Giving up the Bottle (the baby bottle that is...)

A Mommy friend mentioned to me recently that she was having a harder time giving up her daughter's bottle than she did giving up breastfeeding. I can totally understand. The bottle is like that last baby-hood attachment. It's a bonding time, quiet and peaceful where you can snuggle and bond with your baby.

I was surprised at Noah's 1 year Doctor visit when Public Health recommended to us that we cut his bottle completely, if not by 1 year than certainly by 18 months. To me he was still a baby, it was our cuddle time. How could it be bad to keep it up a little longer?

This is the process that seemed to work for us, but it may not work for everyone. It went surprisingly well, although it did take Noah a little bit of time to come around to taking large amounts of milk in his sippy. His intake decreased significantly in the beginning, and I was a little worried. But he loves other sources of dairy, and was obviously thriving, so I reassured myself he was doing just fine.

Introduce the Sippy Early
We introduced a sippy cup of water around 5-6 months. I can remember buying our very 1st sippy, we were in Florida in April 2013 for a family vacation and Noah was breastfeeding more frequently than normal. I thought due to the change in climate/heat that he was dehydrated, so I went to the local pharmacy and bought his first sippy cup. He had no idea what to do with it. A friend told me to remove the little plastic part on the inside. By doing this, the cup would just emit the liquid inside without Noah having to really suck it out. Well this ended in many a mess, so that was a fail. So for a few months, we kept it around to familiarize him with it but he would basically just play around with it.

Timing is Everything
As we gradually stopped breastfeeding we switched to bottles of whole milk to help us transition to milk. I figured if we cut breastfeeding and went strait to the sippy cup of homo milk that Noah would refuse milk all together. So we kept 2-3 bottles of whole milk/day from 12-14 months. Noah had just started at the sitters, we had this big change in our routine since we were no longer spending 24/7 together, and we had recently stopped breastfeeding completely. I knew it wasn't the right time to eliminate bottles.

Gradual Transition
Cold turkey likely isn't going to go over very well with the tiny human. We cut out one bottle at a time, and replaced it with a sippy of milk instead. We started with the AM bottle, when Noah was happiest. Most mornings he wouldn't take much at all. We continued to send a bottle of 6oz of whole milk to daycare to have before his afternoon nap. And we continued with the bedtime bottle of 10 oz.

After about 6 weeks at daycare, we stopped sending the afternoon bottle and send the remainder of his morning sippy.

At 14.5 months we cut the bedtime bottle, and went to a sippy at bedtime too. Starting out, he'd have a sip or two and be over it. But gradually he realized this was where milk was coming from now, so he better get on board. Now most nights when we cuddle at bedtime he holds his sippy and drinks it at his leisure, normally finishing it.

Different Sippies
We tried a few different kinds of sippies (soft spout, hard spout, straw spout), and we stick to the hard spouted sippies like Playtex for milk and the soft spouted sippies (nuby brand ) for water and smoothies. This allows Noah to distinguish between the sippies.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind
As soon as we cut the bedtime bottle I packed them up (in addition to every else bottle related...brushes, nipples, etc) and packed them away for baby #2. That way we would have less of a chance of reverting back to them if we ever had a rough transition. 

Spring Has Sprung

Spring has sprung...well that is somewhat of a lie. Technically, spring is here. And Mother Nature gave us a brief glimpse of it for a day or two last week, and then we started off this week with -14 degrees and are expecting 16+ inches of snow today in a Nor'Easter storm that they are nicknaming White Juan 2. Say WHAT?

Anyway despite the weather, we are in full-on spring mode at our house. Embracing everything spring, including tulips, BBQ, neighborhood walks, farmer's market trips, rubber boots, Easter baskets and spring cleaning.

Luckily for us, Noah still loves his stroller. We got out both Saturday and Sunday for a stroll. We are also super excited that I found a gently used Bumbleride Indie twin for sale and managed to snag it, including foot muff, bassinet and car seat adapter! We love our single, and now can't wait to use the double when baby #2 arrives.

