things i love, 8 month edition.

I was thinking of all the things that make me a happy Momma. Things that i can SO live without...and things, i know all of you new mom's can benefit from...so i'm going to write another list of things i love and things i didn't really care for so much.

Aj is doing so much. He's standing, eating, cruising (across furniture), crawling, talking, screaming, laughing, clapping...oh man, the past month in a half, he's really doing SO MUCH...and i'm a little sad. Sad that he's changing SO FAST...and i hope i am doing a good job to capture as much of this year as i can...it's just hard, being a working mommy...and trying to balance work, mommy, AND wife! Lots on my plate.

If any of you ladies are reading this-and your baby is less than 8 months, i would highly recommend you lower your crib, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. If your baby is around 5 months...i would do it, even if they aren't sitting up yet...because before you know it...your baby will be standing...and it's scary!

I really didn't think having a video monitor was a such a big deal- i mean, i liked having one...but Aj didn't move...so every time i would look at it, he would be in the same position----all night. Now that Aj is standing, moving, etc....this is the best invention-EVER. I received mine as a gift, and i think it's seriously awesome. I heard now that you can get an adapter for your iphone---which is equally as cool, but this one works for me. I sometimes wake up and turn on the monitor (i don't sleep with it on, but i leave his end on all the time, so i can choose when to look in and when not)...and watch him playing with his toys in his crib, talking to himself. This is great...sometimes, they go back to sleep, or sometimes they just sit there for a good 15 minutes until they start calling you to come and get them...either way...this thing is awesome. I am now able to see that he is "OK" without wondering if his arm is stuck in the crib.  At first you might think this thing is stupid, but i love the fact that i can move the camera around the room, zoom, and even talk (like intercom). Sometimes, i'm down doing laundry and i can say "Aj, mommy will be right there"...and he will instantly stop after hearing my voice. I read a lot of reviews, and lots of people complained, but mine has worked perfectly from Day 1....and never had any reception issues......ADD THIS TO YOUR REGISTRY.....i promise, you wont be sorry. I like this one because the little monitor is cute and small and you can slip it in your pocket. You can also use batteries in the camera end-which is a PLUS.

Summer Infant Babytouch Color video monitor

Ahh, summer has been great. I've enjoyed having Aj this age 6-9 months in the summer. He's definitely more enjoyable...and able to do fun things at this age. Eat, sit up, crawl, play, laugh...all the cute things! I've mentioned this in previous post, but Aj was a big spitter upper (lol, don't know if that's a word), but we used to have to change him 7-9 times a day...because his t-shirts were always covered in vomit.  THis month, he's definitely growing out of that stage (thank goodness!).  I always loved Carters brand clothing-so soft and i feel like the size's are true (sometimes). I wasn't a big fan of putting jeans on Aj so he pretty much lived in cute little soft carters shorts and t-shrits.  My all time favorite bodysuits for everyday (i call them onesies, but i know this is technically incorrect, because Gerber makes onesies) are the regular white ones. They usually come in a 4-6 pack and are always reasonably priced. I would say these are great---year round and for all ages (well, until 24 months-because they don't make them any bigger than that!).  I usually can find them on the Carter's website, and whenever they have a sale, they send me an email and i usually stock up. They do get stained pretty easily- but that's because AJ is a messy eater...and we allow him to explore textures and food with his hands. I don't mind...it's part of being a baby.  I purchased the tank top looking ones for the summer and i think they were really great. They wash awesome and the quality is A+. I am thinking of getting them for winter as well, to go underneath sweaters....i like the fact that they don't have arms....and they wont bunch up under clothes.  These are a MUST BUY...boys and girls...of all ages and sizes! 

A few months back, Aj started using sippy cups (i started him around 6 months, even though he didn't hold it yet). I tried the Dr.Brown's one first (after reading great reviews), but he didn't understand how to suck from it. He would just take the rubber spout and chew on it.  So i went out and got him the Nuby SoftFlex Natural Sipper (i got it free, with a $5.00 coupon i received in the mail earlier). They ALL say No-spill, but honestly...it's a BIG LIE! Every single Nuby product i've ever purchased SUCKED (LITERALLY!). I'm going to be honest though...this cup was 'ok' to just transition AJ from a bottle to a sippy....and it was fairly easy. Loved the fact that they had removable handles, which definitely helped him hold it.  At first too much water would come out, but then he would get it...and sip slower. I don't give Aj any juices...just water when he's eating, so i don't mind if he gets a little wet from water....at least it doesn't stain and/or leave him sticky. Now that he understands the sucking part, instead of chewing on the tip, he actually understands how to sip from the Dr.Brown's sippy cup, which-DOES NOT LEAK....and is a major improvement.  Again, i don't give Aj any juices so this is just used for water...but i like the fact that i can fill it with water and throw in my DB and it wont get all the other stuff soaked...and offer to him when we are at restaurants, etc. Also love that they both have caps!! I'm huge on having the nipples covered and not touching anything else in the diaper bag (or if it falls!)

I would advise you to try to introduce something a little more nipple shapped at first...and then introduce this sippy. Aj loves both cups...and we only have 2 (i hate clutter)! 

