My Baby is Sick :(

It took him 5 months to catch his first cold.... I don't even think I could consider it a "cold" and it may be allergies, but regardless he is congested and has lots of boogers.  He doesn't have a runny nose however, so I guess that's alright, but I can hear the congestion in the back of his throat.  He pretty much slept all day yesterday, but today we had a relaxing day.

This morning, we moistened his nose with the HydraSense spray, then sucked his nose with the snot sucker :)

As you can see he didn't really mind...as long as I make it like a "game" he's all good with it.

Then I let him watch some TV because he wasn't feeling well and he enjoys it.  It was Baby Signing Time so at least it was educational!

We went to my parents for dinner afterwards, and were surprised to see our cousin there - we called him for a visit to have dinner (because he always says no) and he said "no" but then showed up.  Ethan had fun with him!

He got cranky, so we had to leave shortly after dinner, and it took quite a while for him to fall asleep - over tired plus not feeling well makes it hard for him to fall asleep.  As I type this, he is restless and whining in bed, but every time I go in there he is sleeping....so I will patiently wait until he wakes.  Until then, enjoy this adorable photo of him from today on his mat :)

Feel better little man!  Mommy loves you <3

Mei Tai's, Mat Play & Dogs Oh My!

You are probably wondering what my blog post means - Mei Tai's!!  Don't get too excited, it's not a drink recipe post ;)  A Mei Tai is similar to an Ergo Baby but way easier to put on and, get this, easy to make!  All for about $14.00 (plus labour of course!). I borrowed one from a friend to see if he likes it, and Ethan seems to really like it, as you can see... (ignore the vacuum please!  I was not thinking about that as I took the photo!)

And what is even better is this sweet view I get from above!

We had lots of mat play today as well....practicing rolling over, his little swimming thing he does, and interacting with the puppies.  They are definitely getting used to Ethan now, and I think it's funny that when they walk past him, he swats at them lol.  They have no reaction to it, but he also isn't physically touching them yet, but he's eyeing them up, and down!

We went to Fabric Land today to pick out some material....I'll post the photo of the finished product if it turns out alright (I'm sure it will).  And then we went to pay for the hall rental for his birthday - yes, you read that right..... his hall is rented.  It seemed as though that where we wanted it, the entire month of December was pretty much booked so I wanted to get it done right away so we get the date that we wanted.

Tonight is dinner at Grama & Grampa's and then we start our whole day over again tomorrow!

Today...

Today was a very quick day.  We started off bright and early at 7am (I am not enjoying these early mornings).  He was up for an hour and then decided to take a 2.5 hour nap (bonus!).   I didn't get much done in that time - just searched the internet to see how to make a Mei Tai Carrier.

Then we went to visit our friends out in Harrow.

While Ethan slept...

I played with this cute little guy....

Once Ethan woke up, I tried to entertain him with yet another new toy that he loves.  (We try out a lot of toys at their house since they have lots - I mean when you have 3 kids, I guess you don't have a choice, but it's awesome to keep them busy all day long!) I need to find me one of these things.

Then we came home, he napped, I went to the gym to do my cardio and had a nice steak dinner.  (Forgot to take a photo).  He got a bath and was nursed and fell asleep by 8pm. :)  It's great when they have busy days!

Exciting things for Ethan!

Today was a pretty good day - much less hectic than the last 4 days we had.

Ethan and I met a friend at the mall for some chit chat, lunch and shopping.  I only bought a book light but hey, I needed it and was in need of one :)

After we got home, he had a quick 40 minute nap and then Zia Maryanne came over.  She entertained him for a while and when she left, he went for a....... just shy of a 3 hour nap - awesome kid!  When dad came home, he set up Ethan's highchair and we sat him in it so he has somewhere to sit when we have dinner.   He is clearly not ready for solids yet, but it's only about 5 weeks away before we are going to try it out so why not get him used to sitting with us :)  He didn't seem to realize he can pick up items from his tray to put in his mouth (since everything goes in his mouth these days).  {Side note, I think it's funny that he attacks my elbow every time I reach over him - must look like a nipple or something to him lol. }

Speaking of dinner, I made a pretty good Asian stirfry (what stirfry isn't asian right!).  This one, however, had curry, lime and cilantro so I guess it was more Thai.  I liked it, but it was lacking something, so I'm going to have to work on it a bit.

I also gave Ethan a sippy cup.  It was empty, but he played with it, and in about 20 minutes he figured out what it was for.  I may try to put some breast milk in it this week and see if he figures it out.... I'm undecided about that though.  I'll keep you posted :)

After, dinner, Ethan & Dad had some man time and then it was bath for the little guy and bed.  He went down fast, which seems to be the norm lately.  I've now accepted that he doesn't like to be rocked and it's kind of nice that I can put him down in his crib, and he gets himself sleepy as I read my book, then when he's ready, he lets out a specific cry/whine and I rub his back lightly and pat his bum and he is out.  Love you little boo!

