....snow....

Yowza, what a Winter!!

More snow is forecast to arrive on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and I'm not really sure where in the heck it will be moved too.  I wouldn't be surprised if our deck collapsed from the weight of it all...not really, but we must keep a look out above as we walk out onto said deck.  We have a constant fear that a lethal icicle will smash down on us each time we bring Violet out to do her biz.  

Here are some images from last week's storm that dropped another foot on Wednesday night.  

It wouldn't be a snowy day without snowflake jammies!!

WTF?!?!

Violet Cuteness of the Week

Exclusively Pumping

Prior to Evelina’s birth, I had visions of breastfeeding while bonding with my newborn, providing her with all of the benefits that breastfeeding had to offer, and losing all of that pesky baby weight as a result of the extra calories I would be burning. I told myself that if I wasn’t successful at breastfeeding that it wouldn’t be a big deal. Such beautiful, positive thoughts, right?

That was until Evelina was jaundice in the hospital and we needed to provide her with as much fluid as possible, from breast or *gasp* bottle. Luckily, my supply was great from the get go and I was able to pump in the hospital for bottles in addition to breastfeeding, so that we could be sure she was getting enough to flush out the jaundice. Little did I know that this would be the beginning of my pumping journey.

Evelina receiving her first bottle of pumped liquid gold

When she was discharged from the hospital, I still continued to put her to breast and then pump and give her a bottle to supplement, just to be sure her bilirubin levels stayed low and she continued to gain weight. At her first pediatrician visit when she was 5 days old, she had gained well and her color looked great, so we made the decision to stop pumping and just breastfeed.

I still wasn’t certain she was getting much from the breast since she seemed like a lazy sucker, I didn’t hear much swallowing, and she always seemed hungry, so after visits to breastfeeding support groups and lactation consultants, it was revealed that she was only getting about 1oz of milk after breastfeeding for 45 minutes. This was definitely NOT enough to sustain a growing newborn, she was already tiny and we didn’t want her to lose additional weight. Back to breastfeeding, pumping and then supplementing with bottled breast milk. The only problem? Since she hadn’t stimulated me enough, my supply tanked and we had to feed her formula until I could increase my supply through pumping, eating lots of ice cream, drinking gallons of water, trying Fenugrek and More Milk Plus, drinking cups and cups of Mother’s Milk Tea and consuming lots of oatmeal and lactation cookies.

The entire process of feeding our tiny being was incredibly exhausting and stressful. I shed many tears and just felt like an utter failure. I had a natural childbirth and we put her to the breast within the first ½ hour of her life…I should be able to breastfeed my child, I shouldn’t have to feed her mass-produced artificial formula!! It was so disappointing because I desperately wanted breastfeeding to work out for us to enjoy together, despite initially having the, “if it doesn’t work out, I won’t mind” attitude prior to her birth. 

As the weeks went on, it felt as if I was losing time to the pump. All I wanted to do was feed my daughter, cuddle with her and get to know every ounce of her, but instead I had to put her down (or give her to a family member) to get a pumping session in…day and night. I felt like I was missing out on valuable bonding time with my little one and it made me sad. Not to mention that each feeding (breast, bottle and then pump) from start to finish would take almost an hour; it felt as if it was all we ever did.

At around 5 weeks, Evelina started to really fuss and get agitated at the breast and because the entire process was exhausting and frustrating, I didn’t want to force it on her. I would just give in and offer a bottle of breast milk. After 6 weeks of trying my best to breastfeed and with little success at getting Evelina to increase her sucking strength, I made the decision to pump exclusively. This would allow her to receive many of the benefits of breast milk, reduce feeding times so she could partake in more fun activities, and ultimately result in a happier, less stressed out mom and baby. It would also allow me the convenience to pump when I had time or during her naps instead of having to put her down immediately after a feeding to pump and ensure my supply returned in time for her next feeding. I knew this would be the best decision for us. I didn’t want her to sense my stress and be unhappy, and I knew that the happier I was, the happier she would be.