This guy, not so sure about his new rubber boots from Grammy. He came around to them, I mean how could he not, they have Thomas on them :) 

I made a spring cleaning list for the house, and want to attack it one room at a time and do a major overhaul. This weekend I focused on the kitchen. We cleaned out the fridge and the small appliances, wiped down the cabinets (inside and out) and the table and chairs which were covered in baby food, cleaned under the sink, cleaned out the junk drawer and organized the pantry closet. Spring cleaning with a toddler is...time consuming and hilarious. Everything I took out, Noah felt the need to put it back in. It may have taken us longer than normal, but it left us feeling super accomplished.

We moved our BBQ back to the deck from where it has been residing all winter, the basement. Can't wait for our first meal of the year, I envision steak or maybe a few sausages...yum! Although now with this snow on the way I am slightly regretting the decision to move it outside so early....sigh.

Wish us luck as we batten down the hatches and await our 100th winter storm of the year.
My phone is all charged up, we have 2 liters of homogenized milk, and the flashlights and candles are ready.

I'm soon off to pick up Noah at daycare and get him home so we can enjoy some storm day jammies and java...oh and a few treats of course too :)

Bumpdate: 26 Weeks

Happy St. Patty's Day Week! I am wearing my one and only festive green shirt, that surprisingly I can still squeeze into. This is one holiday we don't really do anything for...and O'Brien's are Irish! We used to celebrate back in our university days, it was one of the biggest celebrations of the year. But these days, it's just another day! Normally I buy Noah a cute little festive t-shirt or jammie's for holidays, but this year we skipped out and he's none the wiser ;)

How Far Along?

26 Weeks
Baby Size?
Size of a head of lettuce, and possibly 1.5-2.2 lbs! baby is growing :)

Weight Gain? 
Up at least 2 pounds this week i'd say, likely around 17 lbs total.

How Do I Feel?

We're on the mend from our cold, and hoping that is it for this cold season! Took a solid 8-10 days to recover completely.

Maternity clothes?

Still the usual, with some regular tops mixed in. can't wait to get rid of this snow so I can wear some maxi skirts and dresses to get me through to the end of the pregnancy.

Stretch marks?

Still nothing.

Sleep?
Sleeping pretty good, we've been going to bed earlier than usual a few nights this week and its been glorious!
Movement?
Feeling more defined kicks and jabs during the day this week.

Gender/Names

Still unknown! After taking a few weeks off from the name game, we started throwing a few around again this week in the evenings. Girls names haven't changed, we still love our picks from when I was pregnant with Noah. Boys names, we never had any that we were totally in love with. However, one name has made a re-appearance this week from my 1st pregnancy that hubs loves that was totally off the table. Something about it is growing on me. So far this time around hubs has been taking the reigns. He has a few names that he is absolutely set-on, and for once, I'm ok with that. I am totally going with it. But I am still throwing names into the mix...just in case!

Best moment this week?

It's my Dad's big 60th this week, and we are looking forward to some family celebrations this weekend with a sleigh ride and big family dinner. 

Symptoms?

Nothing to report here. Still NO heartburn, praise the gods.

Miss anything?
A real good sweaty workout!

Cravings?

Mexican. I went so far as to make this Black Bean Quinoa Enchilada Bake recipe that I found over at blogger Katie at Run Inspired. I substituted enchilada sauce for salsa, and it turned out so yummy and freezes so well for lunches. Oh...and it's healthy!! I also had my 1st Iced Capp of the season yesterday. SO YUMMY! I drank these all the time when I was pregnant with Noah over the summer months. I also drink water like a trooper, and I find I get headaches if I don't drink at least 3 waterbottles/day. I also crave more carbs/bread when I don't drink enough water...strange. Overall, not near as hungry this time around as I was with Noah. I was always famished during pregnancy #1.

Looking forward to?
The Weekend!
Workouts?
I got back to pre-natal yoga this week after a short hiatus due to being full of the cold and not wanting to pass it on to any other pregnant mama's. I did a barre class as well and hit the treadmill twice for a brisk 30 min walk...boring!!

Adventures in Teeth Brushing

Do you have a young child who just LOVES getting his/her teeth brushed? Yes? Then please, please leave a comment and tell me what you did! From what I have heard and read and experienced with Noah, most kids aren’t really into the whole tooth brushing thing. And, honestly, can you blame them? Having someone else stick a toothbrush in my mouth and me not having any control over it, isn’t really my idea of fun times either. So, what can you do? Give up on it entirely? Pin the kids down to brush their teeth?  Wrestle with them twice a day every day?

