I wanted to post a little update about Angelo. He's 6 weeks old today! Strangers come up to me and ask his age. When I tell them, they always reply with, "Oh my! He looks like he's about 3 or 4 months!" I can't believe how time flies. He's such a good, calm baby. He only cries when he's bored and when he's hungry. What kills me is that he's perfectly happy chillin' out in a loaded diaper. I don't let him, of course.
The last time he went to the doctor he weighed in at 9lbs, 12 ounces (22.5 inches long) and that was 3 weeks ago. I did the good 'ole, weigh myself, then get on the scale with the child and it looks like he's close to 11 lbs now. Wow. He eats like a little piggy so I shouldn't be too surprised, which is now 6 ounces of formula per feeding and a 1/4 cup of rice cereal at night ( only a couple of days a week). Last night he took 8 ounces before bed. I haven't measured him since his last doctor's appointment, but I can tell he's grown in length.
Bubs is sleeping throughout the night consistently now, from about 11pm to 7:30am. He takes a couple of naps during the day and I'm working on timing it better. Dave and I changed to an "every other night" rotation (him one night, me the next) for feedings and diaper changes, but it looks like we don't need it anymore. Last week he had a diaper rash and woke up around 3:30am only once per night until it went away.
Angelo has been smiling a lot, but yesterday he gave us a few BIG grins and started "talking". He's making the "ahhh, oooh and oh" sounds. While we're doing tummy time, he can push up his chest and hold his head up for long periods of time. When he's up, he's looking around and it seems like his vision is getting clearer. The bubs is facinated with Dave while he's on the laptop. He makes noises, grins and tries to push his way toward him, as if to get his attention, LOL. One of these days I'll be able to get a good picture of Angelo's smile.
Being a mommy is such a joy for me. I can't believe I was so against it. I can't imagine my life without Angelo in it. It's really been an incridible experience so far and I'm looking forward to the rest of it. He's going to be so much fun, I can feel it!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Sunday, September 7, 2008
I Feel Pretty...NOT!
"This is hideous, just hideous!"
Okay...so we all know that pregnancy can sometimes give a woman permission to let herself go a bit. That was the one thing I swore I wouldn't do when I found out I had a bun in the oven, but guess what? I fell into the trap. It's just now hitting me, but I've gained way too much weight in my last trimester. I can't believe I fell off the wagon, man. I was doing great until the last 3 months. I blame it on the fun times of summer and the fact that I didn't give myself any time off from work or taking care of Dave's kids after the baby was born.
I took a bath this afternoon when Dave came home from work. Afterward, I made my way toward the mirror, saying to myself, "I feel pretty, I feel pretty." So I proceeded and the face staring back at me was anything BUT pretty. My skin is starting to break out, my hair is frizzy, I'm in desperate need of an eyebrow wax and I'm so tired that I could've fallen over. Ugh. Behind me lies the scale and all I could think was, "Whatever you do Cristin, don't step on that thing. It's the Devil...THE DEVIL, I tell ya!" and so I didn't. My spirit had already taken a hit from the mirror and I didn't need another whack. Here's the silver lining though: when I gazed into that wretched mirror, I did see myself as good mother who feels blessed to have her son. Yes, I am a good mother. Thank God for that! I still wanna feel pretty though, LOL.
Since I am a new mother, I decided that the best way to go in effort to reclaim my physical self, or what I believe is acceptable, is to take "baby steps". I gained 54 lbs during my pregnancy and lost 32 within the first 3 weeks. My son is now 5 weeks and though I've been eating right and working out, I believe I've reached my first plateu. Not cool. So I will keep up with that and start saying, "I am pretty, I am pretty" until the shit actually happens. Here are the "baby steps" I've decided to take to get me where I need to go:
* Work out regularly
* Stay on my "real food" diet
* Get my hair done like a normal woman does (not every 6 mos like I do)
* Wax those brows often
* Give myself regular facials
* Get a mani/pedi once a month
* Take my mystical baths everyday
* Take one short nap a day until I no longer need it
* Meditate for at least 30 minutes a day
* Keep my house clean (no matter what the kids do to it afterward)
* Spend at least 4 hours a day (5 days a week) working
* Start a new hobby
With the help of my boyfriend, I know I can do it all! I did everything on the above list consistently before I got knocked up and I was a very happy woman. I think being happy on the inside contributes to at least 70% of how you look on the outside. If you feel like shit, you look like shit. If you don't believe you're pretty, you aren't. That's me right about now and I'm already sick of myself. Thank God, because you really aren't open to change unless you've hit your rock bottom...and I've hit mine.