Why did I even bother with pumping at all and just switch to formula exclusively? In my opinion, being able to offer Evelina breast milk from a bottle was the next best thing to actually breastfeeding. By the time I made the decision to exclusively pump, my supply was adequate to feed her exclusively breast milk. It would have been one thing if I had to pump and still give her formula, but my supply was there so why not use it!? Formula isn’t the devil but there are too many benefits to breast milk to list and I’ve wanted the best for my Lina Bean since before she was even born. I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity to give her what I naturally could create….thanks to persistence and breast pump.

I never thought in a million years that I would pump exclusively for this long (and can’t believe some people do it for a year!!). There were many times I just wanted to give up on pumping but kept telling myself I could go one more month and how great it would be to make it through the winter so she could continue to build up immunity through my milk. I’m so thankful that my supply has been enough to provide to Evelina exclusively since she was around 6 weeks old and that I even have a small frozen stash. I am particularly thankful for the best support system a new mother could ask for. It's hard enough being thrown into motherhood as a newbie, but having to fight though this battle with breastfeeding made it that much harder in the first month of Evelina’s beautiful life. I would never have been able to remain positive (not always mind you) and emerge happy and confident in my decision if it wasn’t for Chris and my mom. They are both the best.

I started weaning from the pump a few weeks ago and I know that it will be a sad day for me when Evelina consumes her last bottle of pumped milk. I’ve worked incredibly hard to produce it for her and it has been a labor of love that I’ve struggled with giving up, but the time has come to hang up the horns and move into the next chapter together. I’m certain that she will continue to be strong and healthy and just as happy, and I know for sure that I will be happier to spend quality time with her or doing other things I enjoy, instead of being hooked up to a breast pump. 

Woosh, woosh…..

Short Ribs ala Slow Cooker

For all of my slow cooker lovin’ friends, I highly recommend Ginger Soy Short Ribs with Green Rice and Lime.

Chris and I were in heaven as we noshed on these short ribs last night. They were so incredibly tasty and falling off the bone tender. We paired the dish with a nice Pinot Noir and were transported from our living room watching the Steelers/Jets game, to a cozy restaurant dining on comfort food in front of a roaring fire. You could even pair this dish with buttery mashed potatoes and it would be equally yummy. I can’t wait to eat some leftovers!!  This is definitely going to be added to my slow cooker recipe arsenal.

UPDATE as of 2/1/2011:  These are NOT good leftover!!  Enjoy straight from the slow cooker.  

Around We Go

I seems like these days all Evelina wants to do is stand or jump.  She just LOVES the jumperoo but I would prefer she partake in other floor activities such as sitting and movement during tummy time.  I also don't think it's the best idea to put her in the jumperoo after meals because we all know how much she loves to spit up...jumping up and down can't be good for the stomach.  In comes her new entertainer.  I was dead set against bringing another plastic contraption in the house, but when someone recommended this entertainer to me I thought it would be the perfect addition.  She can stand up, practice balancing and even walking.  The best part about it, is that once she can stand unassisted, we can remove the seat and she can use it as a stand alone play table.  So far she is enjoying it and has even gotten the hang of walking around it to get to each toy...or to her mommy or Violet if we are sitting/walking close by.  



PS: Why does YouTube make video blurry? I think it you watch it in YouTube instead of via the blog it is more clear but still not as clear as the actual Flip video.

Let's Practice Standing

Our schedule was all out of whack today so Evelina is down for a nap at the moment...it could end up biting us me in the ass at bedtime but we shall see. Another nasty storm hit today and on top of worrying if I would make it home in one piece, the heat at Lina's daycare failed this afternoon so I had to fetch her early, which in turn messed with her typical napping routine. Let's hope it is fixed by tomorrow, because I need to get some serious work done at the office and can't afford to be home again for the 3rd time in two'ish weeks while attempting to work from home with an infant.  

But, the real purpose of this post is to share a photo of Lina practicing her standing skills.  She is far from pulling herself up on her own but she can stand up and balance while holding on to her fun Zany Zoo.  Don't you worry safety police, I will be childproofing those outlets in due time.  

PS:  What you don't see is Lina falling seconds after I took the photo.  Oops...she was okay, just a couple of tears :-( 

Papa, We Miss You...