Over the last couple of months, I have had the chance of experimenting with Noah (now 16 months old) on how to reduce the drama surrounding his dental hygiene. Trust me, it took a lot of trial and error to find what worked for us/him. It is important to me that he knows that brushing his teeth is just part of the routine and there’s no going around it – but I don’t want to traumatize him in the process. So here is what I came up with so far:

1. Start Early - We bought Noah's first toothbrush and non-fluroide kid's toothpaste when he got his first tooth around 6 months old. Starting early definitely has the advantage that they are usually more open to what you are doing and making something part of their “normal” is just so much easier. I believe it helps if you don’t wait until your baby is 1 or 2 years old. Start as early as possible! Even if there are no teeth at 6 months, you can still gently brush the gums and get both of you used to the process! This being said, we weren't consistent enough with our teeth brushing regime. Some days we wouldn't brush his teeth at all, other days just the AM or just the PM. Leading me into #2...

2. Be Consistent -  I know that for me, the drama aspect of brushing Noah’s teeth definitely makes me want to avoid it…but I know that incorporating it into our morning and evening routine will make it easier in the long run, so we brush twice a day. No chickening out. Some days, it works pretty well, with hardly any resistance on his part, other days he turns his head away as soon as I grab the toothbrush. We tried various locations (counter top, on top of our bed, in the bathtub) and finally have settled on the change table. So first thing in the AM when I or hubs go to greet Noah and get him out of his crib, we bring in the toothbrush. Noah pops his soother out, we brush his teeth and then we are done. At bedtime, same thing. After milk, we get the jam's on and change his diaper and brush his teeth. He can't move, there are little to no distractions, it works!

3. Set an Example - Have you noticed how much children learn by watching us? So why not let them watch you brush your teeth? We tried this tactic with Noah every morning brushing our teeth together, and even let him sit on the counter and play with our vibrating toothbrushes which he loves. Turns out, the counter top was just too much fun and we ended up wrestling with him to try and get the teeth brushed. But he does like to watch us clean our own teeth with the electric toothbrush.

4. Make it Fun - Kids like sounds, and silly songs! I came up with a totally ridiculous tooth-brushing-song. I sing it 3 times and at the end of the third round of signing, the tooth brushing escapade is over. Noah normally looks at me like i'm crazy while I sing and brush, but hey it works!

5. Use Distractions - When it’s not going too smoothly, it is so easy for things to escalate: one minute you have a baby turning their head away and the next they are screaming, because you don’t want to give up. Yup, totally have had that happen. What I found helps tremendously, is guiding their attention away from the teeth brushing for a minute if they are very resistant. 

6. Give Them the Toothbrush - I know that at 16 months, Noah definitely does not have the motor skills to brush his own teeth, but getting used to holding and handling the toothbrush does not only slowly build his brushing skills, but also makes it so much more fun!

Since it’s important to me that his teeth get cleaned, I first brush his teeth (while using tips mentioned above) before I pass the toothbrush to him. Then he tries to brush his own teeth by himself, before he eventually gets bored and throws it on the floor.

Anyone have any other tips on how to navigate through the world of toddler tooth-brushing?? 

Bumpdate: 25 Weeks

How Far Along?

25 Weeks.
Baby Size?
Size of a cauliflower!

Weight Gain? 15 lbs total as of my Doctor's appointment this week. I feel so much larger this time around, but its funny since I haven't been overly phased by my weight gain this pregnancy, I've been putting on so much less weight. The first time around I was frantic about gaining too much weight and feeling horrible about it all the time.

How Do I Feel?

Well we all came down with a bad cold this week. Started off with sore throats and congestion. Now here I am 5 days later and I am still trying to shake it. I sound all chesty, and am up coughing at night which is annoying...and being prego, I can't take a darn thing for it. Overall, just kind of grumpy from lack of sleep and annoyed that I can't be my usual go-go-go self this week. Feeling worn down sucks, and I am not even in the 3rd trimester yet. I have playing the "pregnancy card" especially this early in the game. But this week I've been doing just that.

