First Mother's Day

I realized that although I wrote about my mother for Mother's Day, I'd still like to remember my own Mother's Day, too! Not at all to pay tribute to myself, but to record what happened for my own memory's sake.

It's true that last year, Chris got me a sweet card and flowers for Mother's Day although Baby B was just starting to make an appearance around my middle. This year, was my first Mother's Day that I could hold my sweet baby boy and relish in the fact that I'm his mom.

(And as I type this, I'm aware of many friends who have lost babies this year and my heart breaks. I want to stop writing this right now in case it makes someone hurt more. But I need to continue. I'm sorry.)

His hugs and smiles are the very best part of my day, and although most days have something about them that is hard or doesn't go as planned, I still love spending my days with my son. There is nothing better.

Mother's Day weekend started with the flu. I had a fever of 101 on Friday night and tried to lay low on Saturday (as hard as that was for me). Chris was home so he did all the laundry, chores I couldn't do and helped out with William. I was grateful for the rest. I started a new project which I've been waiting to do for months. But the more I did the weaker I felt so I had to put it away for another day.

Chris surprised me that night with a bouquet of roses, a spoon rest and a wonderful card. There's a story behind the spoon rest so it was a cute, thoughtful gift.

I did feel better on Sunday which I was glad for. It was my Pastor's last day at our church as he had just put in his resignation the week before under terrible circumstances which left my heart feeling broken and sad. I was so thankful I got to attend his last service and say good bye -- as hard as that was.

Chris had to work for the rest of the day so William and I went home and had a sweet day of playing together. We also skyped with my mom for a long time which was really nice. I don't get to have long conversations with her as much as I used to.

I didn't want to be upset that Chris had to work and I had to be home with William. I didn't want to think "this is suppose to be my day" because although it would have been nice to get a massage or go shopping or have alone time, being with my son was special too. He'll only be this little, seven month old baby boy whose trying so hard to crawl for a little while longer.

This mama doesn't sleep regularly or eat regularly or do anything that she used to do in the way of cooking or crafts, but life is still good, if not better because of William.

I realized that although I wrote about my mother for Mother's Day, I'd still like to remember my own Mother's Day, too! Not at all to pay tribute to myself, but to record what happened for my own memory's sake.

It's true that last year, Chris got me a sweet card and flowers for Mother's Day although Baby B was just starting to make an appearance around my middle. This year, was my first Mother's Day that I could hold my sweet baby boy and relish in the fact that I'm his mom.

(And as I type this, I'm aware of many friends who have lost babies this year and my heart breaks. I want to stop writing this right now in case it makes someone hurt more. But I need to continue. I'm sorry.)

His hugs and smiles are the very best part of my day, and although most days have something about them that is hard or doesn't go as planned, I still love spending my days with my son. There is nothing better.

Mother's Day weekend started with the flu. I had a fever of 101 on Friday night and tried to lay low on Saturday (as hard as that was for me). Chris was home so he did all the laundry, chores I couldn't do and helped out with William. I was grateful for the rest. I started a new project which I've been waiting to do for months. But the more I did the weaker I felt so I had to put it away for another day.

Chris surprised me that night with a bouquet of roses, a spoon rest and a wonderful card. There's a story behind the spoon rest so it was a cute, thoughtful gift.

I did feel better on Sunday which I was glad for. It was my Pastor's last day at our church as he had just put in his resignation the week before under terrible circumstances which left my heart feeling broken and sad. I was so thankful I got to attend his last service and say good bye -- as hard as that was.

Chris had to work for the rest of the day so William and I went home and had a sweet day of playing together. We also skyped with my mom for a long time which was really nice. I don't get to have long conversations with her as much as I used to.

I didn't want to be upset that Chris had to work and I had to be home with William. I didn't want to think "this is suppose to be my day" because although it would have been nice to get a massage or go shopping or have alone time, being with my son was special too. He'll only be this little, seven month old baby boy whose trying so hard to crawl for a little while longer.

This mama doesn't sleep regularly or eat regularly or do anything that she used to do in the way of cooking or crafts, but life is still good, if not better because of William.