Mama, I want to try on Papa's Polaris hat!!

Chris has been in NH snowmobiling since Friday and we miss him. He will be arriving home this afternoon and I'm interested to see if Evelina will be excited to see him or if she will be confused as to why there is someone else in the house other then her mama.  This has been the longest stretch of time he has been away from our sweet pea since her birth...and the first time I have been with her solo (including nights) for 3 days.  It was pleasantly fun and surprisingly relaxing...despite her strange wake-ups within 2 hours of her bedtime. 

PS:  I weighed Miss Lina on Friday and she weighed in at 15lbs .03oz wearing a short sleeved white onesie. 

Milestone :: Rolling Back to Belly

Today, Evelina *finally* rolled back to belly...and I missed it.  She had just woken up from her afternoon nap so I put her down on her back in her floor gym for some play time before her next bottle.  I was in the kitchen reading the recipe for Vanilla Bean Pear Sauce and was about to start peeling pears when I looked up and, low and behold she was on her tummy just playing away.  I missed it.  Dang it all!!  She had been soooo close for weeks...months, and this one time when I wasn't looking, she performed the act so quickly and gracefully without a peep.  I knew she could do it!!  But, did she do it again this evening?  Nope. 

First Snow of 20-11

Another whammy. This nor'easter dumped over a foot and a half of heavy white stuff.  Attempting to work from home with a 7 month old who only likes to take 2 hours (on a good day) maximum of naps a day, is pointless. Plus, who wants to work when they can spend extra quality time with their little one? 

What's going on out there Papa?

Seriously, must you take my picture right now?  Can't you tell, I am freezing!!  Where's my bed?

Retiree

This week we retired the swing...our little girl is growing up!!  During the first 3 months of Evelina's life, we used the swing quite a bit.  It was a great soothing tool, and, before we were adamant about her taking naps in her crib, she would take naps in the swing.  But, over the past month or so, it had just been siting in the corner and occasionally used.  Since she started doing her baby crunches and reaching for everything, the swing was more of a hazard then a relaxing papasan chair. I also thought it would be more fun for her to play on the floor and practice new skills instead of just sitting in a swing.  So, unless we need the resurrect the swing in a last ditch effort to get Lina to sleep at night during a bad cold, the always favorite jumperoo has replaced it's spot in our kitchen area. 

Hallelujah!!

The turmoil of month 6, weaning from the binkie and swaddle, followed by wonder week 26, two teeth and a cold, have passed.  Man was it a tough 4ish weeks in the sleep department.  Lina has always been a good -- borderline great -- sleeper (if you would've asked me this when she was a newborn or even a month or so ago, I would've thought differently, but looking back and hearing stories from other moms makes me realize we don't have it so bad...you live and learn), and when she started sleeping 7p-7a straight at 13 weeks, we were stoked and very lucky.  When all of that started going out the window, I got frustrated and wondered if it was all just a fluke...would she ever do it again?  I was beginning to lose hope, but alas, rip van Lina is back... for the time being that is.  

Over the past week she hasn't had any night-time wake-ups and I'm loving it!!  Although, she still loves to wake-up and party around 5:30a, but I can live with that.  Most mornings, after 5:30a, I will pull out the binkie and more times than not, she will go back to sleep.  Hence why I am able to write this post.  She woke up at 5:30 this morning, I gave her the binkie around 6a and she is still sleeping.  Why she doesn't just stay asleep continuously in the morning is a mystery.  Oh babies!!  

This past month has taught me that we have a great night-time sleeper on our hands, but there will always be regressions and set-backs due to development leaps, teeth and illness, so we just have to ride the wave.  I'm also more confident in what the symptoms of teething are, so when she does start waking again during the night, I will have a better idea of what is causing it and I won't always think that the days of her being a good sleeper are doomed. 

AND, I mustn't forget that to successfully make it through the next wave, I have to practice that thing called patience. 

Brown Eyed Girl

I think Evelina officially has brown eyes.  Sometimes, in certain light, they look hazel but I see chestnut most often.  

7 Months!!

Dear Evelina,

You are 7 months old (+ one day)!! You are closer to your first birthday than the day we first met and time just continues to fly by at warp speed (I better start planning your first birthday party, stat).   

