Tonight before Ethan's bedtime, I introduced to him a SNS tube.  It's a feeder tube that I insert one end into a bottle and then the other end into his mouth while he is nursing. This promotes an immediate flow of milk so he doesn't get discouraged or impatient about 'working' for his milk.  Why did I do this?  Because Ethan won't breastfeed before bed (he always gets a bottle and I want to get rid of bottles period if we don't need them!).  So, to my amazement, it worked and he nursed...for 2 minutes.  Let's backtrack a bit... he went down for a nap at 6pm and woke at 7pm.  He nursed then.  So fast forward, he wasn't hungry at 8:15pm.  But he did it and I'm happy about him doing it!  Small success in my opinion!

I made an awesome (vegan) Mushroom Risotto today.  Due to my dairy allergies and Ethan's possible allergy, I have to keep myself interested in making non-dairy foods - foods that I enjoy.  It was fantastic.  It's from the Candle Cafe Cookbook and you would never know there was no dairy in it.  I took a photo. Not the greatest, but it still looks good in my opinion!

I then proceeded to bake... I made a Vegan Snickerdoodle Blondie!  Can I just say OMG Yum!  It took a total of 7 minutes to combine the ingredients and another 20 to bake.  It was from Sweet Tater's blog.  You can find the  recipe here.  Technically the way I made them was not vegan because I used an egg. (Since I'm not vegan, I figured it was ok - plus I didn't have flax seeds).  It was light and fluffy and not too sweet surprisingly.  It was just fantastic!  I highly suggest these. I think I'll be making this for Easter.

What else did we do today?  Well between the major thunderstorms, we took Ethan to the hospital to visit my work friends.  I can't believe it's already been 6 months since I have worked.....I have 8 to go (possibly 9 if I go back in the new year).  (Six months because I was off for 2 months on sick leave due to the gestational diabetes and preterm labour threats).  I have to say I do miss working.  I would not however, sacrifice any  time I could spend with Ethan in this year to go back early though.  I don't think that is worth it whatsoever.  I already lend him out on Monday's to my mom - I don't think I could handle any more long spans like that!

Ethan is loving his playtime lately - alone.  I mean, he doesn't mind if I stick my head in his way when he is playing of course, but he does well on his own.... he does about 15 minutes on his playmat batting at the toys and when we do the jolly jumper, I'm sitting with him, but he does a good 10 minutes.  In his pack n play he would probably hang out for an hour!  We limit that time to 20 minutes (usually I stick him in there if I'm pumping in the morning and park him right next to me).  We are really learning his cries now - he cries when he needs something which is nice.  It's rare that he cries randomly... but when he does, and we can't figure it out it breaks my heart.   I'm chalking it up to teething because I can't figure what else it may be.  Usually the crying involves him sticking his finger in his mouth and pulling on his gums..... poor baby!  All in all, he is doing so well, reaching all his milestones and is such a HAPPY BABY.... always smiling, laughing a lot now - we got a couple belly laughs today!  He melts me!  I just love that little boy to pieces!

La Leche League

Tonight, I attended my second LLL meeting.  For those of you who don't know about La Leche, they are a group of women, all mothers who breastfeed, have breastfed or tried to breastfeed, and they are all there for support.  It's wonderful to hear everybody's story, triumphs, hurdles, etc.  I am so happy I found this group and I really wished that I joined with them before having Ethan because if I did, I could have avoided many "booby traps" that I fell into and we probably would not have so many problems with breastfeeding as we currently do (although it gets better by the week!)  They meet every last Wednesday of the month.  Tonights topic was Challenges and Obstacles of Breastfeeding - perfect!  And I met a mother who is having the exact same problems as I was having/still having.  It's so nice to know I'm not alone and that I'm not the only one who is experiencing what I am experiencing.  Nursing is so important to me, more so than people realize I think.  The fact that I can nurse Ethan as much as I am doing is so rewarding to me because I know  the efforts that I put into it were long and hard, but in the end we figured it out.