I also love the fact that Aj can sit with us at restaurants now. He sits in a highchair...and we all know how GROSS those things are. This was a hand me down from my sister in law, but it has come in handy. I don't know where she purchased it, but i think she got it at Marshalls for less than $15...and i use it, all the time. You don't have to get a specific brand...just something that covers your baby from touching, licking, and biting a high chair or shopping cart.  A+ in my book...and i might use it until he's 10..LOL, Just kidding (maybe).  Mine came with pillow inserts for smaller babies, but we don't use them anymore. It folds up nicely and it's in my trunk of my car.  I love it.

Last, but not least (for now) is my stroller. This thing is LITERALLY my best friend. I love it. I get compliments on it..and i just LOVE it. I loved it when i first got it---even without Aj, and now, i love it even more...with him, because it's just-THAT easy, lightweight...and awesome.

I live on the second floor in the 2 family house. I did a lot of research for my stroller---so i know the in's and outs of it. I really liked the CitySelect...but i didn't like the options it had. Britax was always a great name, and after reading review and review about how great their products are...i'm a huge believer.  I received the b-agile as a gift from my MIL, and the b-safe car seat from a friend.  I used the carseat up until this month and we just recently upgraded him to a bigger seat. (August 28th). THe stroller is only 15 lbs...and opens and closes with the click of a button...the only downside is the storage at the bottom...but i guess, that's not that big of a deal, when you can close a stroller with one hand. I would recommend it to anyone! Great stroller, easy to maneuver and just all around great. I got it in black, but they also have a red-but i believe this year they might be coming out with a bunch of other colors.  I liked the black because it was gender neutral, and if i have another baby---we can always use it!  i give it 4 1/2 stars because of the small basket.

that's it for now. Any of you have things that you liked for ages 6-9 months?  

8 months, 21 days, 8 hours....

Not that i'm keeping track or anything...but that's just it....i think i may be coming to the end of breast feeding Aj.............................

and i'm "ok" with it.  It's been a beautiful (almost) 9 months...and i LOVED every single minute of it.  I think i might finish off the full 9 months...and go back to being, Me. Not that breast feeding wasn't me...but it was a very big responsibility...and i'm definitely happy i was able to go this long.  I think if my situation was different, and i was a SAHM, i might continue...but pumping at work---gets a little, annoying....and i think it might be time to change that.
 I loved everything about it....I loved how easy, and convenient it was...how i didn't have to wake up fully in the middle of the night to "make" a bottle. How i still, wake up, and pop aj on...and i can still get a few minutes of extra sleep.  I am a huge BF advocate. I really do believe that Breast is Best...and i would advise ALL of my friends and family members to do it. It's one of the BEST things, and Hardest (at the same time) things i've ever had to do
I'm not going to lie, the beginning was pretty scary/painful/exhausting....I didn't know how people actually did it, for the long run. I felt like i was doing it all wrong...because everyone told me...if it hurts, you're doing it wrong....
WRONG! Breast feeding HURTS. I don't care what you say. Aj was doing it RIGHT and it STILL hurt. It felt like razor blades were cutting off my nipples...and the SORENESS...followed by Clogged ducts...followed by waking up in the middle of the night, covered in your OWN milk....and the TEETH...oh man! I can go for hours....but then again, i think of all the great times. The times i've sat, and starred at my baby. The closeness....there is NOTHING better than that of watching your baby fall asleep in your arms, while breast feeding. And still, to this day...Aj...crawling up to me in bed, and pulling my shirt down to take a sip, like i'm some sort of sippy cup! The fun! The laughs, the tears....

I loved every minute of this experience, and i wouldn't change it for the world. Aj has still (knock on wood) never had a fever....and he's never had a cold, or been sick in any way. I do think it has to do with the breast feeding.  He's an amazing eater...and eats EVERYTHING...and ANYTHING...and i think it also has to do with the breast feeding. I think he might be a little advanced, with things he does-and i all think it ties into this....

I work 10 hour days, which means i have to pump at least twice a day....and the time, and the situation is just getting a little annoying. We don't have a designated pumping room-so i pump in the handicap stall in the ladies room.  It's funny, all the women know it's me in there now...i will be pumping and if they come in to use the bathroom, they always say "Hey Cole! How's it going in there!"...lol. But, i'm just getting a little Ugh...idk...annoyed at the situation. If i had Aj with me...i wouldn't mind. I would breast feed him ALL DAY LONG...but the pump, kinda gets to you, after a while...and i really do think this is one of the BIGGEST reasons I'm going to decide to stop. I am happy that this pump has allowed me to go this long...but i am going to be happy to not use my 20 minute break to sit in a stall, twice a day. 

I was thinking of continuing the morning and night feedings, but i heard it's a little difficult, especially with so much time apart...have any of you ladies successfully done this?  Any of you girls pump at work? Do you always feel a little guilty leaving this part of your life behind? :(

An OFF day.

I've come to the conclusion, that I’m not perfect. I never want to be, and that is ok.
Aj has taught me to accept this. That sometimes, things don't exactly go as we planned. That sometimes, it has to rain-so that you can appreciate all the beautiful days.
I want Aj to understand that we all come in different shades, different personalities, that there are no 2 people alike in the world...and that's what makes it so beautiful.