This past month you experienced many firsts.  You got your first tooth (two!!), you celebrated your first Christmas, you survived your first blizzard, you got your first real cold.  Although you continued to be your happy, smiley self, your new teeth and the congestion from your cold made for some very tough nights for a few weeks.  Your papa and I shared many sleepless nights and you even had to sleep in the swing with the dreaded binkie for a couple of those nights so we could make sure you got the rest you needed to fight that cold of yours.  I am happy to report that you are feeling better and nights have gotten much easier.  You still aren't sleeping 7p-7a like you used to, but I can live with one babbling wake-up...as long as you don't decide to get up for the day before 5:30a!! 

Many things make you happy, here are just a few:  being held up in a standing position, reaching out to anyone and anything, touching faces, pulling facial hair, taking off eyeglasses, grabbing noses and putting your hands in people's mouths (not great during this cold/flu season!!), thumping your legs down in your crib when either me or you papa enter your nursery in the morning to show excitement, playing pat-a-cake, looking in the mirror, and of course mama and papa.   I think your all time favorite thing at the moment has GOT to be the jumperoo.  You could stay in it for hours if we allowed you too.  The second we place you in the contraption you begin to bend your legs in perfect form for optimal bouncing.  Sometimes we fear you may fling yourself right out of the seat.  If we are holding you and happen to walk by the jumperoo, you will lean forward and just stare at it hoping we will plop you in for some fun.  It is so adorable, you are so adorable!!  

Over the past month we've been introducing homemade solid foods to your repertoire of milk and milk, and you really seem to be adapting well to the new method of feeding.  You had some minor digestive issue during the first week on solids but your system appears to have adjusted...well, expect for the occasional dirty diaper at 3am, but it just gives you an excuse to chat with me for a few minutes before babbling your way back to dreamland with Gigi.  

So far you've tried oatmeal, sweet potatoes, peas, butternut squash, carrots, apples, pears, avocado, and zucchini.  It usually takes you a couple of days to decide if you really enjoy a new food, and your face is priceless when trying something new for the first time, but if anything has sweet potatoes or apples blended with it, you gobble it up in seconds.  Yum-O!!  It is seriously the cutest thing when you are in love with a particular food, as soon as you swallow a spoon full, you open your month immediately and stare at the spoon approaching.  Many times, you will close you month before the spoon even enters and the yummy goodness will paint your face.  We get many good chuckles during mealtimes, that for certain!!  Some new foods we plan to try this month are bananas, mangoes, peaches, parsnips and I may even try adding some herbs and spices to some of your purees to really jazz up lunch and dinnertime. 

What new and exciting things will you do this month?  Will you say your first official word, will you finally roll back to belly (you are seriously so close!!), maybe you will sit up on your own, army crawl, wave or cut more teeth?  Your papa and I can't wait to discover what January will reveal, but in the meantime we will continue to enjoy getting to know you along the way. Happy 7 month birthday!!   

You are the sunshine of my life,

Mommy

Goals for 2011

2010 was the BEST year yet.  I'll often slip into reverie thinking about the year and I need to pinch myself to see if it was all real or just a dream. 2011 is sure to have it's own exciting moments that we will always remember.  On New Year's Day I was chatting with Evelina and telling her all about the fantastic accomplishments she would have this year, sitting up, crawling, walking, talking....she is really going to grow up this year and we are looking forward to witnessing each second.  

Now, a new year couldn't begin without setting some goals.  I am really not one to make New Year's resolutions but there are a few goals I would like to fulfill in this year.  Chris and I are constantly thinking of projects that we'd like to tackle around the house or things we would like to accomplish.  Since we all know how much I love to makes lists, I thought what better time to start another then with the arrival of 2011.  Here are a few things that have bubbled to the top of my "Goals for 2011" list, in no particular order (and I don't want to be too ambitious since I hate failing!!):     