My Mother's Day

Today is my Mother's special day. The day I celebrate her. I've written about her before but this year, after having a baby of my own, I feel I have a whole new respect for her, and I find my self being in awe of all she did for us.

I've learned a few things about my own infancy: a) I never took a bottle and b) I didn't sleep through the night until I was a year old. Those two things alone make me question how my mother is alive today - and why she had four of us! Add to that the fact that my dad was rarely home to help her out with baby stuff and I really don't get it! (I rely so heavily on my husband that I cannot fathom how she did it!)

My mother never complained (to us) about how many hours of sleep she missed, how many diapers she had to change or anything. Either she had very realistic expectations of what being a mom would be like or she really loved it - dirty diapers and all! Maybe it was a combination of them both.

Over the last year, I've sought out the advice of my mother on everything pregnancy and baby related. I've been so blessed that not only does she have her own experiences but her job keeps her super up-to-date on the latest techniques and safety regulations. She has a lot of knowledge about labor, breastfeeding, infant message, car seat safety, and so much more. She has been incredibly helpful to me and baby William.

In 2013, I had three very special weeks with my mom. I don't think I've gotten to spend that much time with her since I moved away from home! Last summer, I spent a week at home seeing family and friends. My mom wasn't planning on being home since my sister was due that same week, but Charlotte waited -- so mom and I had a lot of time together.

Then in October, she spent a week with us after William was born. I don't know how I would have gotten through that time without her help. She made every meal, cleaned every (little) room and gave endless advice concerning the troubles I was having with breastfeeding. I was so grateful she could spend the whole week with us!

And of course, we went home to Minnesota for Christmas so William could meet everyone. We didn't get too much time with Mom, but once again, she out did herself again with hospitality and making Christmas a special family holiday. She even hosted a baby shower for William and Charlotte!

One of my favorite things about my mom is the focus she puts on family. If there is an opportunity to see family, or an occasion to have people over, she works to make it happen. Every year, we celebrated birthdays and holidays with grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and cousins and sometimes neighbors.

My mom is a great mother to me and is a wonderful grandmother to William.  She never stops carrying or showering us with her love. We are so blessed to have her in our lives!

Today is my Mother's special day. The day I celebrate her. I've written about her before but this year, after having a baby of my own, I feel I have a whole new respect for her, and I find my self being in awe of all she did for us.

I've learned a few things about my own infancy: a) I never took a bottle and b) I didn't sleep through the night until I was a year old. Those two things alone make me question how my mother is alive today - and why she had four of us! Add to that the fact that my dad was rarely home to help her out with baby stuff and I really don't get it! (I rely so heavily on my husband that I cannot fathom how she did it!)

My mother never complained (to us) about how many hours of sleep she missed, how many diapers she had to change or anything. Either she had very realistic expectations of what being a mom would be like or she really loved it - dirty diapers and all! Maybe it was a combination of them both.

Over the last year, I've sought out the advice of my mother on everything pregnancy and baby related. I've been so blessed that not only does she have her own experiences but her job keeps her super up-to-date on the latest techniques and safety regulations. She has a lot of knowledge about labor, breastfeeding, infant message, car seat safety, and so much more. She has been incredibly helpful to me and baby William.

In 2013, I had three very special weeks with my mom. I don't think I've gotten to spend that much time with her since I moved away from home! Last summer, I spent a week at home seeing family and friends. My mom wasn't planning on being home since my sister was due that same week, but Charlotte waited -- so mom and I had a lot of time together.

Then in October, she spent a week with us after William was born. I don't know how I would have gotten through that time without her help. She made every meal, cleaned every (little) room and gave endless advice concerning the troubles I was having with breastfeeding. I was so grateful she could spend the whole week with us!

And of course, we went home to Minnesota for Christmas so William could meet everyone. We didn't get too much time with Mom, but once again, she out did herself again with hospitality and making Christmas a special family holiday. She even hosted a baby shower for William and Charlotte!

One of my favorite things about my mom is the focus she puts on family. If there is an opportunity to see family, or an occasion to have people over, she works to make it happen. Every year, we celebrated birthdays and holidays with grandmas and grandpas, aunts and uncles, and cousins and sometimes neighbors.

