25 Random Things

So, there is this thing spreading across facebook called "25 Random Things".....and now some are adding it to their blogs. So, I decided to write my own. Of course, right now my "things" tend to center around baby stuff, lol. Here we go:

1. It really pisses me off to no end when people mistakenly refer to a vaginal birth as a natural birth. Why are you scared to say vaginal???? That's what it was, use the friggin word. A natural birth is one without epidurals and drugs, and all the interventions. Get it straight. Rant over.

2. I had a NATURAL birth- epidural and drug free. And yes, I did it on purpose. I felt that was the best, healthiest, and most appropriate choice for Drake and I. That doesn't mean I think it's for everyone else.

3. My boxer Lucy and goldendoodle Linus are the coolest dogs in the entire world. I love them. They love Drake, and that makes me happy. I feel all warm and fuzzy inside when they are all chilled out together.

4. I really, really, really want a large master bedroom/suite with a huge master bath and closet. When I have that, I will know I've made it in life.

5. As much as I want to like working out, I simply don't. I feel good once it's done, but I simply can't make myself go to the gym.

6. I've completed numerous 5K's, an 8K, a half marathon, and a triathlon. All of this despite not liking the gym.

7. I'm super duper happy that I traveled before having kids. I would've really regretted not going to Europe before Drake.

8. I feel I grew up extremely sheltered, and no I don't think that's a good thing. I also think it's really hard to get a child to understand, that the rest of the world isn't exactly the same as where they are growing up.

9. I LOVE, LOVE , LOVE living in Charlotte. I throw a temper tantrum every time my husband suggests moving. I have awesome friends here.

10. Reading is my favorite thing ever. Especially the author Jodie Picoult. When I was little and would get money for birthdays and Christmas, I bought books instead of toys. Weird, I know.

11. I really love vacations and traveling. Particularly cruises and all inclusive resorts. Eric and I have been on 5 cruises together.

12. If I could choose to be really good at something, it would be photography. I enjoy taking and looking at beautiful photos.

13. I think that the meanest and most hurtful thing someone can ever say to me is that I'm a selfish and bad mother. I try to give everything to Drake.

14. I thought I'd be good at getting Drake on a schedule, and letting him cry it out in order to achieve that. But I suck. I simply can't let him cry. I don't give a crap if he's never on a precise schedule, I'm not letting him lay there and scream.

15. I've discovered that my beliefs meet many of the attachment parenting ideals. Pretty much all of them except cosleeping.

16. Breastfeeding is something I'm passionate about. It was even before I had Drake. I can't comprehend why people choose not to even try, and can't talk about it with people who choose that. It gets me really worked up. And if someone ever says anything to me about nursing in public, I will light their ass up.

17. Me and my girlfriends here in Charlotte call our little group "The Sugars". The way that name came about is too scandalous to put on a blog that my grandmother reads. Sorry Sissy!

18. I want a backyard pool. A heated pool. With a hottub that overflows into the pool. And cool patio furniture. Think southern california mansion backyard.......

19. I cloth diaper my son. Yes I like it. No I don't think it's gross. Don't knock it unless you've tried it.

20. I love researching things that impact Drake. Right now it's all about vaccinations. I plan to delay/selectively/non vax to some degree. Ultimately, he will get what he needs for school.....but I'm not giving my child 4-6 freaking vaccinations at one time. I truly think that is absurd.

21. I think it's sad that I can't think of 4 more things about me; they all focus around Drake.

22. I used midwives for my pregnancy care, and for Drake's delivery. They rock. I will never use another OB, unless I have to for a high risk situation.

23. I'm on team Aniston. I think Angelina is a husband stealing bitch. But I also admire her humanitarian work.

24. I would love to adopt a child, particularly a mixed race child. Unfortunately, my husband has no desire to adopt.

25. It annoys me that people think I help a doctor give anesthesia. I do it myself thank you very much!

Recent photos

Last Monday, we had snow in Charlotte!!!! This only happens every few years, so it's a big deal. The dogs were teeny puppies the last time we had snow, so we doubt they remember. We let them out about 7am, and they had a good time. Here is Linus in the front yard running around.