Anyway, its great to have this sort of support group and to meet other moms and to just have a night out!  I would normally bring Ethan, but it's from 7:15-9:15 and he is in bed by 7:30, so he gets a bit cranky.  Maybe when he is a bit older I'll bring him again so he  can play with the other kids.  For now, I'll just treat it as a mommy night out!

As a side note, look who I found in Ethan's Pack 'n' Play yesterday.  Bugger!  It took every ounce for me not to laugh, but as I turned the corner into the kitchen I couldn't help myself!  He was stuck in there and scared that he got caught!  I physically had to remove him lol.

My Little Coconut

Why is he my Coconut?  Because he smells like one!!  He has these dry patches on his legs and arms.  They don't seem to be eczema, just dry patches.  I have read that coconut oil is great for dry skin and as a bonus it smells great too!   There are many health benefits of coconut oil for babies.  You can read about them HERE.  So forget about baby oil and dig into the coconut oil.   Make sure it's raw (virgin, cold pressed) and organic.   It will cost you 3x the amount baby oil costs, but it's 100 times better and super healthy compared to baby oil.

Ethan was super fussy today.  We haven't had a day like this for awhile.   He was chomping on his fingers all day today too so I'm thinking it's his teeth.  Naturally, I misplaced his teething necklace and can't seem to find it, so I'll have to look better tomorrow - hopefully he lets me put him down for a bit so I can do that.

He has been waking up more often during the night, so I have decided to give him an extra 3 ounce bottle of pumped breastmilk during the evening.  I'm hoping this helps spread his waking a bit more evenly.  Last night he woke at 11pm, 3:30am and 6am, then 7:30am.  For the last week, he was waking at 11pm, 2am, 4am, 6am and 8am so it seemed to cut one feeding out.   He doesn't seem to want to eat much during the day and likes to stock up during the night and early morning :s .  It's fine, because it's literally 6-10 minutes of feeding and back to bed for both of us.  It's still tiring though.  As long as I can get a good solid 4 hour block of sleep, I'm good to go!

I wanted to take some pictures today, but cranky pants would only be crying in all of his photos, so clearly that wasn't going to happen.  I did manage to take this picture of his stinky feet though - I thought it was pretty cute!  (They aren't stinky, I just like saying that!).  Let's hope for a better day tomorrow!!

Choices....

If I were to base the way we 'parent', I would say we let our baby choose his desires.  Some may call this "attachment parenting", others may call it "spoiling our baby", but I consider us letting Ethan guide his own life and making his own choices.  But wait, he's only 16 weeks old!  It is amazing how much a baby can tell you if you just pay attention.... for instance:

Sleeping:
Even though we followed a routine, I always put Ethan down when he wanted to go down.  I watched for signs.  If it got to the point of him screaming, then I knew we weren't 'listening' to him.  Now, I watch for the signs.  When he is rubbing his eyes, yawning, whining a little, nuzzling into my neck (greatest feeling ever!), I know he needs a nap.  In the early weeks, we couldn't understand why he cried so much...well I believe all along he just wanted to sleep.  Babies really do sleep a ton!  I try not to look at the clock, even though he is pretty much up for one hour between naps, but lately it's gradually getting longer. Now, we don't have to rock him to sleep (although sometimes I'd like to I know he doesn't want this.... it's forcing him to fall asleep).  Now I lay him down in his crib or playpen, or simply lay him in my arms if I want to hold him, and he falls asleep on his own.

In the morning, because mom wants a bit extra sleep, and Ethan isn't really ready to start the day, I bring him into bed with us (around 7 or 8am) and he sleeps with us, and nurses at his own free will on a constant basis....I listen to his signs, and whatever he needs, I can provide it for him, either comfort or milk.