What is a real food diet?
I don't believe in man made religions, so why would I trust in a man made diet? I know my body and what food it responds favorably to. I call my method a real food diet because I just spend more time at the grocery store buying real, fresh (mostly organic) food. I spend time cooking instead of going for the Lean Cousine. That's processed and isn't as good for you as "they" want you to believe. So it's 3 balanced meals coupled with 3 small, healthy snacks per day and not eating after 8pm. I allow myself treats once in a while because I'm not psychotic.
What is a mystical bath?
Technically, it's not really mystical, I just believe it is. I use candles, oils and bath salts I get from the mystical store. My bathroom is lit up with a million candles as I soak in the tub with the oils or bath salts and listen to new age music for about 30 minutes. During this time I'm usually drowning out my boyfriend who is yelling at the TV because his Chicago Bears aren't scoring touchdowns. I consider this my alone time and I try my best to care about nothing except staying connected to my higher self.
I don't know if I should give credit to the mirror or if it's just my time, but I'm completely motivated and not just with sprucing up my physical appearance. I'm so ready to polish up my career path, re-decorate my condo and finally get my home office looking the way I had dreamed prior to moving in here. I let my pregnancy slow me down so much, which I'm sure is perfectly normal, but now I'm ready to move into the next phase of my life. There may never be a day when everything will go exactly according to plan so I figured that I should take the bull by the horns and just do it now.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Transition To Sleep
"Thanks for the food and diaper change. Gonna go back to sleep now"
"What's that, a camera?"
"Ugh, it's 5am, lady! Can't you see I'm trying to sleep here?"
"ZzZzZz...finally!"
I swear to God, he looks just like my sister Laura and my niece, Sienna when they were babies in these pics. Too funny!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
5 Weeks and Adjustments
The "stop taking pictures of me, damnit!" face
My ‘lil bubs is doing great. His diaper rash is almost gone and bowel movements are back to normal. There’s still a bit of baby acne going on, but that should be gone soon. He’s been able to lift his head for weeks, but now he can hold it up for a long time without much support. I posted pictures of this in the last entry, just scroll down to see.
It’s funny to see my baby trying to scoot. He gets real frustrated when he can’t move the way he wants. He’s also starting to smile often and no, it’s not gas…yippee! It’s so damn cute. I just wish I could get good pictures of his many faces. The “smile“, the “I’m pushing out a poop” and the “stop taking pictures of me, damnit!” are my favorites.
Dave put bubs in the “big boy bather” last night. He reacted much better, no crying. We used to put him on a newborn sponge thing, but that keeps him flat on his back and he hates it. I thought he was too little for the bather and it wasn’t soft enough, but I guess I was wrong. Now bath time will be a lot easier for us and better for the bubs.
Angelo is more visually aware of his surroundings. He’s finally taking to the swing and staring up at the mobile attached to it. He still gets bored fairly easily though so we can only keep him in the swing for about 30 minutes or less. I met my friend Nikki’s friend who works as a maternity nurse at children’s hospital in Columbus the other night. She was testing Angelo’s reflexes and giving me all sorts of useful information. She said that he can tell me apart from everyone else due to my “scent” and shape. He can also see in color now. Black, white and red.
Dave and I are getting a lot more sleep now. Last night was the best ever! We put Angelo to bed at 10:30pm, he woke up at 5am and I woke him up at 9am for a feeding and diaper change. He was starting to stir a bit anyway. Speaking of feedings, my bubs takes 5-6 ounces of formula per feeding now. Sometimes he’ll go for 4 ounces, takes a break and uses the last 2 ounces as a snack.
Post Partum Recovery:
For the last week, my digestive system has been acting up. I’ve been a bit uncomfortable and experiencing the need to use the restroom often, but I’m not sick. I started my birth control pills on Sunday, but I had my tummy issues before that. I think my body is back to rejecting red meat. I only craved it during my pregnancy, so it’s back to the basics for me.
I’m done with the bleeding for good now and everything down there appears to be normal. The stitches aren’t bothering me either, which is great. I’m taking power walks and going to start my other excersize routine this week. I’m also revamping my diet and going to spend a lot more time at Whole Foods, like I used to. I’ve lost 32 lbs, but I still have a ways to go..