I am going to make mistakes as a parent...i accept this. And i embrace it. I want Aj to know that I am trying my best, that i am going to give him 100%, although sometimes I’m going to have my off days.
Yesterday, was an off Day...and Today (although, i'm at work), is another one of those, "OFF" days.
I'm ok with having a few of these days...I need them. I am ENTITLED to them.
They are making me stronger...and making me better. A better mother for Aj, and a better wife.

Yesterday, while attempting to clean the house, Aj decided he didn't want to take a nap...ALL DAY LONG. The kid was up for 17 hours STRAIGHT- No nap...and pure crankiness. I would move an inch, and he would start crying. And did i mention, he's crawling, everywhere now!?! I'm standing there doing the dishes, and he's grabbing my pants, hysterical crying-for NO REASON.  I thought i was about to EXPLODE, i was tired, irritated and cranky and I WANTED A NAP!!!!!!!!! (this reminds me of the scene of Charlotte in Sex and the City Movie where she's crying in the pantry).  I just needed a few minutes of NO CRYING baby---to just---regenerate...to just, breathe. I called my husband in tears. I needed a "mommy break". So he came home, and picked him up and went to a friend’s house for a bbq (that i was invited to, i just didn't go because i had a day). I sat there, for about 2 hours...playing with my phone, in my pj's. I didn't want to move. I just wanted to sit there...and just---BE.
I think it's ok to be in a funk once in a while. Yesterday (and today) are those FREE PASSES we- as mothers, wives, and daughters-are entitled to. 
I love my boy so much, but Mommy needed a break. God bless all you single mothers out there...being a Mommy is hard!  Not to mention, being a wife and Daughter all at the same time.

End rant.

BS Shopping.

That's exactly what i like to call it, BS Shopping!! Because, it's BS! Ugh...It's that time of year again---where we have to shead all those awesome layers of clothes (love my long comfy sweatshirts and sweaters that hide the post pardum pooch)...and actually show people what we look like...underneath it all! Not looking forward to Aj's first swimming lesson next week....where i will expose it all!! I have been to a few places...trying to find a "Mom appropriate" bathing suit...and it's freaken HARD! My mind is playing tricks on me. I actually found myself going into the dressing room at Old Navy with a size SMALL...WHAT IN THE WORLD WAS I THINKING.????????????????..I busted out in tears...the thing barely even came up one leg!!! I have come to the conclusion that my body is just not the same anymore...and i'm fine with that---the problem is...my mind doesn't believe it yet. Like i see a pair of pants, and i'll pick up the size 4...thinking---oh these are so cute, they will totally fit...and then---i'm sadly dissapointed in the dressing room! :(
My husband gave me the side eye the other day when i said "i think i need to get a one piece".  But, here me out...1 pieces can be sexy too.........right????!!!

Ladies, i need your help! I have exactly 5 days till Aj's first swim lesson and i'm at a standstill...

I need a flattering bathing suit---that doesn't make me look like i had twins...yesterday.
See here is the thing, i also got some major stretch marks...not on my stomach, but on my butt and upper thighs (Backside). The entire pregnancy i was like "HORRAY, NO STRETCH MARKS!"...BUT THEY WERE HIDING UNDER MY GYNORMOUS REAR END!! Once i could actually SEE what i looked like from behind, i was mortified!!!! Omg!! =(

I want to be a sexy Mom...yet, modest. SO, I started my google search "Modest bathing suits"....and here is what i get:

No.
just, No.
Say NO to prints. I mean, I already Look large and in charge, but prints? Really? That's just screaming..."HEY EVERYONE, LOOK AT ME!"..

NEXT:

WHAT THE? I AM ALSO NOT A WHALE, AND I WILL NOTTTTTTTTTTTT BE CAUGHT IN A SWIM DRESS! Absoultely Not.

Now i'm also wondering---will my "mom boobs" (6 months of bf-ing) look nice in a halter? Pre pregnancy---and pre Mom boobs, i loved halters because they enhanced my bust---not that i had any (i was barely an A)...but i loved that they did...somehow squish my non existant boobies together-to somehow create an illusion of cleavage! Now that i am a FULL C---pushing D..maybe i don't want to enhance anything. Any breastfeeding (or not) mom's have any issues with halters? I need hellllllllp!

This girl is flat chested---so does that mean that my C/D cup will look bad in this ?? Is it still a sexy suit? Or does it scream "HERE COMES MOM!??"

Or, should i just let it all hang out...and go 2 piece? I mean, i'm not HUGE! I'm a size 8 (this is actually very dissapointing, i used to be a 2/4 my entire life!).  I still want to be mommy friendly...and modest.

I'm liking the high waist suit....maybe that will help with the extra pudge i have around that area?

OR!!---a tankini??

Or ....1 piece?

Also, ladies---what are some colors that you would get? Again, don't want to attract TOO much attention to me!...the only good thing about this---i can always put the cute baby in front, and no one pretty much looks in my direction! LOL

So that's it.... only 5 days away from Swim class....

Photo Book

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own custom photo books at Shutterfly.com.