Feeding:
We had a rough start with breastfeeding, and I never really "gave up", but sometimes I would just take a break and start again.  It took a solid 12 weeks to get him to nurse exclusively.  Because of this, he follows a routine more than "on demand" during the day....but in the same sense, I am nursing him after his naps, which is when he wants to eat.   Ethan is a very "routine oriented" baby and this is how he wants his day to go.  I will always offer a feed when he seems hungry - sometimes he takes it sometimes he doesn't - it's HIS choice.

Throughout the night, he does feed more often now - anywhere from one to three feedings.  I don't try to offer just a pacifier or ignore his cries....I offer a breast.  He may only take for a couple minutes, or simply fall asleep on my lap and that's ok.  I will never put cereal in his bottle to "fill him up" or give him formula before bed to "keep him full".  (However, I do not judge people that would do this, because maybe this does work for them, and that is fine with me!  Happy babies = happy parents!)

In the morning, as I mentioned above, he comes into our bed where we snuggle and nurse as often as he likes.  It's a special time for us and it's not going to last for very long so I want as much of it as possible.

When he is 6 months (or older - when he is ready), we are going to take the "Baby-Led Weaning" approach.  This means no spoon feeding, no cereals, no specific order of foods to give baby.  He eats what we eat, when we eat.  There are some guidelines, but not too many, and a very good book I am reading is "Baby Led Weaning: The Essential Guide" which is posted a few posts below with a link to Amazon.  Essentially, baby will eat what he wants and isn't being forced fed purees.  I won't get into detail because I'm not advocating this, it's just something we want to do.  Thankfully I got the Baby Brezza at our shower, and it will be great for steaming different vegetables so he can "gum" them up in his mouth.  When we get closer to when he is ready for solids, I will post more on it and what it's about.

Baby Wearing:
Ethan is held....a lot.  We have many options....arms, Moby Wrap (although he is getting a bit old for that), a woven wrap (great for forward facing), a ring sling and a carrier.  Now here is the catch: people tell us we are spoiling our baby and he will never want to be put down.  This is so not true.  Sometimes he cries when we are holding him, and guess what, he wants to be put down!  If I have something that needs to get done, and it's not safe for him to be in my arms (like cooking), I can put him down and he plays by himself, sometimes up to 25 minutes or so.  So spoiled, I think not.

So here is a bit of a glimps of what we do and how we do it.  We have a very happy baby and I only think it will get better.  There is ONE thing Ethan has no choice over....and that is his photography sessions :)  As a photographer I just can't help myself and one day his wife will greatly appreciate it.  Here is a look at what was done a few days ago with a fellow photographer.  She did a great job posing him and getting him to smile while I took a million shots!

Recipe Post!

If you know me, then you know I LOVE to cook.  Tonight we made Black Bean & Corn Burgers.  They were delish!  I hope you enjoy!


Black Bean & Corn Burgers with Garlic-Adobo Aioli.

Ingredients:
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
3/4 cup corn, thawed if frozen
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
3/4 cup oats
4 tbsp whole wheat flour
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 tbsp chopped chipotle chile in adobo
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 avocado, sliced
spinach, for topping
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, split
Salt & Pepper to taste


Adobo Aioli
1 Cup mayo
3 cloves garlic, minced
Salt
1 Tbsp Adobo sauce (from the can)
(Mix all ingredients well.  This is SPICY so if you don't want it so hot, reduce the amount of adobo sauce).


Directions:


In a food processor, blend the beans, cilantro and corn until blended, but still slightly chunky.

Next, combine the remaining ingredients, except for the avocado, spinach and buns (obviously!).  Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Form into 4 patties (or more if you want smaller patties - these were pretty big).  Pop into freezer for minimum 2 hours.

Grill on the barbeque on high for 10 minutes, flip and grill another 10 minutes.  Top with aioli, avocado slices and spinach.  Throw in a side salad and you are ready to rock! 


Enjoy!

Our Day...