I’m doing pretty well emotionally, with the exception of dealing with household chores and everyone’s crap laying around. I’m making adjustments to the chores and rules so that I don’t lose my mind. I’ve given up a lot of the stuff I’ve taken on that wasn’t my responsibility and that’s helped me a great deal. Changing standards that was set ages ago takes time to be consistent. Wish me luck!
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Tummy Time
Angelo, "I think I can, I think I can".
"Yay, I did it!"
Angelo can push himself to the upright position and keep his head up for a long time. I'm so excited! He's going to be a lot of fun when he gets older. He's a strong 'lil bubs and has been since he was born. I'm already dreaming about all the sporting events we'll be attending in his honor.
Angelo Is A Month Old!
Angelo is now a month old and I think I'm doing really well with this new mommy business. Dave, on the other hand, is showing his lack of experience with caring for a boy. Not that I'm perfect, but he is just funny to watch. A lot goes into protecting yourself with a normal changing session. Dave has had his fair share getting peed on. You'd think by now that he would've figured out a way to avoid it like I have, but nooo, lol. Everytime this happens, Dave still backs away and lets the fountain of pee land on my carpet, grrr! It's like it's happening in slow motion and I can't get over there to help fast enough.
My 'lil bubs hasn't been feeling well this past week. Dave gave him some baby applesauce and he started getting "the runs". He's got a diaper rash because Dave didn't keep up with changing him every time he got up in the middle of the night. I was really pissed about that. The rash is starting to get better, but my poor baby is having a hard time with diaper changes.
Speaking of which, I have a funny to share with you...
Yesterday I was changing Angelo and because he has that rash, I'm having to go about it in a different way. They say to avoid baby wipes and just use water, which I am. Unfortunately, every time I get the rash cream on the way I want it, bubs decides it's safe to push out some more poop. Not only that, but with that particular session, he felt ok to not just poop, but pee as well! I didn't get shot with it, but I had to start all over again. Needless to say, I've been very frustrated. I just want his little bottom to feel better fast, but at this rate, he's going to have this rash a few more days than necessary!
Angelo is a super piggy! He's now eating between 4 and 6 ounces per feeding and is eating more often than I'd like. Dave said that at this rate, we'll be broke by the time he's a teenager, lol. Last time we took him to the doctor he was 9lbs, 12 ounces. He goes back at the end of September and I can't even imagine how big he'll be then!
I had my post partum check-up yesterday. Thank God because my stitches are starting to come out and they're bugging the shit out of my coochie. TMI, I know, but whatever. I think after the pregnancy we're passed that, lol. Anyway, my midwife went in there and trimmed them. They're supposed to dissolve, but she told me that they could just fall out as well. I'm pretty much healed up and I got the green light for REAL sex, woo hoo!!! She also gave me samples of the pill and a prescription. I have to go back for my annual PAP in December and they will see how my body is handling everything.
Unfortunately, I have to wait 2 weeks before I'm protected, but I plan to use condoms as well. Like Tiffany said, I don't need to be back in the office with a positive pregnancy test this soon. The good news is that my period will be delayed another month due to the birth control, YES! Let's just hope that happens. I will be a very happy woman if it does. Dave isn't so happy though. He thought that since I'll be on the pill that condoms are now a thing of the past. Um, NO! I got pregnant using a condom, so what makes him think that the pill is any safer? Nice try buddy, but I don't think so. 3 children in the house is plenty, thank you very much!
Since I've been given the green light to work out, I'm going to come up with a plan. I've been power walking with the baby, but now I can add more to my work-outs. I've lost 32 lbs so far and I need to lose about 20 more before I get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Then I need to lose another 20 to go back to the weight I was when Dave and I met. That's a lot of poundage, I tell ya! My diet has been really good and I've been sticking with it, yay!
My 'lil bubs hasn't been feeling well this past week. Dave gave him some baby applesauce and he started getting "the runs". He's got a diaper rash because Dave didn't keep up with changing him every time he got up in the middle of the night. I was really pissed about that. The rash is starting to get better, but my poor baby is having a hard time with diaper changes.
Speaking of which, I have a funny to share with you...