Aj's "Preppy" Baptism Lunch

So this post is really old, but i thought i'd share it with you anyways...since i have a few minutes to spare.
A little *FUN (if you want to call it that) Fact* about me before we get started: My family (Mom's side) are Jehovah's Witnesses. I was born and raised one, until about 19 years old. When i moved on my own (20 years old), my decision was to not really have a religion. I DO believe in God, and i DO pray every single night...but i do not label myself as anything. Maybe right now isn't really the time to get deep into this discussion...let's just say: I have faith, and i believe that there is a higher power, but i do not affiliate myself with any one religion. With that being said, My husband was born and raised Catholic. He was an alter boy as a child. He doesn't really attend church-but he does have faith...(Very much like me). When we got married, i really wanted to have a civil ceremony, due to the fact that my family would probably NOT attend if if i had any other type of ceremony. I also did it for myself. I wouldn't feel comfortable  having someone marry me...that wasn't a judge. It's the way i was raised, and it's ingrained in me.  I was very happy with that decision, and i was very happy that my husband supported me. This was very important to me.

We had made the decision to get married by a judge, but my husband had asked me that when we had children, he would like them to be Baptised Catholic.  He respected my wishes and i respected his.  It's something we had decided a long time before, so it just so happened to have worked out for us.  I didn't include my family (the JW's) in the celebration of Aj's Baptism---simply because they probably wouldn't have attended. It's as simple as that. I didn't even let them know, because i would rather not get into that discussion with them. It's a personal choice.
#END RANT!
OK, so the celebration was very small. Only 23 people were invited...and i am very happy all of Aj's closest friends and some family were there to celebrate this special day with Aj and Us!  
I wanted to go with a preppy theme. Green and Navy. I put this party together in less than 9 days, and i think it actually came out pretty cute, considering.  We held it at a local pizzeria/restaurant.

What do you think?
Excuse the photo quality, I'm still learning how to use my DSLR!

I purchased Burlap at Joanne's Fabric for 1.49 a yard. Ironed it and used some stitch witchery to mend the ends...so they weren't frayed.

Purchased wine bottle labels off ETSY...and they were a *BIG* hit. The restaurant allowed us to bring our own bottles, which saved us $$!

My centerpieces doubled as favors. Basil plants, which i purchased at Lowe's 2 days before the event on sale for $1.50!!!

The labels for the plants were also purchased on ETSY!

We ordered a cake from our local bakery, and they pretty much nailed it with the color BLUE/GREEN! Wasn't crazy about the design...but the cake was so yummy...it didn't really matter!

on everyone's plate, they got a HERSHEY bar (Also purchased from ETSY)....and they were SOOO CUTE! They went PERFECT with the decor!

Those are all the pics i have right now on my comp! Hubby and i matched the party with our preppy outfits!

What do you guys think?!

Things I love, 4 months.

The last month (April and some of May), Aj is more aware of his surroundings. He's Laughing a lot! He has started to baby babble (he talks to himself, and it's by far the CUTEST!). He figured out he has feet, and his hands are in his mouth, 24/7.
He's actually starting to watch television (Ugh, i was one of those Moms that said "my baby is never going to watch Tv"...but NOW look at me!).
He is still not sitting up on his own, but tripods...and he's still not rolling over on his own-but almostttt...(i keep thinking something is wrong with him that he's not doing it yet, but i've come to the conclusion, he will-when he's ready). We've started him on solids...cereal, and more recently some veggies/fruits...and to top it all off, he's started teething. The past month in a half is by far the most he's done his entire life. He used to just *sit/lay* there...and not move...and cry a whole lot...Now, he's actually, a baby. He's smiling, he's responding to me, and when he cries, i usually know what's wrong-either he's hungry, tired, or bored (sometimes, maybe all 3). He has different cries, and he's starting to whine a little-not necessarily crying but more of a whine.
The past month, i have a few things that have helped me...and a few that didn't so much.

Aj is usually really good in the car. As long as he is fed, and not in any sort of teething pain-he usually enjoys a nice car ride (sometimes he actually ends up falling asleep-which is always A PLUS!). I always put his toys in with him-and i can see him with my rearview baby mirror, looking out the window---or *Pulling* (This is another NEW thing he does this month) his Bright Starts Blue bird. I got mine at walmart for a few bucks, but it has been a great addition to his car seat---and no matter how many times he sees this thing- even when he's upset, all you have to do is pull the string-and he's instantly over it-and starts playing/pulling.
It vibrates when you pull, and the first time he ever grabbed on to it, i almost cried. It was really cute to see him actually do something---that wasn't just cry or spit up!
I give this (or any other car seat toy), 2 thumbs up!

Another toy that he actually really likes is his Bright Starts Lots of Links. These are the cheapest toys i've ever seen, and there is nothing really fancy about them---other than bright colors and linking together. You can also dangle them from the car seat, or just give to them to play. I usually do both.  Babies love bright colors!! I really like putting him in the high chair, and i put them on the tray and i watch him grab them and play, put them in his mouth. Lots of them have some little points, rough edges- which must feel nice since he's theething. Again, these are super *cheap* toys---and he absolutely loves them. You can find them at Target or Walmart, or even on amazon. I'd rather go to the store though, so you don't have to pay for shipping...but again, these things are 5 stars in my book. You can link them together and make a really long chain, or let him hold on to one...keeps the kid busy for about 15 minutes...which is amazing!