Maternity clothes?

Still the usual, with some regular tops mixed in to spice it up a little.

Stretch marks?

Still nothing.

Sleep?
Sleeping well, when I'm getting it. It never seems to be enough. However, daylight savings seems to be working in our favor so far. Noah has been sleeping in until 7:15 and even 8am some mornings. Spent majority of Sunday night in the rocking chair with Noah sprawled on top of me. At least one of the two of us got some sleep.
Movement?
Depends on the time of day. Still get lots of kicks in the lower region in the evenings and when lying in bed.

Gender?

Still unknown!

Best moment this week?

I had a pre-natal massage, which was magical. I also may have fallen asleep...and snored.

Symptoms?

Nothing to report here.

Miss anything?
Cold medication!

Cravings?

 I'm eating a lot of cheese this week.

Looking forward to?
Oh I don't know, making some kind of progress in the basement or nursery department would be nice. So far...stand still. The type A in me is freaking out, knowing there is no way we are going to get the basement renos and baby's room ready in the next 3 months. Ah well, baby doesn't need a room right away anyway.
Workouts?
I did exercise a few times last week but am really looking forward to taking some warm weather walks, too. I am SO over winter already. The belly is really getting in the way, running just isn't that comfortable anymore. This growing body is getting in the way more than I remembered it would. I guess that's what being 6 months pregnant will do.  I feel so large in some ways, and then I remember how much bigger I am going to be in 3 short months and then I feel kind of small. Which is a joke, because this belly is certainly not small by any means!

Tips for New Moms

1. Invest in a Water Bottle...oh and a thermos - Truthfully, your going to spend 80% of your day glued to the couch. Re-filling your glass of water ten times a day just isn't going to happen. And drinking your coffee while it is still hot...forget it!

2. Don't waste your money on cute "outfits" under 6 months - let's face it, they aren't practical. Cute, sure they are. But I can count the amount of times Noah actually wore an "outfit" in the first few months of his life. Save your pennies for 6+ month outfits, when they aren't spitting up every 20 seconds and exploding out of their diaper. Onsies and sleepers are the way to go those first few months.

3. Put a sign over your doorbell that says "DO NOT USE"!! Doorbell = DEVIL when you have a newborn. And you'll have visitors and family that arrive and insist on using the bell...mmm Duh babies sleep, all the time! Once you have it happen to you once, you will always knock on your friends doors. Waking a newborn or napping baby for no reason is so not cool!

4. Nasal Aspirator - Do yourself a favor and invest in one that is of GOOD quality. Just trust me.

5. Baby Weight-  it took you 9 months to grow that baby, give yourself AT LEAST 9 months to get back into pre-baby form. Don't be too hard on yourself. And don't expect to feel good in a bikini for at least a year after giving birth, just don't.

6. Diaper Station - If you have a 2 story house, have a diaper change station on BOTH floors. Yes that adorable station set up in baby's room is oh so sweet, but it might get used once a week. But the once downstairs next to the couch and TV, that one will get used ten times a day!

7. Write down milestones, funny things they do, random cute moments, etc. You WILL forget one day and it will be amazing to be able to look back and read about their firsts and funnies!

8. Accept all babysitting offers - People love new babies and will be thrilled to hold your little one while you shower, cook a meal or take a nap. Holding a newborn is a joy. A two year old? Not so much. Take people up on their offers now, they have a very limited shelf life.

9. And last but certainly not least, if you want friends then don’t tell other moms how well your baby sleeps! (I wish I had this problem)

I Realized I Really was a Mommy When...

I was okay with being vomited on by someone who wasn't drunk.

Time changes became my worst nightmare...

Happy hour changed from 4-6pm to that glorious 60 minute period between when the baby goes to bed, and I go to bed.

I consider my clothes to be clean if I am able to wipe off the snot, spit-up or baby food off of them within ten minutes.

A night of drinking requires more recuperation time than a minor surgery.

I catch myself eating food from the floor that my child has thrown there.

Sleeping in, means sleeping until 7am...

I am able to recite books such as Sardines the Cat by memory.

I can do my hair and makeup in less than 4 mins.

I started considering a trip to the grocery store as vacation.

I started carrying diapers, a spare sippy cup, and a bag of goldfish in my car at all times.

