Summer cool down

Finally for the past couple of days its been cool [70's] and not scorching hot [90's] here in Southern Cali. I worry so much about Audrey when its hot, her mood changes and she's a lot more fussy. I would rather it be cooler, and I cant wait for fall/winter so that I can bundle her up and dress her in cute layered clothes. Today She wore a cute pants and jacket set.

I sat her down to take a picture and she fell fast asleep right there. I was amazed until I realized I just put her sleepy time lotion [J&J lavender sleep lotion]on. Sometimes I cant help but use it because it smells so good. I can just sniff her for days, lol. That lotion works wonders, I can suggestive sell it all day.

Afternoon nap time

 

bye bye.

Breastfeeding state laws

Did you know that approximately 70 percent of mothers start breastfeeding immediately after birth, but less than 20 percent of those moms are breastfeeding exclusively six months later. It is a national goal to increase the proportion of mothers who breastfeed their babies in the early postpartum period to 75 percent by the year 2010. And this is where new laws/revisions come into play to encourage mothers to continue on, because you have rights and are protected by law...

Collecting dust

Here are a couple of items I was told would come in handy, but somehow never used!

BOPPY: Audrey didnt like it, her positioning on it irritated me and was just a hassle to whip out and put on while shes sitting there crying. I just prefer the good old fashioned holding technique. Works like a charm.

SWADDLE BLANKET: I even went out and bought this high tech swaddle blanket that Velcro together because Audrey was like Houdini when it came to getting out of every swaddling. She absolutely hated it! You can not swaddle her to save your life. Her arms are so strong, how she got out of velcro beats me. I gave up on swaddling her and unfortunately wasted my money on this little gadget. But its a great invention if your baby loves to be swaddled.

SLING: Maybe I wasnt doing it correctly, but I felt like Audrey was being suffocated in that thing. Definitely didnt like that idea so instead I got the front carrier thing and she loves that.

Those are just ones at the top of my head. Ill add more to the list as I try out new things....

'pumping' solution

I remember seeing on an episode of Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, that Kourtney Kardashian [who is an exclusive breastfeeder], was using a bra that was designed to keep your automatic pump hands free.


And I've always wanted one, but have no fear. This mom has a great tip on saving tremendously on a hands free bra.....just MAKE YOUR OWN!

 Definitely a must have. DIY, here I come.

Breastfeeding and the workplace

 Because its still National Breastfeeding Month!....

Okay, previous posts in the past I used to talk about how I wasnt having much luck with pumping and went as far as buying a new automatic pump, seeing a lactation center and was very concerned about being able to have enough milk set aside for Audrey when I was at work. HAVE NO FEAR MY SUPPLY IS HERE! lol. Seriously tho, they dont lie to you when they tell you it's all about 'supply and demand.' Your body starts off with a little and its up to you to increase it. I wasnt getting enough pumped because I wasnt pumping often. It wasnt until Audrey was able to sleep past her feeding hours that I was able to pump during those times. I had no choice because they would engorge and start to hurt or leak real bad if I didnt. So I started pumping more and I found out how to make it work for me. Im now back to my manual pump and it works just fine! I went from pumping only 1 oz from both sides to 5-6 oz! I discovered that i start to get this tingling sensation when im pumping and thats when it starts to gush out. I was learning more and more about my body and my advice would be to just stick with it and know that your supply will increase over time! Trust me, it will happen out of the blue!

I've had no problems with keeping a good supply for Audrey when im away at work. This is what is saved up in my freezer

Sidenote: I keep them in the freezer because

they last upto 3 months, whereas in 

the fridge they only last up to 8 days.

My longest shift at work, Audrey uses 4 containers. Im able to pump just as much while im at work to compensate for what is being used at home. So its all working out just perfectly! Like I said, I refused to put her on formula and was determined to make it work. Im very proud of my success with this, seeing how I was having trouble at first. This just goes to show that you have to stick through with things as it takes practice to make things go exactly how you want them to. If someone would have told me things were gonna get better, I wouldnt have been so frustrated from the start. But im passing on that advice to the next!

Pumping at the workplace is a little difficult. I've realized that not that many places cater to or really appreciate moms that breastfeed and pump. Theres not a designated area for me to go to for privacy, I dont have enough time [10 minute breaks and 30 minute breaks], which means if I only have a 10 minute break that day I cant eat because thats not enough time to eat and pump...pumping comes first. Luckily I have a case with ice packs for my containers so I cant stick that in the freezer at my work, discretely. There isnt a designated freezer for my personal stuff. Ive learned to work around all of this and so far its been going good. I know there are laws, especially in the workplace that protect moms who pump [longer breaks, designated areas to pump, special places to store your containers, etc.] but im just not gonna bother with it. However, if you feel your rights are being violated I suggest you look it up and find out what you need to do.