I've been using this for a few months now---it was a hand me down from my SIL...but i absolutely love it! It's the Fisher-Price My little Lamb Deluxe Infant SeatFisher-Price My Little Lamb Deluxe Infant Seat . I usually put this on the bathroom floor while i shower...or on the floor when i'm cooking dinner/cleaning the dishes etc. It folds completely flat, so that it travels nice for trips to grandma's or the baby sitter. I know this doesn't really help with learning to sit up, but i prefer this to the bumbo. Not that i don' t like the bumbo, but since Aj has a spit up problem (he spits up all the time)i'd rather not put pressure on his tummy---he is able to just lay back. In the bumbo he always spits up since he's sitting up....and putting pressure on his stomach.  Love this chair, even when feeding him cereal---it's not as hard as the high chair-but has a nice slant. I'm going to be a sad mommy when he grows out of this =(

Aj is on a schedule (he has been since he's 4 weeks old). We (depends on who's day it is) bathe him, give him his nightly massage, put him in his Pj's, and i nurse him while i read to him. Every night for the past twenty something weeks, i've been reading this book to him (On the Night You Were Born by Nancy Tillman)

And EVERY.SINGLE.NIGHT. I cry. No joke, I literally shed tears, every single night.

The first page just gets to me Every time. 

"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, "life will never be the same."  Because there had never been anyone like you...ever in the world."

SOB
SOB

SOB!

Omg, i'm about to start crying now!!

I was given this as a shower gift from a friend---and she wrote something inside with permanent marker---and i read it everyday! I love this book, and whoever is having a baby next---i'm GOING to give this to you!! Love, LOVE, L O V E it.

And i guess, this should be a post all by itself...since i kinda love this, and i'm a copy cat (bc if any of you are bloggers/blog readers, you've definitely seen this): Monthly Baby Onesie stickers ! Ok, i first saw this on YHL and i loved it. BUT, i didn't have photoshop...nor did i have the time to sit on a computer to actually edit pics...so this made life a little easier. They are great since they don't get messed up with drool/vomit-which Aj seems to do pretty often...and i guess, it's a *knock off* of the YHL version...just easier. All you do is, peel-stick on a white onesie, and you're done...take pics and --TA-DAH!...

Easy peasy.

Anywhos, those are some things i've been using the past few weeks/month---how about you guys? Anything that you absolutely LOVE for babies between the ages of 3-5 months? Please share? How about things for 5-8? I need help!



The boy is teething, already! :*(

I know I'm a few days late on this post (OK, I'm a little backed up! Cut me some slack, it's hard out there for a MOM!)....
Aj is TEETHING.


YES! He's teething. On Thursday night (May 17th, 5 months 2 days old), Aj got his FIRST TOOTH---bottom right! And, by Saturday---the second tooth already started to peek through! At first, I was like "oh my baby is awesome, doesn't even CRY! He's so pleasant, he's going to be a *teething trooper*"...I was wrong. By Saturday, my ears were ringing, and i was still in Pj's at 8pm...FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE!
Teething is a real PAIN IN THE--YOU KNOW WHAT!! Ugh. My pooooor baby. My poooor ears!
So i ordered him the Baltic Amber Teething necklace and it came in the mail yesterday, so I'm hoping it works (Trying out the *hippie* approach)....
Anyone have any other remedy's? I've given him Ibuprofen (but it just wears off rather quickly), rubbed his gums with a cold wash cloth, he has Sophie the teething toy, but to no avail, the kid is screaming. He doesn't look like he's in much pain, but he's definitely CRANKY!!  And the drooling---is ridiculous. His t-shirts are sopping wet within 5 minutes of putting on a new one.
Anyone try the Humphrey's or the Hyland's teething tablets? I've been reading a lot about them---and I'm a little hesitant due to recall from the Belladonna....and i am by no means a psycho hippy mom, but when you start researching-you find that Belladonna is poison...and as much as I'd like to soothe my baby, idk if i want to feed him tiny traces of poison! I mean, idk. Anyone else have concerns? Am i the only crazy Mom.
Well, he has his teething necklace on Today, let's hope hubby is able to deal with him while I'm at work.
I want to add a bunch of pics from my phone, but it's acting really RETARDED for some reason and wont let me email them to myself...so I'll just leave you with a pic of my boy's sleeping on Sunday!

aren't they the cutest?! Ugh. Love my boys SO MUCH!

OK once i figure out what's wrong with my phone, i will also post about my first Mother's day!

Hopefully i can figure this out without having to call the phone company! Ugh!

Hope everyone is having a great day! 

Dear Aj.