Peeing with an audience became a regular occurrence.

I catch myself still watching cartoons long after my child is done watching them.

I find myself singing the same lullabies that my Mom used to sing to me.

Our lives have never been so crazy, our house so messy...
yet so full of love and laughter at the same time.
xo

Noah is 16 Months!

I know I say it every month, but this stage is my favorite. This month I really feel like my baby went from baby-hood into toddler-hood. I mean look at the big boy walking outside on his own! Noah has learned SO much this month, and we have learned A LOT this month. We're learning how to listen to Noah, how to anticipate what he needs/wants, how to let him try new things and fail, become frustrated and try to communicate his needs.  He has really became a little boy this month.

He communicates and understands and is starting to say all these new words. He's also become so spirited and has literally turned into a strong-willed independent little man overnight. He still loves his mama, and cuddle time. And is now giving hugs #meltmyheart. To say he keeps us on our toes would be an understatement. We love this age, and are thankful the tantrums are becoming fewer and farther between. We love each and every day with you little man!

Stats: He weighed himself the other day by standing on the scale, he is 26 lbs. He measures about the same length as the change pad, so I'm guessing 34 inches and size 4 shoes. Size 5 diapers, but can still fit into 4's as well. We upgraded to 5's since we found him leaking at night a few times with the size 4's.

Teeth: I think we have 16 now.

Clothing: Mostly 18-24 month clothing with a few 12-18 month pants mixed in as he is a little shortcake.

Health: We got our first bad cold this week of the winter (all 3 of us) and little man couldn't sleep without being elevated. Made for a challenging night or two to say the least as he was waking every few mins in tears. Thankful he avoided a fever and bad cough, just appeared to be congestion. We spent wee hours of the night in the rocker with Noah sprawled on top of us as it was the only way he'd sleep.

Sleep: Still sleeping thru the night, normally a full 12 hours. The time change plus the cold had him thrown for a day or two this week...sleeping until 8am, napping 3+ hours and then still awake past 8pm. Before the time change he had been waking up earlier and earlier. Sometimes the clock still says 5, which is FAR too early for my liking. Then randomly he will sleep-in on a weekday until after 7 which makes us all in a tizzy trying to get out the door and to work on time. You little rascal you!

Still taking the one afternoon nap per day. Normally down at 12:30-2:30. Some days its even less than two hours, like the 30 minutes we got on Sunday, which in my opinion isn't long enough. At daycare, he consistently sleeps 2.5 hours. I assume its because he is so wiped from all their outdoor play and stimulation, but do I ever wish he'd nap longer when he was at home.

Verbal: New words include - ugh-oh (in the cutest voice ever!), Meow (for the kitty), and vroom vroom for the truck. You are so communicative these days, you point and say 'dah' for things you want and places you want to go. He knows what car is and that his blue car is in the basement. We'll say. 'Want to go in your car?' and he'll go to the basement door and bang on it. He hates being told 'no' and normally has a cry-fest after we tell him no for the littlest things. He also lets us know when he is done eating by shaking his head 'no' for no-more food.

Food: Pretty much the best eater ever. But I've noticed when the TV is on he become distracted as of late and refuse to eat. Also, the soother is becoming a bit of an issue at meal times. If it is anywhere near, he wants it in his mouth. Mommy has instituted a soother only at bedtime rule from here on out.

We tried him with a little bit of peanut butter a few times this month (with Benadryl on hand just incase), he didn't love it but didn't hate it. He had his first honey-dip timbit and devoured it in his car seat and left remnants of sugar all over his face. It bought us at least 3 minutes of peace and quiet in the car from a long shopping trip. He tried tuna-fish which he gobbled up in the form of a tuna melt. He's also eaten a piece of lemon pie at Nana's. He eats quesadillas, fish (salmon and haddock), chicken fingers, battered fish, chili and brown beans (yuck!). Favorites are still: pancakes (but not with blueberries), French toast, grilled cheese, string mozzarella cheese, humus and crackers,  avocado, spaghetti, yogurt, apple sauce and real fruit smoothies.