Personal Training

Ryan bought me a personal trainer for 6 weeks.  I see her two times a week.  I had my first appointment today and it was awesome! Today she pretty much tested my strength and let me just say my "core strength" is non-existent.  However, she did say that since I did have core strength at one time (pre pregnancy), that it would be easy for me to get back - yay.

My plan is as follows:  2 days with her plus cardio (on my own), 1 day strength training on my own and two days yoga and cardio.  So it's a lot of work, but it's 1.5 hours out of my day (one hour workout plus half hour for driving).

My only concern was with Ethan and nursing....I have realized that I have to let this go.  It will not hurt him to have a bottle these days (if he even needs one).  He still nurses on demand and it's ok.... I have to keep telling myself that.  And worst case, if he only nurses at night and the morning then that is okay too. Just means I have to pump, but in reality, I have to pump before my sessions anyway so I will always have milk available (plus my little freezer stash as well).

Speaking of Ethan, little man had a rough day today.  He was with nonna and was cranky all day.  Ryan and I noticed that when he was home he had VERY rosy cheeks..... plus a faucet of drool....so maybe he is actually going to get a tooth now because he has been very "off".  Poor guy.  I felt so bad for him tonight.  He even fell asleep in my arms (this is rare - very rare as he does not like to be rocked to sleep anymore).

I guess he also made strange today - with my Aunt!  He has seen her on many occasions but I guess he was not going to have anything to do with her today.  In one way I am relieved that he finally isn't going to every person that will hold him, but then again, family is okay.  I guess we have to practice a bit more lol.

That's really all I have to say.  I am battling a headache since 4pm today (it's now almost 10pm).  I'm not sure what it is from - I think lack of processed sugar since I am trying to "eat clean".  I am assuming the tortilla chips are not very clean - but they are organic :)

Goodnight!

Happy Earth Day!

Ethan and I met a friend and her daughter for Earth Day today.  It was at a park and there were a bunch of different vendors.  I found a few things that were beneficial to us:  Some flour - hand stone ground white and spelt.  I plan to use the spelt flour to make some cookies for Ethan when he is ready to eat since we are not introducing wheat for a little while.  I also found some pea shoots and a tree to plant with Ethan (and we will call it an Ethan tree) :)

I think it's important to do things with him that are nature filled.  I know he doesn't really know what was going on but the more we take him the more interested he will become.  It's exciting to know that when he is older he can participate in the activities they had for the kids - science experiments, tree planting, dirt digging.... it will be a good time!

Here we are planting his tree.... I hope we can keep it alive since my record with plants are not very good :)  I may make a better effort with this one.  I believe it's called a swamp tree.

    Putting the tree in the pot

    Mom holding the tree and waiting for the dirt.

    Ethan checking out the planted tree

    Ethan about to grab the tree :)

                                        Time to water


After we came home, he had his nap, then we had some camera fun :)

And then another nap.  We are trying to extend his wake time to 2 hours in between naps in hope of a better sleep at night.  He seems to have his day and night feeds mixed up now.  He wants to nurse every two hours through the night and isn't very hungry during the day.  I am going to have to see what to do about this!  Probably just live with it until he is older..... "sigh" ;)

HAPPY EARTH DAY :)  GO PLANT SOME TREES!!!

Some new things.... and a bad thing

Ethan and I went to Sweetheart Diapers today to buy another Amber teething necklace.

WELL, to my surprise, they carry a few other items I had my eye on, such as:

Milk Trays by Sensible Lines

These trays hold 1 oz of milk per slot and make it so much easier to freeze without wasting expensive milk bags.  Initially theses cost about $27.00 but in the long run it saves money. I wish I knew about these before!  Now that I  pump once a day, I get about 3-5 oz per session, so it makes sense to use these.  He only gets 3 oz in a bottle at a time, so for me to freeze 5 oz in a bag, 2 oz is wasted.  The only time he gets a bottle is at my mom's house or if I go out, like last night.  It was nice to be able to go out and have Ryan take care of him.  Funny thing though, once I came home, he was up in an hour, greeted me with a HUGE smile and nursed to sleep again.  Funny Bunny he is!  (Totally off topic but had to share).

Baby Bandz 

I've had my eyes on these babies because, well, they are just SO CUTE.  Aside from that, I want him to wear sunglasses to protect his itty bitty eyes (ok not so little eyes, but you know what I mean!)  I found out this year that I have sun damage in my eyes from not wearing any sunglasses, so it's something I feel is important, and even more important, they need to be cute!

Amber Teething Necklace & Anklets

Since I lost the first one I bought him (you know I'm going to find it now that I purchased another one!) I bought him another necklace.  Originally I was going to buy an Anklet, but she made a point that there are less beads and may be less effective so I bit the bullet and bought the necklace.