Dear Aj,
I've decided to take a day out of the week to write to you...this way, one day-when you're older we can read back on all of the letters together, and smile.
You are 4 months and 11 days old...yet...i can't even remember as far back-when you were NOT in our lives (only 4 months ago!). Isn't that crazy? I feel like you've been with us all along!!  Every day, you are changing.  Two nights ago (when i got home from work), you actually cried for me.  You were on the bed with Daddy, and i left the room to get something, and you cried. At first, i thought you were just crying for something else, but when i came back in the room---you stopped crying and smiled.  I thought i was crazy, so i did it again---and you cried again!!! My heart melts for you, my sweet baby. The way you look at me...the way you laugh! I don't think anyone thinks it's as adorable as I do. I was the first person to ever make you laugh...and now, you laugh all the time.  Now, you're laughing without being tickled....oh how i LOVE that laugh!!
You have taught me so much baby! Isn't that crazy? You're teaching me so much, yet you don't even know how to talk or communicate with me yet!? You're teaching me to slow down...to STOP, and enjoy the minutes, the hours, the days.  You're the one making me appreciate all the little things, like the days i spend with you. In a few days...it will be the anniversary of the day i found out i was pregnant.  Baby, I was so scared! I don't know how i could be scared of you! You have been the best thing in my life, and i wouldn't change it, ever. As i type this, my eyes are filling up with tears because, I never knew a love like this even existed. It's in my soul, it's in my heart...something i can't even begin to describe.
Let me tell you a little about where you are in life right now: you have not yet rolled over on your own...but you are trying! I am happy about it! I want you to stay this tiny forever! It's a little selfish of me...i know.
A few weeks ago, i was hoping you would outgrow of the "crying" faze (you did a lot of crying between 8-14 weeks) , and thankfully you did. You're such a pleasure now. You don't really cry for anything, unless you are tired or need a diaper change (at least those make sense, you used to cry for NO reason and Mommy was a little stressed out! :( ).
Yesterday was the first day you ate solids (rice cereal)...and to my surprise, you were a PRO! YOU KNEW EXACTLY what to do! It's like, you were born to do it! You opened your mouth! and swallowed. You didn't even make weird faces! You actually LIKED IT! I am being a little selfish, hoping you would continue to breastfeed forever (yes, i am enjoying that time)...but i know you are ready for the next step.
Speaking of breastfeeding--you are NOW more aware of your surroundings....so you actually want to eat and look around, all at the same time. You've started clamping down on me...which has been *quite the experience* to say the least. Thankfully, NO TEETH yet...but i can see you're starting to rub your mouth a lot and chew on EVERYTHING! I am not looking forward to watching you in pain.  I am starting to look at some all natural remedies and things to help you through this time. The thought of you in pain, makes me seriously ill. :(

Anyways Aj, i want you to always know how much i love you...and how happy you make me! Thank you for showing me what true love means.

I love you sweet boy.

Love,
Your Momma

Aj is changing....and i'm a sad mommy! (Ok, maybe a little bit).
The first few weeks after Aj was born---he was a pleasure. The kid woke up, got a diaper change, ate, and fell back to sleep (while he was eating). It was great! I was like "WOW, babies are AWESOME! All they do is eat, poop, and sleep! I can SO DO THIS! I can have 9 babies!!"
Then---things started to change. Around week 7 (a few weeks before i returned to work) Aj started to change. He was fussy. He was not happy. He would CRY when he was hungry. He would CRY when he was tired. He would CRY when he was wet. He would CRY when he was not held. He pretty much Cried the ENTIRE time he was awake...and i couldn't wait until he was sleeping again. The kid would only stop crying when he had a boob in his mouth or when he was asleep. I figured him out though. He liked LOUD white noise, so i would put him to sleep in the bathroom with the fan on. That lasted a few days (I was able to actually eat breakfast and maybe if i was lucky make myself a cup of tea). Then, he was over the whole 'bathroom' scene...and he was back to crying...so i got smart, and i got the vacuum out. It's a similar noise to the fan in the bathroom---except LOUDER....and it worked wonders. I swear.

It's funny, i know. NO one believed me when i said "MY KID LITERALLY FALLS ASLEEP TO THE VACUUM"...so i had to record it!

I started to notice that Aj only had about 45 minutes window, from the time he woke up, to the time he got a diaper change and then ate. Then---he would start all over again.  I thought i was doing something wrong.  Not all babies could possibly CRY as much as Aj. How do Moms do it? WHY DO PEOPLE HAVE CHILDREN!!??!! I was exhausted, and frustrated. I thought there was something wrong with him.  So, i went to my dear friend "google"...and guess what...Aj is 100% normal.  He was just a normal baby, doing Normal baby things---SCREAMING on the top of his lungs when he was tired---WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE TELL ME BABIES CRIED FOR APPARENTLY NO REASON!!!??!!  I started to read...and it made me feel better. Aj was not a psycho...he was actually, quite Normal!

"Learn the signs that mean he's tired.For the first six to eight weeks, most babies aren't able to stay up much longer than two hours at a time. If you wait longer than that to put your baby down, he may be overtired and have trouble falling asleep."

I CAN'T STRESS THIS ENOUGH! YOUR BABY WILL BE OVERTIRED AND WILL HAVE TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP. LET ME SAY IT AGAIN, YOUR BABY WILL HAVE TROUBLE FALLING ASLEEP AKA---HE WILL SCREAM AT THE TOP OF HIS LUNGS UNTIL YOU ACTUALLY SIT THERE, AND PUT HIM TO SLEEP.