We have been officially off the night-time bottle now for about a month. They are packed away now for baby#2. Noah takes whole milk much better from the sippy this past month or so. He normally downs his entire cup at bedtime, but he likes to hold it himself while we rock. Some nights I am unable to wrestle the cup from him before I put him in his crib, so he takes it to bed with him. Silly boy! Then I have to sneak in later and remove it. He has a sippy in the morning which he normally doesn't finish, and we send it with him to daycare to finish during the day. I'd say he is getting 12-15 oz/day plus a ton of cheese and yogurt.

Milestones: Baby boy loves to feed himself now. We had to go out and buy new toddler forks because Noah refuses to let anyone feed him 90% of the time. He normally does pretty good if we get the food on the fork, then he is able to get the fork into his mouth all on his own. He also got hois 3rd haircut this month at 16 months!

Loves: Let's see, currently loves anything or anyplace new, for example, our basement or the microwave or the 2nd floor at Grammy and Grampy's house. Its just a dingy old basement full of our old junk and yard equipment, but Noah thinks it is the best place on earth. He points at the door and yells 'dah' until someone caves in and takes him down. He run around like a proud little peacock, and would stay down there for hours. He also love the garage at Grammy and Grampy's, and the kitchen sink. We take off his clothes and let him play in the sink with Tupperware. It provides us with at least 20-30 minutes of quiet play. Another favorite...climbing stairs (with us behind him!), helping with the dishwasher, throwing food and sippies on the floor and laughing.
He also love being outside. Swings, sleighs, walks. And giving hugs. I'll crouch down to his level and he'll come barreling up to me with his arms outstretched and give me a huge hug.

Hates: Getting his teeth brushed is a CONSTANT battle in the mornings which usually results in a kicking/screaming toddler and a frustrated Mommy or Daddy. However, he doesn't mind at all having them brushed in the bathtub during bath time...go figure! He also hates if someone goes to one of his favorite places (aka basement to change laudry or outside) and they don't take him...meltdown! He prefers not to get dressed, and would run around naked all day if we let him. He also HATES having anything taken away from him (it is normally something dangerous that you shouldn't have in the first place).

Bumpdate: 24 Weeks

Pregnancy Update

Another week, another update. Here I go on my super annoying pregnancy high. I really like being prego, I like rocking a bump and dressing it up. It's pretty great when you feel good, sleep well, and don't mind adding some extra poundage into the mix. Just knowing there's a baby in there, growing strong and kicking away, makes me so proud and excited.  I'm amazed at what my body can do and I love watching my stomach grow bigger by the day.   I love rocking a giant bump and I can't wait for it to be bigger! Well ok, maybe not 41 weeks big. Baby #2 please come a little earlier than expected, that would be lovely!

How Far Along?

24 weeks, I can't believe it! Lots and lots of movement in there, getting stronger each and every week.
Baby Size?
Size of a cantaloupe, 10.5 inches and 12.7-20.8 oz.

Weight Gain?
Up to a total of 15 lbs this week. I blame the blizzard, oh and the McFlurry.

How Do I Feel?

Awesome! Thanking my lucky stars about this one. I was really tired in the beginning, like asleep on the couch by 7pm most nights kind of tired. I was also just getting back to work full-time, and that had a lot to do with it I think. Energy levels are back up, the occasional headache I was getting have passed, and all is well. I am just that super annoying lady that is loving being pregnant right now!

Maternity clothes?

Oh yes! Still  stretching out some of my regular shirts, and can still wear a few blouses and blazers to work. I hate to buy much more at this point as time is winding down. Wouldn't mind finding a cute dress for mat pics.

Stretch marks?

No, but I recently saw a very scary photo of a lady who was not so lucky and it literally scarred me for life. I am VERY thankful for my mother's genes in this area!

Sleep?
Still good, I wake occasionally to pee. Some nights I don't at all. If Noah makes any noise I am awake, and sometimes find it hard to get back to sleep. I am also getting anxious about the severe lack of sleep we are going to be getting. I got an email from the bump saying 108 days to go!! That blows my mind. We have totally gotten used to a child that sleeps a full 12 hours, having a newborn is going to be quite an adjustment again.
Movement?
Depends on the time of day. Still get lots of kicks in the lower region in the evenings and when lying in bed.

Gender?

Still unknown!

Best moment this week?