My mom is a great mother to me and is a wonderful grandmother to William.  She never stops carrying or showering us with her love. We are so blessed to have her in our lives!

Baby B: Seven Months Old

 

This past month has had a lot of changes for little William Bradley. Five days after his six month "birthday" he began teething and he hasn't had a break since. Only the front two teeth on the bottom have made an appearance but I know others aren't far behind. William is usually a fairly happy baby. He smiles and laughs and seems to really enjoy people. But teething has caused a lot of pain which brings a lot of tears.

He is ticklish! Which I love. He is also getting the hang of peek-a-boo and gives the biggest smiles when you reveal yourself. I love his laugh. Sometimes its a throaty "ah" sound and other times its a high pitched squeal. His mouth gets wide showing off his gums and two teeth, and his dimples appear. It's the best.

He has also been exploring more. He gets up on his hands and knees, willing himself to move forward but can't quite coordinate everything to work as it should. He inches his way around by scooting bit by bit; first his knees, then his hands. When reaching for a toy he slides back down to his belly.

He is able to sit up on his own, but is still pretty unstable. I've always got a hand or pillow inches a way ready to catch his fall. He is enjoying his more interactive toys too. The musical ones with lights always keep his attention the longest. He likes story time too -- at least I like to think so. He's less squirmy now when I pull out the books and he'll grab at the pages too -- even if it is only to put them in his mouth!

I'd also like to think that he is starting to recognize the other babies in our community. He has had a few times to interact with them now and I hope one day soon they'll actually be able to "play." Right now, they grab at each others hands and feet and hope to make it to their mouths.

We've attempted to be more serious with sleep training this past week. Our pediatrician recommended it was time to forgo the nightly feedings. Our timing coincided with teething so it's been a little more painful for everyone. She said it would take three days and he'd catch on, but after seven we are still waking up two to three times every night. I was ready to put my foot down and remain strong this time but after day five, I melted. I can't seem to stay consistent long enough for it to make a difference.

I don't have any new measurements to report, but he's growing! My arms have started to burn with his constant jumping/bouncing when he is in my arms. Standing still just won't do.

 

This past month has had a lot of changes for little William Bradley. Five days after his six month "birthday" he began teething and he hasn't had a break since. Only the front two teeth on the bottom have made an appearance but I know others aren't far behind. William is usually a fairly happy baby. He smiles and laughs and seems to really enjoy people. But teething has caused a lot of pain which brings a lot of tears.

He is ticklish! Which I love. He is also getting the hang of peek-a-boo and gives the biggest smiles when you reveal yourself. I love his laugh. Sometimes its a throaty "ah" sound and other times its a high pitched squeal. His mouth gets wide showing off his gums and two teeth, and his dimples appear. It's the best.

He has also been exploring more. He gets up on his hands and knees, willing himself to move forward but can't quite coordinate everything to work as it should. He inches his way around by scooting bit by bit; first his knees, then his hands. When reaching for a toy he slides back down to his belly.

He is able to sit up on his own, but is still pretty unstable. I've always got a hand or pillow inches a way ready to catch his fall. He is enjoying his more interactive toys too. The musical ones with lights always keep his attention the longest. He likes story time too -- at least I like to think so. He's less squirmy now when I pull out the books and he'll grab at the pages too -- even if it is only to put them in his mouth!

I'd also like to think that he is starting to recognize the other babies in our community. He has had a few times to interact with them now and I hope one day soon they'll actually be able to "play." Right now, they grab at each others hands and feet and hope to make it to their mouths.

We've attempted to be more serious with sleep training this past week. Our pediatrician recommended it was time to forgo the nightly feedings. Our timing coincided with teething so it's been a little more painful for everyone. She said it would take three days and he'd catch on, but after seven we are still waking up two to three times every night. I was ready to put my foot down and remain strong this time but after day five, I melted. I can't seem to stay consistent long enough for it to make a difference.

I don't have any new measurements to report, but he's growing! My arms have started to burn with his constant jumping/bouncing when he is in my arms. Standing still just won't do.