See, here is the thing, babies don't know what tired is. They don't understand the feeling.  I couldn't possibly understand that..."if you're tired, go to sleep"...but their tiny brains don't work like that. He was over stimulated!!  After reading and reading, i decided to try making it work.  I would have Aj up for about 1 hour, stimulate him, talk to him, play with him...then the SECOND i saw a 'sleep sign' (Aka: rubbing eyes, yawn, watery eyes, etc), i would put up the 'white noise' (in this case i upgraded to the static on the radio)...nurse him, and put him down.  And to my surprise, it worked! He would whine for about 2 minutes (different from crying, just kinda whining) and pass out! I couldn't believe it!!
After that, i started to keep a "sleep log". I would write down every feeding, every time he woke and every time he went down for a nap. I wrote EVERYTHING down.  When i returned to work, i had my cousin (his Nanny!;] ) continue.

Every time he was up...after about 1 hour of him being awake, he had to go into his room, with the radio on static....and be placed down.  This worked wonders. I was able to KNOW when (time of day) he was tired....and KNOW when he had enough!  It even kept me organized on how many times he was eating a day.

Now that Aj is 4 months old, he's pretty much on a schedule. He's a complete different baby!!!!  He wakes up around 5:30 am (which is good, since i work and it's his last feeding straight from the 'tap'). He goes back down by 7ish...for about 40 minutes...Up for 2 hours, down for 1...then he's pretty much up for a little while and goes down for his afternoon nap around 3ish....and then a quick nap (sometimes he skips this) right before dinner (around 5:30)..and then he gets his nightly bath and he's in bed at 7:30 PM. He is STILL waking around 12:45/1 AM for a feeding (i'm thinking it's more comfort than actual hunger) and then sleeping until 5:30AM. 
Returning to work is really hard (maybe one of the hardest things i've had to do so far, after becoming a mother), especially if you're bf...but i've managed to make it work.  I would much rather be home with my boy...but it's something i have to do.  I have to write a post about returning to work full time and having an infant...because it's something that i bet lots of you are dreading (like i was).  Any of you returning to work? How many weeks did you have for M/L? 

emergency review---i NEED to share this with anyone who has an infant that doesn't stop crying!!

oh baby!
just thought i'd give a quick review on something that keeps Aj quiet for more than 3 minutes....

and if it keeps Aj quiet/happy for anything LONGER than 1 minute-MOMMY IS a HAPPY camper! I Promise.  I am NOW able to use the bathroom---or start the tea kettle, or maybe even eat an apple in the time he is occuipied in this thing!!! And that my friend---is Mommy problems!

Here it is:
the Fisher-Price-Rainforest-Melodies-Lights-Deluxe!!!
For some reason, Aj LOVES this thing. Now, i do have a little bit of a secret...i didn't buy it, and another secret---my mother in law got it---at a garage sale---for 5$! Yep. Best $5 ever spent!!! It came with all the pieces, and i absolutely love it! I would've even spent FULL price---if i would've known it would keep him quiet for that amount of time!

He sits underneath it...and it has a mode where you need to pull the little links to make the song continue...and all i say is "Aj, pull the string!" and he's getting the hang of it!

Score!

Ok, that was it, that was my BIG REVIEW! Now, if you have a fussy baby (newborn---around 2-5 months old)...and need to keep him busy, for about 3 minutes, so that you are able to, IDK---maybe USE THE BATHROOM---i would say---this is it!! Keep an eye out at your local garage sales/flea markets---maybe you'll be lucky like Me and get it for $5!

Things I didn't use, even after i registered for them.

Morning!! And what a beautiful one it is in NY! Beautiful Sky's and the weather is JUST RIGHT!
I've been thinking of what i want to post for a while now, since i have SO MUCH built up inside my head...with Aj and all...and i know for one, i would like to post my birth story, but like i mentioned before, that is going to be a day I'm ready...to share the most wonderful experience of my life...and i need to really SIT and WRITE...and re-live it.  Bringing Aj into the world has been the best thing that has ever happened to me...and i wouldn't change a second of it. I still can't believe it sometimes, as I'm watching him grow---that he was just in my belly 4 months ago! And here he is, growing, laughing, smiling, coo-ing, kicking...and melting my heart!! I read this quote the other day (i put it on my facebook)

" I knew love before, but I wasn’t responsible for it, I wasn’t instrumental to its existence. Before I became a Mother, love happened to me, I happened to love – but now, I created love from love." ♥ and it's so perfect!!

 

OK, so i wanted to share with you girls THINGS that i didn't use, and think were kinda stupid---and this is all in MY OPINION! I did a lot of research before Aj was born, and lots of these things had 5 stars...but when Aj was born i found myself NOT using them...so here goes!

 

#1-Moby Wrap!