Linus and Lucy trotting through the back yard, pondering the white stuff.
Linus is SO sweet, he never whines. This is completely opposite from his sister, who whines about EVERYTHING! Linus was just lying outside, on the deck- and never asked to come in! He had to be freezing. We opened the door though, and he came straight in. Notice the snow all around his mouth; he was eating it!
Princess Lucy posing to have her picture taken.
Last Tuesday was when we woke up to all the snow. It was also the day of the inauguration (sp?). Needless to say, we stayed in the entire day due to the weather. But even if it hadn't snowed, we still would've been here the whole day watching TV. I was so excited to watch all of the news coverage, and then the actual swearing in of Obama as President. I am really excited about the potential for change in this country. I really hope Obama delivers on his promises. I don't doubt that he will. And it sure as hell can't be worse than 8 years of Bush and his moronic decisions.
I just had to put on my shirt...it says "Mama for Obama". I wanted a photo of me wearing it, holding Drake, with Obama giving his speech in the background. I'm going to put it in Drake's baby book, because there is a section on current events around the time of his birth.
Drake got snow for his two week birthday!
I didn't want to take my two week old outside, so I took photos of him with the snow out the sliding glass door.
My moby wrap, which I'm quite fond of. I haven't really used it yet, but it's my strategy for grocery shopping. I did try it on to get used to tying it. Drake seemed to like it better than the hotsling. I never thought I'd be a granola, baby wearing, attachment parenting kinda gal.
My friend Paula from Grad school came to visit last week, to meet Drake.
Grandma Sue in her moment of glory- holding Drake for the first time.
I thought this was funny, because you can see dry crusty milk at the corner of his mouth. It doesn't matter how many times I wipe his face, he always has crusty milk mouth.

A big yawn from a big boy! I can just kiss this cute face all day long.

He loves his fingers and sucking/chewing on them. He mainly does it when it's getting close to feeding time. That, along with rooting his head around, are his two main feeding cues.

"TOUCHDOWN"

Drake is ready for the superbowl! Go Steelers! We are going to our friends Melissa and Joe's house to watch the game, and I'm really looking forward to it.
Note the bib that goes along with fussbox---"Instructions not included"

This makes me giggle...
We have tummy time every day, and sometimes he likes it more than others. The dogs usually sit on the floor with us and watch. See Linus? I am amazed how strong Drake's head and neck are already. He can really hold it up for a second or two....but I couldn't capture a photo of it.

Post #100 Baby!!!

100 posts, I just can't believe it! When I started this blog, I thought it would be like a lot of other things I start. They sound good in the beginning, but then fizzle out as I lose motivation and time. But, I've really become quite fond of blogging. Mostly b/c I can say whatever I want, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Hehehe! And, if someone does have something nasty to say, I can just delete their comment. I've never gotten any rude or mean comments, but then again, I don't blog about extremely controversial things. It's alot of fun talking about Drake incessantly, which is kinda what this blog has evolved into.

We've had a busy last week. Eric's parents were here Saturday til today, which was awesome. Having grandma here allowed me to get a nap each day, and she cooked and cleaned like crazy. Grandma's are the best! I have some photos downloading, so I'll work on getting those posted soon.

Long time no blog....

Hi all! We are all well at Casa de Kirsch, just settling in. Eric's parents are in town until Wednesday, so we've been enjoying some quality time with them. This past week we watched the inauguration, wrote some thank you notes, and went for a walk. It's amazing how much effort it takes to get the simplest thing done. I hope to do a big post soon with some photos from the week. Take care!

Okay Angela, you asked for pictures......here ya go! It was about time for some new ones. It's certainly not as if I don't take any:-) The rest of our week is pretty laid back, no big plans. But on Saturday, BIG plans. Grandma and Grandpa Kirsch fly in, and Drake is very excited to meet his other set of grandparents. And they are so ready to meet him too! There will be plenty of pictures after their trip. They'll be here Saturday until next Wednesday. We're excited to see them and spend some time together. But I believe they're just coming to hold Drake. Eric and I sure dropped to the bottom of the totem pole!

My cousin Ashlee came to Charlotte today with her daughters Peyton and Pryce, and my Aunt Maggie. It's Peyton's birthday, and she said that all she wanted was to come to Charlotte and meet Drake. She got her wish. And I got to leave the house again, b/c we went to the mall for lunch and birthday shopping. It's supposed to snow tonight, so it'll be a couple of days before we leave the house again.

Pryce loves "Drakey".
Happy 7th Birthday Peyton!
This was hilarious last night. Eric stays up late each night, so he gets Drake in between feedings while I go get a nap in. But, our dogs also know that nights are when they get snuggle time on the couch with daddy. After feeding Drake about 9pm last night, I handed him off to this- Daddy and the doggies. It was one big snuggle party:-)
Eric and Drake- there is a closeup of Drake's outfit below. I love my two favorite men!
He's on Dad's Team!
My big boy finally fits in his size 0 Kissaluvs fitteds. I'm pretty pumped! The cloth diapering is going very well!!! Along with the natural childbirth, CD is something most people didn't think I'd stick with. But, it's something I'm committed to, and I truly love it. CD are SO soft and cuddly. And it's honestly not gross. My hubbie is the best- he can put a prefold, snappi, and cover on like it's his job! He's actually gotten so comfortable with those, that he chooses that over fitteds, pockets, and AIO.