• Organize the pantry in the kitchen - I can't stand opening the pantry doors and seeing the disorganized mess that lives behind them.  We have so much food that we probably will never eat so I plan to sift through it all and make a donation to the Ashland Food Pantry.  I would also like to send a message to Similac to stop sending us free formula.  It seems like such a waste to send canisters of different formula types out in the same free test kit.  Even when Evelina is transitioned to formula, we would never give her a variety for reflux one week and then a different kind for gas another week.  Poor thing would be all screwed up. 
• Wean from the pump  - I've struggled with this decision and although I'm not really looking forward to Evelina transitioning to all formula (even though I know it isn't the devil), I am really eager to have my freedom back.  Finding time to pump and having to cart it around with me is getting exhausting...especially at midnight and 5am. 
• Paint, have a back splash installed in the kitchen, and find some fab curtains to hang around the slider - Our kitchen just seems so unfinished without a back splash.  Ever since we moved in Chris and I have been talking about having one installed (wish we could do it ourselves but we aren't that DIY), and I think this is the year to do it.  I would also love to paint the kitchen and our slider to the deck is screaming for window treatments. 
• Convert the existing office into a playroom for Evelina - Evelina isn't on the move "yet" and we are planning to set up a temporary place space in our living room for her, but I would love to create a playroom that will help her learn and grow.  I had so much fun decorating her nursery so I can't wait to get started on her playroom. 
• Hold a yard sale - We have SOOOO much in our basement that we just don't want to throw away OR keep so a yard sale is definitely a must. We may even recruit some of our neighbors to join in.  
• Plan (and go on) a summer vacation - Throughout my childhood, we would always go on Summer vacations with my father and cousins to Hampton Beach (not the classiest place but in the 80s it was the bomb).  I would love to start a similar tradition now that Evelina has arrived.  We have been throwing around idea but need to plan something sooner rather than later. 
• Have a date night with Chris AT LEAST once per month - Before I went back to work, Chris and I seemed to have more opportunities to get out, just the two of us.  Now that life is a little more hectic, it has been more of a challenge.  With the holiday's being over, I'm hoping we can have more date nights.  And I certainly know a Mimi who is also looking forward to these evenings!! 
• Tone up for Kate and Jason's April 17th, 2011 wedding - I am extremely excited for Kate and Jason's Texas wedding and I have graciously accepted the invitation of becoming a bridesmaid, therefore I MUST use the exercise ball for something other than bouncing Lina.  Major toning is required before I slip on a strapless gown in April. 
• Practice patience - I've made leaps and bounds in the patience department over the past couple of years, but with a new baby, there are new areas for which I must improve....night-time and early morning wake-ups for example.  Deep breath....
• *Try* to worry less - I am constantly worrying about Evelina's development.  Even though I know she is on track and developing normally, it is always a struggle to not compare her to other babies who were born within the same month.  I am very well aware that there is a huge range in how quickly babies develop certain skills but a mom can always wish that their baby is one of the advanced...can't she? 
• And most importantly, be the best Mommy I can be and have fun!! 

Happy 60th Mimi!!

Evelina, Chris, Violet and I would like to wish Mimi a very happy 60th birthday!!! "Mommy" is such a compassionate and loving person and deserves to have such a special day surrounded by all of those who love her dearly.  We're all hoping that her next 60 years continue to be happy and healthy. 

We love you Mimi and are looking forward to celebrating with you this weekend.

xo,

Chris, Sarah, Lina, and Violet (lick, lick)

My Year in Status

A 2010 review of (some of) my Facebook statuses. Gee, I see a trend.

First Blizzard

Evelina says, "Mama, why in the heck are we out in this weather, ah goo!"

The day after Christmas, Evelina got to experience her first blizzard, the blizzard of 2010. After the wind gusts had died down slightly and Chris finished tackling the driveway with his new snow blower for the first time, I suited Lina up in her snowsuit for a quick 5-minute trip to the backyard.  It was quite brisk so after a few photos (you know me...I MUST document), it was back into the cozy house.  Hopefully, our next snowstorm won't be accompanied by winds over 30mph so Lina can make her first baby snow angel. 

We only ended up with about 13 inches of accumulation but either way, there is just something I love about being snowed in and feeling insulated by the fluffy white stuff.  Especially if it results in a long(er) weekend spending time with the family.