Audrey's 2 months cont.

At 2 months Audrey has developed into her own personality. She's so much fun to play with because she's now starting to interact. She smiles so much now especially at my funny faces, but you can tell they're actually genuine smiles. Everyone was against me getting a changing table for her room but im glad I went with my instinct because not only do I love it, but its her favorite spot! I kid you not, every time I lay her down she starts smiling and waving her arms and legs around like she wants to play. Even when im changing her she's still all smiles and playful. Idk what it is, but she just loves it and its definitely our bonding time.

She has two playmats so during the day we keep her occupied, she likes the green one better. She's starting to reach out at her toys, but its still something we are working on. Our new word for when she's bored of things is "she's overly stimulated". And boy does she get overly stimulated. Just like her mom, on to the next.

Mommy painted her toes pink! Oh yes i did. She doesnt put her toesies in her mouth yet so until she does that all is safe and when she wears her sandals her cute little toesies are purrrty.

She has a routine of getting wiped down during the afternoon. Not a full on bath, just a little wipe down because when she spits up it tends to smell, especially on the neck. Wipe down, wash her face, wash her hair, dry, and lotion her up. I accidentally used her sleepy time lotion [J&J lavender bedtime lotion], which by the way works wonders, and she knocked out after right there on the floor. Such a good little girl. Beats those long sleepless nights trying to rock and walk her to sleep.

When im at work, Grandma loves to dress her up. This day she was a lady bug. Its a routine for her grandma to take a picture of her everyday to send to grandpa and I. She loves their quality time. I remember I grew up with my grandma as well and I have such great memories of all the different things we used to do. We have such a close bond to this day.

Audrey has started to suck on her whole hand, in attempts to find her thumb. Sometimes it goes in her eye, but she tries! They say at this time babies drool a lot more now and suck on all kinds of things. I try to keep the pacifier away from her so she can develop these skills a lot better and be more vocal.

• She's learning more about her voice, sometimes she screams not out of anger but a sudden little burst and you can tell she wants to talk so bad. But its still fun to hold conversations with her cooing. 
• I laid her semi upright on my legs and shes starting to lift herself into the upright position
• She already turns her head from side to side when shes sleeping on her tummy. This gives me that extra assurance that she can move herself if need be.
• She sleeps longer at night, up to 6 hours if i let her. This is wonderful timing because im able to get rest at night for work the next morning.
• When im at work I call her on all of my breaks to check up and see how shes doing and how much shes eating. I love to hear her in the background, makes my day go by better.
• She definitely recognizes mommy and follows me around the room with her eyes

She's just an amazing little baby and im enjoying watching her grow right before my eyes. Im trying to cherish these moments because they only happen once =/ I havent been able to take her out because she doesnt get the rest of her shots until next month. I cant wait until I can take her shopping and to meet friends. Everyone always asks about her. She is definitely one loved baby!

Audrey's 2 months

Happy 2 month birthday Audrey Leigh

Mommy has been so busy with work, but I promise a super cute couple of entries on your progression because you've grown so much and have been doing all kinds of adorable and amazing things. Lots of pics and videos coming soon!

Putting in work

On my roller blades, of course ;]

The first exercise ive done since Audrey was born. My new fitness regimen. Its a start, but what I love is that its fun and gets the job done! 

Back in Action

Today was my first day back to work. Even though I loved being back with all my coworkers, I couldnt stop thinking about what Audrey was at home doing. Didnt have to worry about that because Grandma took a few pictures of what they were up to all day

Audrey enjoyed a little sun while playing in her bassinet, 

something she's just now getting used to doing 

[entertaining herself]. She also looks for you when you call her.

Work was good, I was worried about how much and where I would pump. Everything worked out good tho, ive finally mastered the pump and  im happy about the amount i've accumulated already for her. Im keeping it stored in the freezer for future use [lasts 3-6 months]. I have a cute little case I take with me, equip with ice packs to keep it cool. My managers already know im pumping and have set aside a place and time for me to do so when need be. IM DETERMINED PEOPLE! Plus, breastfeeding has helped me slim down. So whats my status?

Im getting there....Time to step it up, the last pounds

to shed are the hardest, so i've heard.