Yesterday I was changing Angelo and because he has that rash, I'm having to go about it in a different way. They say to avoid baby wipes and just use water, which I am. Unfortunately, every time I get the rash cream on the way I want it, bubs decides it's safe to push out some more poop. Not only that, but with that particular session, he felt ok to not just poop, but pee as well! I didn't get shot with it, but I had to start all over again. Needless to say, I've been very frustrated. I just want his little bottom to feel better fast, but at this rate, he's going to have this rash a few more days than necessary!
Angelo is a super piggy! He's now eating between 4 and 6 ounces per feeding and is eating more often than I'd like. Dave said that at this rate, we'll be broke by the time he's a teenager, lol. Last time we took him to the doctor he was 9lbs, 12 ounces. He goes back at the end of September and I can't even imagine how big he'll be then!
I had my post partum check-up yesterday. Thank God because my stitches are starting to come out and they're bugging the shit out of my coochie. TMI, I know, but whatever. I think after the pregnancy we're passed that, lol. Anyway, my midwife went in there and trimmed them. They're supposed to dissolve, but she told me that they could just fall out as well. I'm pretty much healed up and I got the green light for REAL sex, woo hoo!!! She also gave me samples of the pill and a prescription. I have to go back for my annual PAP in December and they will see how my body is handling everything.
Unfortunately, I have to wait 2 weeks before I'm protected, but I plan to use condoms as well. Like Tiffany said, I don't need to be back in the office with a positive pregnancy test this soon. The good news is that my period will be delayed another month due to the birth control, YES! Let's just hope that happens. I will be a very happy woman if it does. Dave isn't so happy though. He thought that since I'll be on the pill that condoms are now a thing of the past. Um, NO! I got pregnant using a condom, so what makes him think that the pill is any safer? Nice try buddy, but I don't think so. 3 children in the house is plenty, thank you very much!
Since I've been given the green light to work out, I'm going to come up with a plan. I've been power walking with the baby, but now I can add more to my work-outs. I've lost 32 lbs so far and I need to lose about 20 more before I get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. Then I need to lose another 20 to go back to the weight I was when Dave and I met. That's a lot of poundage, I tell ya! My diet has been really good and I've been sticking with it, yay!
Thursday, August 21, 2008
3 Weeks Old, 3 Weeks To Go!
Angelo is now 3 weeks old and I have 3 weeks until I can have sex again. I know that sounds stupid coming from someone who just had a baby and was pregnant for 10 months, but Dave has been a little too hot to handle lately. It's like the minute I gave birth he was ready to go and quite honestly, so was I.
My post baby check-up is a week from tomorrow. I've decided that I'm going to use the pill and condoms (yes, together) as my methods of birth control. I have to do everything in my power to make sure I do NOT get pregnant again. I've never been on the pill before so I'm hoping that my body will react favorably. I'm really hoping that it makes my pms and periods much easier to deal with since it always seems to knock me on my ass.
I feel like I'm still recovering nicely, except that I'm really stressed out having 3 kids in my house. School starts again on Monday so that'll be my salvation. Our schedule with the girls changes again. Instead of getting them Tuesday through Saturday, we have them Wednesday after school through Saturday. I love the girls, but this schedule will give me a much needed break. This past week Dave has been on vacation and he kept the girls home so I haven't had much privacy. That's been killing me. I could barely function yesterday because I was SO exhausted.
As for my physical self, well that's going great. My libido is back in full force, which is also killing me, lol. No more inflammation, but I can still feel those damn stitches! I'm guessing these aren't the kind that dissolve, unless it takes longer than 3 1/2 weeks. I'm still bleeding, but very little and it's starting to change color, woo hoo! I'm so not looking forward to my first real period though, ugh. My boobs feel just fine, but are still big for my taste. Dave isn't complaining though.
I still have a bit of a tummy and I can't wait until that goes away. I've lost 30 lbs since giving birth, yay for Cristin! I'm sticking to my real food diet and completely resisting temptation. I've replaced ice cream with caramel rice cake snacks. Dave is looking for a replacement for cookies, but hasn't found anything yet. I've also cut down my smoking again. I think having the baby around really helps since I refuse to smoke anywhere near him, including the car. I don't have as much time as I did before so I can't get outside to smoke as much. Now I'm under a half pack per day, which is amazing for me. I started this journey out at 2 packs a day, damn.