 

When i first got pregnant, i did so much research! I wanted this thing---and i wanted it, BAD. I was so excited to get it in the mail...and i couldn't wait to put Aj in it! WRONG. Aj was a great baby, for the first week...then after that, he would CRY...for no apparent reason. To put this wrap on, you need LOTS of patience...it takes a few minutes---and it's NOT that easy!  And i know I've done the YouTube videos and I've tried every possible way for this to work---but alas...it's a no go for Aj (and I).  It's this GINORMOUS piece of fabric---and I'm small, so it wraps around me a few times---and it's just annoying to put this on---while your baby is screaming on the top of his lungs! I did however get the Baby Bjorn Air---and let me tell you, as heavy as Aj is now (pushing 15 lbs) this thing is still comfortable and EASY to put on!! And not to mention, when he falls asleep in this thing---i can easily slip him out, and put him down in his pack and play, and he doesn't even realize it! SCORE!!!

#2- Pee-Pee TeePee

I don't per say have the same one in the picture above, but i do have one that has a baseball on it...and i received it as a gift at my shower. And although, it is a great idea (i thought so), i realized---it's a complete waste of money($10). First of all, ladies....we are changing a diaper! You are not eating at a fancy restaurant. You want to get IN and GET OUT as SOON AS POSSIBLE -STAT! Don't sit around with his winky all out for 10 minutes (unless of course, you are airing him out due to a rash--then by all means, yes---let him hang out with his wang out). I simply figured this out all by myself. When i remove the diaper, i open it up...see the situation, and make an assessment on how many wipes i will need...then i close him back up (just lay the diaper on top)...then i pull out as many wipes as i feel necessary for the job ahead. Remove the diaper, and wipe---quickly...but thoroughly...then replace with a new fresh diaper, and continue to wipe until you feel it is clean! Then lay the diaper back on. At this time you can squeeze your diaper creme on your finger or open the powder (he's already covered...so if he feels the urge...he will shoot straight into the diaper...and no one gets hurt. Then apply the cream, corn starch(which i think is WAY better than ANY DIAPER CREAM out there!!!), and close him back up! and you're done!  No one has ever died by a little newborn urine anyways! It's clear, and sterile...and please, i'm sure the vomit is WAY WORSE! Now if you insist on getting something...to cover his winky....try a breastpad....they are cheap, and disposable, and i'm sure you'll have plenty stashed away if you plan on bfing.

#3, LOTS OF BOTTLES!

I was determined to breast feed Aj from the second he was born---and i

didn't get my wish that second, but a few hours later...which is totally fine. Unfortunutely, I did have a bunch of bottles at home---and they didn't really work for us. I was pumping and feeding for the first few weeks until i healed (i was EXTREMELY SORE) and despite what all the lactation consultants said, Aj was fine switching between bottle and breast. Unfortunutely, he is having more of those issues NOW as he is getting older. He will ONLY take the Medela bottles (the ones you pump into)...and every once in a while i will try to feed him with the tommee tippee. I am one of those people who HATE having clutter near my kitchen sink, so i try to have as LITTLE as possible (it's not possible to NOT have a drying rack---trust me!).  I wasted plenty of money purchasing really "cool" bottles---aka Dr Browns, .....and i don't use them! The good thing...they actually latch on to the adapters of the medela breast pump, so i'm still able to re-use them when pumping! Make sure when you buy bottles, you buy only 1...and try it. Chances are, the kid will like only 1 brand...and the rest go unused.

#4 Lots of different baby bath/Shampoo/soaps

 

Yes, i know i registered for them...but if i would've known better, maybe i wouldn't have.  My nephew Kevin was born last year around the same time, so i would always smell and LOVE the Johnson and Johnson's baby bedtime bath! SOOOOO Yummy smelling...and i couldn't wait till Aj was born to lather him up! The first few weeks...i started to notice little dry patches and redness on his face and legs. When i took him to the ped they asked me what wash i was using...and i told him...and they told me to change to something a little more mild...such as Dove sensitive or Aveeno...so i did...and i haven't gone back (now i have a bunch of baby soap i'm not using!). There is nothing wrong with Johnson and Johnson, but it just wasn't good for Aj...so my point is...don't go over board with registering and buying lots of baby wash---until they are born---or else you might be left with LOTS of unused baby soap. I did purchase the Dove, but i still get scared to put this near his face and god forbid he got it in his eye....so i've been using the Aveeno Baby Lavender and vanilla and it's JUST as yummy!! Plus, the lotion is really nice and creamy, and i think it leaves him nice and smooth. Now, just because Aveeno worked for me, doesn't mean it will work for you---so i would definitely try some other brands in the sample size first...before you go all out and buy COSTCO size baby soap! lol



and Last but NOT least, #5---NEWBORN DIAPERS.

Aj was born 8 lbs 9 oz. The kid literally wore size 1 diapers from the second we got home. I had about 120 diapers that went unused (thankfully, i have a cousin that had a baby in February, so i was able to re-gift them). I would even say, size 1 is a waste of money! Not to mention, pampers runs small. He is currently in a size 3, and i bet he would fit nice in a 4. So, if you plan on buying diapers, or registering for them---always go from size 2+....and purchase smaller boxes of size newborn and 1.  They grow WAY TOO FASST...and you'll have PLENTY of leftovers. The only good thing---you can save them for a diaper cake for your next baby shower!! ;)

Any of you have things that you felt were unnecessary? Or purchase anything that you THOUGHT would be amazing, and turn out to be kinda-blah!?

I'm a big review person-so i know i did my research-but when baby comes, you realize what you really NEED and what is not so great afterall.