Ergo Baby Ergo Carriers

No picture here, because he was getting cranky.  But I did have him in this and it was great - so comfortable.  He is still in an inbetween stage for this though.  Too small to sit as an infant (tear, so sad) but not big enough to spread his legs to straddle my waist.  I'm hoping (hint hint) to get one for Mothers Day from Ethan.  It would be a perfect fit, don't you think!

Now the not so greatness, I think I have a blocked milk duct.  SO not fun.  I'm working on it though - lots of nursing and pumping.  Of course, it doesn't help when he falls asleep nursing!

Overall we had a great day.  He is too heavy for his bassinet insert in his Pack & Play so that is coming out today.  I am letting him play in it today though.  Isn't funny that no matter what kind of toys you have for your baby they like the simplest things....like my sweatshirt!  Silly Boy!

He is also practicing rolling from back to belly.  Doesn't quite have it (like I thought he did a few weeks back, oops!) but he is getting close!

Happy Weekend Everyone!

It's about time I relaxed!

When Ethan was first born, I was so "by the rules" and wrote everything down - how much he ate, how many diapers he went through, when he slept, for how long.....

I was so concerned about everything he was doing (or not doing) that I only focused on those things.  I mean, I still enjoyed him and played with him, but I was always watching the clock for his next feeding, next change, next nap.

These last couple weeks I've pretty much "let go".  I don't pay attention to when he eats, how much, etc.  I forget to change him after a feed sometimes and am quickly reminded when he pees through his diaper (no it doesn't happen often that I forget, but sometimes we run down to see dad and it passes me by!).  I'm enjoying him and enjoying life with him - letting things just go with the flow.  I think it also has to do with me knowing (and still learning) what his cries and noises mean.  I know when he is hungry or tired or needs a diaper change.  We are just living and enjoying our time together.

Speaking of diapers....grrrr!  We have had a leak through every morning - sometimes two times in a row.  (No, not because I forget to change him!)  I don't know what's going on.  He has very light diapers through the night (he is only waking at 3am again).  I feel to see if it should be changed and he hasn't really even peed.  By 7am it is drenched.  It feels like a 12 hour diaper and really, it's been only 4 hours.  Do babies hold their pee longer as they get older??  I think I'll post that question on Cafe Mom.

On a funny note, I was putting him down for a nap today and he was tired but not ready to nap.  So I let him lay in his crib and I read a magazine on the glider.  Well, we put a breathable bumper on his crib because he gets his legs caught in the bars of the crib all the time.... yah.... he now rests his feet on top of the bumper....through the crib rails.  What a bugger!  I tried getting a picture but I am having phone photo issues and couldn't do it.  I did take a little video though.

All he does is eat and sleep....

Ethan is 2 weeks shy of 5 months.  I don't think he is going through another growth spurt..... I guess it's possible.  What used to be 8-10 minute feedings has now turned into 15-20 minute feedings.  My thoughts are:  Growth spurt, decrease in milk supply (aka regulated to what he needs, not 3x the amount he needs!), teething or learning to take more milk to go longer in between feedings.  Or maybe he just wants to eat!

Thankfully we have gotten back to his regular night time sleeping patterns.  Bed by 7:30 or 8:00 (tonight was 7pm), wakes at 3:30am and then at 6:30am and 8:30am.  He seems to be losing one nap but sleeping longer in the afternoon (bonus!).  Today for example, he slept 1 hour, fed for 30 minutes, fell back asleep for another hour.  Then two 40 minute naps in the morning (around 10am) and in the afternoon (around 4pm).  I'm so happy we have a sleeper.  I got scared when he wasn't wanting to sleep last week!

Vomiting has become less as well, which makes me think my milk is decreasing/losing my overactive let down... either that or he is tolerating it better.  I think he will be a permanent bib baby but the less puking the better for me!

Other than that we have been having great days.  He is learning so much and interacting so much more.  He is getting heavy to hold (almost 15 lbs), so it's nice that he likes to play independently or just not in our arms.  But don't worry, we still have LOTS of cuddle time :)

We are on no bottles at home now.  It's wonderful.... no bottle cleaning and pumping maybe once a day.  Again - a great thing.  I do just enough to stock up my freezer supply.  We still haven't really nursed in public - just at our parents houses.  I don't have an issue with it, but the opportunity hasn't come up.  I know I am still going to have to bring a bottle with me just to be "safe" but I think it will go okay.

As you can see from these photos, EVERYTHING goes into this little boys mouth lately.  Tonight was especially bad, along with a bit of crankiness.  So I'm pretty sure he is teething.  Thank goodness for Highland's Teething Tabs because they seem to help him.  Almost instantly, within a few minutes, he stops chomping on his fingers (or mine!) and calms down.  There are some natural herbs in the tabs as well (Chamomile) to help calm him from the pain.