I took the clan with me to Angelo's second doctor's appointment on Wednesday and he's doing really well. He's still 22 inches long, but now he weighs 9lbs, 12 ounces. They told me that he's in the 90th percentile for size. He gets some shots done at the end of September and I'm not looking forward to that. His sleeping habits are mad crazy. Some days he's wide awake most of the time and other days he's dead to the world unless I wake him up. At night he's been consistently waking up twice for food. The last couple of nights he's woken up once and sleeping until 7 and 8am. It's been really nice.
Now football is starting and Dave wants me to dress Angelo up in his Chicago Bears gear for all the games, lol, and only the pre-season games are on right now! Clearly having a boy excites him. It's really cute to watch, actually. I'm just thrilled that I don't have to buy any pink. God, I HATE that color! Sorry, it's just that the girls always show up to my house in pink and that drives me absolutely insane.
I cleaned most of my house today and I finally went through all the paperwork that's been piling up. My God that was pure craziness. Most of the crap laying around my house belongs to Dave and the girls. I decided to let everyone know that this isn't a hotel and I'm not a maid. Man, I sound just like my mother. Go figure. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I went from a complete slob to a normal mother who just wants to organization and cleanliness at home. Keep in mind, I still have strange hormones running wild through my body.
Anyway, that's it for now. I should have new pictures of my little man pretty soon. I just need to catch him while his eye are wide open.
'Til next time,
Cristin
My post baby check-up is a week from tomorrow. I've decided that I'm going to use the pill and condoms (yes, together) as my methods of birth control. I have to do everything in my power to make sure I do NOT get pregnant again. I've never been on the pill before so I'm hoping that my body will react favorably. I'm really hoping that it makes my pms and periods much easier to deal with since it always seems to knock me on my ass.
I feel like I'm still recovering nicely, except that I'm really stressed out having 3 kids in my house. School starts again on Monday so that'll be my salvation. Our schedule with the girls changes again. Instead of getting them Tuesday through Saturday, we have them Wednesday after school through Saturday. I love the girls, but this schedule will give me a much needed break. This past week Dave has been on vacation and he kept the girls home so I haven't had much privacy. That's been killing me. I could barely function yesterday because I was SO exhausted.
As for my physical self, well that's going great. My libido is back in full force, which is also killing me, lol. No more inflammation, but I can still feel those damn stitches! I'm guessing these aren't the kind that dissolve, unless it takes longer than 3 1/2 weeks. I'm still bleeding, but very little and it's starting to change color, woo hoo! I'm so not looking forward to my first real period though, ugh. My boobs feel just fine, but are still big for my taste. Dave isn't complaining though.
I still have a bit of a tummy and I can't wait until that goes away. I've lost 30 lbs since giving birth, yay for Cristin! I'm sticking to my real food diet and completely resisting temptation. I've replaced ice cream with caramel rice cake snacks. Dave is looking for a replacement for cookies, but hasn't found anything yet. I've also cut down my smoking again. I think having the baby around really helps since I refuse to smoke anywhere near him, including the car. I don't have as much time as I did before so I can't get outside to smoke as much. Now I'm under a half pack per day, which is amazing for me. I started this journey out at 2 packs a day, damn.
I took the clan with me to Angelo's second doctor's appointment on Wednesday and he's doing really well. He's still 22 inches long, but now he weighs 9lbs, 12 ounces. They told me that he's in the 90th percentile for size. He gets some shots done at the end of September and I'm not looking forward to that. His sleeping habits are mad crazy. Some days he's wide awake most of the time and other days he's dead to the world unless I wake him up. At night he's been consistently waking up twice for food. The last couple of nights he's woken up once and sleeping until 7 and 8am. It's been really nice.
Now football is starting and Dave wants me to dress Angelo up in his Chicago Bears gear for all the games, lol, and only the pre-season games are on right now! Clearly having a boy excites him. It's really cute to watch, actually. I'm just thrilled that I don't have to buy any pink. God, I HATE that color! Sorry, it's just that the girls always show up to my house in pink and that drives me absolutely insane.
I cleaned most of my house today and I finally went through all the paperwork that's been piling up. My God that was pure craziness. Most of the crap laying around my house belongs to Dave and the girls. I decided to let everyone know that this isn't a hotel and I'm not a maid. Man, I sound just like my mother. Go figure. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. I went from a complete slob to a normal mother who just wants to organization and cleanliness at home. Keep in mind, I still have strange hormones running wild through my body.
Anyway, that's it for now. I should have new pictures of my little man pretty soon. I just need to catch him while his eye are wide open.
'Til next time,
Cristin
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