"Im happy, im living my life, 

im cool, im calm, im chill for real"

tummy time

Audrey says:

The best pillow in the house is my mommy's TUMMY.

She loves [and sleeps best] on your tummy. Hearing your breathing and heart beat soothes them to sleep and reminds them of being in the womb ;] I also heard your breathing helps them synchronize their breathing. Learning more and more everyday.

MORE facts on breastfeeding

A couple more facts on why breastfeeding ROCKS! 

1. You'll feel far less crazy-A study of postpartum mamas found that those who breastfed their babies showed far less anxiety and more mutuality at one month postpartum than those who didn't.
2. It cuts down on childhood obesity
   Breastfeeding has long been tied with reducing the rate of childhood obesity, regardless of Mom's diabetes or weight status. 

Fitting into those heels

Are your heels a little too tight? Heres a simple DIY I learned from a friend to solve that problem. It involves water and ziploc bags.

Fill the bags with water

Insert them into your heels like so

Make sure its packed in there pretty good

Place your heels in the freezer. I think you know where im going with this....When the water freezes, it will expand thus making the inside of your heels a little more roomy for those cute little toes.

Free Nursing cover!

Want one of these fab nursing covers for free? Head over to WWW.UDDERCOVERS.COM and "shop now" to select your style. Enter Promo Code: Family2010 and all you pay for is shipping and handling [only $9.95!]. You save an instant $32! Not bad for something so cute. Im ordering mine today!

Sunday Inspiration

"Don't let small issues ruin your day! 

Its a bad habit! Scripture warns against these

“little foxes that spoil the vines” (Solomon 2:15)"

-Rev Run

National Breastfeeding Month

August is National Breastfeeding month so Ill be doing a few posts in relation to breastfeeding throughout the month. 

Breastfeeding Awareness! 

There are a lot of misconceptions and lack of knowledge about breastfeeding. I encourage all new moms to take breast feeding classes before you jump to conclusions. Im glad I took one before Audrey was born because I learned a lot about breastfeeding that i didnt know and although I knew from the beginning that I was going to breast feed her, the information i learned made me look forward to breastfeeding. I know everyone has their preferences, but i still dont understand why moms dont breast feed. Unless there is a medical reason stopping you from doing so, I think any excuse for not breast feeding is just that....AN EXCUSE. Its a little disappointing to know that babies are more commonly fed with formula. Well, heres to breastfeeding AWARENESS....a little encouragement and maybe a little persuading.

1. Breastfeeding saves time! - you can feed your baby immediately as there is nothing to prepare, buy or clean.
2. Breastfeeding saves money! -no formula costs and fewer doctor bills
3. Breastfed babies and moms are healthier throughout life! - babies get sick less often and if so its less severe. Babies have fewer ear infections and allergies. Mothers lower their risk of breast cancer and more...
4. Breastfed babies have better dental health! -promotes better jaw development and less likely to get cavities
5. Breastfeeding allows baby to reach his/her full IQ potential! -the longer the baby is breasfed, the better their IQ and grades in school [7-11 IQ points higher to be exact!]
6. Breastfeeding helps mom rest and relax! - breastfeeding hormones help mom to feel relaxed and peaceful. You can feed baby quicker so everyone can go back to sleep, and you can even nurse and sleep at the same time [with practice!]
7. Breastfeeding promotes bonding! - promotes closeness of mom and child and helps mom learn baby's cues quicker
8. Makes cleanup easier and more pleasant! - the diapers and spit up of breastfed babies dont smell as bad and spit up doesnt stain clothes!
9. Going out is easier! -moms can travel light, less time to pack, can go places at the spur of the moment, stay out longer and no need to find place to heat bottle.
10. Breastfeeding helps mom get her body back in shape! -research shows that exclusively breastfeeding moms tend to have a greater loss of weight, body fat percentage, and hip and upper thigh circumference. Helps the uterus return to its normal size quicker so mom can get her tummy back into shape quicker as well.
11. Breastfeeding helps to space babies! -breastfeeding usually delays mom's periods for many months. If baby is only getting mom's breastmilk and moms period hasnt returned, breastfeeding is 98-99.5% effective in preventing pregnancy during the first 6 months [thats more effective than any other form of birth control, besides abstinence!]
12. Breastfeeding is environmentally friendly! - produces no waste, no packaging and no pollution

These are all true facts, nothing I just came up with. For more information for all you "skeptics" out there, visit KELLYMOM.COM for evidence-based information on breastfeeding.