Tomorrow we have a fun day visiting some friends and Sunday, we will be joining these same friends for Earth Day at Malden Park.  It should be fun.  Ethan loves nature and kids, so there will be lots of that going on!  I'll be sure to take photos and post them!  (My friend who is going is also a photographer so I'm sure she will have some great shots too if she brings her camera).  Now it's time to finally start re-scrapbooking Ethans book (I'm redoing it because I am not happy with what I did previously - it was very "slapped together" and he deserves more than that!

Who's a Cutie!

We have been having a fun week.  The main focus is nursing and getting Ethan to nurse on demand.  I'd say it's going awesome because that's all he seems to want to do now!  It's great, but I thought it would extend his night time sleeping, but it doesn't.  He is still up a few times during the night but generally falls asleep right away, and as long as I get a 3.5 - 4 hour block of sleep, I'm good.  

I was a bit nervous today because he got a bottle at my mom's house.  He hasn't had a bottle in 5 days, but he still went right back to nursing so all is good!  I am going out Thursday night with some girls from work for dinner so dad is going to watch Ethan for a couple hours.  He will more than likely be getting a bottle that night and I am going to really try and not freak out about it!  We seem to be cutting out the directly before bed bottle though, so maybe he won't.  He wakes at around 10 or 11 to feed, and that's great because that's about when I go to bed....if only it would hold him over throughout the night.... "sigh"  :D 

That's really all we have going on...nothing too eventful.  We do have a busy week ahead so I will definitely plan to blog about it!  Lots of visiting, a shower and spending time with a friend for Earth Day.

Here are some photos we took in his crib last night, and one at a birthday party we attended.  Such a cutie!

Funny Boy & a New Obsession!

Ethan has decided to make this annoying noise I can only describe as annoying.  It's pretty much the same noise as Jim Carey did in Dumb  Dumber "Most Annoying Sound in the World" when he did "Errrrrrrrrrr".  If you forget, I linked it HERE.   He pretty much did it all day.  Thankfully he was at Grama's house for a few hours.  I only went there to nurse him lol.  I know, nice mom, but I had to get some stuff done and I knew she'd like to hang out with him.

He also decided to wake up at 4am and stay up...... I tried for an hour to get him to sleep and it just wasn't happening, so guess what, mom just put him in his crib and let him do his thing.  He talked, laughed, made his new noise, fell asleep for 10 minutes, woke up to eat, went to sleep till 8:30 (and so did I!)

THEN, of course, as I am  putting him to sleep at 6:30, he decides to giggle in his sleep.  Do you know how friggen cute that is!  I instantly forgave him for his stubbornness at 4am lol.  Bugger!  I love him tons.

My new obsession is Tiny Beyonce.  OMG this puppy is adorable.  She reminds me of when Lola was a puppy, they look similar and act similar.  So cute!  Here she is click HERE.

Contest

There is a GAP Kids Casting Call that I entered Ethan into.  If you would be so kind, please vote for my son so we can maybe win!  He is pretty darn cute so I would think it's a valid request :D

This is the photo:

And you can CLICK HERE to vote.  (Voting can't be done until May 21-25, but I'll be sure to repost).

Small Success...

To continue on with the Breastfeeding Saga, Ethan nursed all day today.... and not just immediately after a nap, but alllll day.  He kept asking, I kept giving, we were both happy, it was all good.... I didn't count, but thinking back, he nursed about 10 times.  I also haven't pumped since 9pm last night.... such a great feeling, and I do not feel full whatsoever.  Usually by 11am I need to pump a bit for relief, but not today.

We were ALMOST bottle free today, but we put him to bed too late (7:30pm) and he got cranky.  He did nurse, then fell asleep, then woke up screaming and crying.  So I called Ryan to get a bottle, he brought it up quickly, Ethan ate all of 3 sips and fell asleep.  So my instinct told me he was just overtired, but of course, I had to challenge it and give a bottle.  Honestly, he probably didn't even remember or realize it since he was so tired.

                                         (How yummy are those little pouty lips! And I so want those eyelashes!)

I hope tomorrow he continues.  Yesterday he did a bit in between, and today much more... this seems to be his pattern of obtaining new habits or adaptations.

Check out the cute little ring I made.  It's just to remind me which side to nurse on.  I didn't have a problem before, probably because I was so conscious of it, but lately I seem to be forgetting.  Let's see how long this lasts though - I generally either break these things, lose them, or get annoyed with them.  (It's already kinda annoying me lol).  I may just have to go to the dollar store and pick up some little beaded bracelets.

I'm hoping to sleep tonight...I had a bright idea to get a Latte from Starbucks at 6pm.  What was I thinking? I dunno.  !!!