We didn't do much today.  Ethan slept for most of the day (not really but it just seems like it!)  We did another trip to the grocery store and he did great!  He had two 2 hour naps and two cat naps - same as always just at different times.

He has this new thing where he blows drool and milk bubbles lol.  He does it when he is happy, mad, or just chillin'.  He has also started to (almost) roll from back to belly.  If I touch his knee and bring it over he will roll.  I give it 3 days max.

That's really all I have to say.  He is a little ham and I love him to death!

Hot Baby

Ethan has a fever.  :(  It's low grade (37.7) but it's on the cusp that it needs to be taken care of.  We stripped him, gave him some baby Advil and he had two cool baths.  We got it down to 36.8 but it went back up to 37.3.  He went down at 8pm so I haven't checked yet (it's 11:15pm).  He feels warm but not burning hot.

We think it may be from teething, although there are mixed reviews on the internet whether or not teething causes fevers.  He is acting normal for the most part (just a bit quiet), looked slightly pale, but eating, sleeping, peeing and pooping just fine - nothing really out of the ordinary there (except maybe eating really well with NO PUKE! Just a bit of spit - up)!! So that's why I think it's from teething.  I also read that when they are going through this, their immune system is lowered a bit, so they are more susceptible to illness, so maybe he is fighting something off.

I'll take his temperature when he wakes up for his mid-night feeding (and of course check him before I go to sleep).  Otherwise, he is doing great.  We went for a visit to a friends house (before we discovered the fever), and he was so great there.  He was a perfect, happy little baby.  Considering the ride out there was about 35 minutes, he did great in the car too.  I had to ride with him in the back seat on the way home, but hey, I really don't mind entertaining a cute little baby boy!!

I'll update tomorrow on how he is doing.  Poor bum :s  

Some things....

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I finally got Ethan's Amber Teething Necklace in the mail.  I put it on him today so we will see how it works over the next few days.  I also bought some Hylands Teething Tablets.   I used them when he had his finger in his mouth and chomping on it and he hasn't done so since 1:30pm (it's now 5:30pm).  Oh wait, why are we using teething tablets do you ask? Because our little overachiever is about to cut a tooth - that's right.... not even 3.5 months old and he is getting teeth.  I'm hoping it's just a tooth bud and doesn't fully emerge - it's too early for teeth!

Also, I have started to research Baby Led Weaning.  I'm not positive that this is the way we are going to go, but I'm almost positive.  Maybe a little bit of this and pureed foods, not sure.  He isn't getting solids until 6 months, but I have to research the crap out of stuff before I actually do it.  I'm going to order the book Baby Led Weaning: The Essential Guide and see what it has to say.  I only hear positive feedback from this, and we are trying to go all "natural mama & baby" so hey, why not!  Again, research is key!  I'll give an update in a month or so once we decide what we are going to do.

We have been having this beautiful 70+ weather, Ethan has definitely been getting his fair share of fresh air.  I have to look into some sunscreen for this little dude.  I recently purchased THIS sunscreen from Saje, and not sure if I can use it on babies.  If not, I'll have to find another natural product for him. There is no way we can keep him covered up.  We visited some friends today and when I took him out of the car seat he was sweating and his back was wet :(  Needless to say we stripped him but had to stay inside (with the door open).  When we went home he was naked (all but a diaper), and when he went to Nona's he wore a onesie.

Ryan and I are off for our date night.  Heading to Erie St. for some yumtastic Italian food !!

CIAO!!

Oh the Frustration!

So like I've posted before, breastfeeding is going well.  He gets one bottle a night - just before bed.  WELL... between 9am and 5pm, whenever he nurses, he vomits most of what he eats (or so it seams) at least twice... I have an oversupply and I'm thinking an overactive letdown, so that would make sense.  I have tried expressing beforehand, pumping before, shortening his feeds a bit (down to 8 minutes now) and still nothing is working.  I am going to give it another few days, but if it continues, I don't know if I can deal with this every day.  It's not fair to Ethan or myself (or my washing machine!).  The thing is, it doesn't affect him in any way.  He doesn't cry, look startled, annoyed, nothing.  He just continues on with what he was doing - laughing, playing, resting, whatever.