Does eating a blizzard count? It's been a pretty uneventful week.

Symptoms?

I have to be really cautious at yoga as I find when I twist or stretch too far I get some discomfort in the lower belly region. Otherwise, keeping heartburn at bay is great and I am sleeping a-ok all in all!

Miss anything?
Yes, I miss the occasional beer. I even had a Becks a few weeks ago (0.0% alcohol beer) and surprisingly it wasn't that bad. I've been chugging down virgin cocktails every time we go out to eat though, may as well par-take in a little bit of fun while pregnant! My BP must be on the low side again too, feeling a little lightheaded here and there and a bit more tired in the mid-afternoons.

Cravings?

A friend posted a photo of an Oreo McFlurry on instagram and I immediately started drooling and decided I MUST have one. It wasn't near as good as I had envisioned, and have the sizes gotten a lot smaller or what?

Looking forward to?
Let's see, looking forward to my friend's baby shower this weekend and seeing all the goodies her and babes will be taking home. Also I have a pregnancy massage next week, and my next doctor's appointment...which is also my glucose test so maybe not so excited? #nasty
Workouts?
Not near as motivated as I was, but I got in a treadmill run, 1 barre class and a pre-natal yoga class this week.
 

 

 

 



Being a #BoyMom

When we found out we were pregnant in February 2012, we debated briefly about finding out the gender of our baby and opted against at my husband's request. We so badly wanted to be parents, and we were just so overjoyed at the thought of having a baby. I was convinced we were having a girl, not for any particular reason, but I just felt so strongly. At our 36 week appointment, the doctor told me the heartbeat sounded pretty manly. It was the first time it actually occurred to me that we might be having a boy. You can imagine my surprise the day I went into labour and that very same doctor held up my baby by the feet and announced "ITS A BOY!!". It was such a thrilling surprise to have him born, and in that very moment find out if we were "boy" parents or "girl" parents.

 

Tim felt pretty similarly about having a boy or a girl, he would be happy either way, but he sure does LOVE having a son. I know he feels really lucky to get to have these experiences, ones similar to the ones he had with his own father. In the hospital, in the days after Noah was born, Tim was in awe that he had a son. He kept saying over and over to me, I can't believe we have a boy! He admitted to me that he would have been happy either way, but that he felt really blessed to have a boy. Now I watch my husband quickly become the most important person in my son's life. I love watching them play together and the bond that they share, and can imagine, in years to come, perhaps even a whole house-full of boys (and maybe a girl too) running around the backyard together.

 

Our sweet easy baby put us through many sleepless nights, but otherwise, was a perfect angel for the first year of his life. Totally laid-back, totally low-maintenance.  He turned into a strong-willed independent little man overnight. To say he keeps us on our toes would be an understatement. He knows exactly what he wants and doesn't back down until he gets it. He is full of activity, and rarely sits still unless its nap or bedtime. He most definitely loves trucks and jeeps and trains like any other little boy, but some of his other favorite things are his toy kitchen, dollies and my broom! My boy is sweet and kind, fearless and spirited. He loves to cuddle and show affection, and he most certainly loves attention. Sure he doesn't always sit quietly at the table, and yes he has tantrums and meltdowns, but that's part of being a toddler, not because he is a boy.

Being a mom to a boy is so much fun, but it is also a huge responsibility. Having a son is finding the balance between letting him be wild and free, and preparing him to be a man. I get to teach him how to be a sweet little friend, a devoted husband, and a loving father. Raising him to be all of these things is the greatest gift I can give him.  For we all know the world needs more good men.

Being a boy mom means so much more than cleaning up dirt, and chasing a loud rambunctious boy all over the place. Being a boy mom is holding his hand and being his first love.  I love everything about being a boy-Mom, especially this little boy's Mom. Every day is a new adventure, and it's the very best adventure I've ever been on. No matter a boy or a girl, you will never know how much you can love someone until you meet your little one. One thing is for sure, being the mother of a tiny-human is the most rewarding job ever. Watching them grow and learn is such a special gift and the way they view you as their world gives your own life so much value. The first years are filled with so many milestones. First smiles, first steps, first words all happen regardless if they are a boy or a girl and make all of the hard work and sleepless nights worth while.