relationship with my children better.  Working, though, is very hard.  I sat at my desk the past 3 days and wanted to cry.  I kept getting text messages that my son was crawling and I was missing it.  As a mother, you want to be there for your children's first...and I felt like I haven't been.  I missed my daughters first time walking and now my sons first time crawling.  It makes my heart ache. 
   Tony is finally crawling at 7 1/2 months! I'm so excited to be able to share a video of him crawling towards a dog bone.  Yes...a dog bone, but NO, I did not let him touch the dog bone.  He just really wanted it and it was the only way to get this video of  him...haha! (The video is at te bottom of the page!)
   Another thing on my mind is he fact that I might be pregnant.  Every morning, to halfway through the day, I have felt like I'm going to throw up everywhere.  I actually had to run to the bathroom at work today and began dry heaving.  I've been super crampy and the past two days I'm extremely fatigued.  I'm not really sure how I would feel right now if I found out I was pregnant.  I think a part of me would be SUPER excited...but a part of me would be sad because this would be my last pregnancy and I really don't want it to be this soon.  For goodness sake...I'm only 24! Haha!  If I'm not pregnant....I actually think I would be bummed though and of course a little relieved.
    This is all I can write tonight.  My body is screaming for me to go to bed.  Night!

Work...Puppies...Babies...Oh My!

Day 3:
    I have to start off by congratulating my little man on sleeping through the night last night.  I woke up at 5:45am and couldn't believe that I didn't hear him cry once last night.  I, unfortunately, had to get him up at 6:30am to get him and his big sister ready for school and going to grandma's for the day.  It's crazy to think that in one hour I manage to take a shower, get my kids/myself dressed, feed the Skyler and myself, nurse the baby, pump after nursing, and get everything in the car.  I seriously baffle myself.
   Today started as a normal day.  I wasn't late to work today {:Gives myself a pat on the back:} I got Skyler to school and Tony to my mom's house in a good amount of time.  Skyler didn't give me too much of a hard time dropping her off.  One of her cute little "boy" friends met her in the lunch room for breakfast this morning...so cute!  I get to work and recieve a text from my sister that her boyfriend, Mike, picked up a stray dog and her puppy.  I, of course, couldn't wait to get home and see them.  The puppy is adorable and the mother is so sweet, but very protective over her baby.  I named the puppy Toby Keith...but we call him Toby for short and the mom's name is Shasta(my daughter named her).  Rob says , "absolutely not!" when it comes to having a dog in our house.  We already have my sister's dog because she's living with us.  But, this dog is a menace to society and has hit her head on the sliding glass door just a few times too many. Haha!
   Rob said that I had a choice...another baby or a puppy?  Well...it got me thinking....because I've always wanted a puppy, but at the same time...I want another baby more.  So...I guess a new baby is where this dilemma is leading us.  It probably won't be until our litle one is 2 years old.  Skyler will be 7 by then and I think we would be ready for another by then.  But, God has a plan....and you never know what that could be....

Aren't Monday's fun?

Day 2:
    First off...last night, my husband and I decided to attempt the Ferber method on 7 month old baby boy, Tony.  He used to sleep through the night since he was 6 weeks old.  Three weeks ago, he got his first 2 teeth within three days of eachother.  Then, he got sick with a really bad cold and since then has been waking up every 2 1/2 hours to breastfeed. Not only am I exhausted, but my breasts need their rest time too. Haha!  I only had to go into his room twice before he fell fast asleep.  It killed me SO much as a mother to hear my baby crying.  It took everything in me not to cry with him. : (  He slept, last night, from 8pm-4:30am.  He nursed and went right back to sleep.  I was extatic that he slept so long.  Tonight, he fell right asleep after 3 minutes of crying.  It wasn't even a hard cry...it was just a little moaning and groaning.  Hopefully he sleeps really good tonight too.  But, I am definitely keeping my pump set up and handy tonight, because I woke up twice last night crying in pain.  Who would have thought that after 7 months of breastfeeding, I would be SO engorged and in pain.
    I worked 8 hours today.  I'm a Special Needs Teacher at a private school.  Sometimes I wonder if I should find an easier job, but then I fall in love with my kids every single day, over and over.  Their smiles are enough for me to come back each day.  And then I come home to a screaming 7 month old that wants milk, a 5 year old who is whining because she wants McDonalds and not what daddy is making for dinner, and a husband who would rather fall asleep on the couch then help me with the kids.  But, then again, it's Monday, and we know they are always a blast!
   By the way...anyone ever heard of Elfster?  Best website ever if you want to do a gift exchange!

Here it goes...

Day 1:
    I figure I will just do an introduction today.  Just a little background information so we are all on the same page.
    My daughter was born in 2005 when I was only 19 yrs of age.  I had to grow up VERY fast and it was extremely hard to finish college, especially when I had a full basketball scholarship that was never re-newed.  I missed out on a lot, emotionally, during my pregnancy and my daughters early years.  It just wasn't the same as someone who had got pregnant while married.  I met my husband in June of 2006.  He quickly stepped in as Skyler's father without any prompting.  He wanted to be there for her emotionally and physically, but he especially wanted to protect her and support her(He ende up adopting her January of 2010).  He fell in love with both of us, as we did him.  In September of 2008, we were married in front of all our friends and family.  We couldn't have been happier.  On Christmas morning, 2008, I found out I was pregnant.  We quickly shared it with all of our friend and family at Christmas dinner.  That was a mistake, completely, because 5 days later I miscarried our first child together.  I was devastated and my heart was shattered into a million pieces.  We continued to try to another pregnancy, but was unable to concieve until August of 2009.  I carried our little one in my belly until 38 1/2 weeks and in April 2010 we quickly fell in love with our newly born baby boy, Anthony, who we call "Tony".  We now are the proud parents of two beautiful children(5yrs & 7 months), but he desire for a third is great!  When Tony is out of diapers, we plan to try for another baby, which will be my last.  My body just can't handle any more pregnancy.  With the early birth of my daughter at 36 weeks (I had a weak cervix and was on bedrest 1cm dilated at 24 1/2 weeks) and the complications after my c-section with Tony (I bled-out and had to be rushed back to the OR for a DNC and had to have 2 blood transfusions), after my next pregnancy, I will be getting my tubes tied.
    I created this blog because I feel the need to share my experiences as a mother with everyone.  Not all of our experiences are the same, but it's good to know that someone out there is going through the same thing as me.  Looking forward to an amazing year!(and more...)