We have no issues throughout the night and first feeding in the morning, so I'm not really sure what's going on.  He has many heavy, wet diapers and at least two soiled diapers daily, so he is obviously eating enough, it's the vomiting that concerns me..... unless he is just a puker.  It just doesn't seem as bad with bottles, which, in reality, just doesn't make sense!

It took so much work to get where we are, and now that we are here, it's seems to be going the wrong way.

On a happy note, Ethan discovered the exersaucer and has a blast in it!  (notice the pukey face in most of these photos?  'sigh')

Not much to say

I don't have much to say so I thought I'd just post some pictures of my finger eating monster :)

Not Baby Related

I have really put my photography on the backburner since Ethan has been born.  We do baby photoshoots, and I take pictures of him almost every day, but not in a professional way.

Today I took some photographs for my mother in law of her seashells.  Here are my favorite shots:

Back on Track....kinda

So I think we are either getting back on track or on a new routine!  NOW Ethan seems to be on an eating strike....meaning he can take it or leave it.  If you read about growth spurts, you will see that they are super hungry for a few days then won't eat at all and sleep for the next few (or vice versa).  I haven't noticed any of his sleepers being too snug or fitting better, but then again I have him in 3-6 month clothing so I guess I wouldn't really notice.

He now is enjoying a long nap from 1-4pm, or later (by about half hour).  And takes his little cat naps during the morning.  And another nap at 6:30pm or 7:00pm.  (We need to eliminate this nap because he doesn't want to go to bed until 9pm or so!).

Breastfeeding is going wonderfully.  We are generally only giving him one or two bottles (of breastmilk of course) during the day.  Depends if I drop him off at our parent's house.  I was a bit worried that he will prefer the bottle from doing that, but he doesn't, which is a relief.  Nursing is so much more convenient though, I have to say.  I have only been pumping early morning and before I go to bed (unless Ethan misses a feeding, then I have to).  So it's SO NICE to not be attached to a pump all day.  I feel very "full" but generally that means that he is due for a feeding, plus I have to work on lessening my supply so I have to just deal with it I guess.  We are now working on taking the breast a bit longer than right after his nap.  Before I was doing immediately after naptime - he was sleepy and would always take (still does).  Now, I am waiting.  For instance, he woke up at 8:30am this morning, and he was jib jabbering in his crib for 25 minutes....so  left him.  He was having a great time!  I went in and he was smiling.  I changed him and then played with him for a few minutes, waited for his cues and fed him.  He took alright.  I don't think he was super hungry but he still took.  It's progress!   We seem to be doing good with that at home but not so much when we are out of the house (like our parents house).  So I will see today at my mom's how he does.

As you can see, Ethan and Sophie are becoming really good friends.  She doesn't mind when he chews on her ears and feet (might give a little squeek here and there) HAHAHA  I'm so funny!  (No just overtired :D )

Napping Strike

Yes....Ethan is on a napping strike.  Refuses to nap for more than 15 minutes....and only if he is laying on me.  I'm not sure what is going on but it's tiring myself and him out.  By 7:30pm he is sooo cranky and wants his bed.  As soon as he is fed and put down he is out....then up at 2am, 4am, 6am then finally 8am.  It's a bit tiring but I go to bed around 10 now and get a good solid 4 hours (sometimes 5 or 6 if he skips the 2am feeding!).

This morning I was up at 6am, he wasn't interested in nursing and went back to sleep, so I was up.  I'm hoping for another few minutes but I hear him stirring!  I thought last week was a growth spurt, but no, it's definitely this week.  I think we are coming to the end of it which I am so thankful for because it has been tiring for all of us!  I got to take a shower and clean up the kitchen and NOW HE IS UP!

Quick Update

I'm feeling pretty tired.  I had a chiropractor adjustment and it went really well, but I feel a bit "off".  I'm sore and tired and can't wait for my bed!  So here are today's adventures:

Had a chiro appointment for myself.  I can't believe I can crack as much as I did!  It was a huge relief and I feel so much better :D

Ethan had a chiro appointment too.  He is all better - he will have a follow up in a month to see how he is doing.

I weighed in at Weight Watchers.  I was a bit nervous to go.  I was going to "do really good this week and be down for next week" but I bit the bullet and went anyway.  I figured if I didn't go I was never going to go back.  Well, I'm down  1.5 lbs, so I have lost a total of 10 lbs in 6 weeks.  Not great but that's okay since I am nursing/pumping, I can't be losing too much other wise I may hurt my supply.

Ethan is a bit off schedule today.  Poor guy was so tired he went to bed at 7:30 tonight, and he is still sleeping (10:30).  Actually I just heard him make a noise lol.  Gotta go I'm sure he is hungry!

A small success story

As you know, Ethan and I have been working on nursing.  It's going well except he will only feed during the night and immediately after a nap..... WELL....

Tonight before bed, I gave him 1 ounce to put a bit in his tummy.  He didn't take it all and he actually ASKED to be nursed!  (Well not by words of course).

A little tidbit:  If you place your baby in the middle of your chest, he will cinch his way down and fall to the left or right.  AND if you forget which breast your nursed from last, your baby will tell you because they always go to the opposite breast.  They are way smarter than we thing!  They aren't just a cute little face you know :D

So I am on cloud 9.... I just hope this is a good sign that he is realizing that there is lots of food for him to eat and so much better than from a bottle.

Another nice thing is that I am pumping WAY less right now and it is wonderful.  I always try to pump 2 hours before he is going to nurse, and for the most part it seems to work out.  IF Ethan decides that he is going to nurse exclusively, I still need to have at least one good pumping session to stock up milk for Mommy Monday and Date Night Friday.  I'm thinking before bed would be a perfect time and in the morning after his first nursing session (because I get about 7 ounces AFTER he eats for 15 minutes... yes he nurses for 15 minutes max and then is satisfied).

So this is my main focus right now with him - nursing and lots and lots of contact - so holding, baby wearing, napping together in the afternoon.

Off to wash some diapers! (Check out those eyelashes - I'm jealous!)

My baby is 3 months old today!

Yep  -  3 months old :)

 He is doing so well, so many new things in such a short time (like 2 weeks).  Things he has done:

1.  He is nursing 80% of the day.  The only time we can't get him to nurse is right before bed.

2.  He rolled over today!  I propped him up on a pillow and he rolled to the side.  He did this about 15 times before tiring himself out lol.

3.  He has found his fingers - he tries to stuff them all in at one time and then gags.  That's ok....he will learn!

4.  He is liking his toys now.  He sits in the Bumbo until we take him out (I think he would hang out all day in it if he could but I'm worried about his neck).  And he loves the vibrating chair.

5.  He is getting interested in the dogs, food, anything we do.  He watches and takes it all in.

6.  He is laughing now.  We haven't gotten the belly laugh but he is doing these cute little giggles.

7.  He is grasping and holding things and brings them right into his mouth!

We decided to just keep him almost naked at home.  Our house is warm enough and he is so happy when he is just in a diaper shirt.  Thankfully we have a lot of cute ones!  By the end of the night he is just naked (with a diaper on). That is usually right before bed.  Then bath, bottle and pj time.

It seems as though it is getting harder for him to go to sleep at night, but when he is down he is out.  He has been getting up at 1 or 2am to nurse now too.  Then again at 6am.  The good thing is that I don't have to pump at night anymore :D  That makes it all worth it to me!

Tomorrow is going to be a lazy Sunday.   I'm going to work on some projects that have been lingering around and maybe we will watch a movie.

(Do you see all of that drool! )