My favorite cloth diaper in my stash, by Green acre Designs. It's a size small, pocket, with PUL....so no cover required. I LOVE this giraffe!
Can he get any cuter? This is his please quit taking my picture face. Look how chunky his cheeks are getting- I love it! It lets me know my demand breastfeeding is going well.
He loves laying around on the boppy newborn lounger pillow. I try to lay him on it in the mornings, during his wide awake moments. As much as I just want to hold him constantly, I try to let him have some time not in my arms.

Out to dinner

I have the best husband in the world. He's so worried about me being cooped up in the house, and keeps offering everyday to watch Drake for 2 hours so I can just get out for a short bit. It's so cold, I really don't care to get out much though. But last night, we packed up our little man and headed to the mall. We walked around for a little bit, and then our big guy got fussy. I went to Nordstrom's, because they have a kick-butt nursing area in their ladies rooms. After I fed Drake, we walked around some more before heading to Cheesecake Factory. I even had half a beer, which tasted fabulous. Unfortunately, it was about 9pm by this point, and I was about to fall over I was so tired. The beer was not helping that situation, at all. We ate, and ordered our cheesecake to go, and then big guy started to stir. The timing was impeccable. Drake sucked on my pinkie the whole way home, and ate as soon as we walked in the door.

It was so nice just to get out and walk around, and feel a part of society again. Eric is so sweet, he even used the valet for the car to avoid having Drake in the cold. I'm not sure if I was being OCD or not, but had to keep his carseat covered with a blanket the whole time. Even though the pediatrician said it's perfectly fine to take him out, I'm still apprehensive. I hate cold and flu season. I'm going to try to download some new pics later.

The exhaustion has set in

Geez I'm tired. Drake is 12 days old, and the sheer exhaustion has finally hit me. He feeds about every 2-3 hours, so I only sleep between 1-2 hours at a time. The lack of consolidated sleep is certainly not healthy, but there isn't much of a choice here. Well.....actually there is. But I refuse to give him formula or start pumping yet, just so Eric can feed him at 3am. His need for healthy breastmilk comes before my need for sleep. Once he hits four weeks, I'm going to start pumping some after each daytime feeding. I'll make enough for a few bottles, then let Eric start to feed him a bottle or two a day. Hopefully we'll transition to where Eric can do one of the middle of the night feedings. If I could have 4-6 hours of uninterrupted sleep, I would be so grateful. And I don't even need that every night; I'd settle for every other night. I just feel like I need to wait until four weeks, and we have breastfeeding very well established. I'm quite paranoid about Drake having nipple confusion, and getting lazy with breastfeeding.

Eric and I may venture out later with Drake, for some dinner. I really need to get out of the house for a little while. My aunt sent this fabulous carseat cover, that keeps Drake completely protected from the cold and wind. Having that makes me feel more comfortable with taking him outside. I can't wait until it warms up, and we can start our daily walks. I love being outside in the sun!

Drake Newborn photos

When Drake was 5 days old, we took him for his first photo shoot. He was quite fussy, but we still managed to get some amazing photos out of it. Our friend Ryan first took photos for us in 2005. We used those later as engagement photos. In 2006 he did pictures for our Christmas card, and of our dogs. In 2007 he did bridal portraits, and then our wedding in St. Thomas. So of course, it was only natural that he do Drake's first photos. His website is www.fenixfoto.com if you want to check out more of his work. Tell him the Kirsch's referred you!

This photo is my favorite!

Me holding him up; I think it's so cute how he's staring at me.

The scrunched up forehead look...it's one of my favorites. He looks so serious when he does it.

I am so in love with this little face.

Such a kissable face!

Second pedi appt

Drake had his second pedi appt this morning, and is now above his birth weight at 5 lbs, 9 ounces. I am so darn proud. And the pedi made me feel better about trying to get 2 hours between feedings. Drake likes to snack in the evenings, and Dr. Dorsey said that since he's at birth weight now, I shouldn't feel like I have to let him nurse constantly from 6pm to 11pm. He said if I can get two hours between feedings, it'll help with getting longer stretches of sleep out of him at night. So, we'll see. I'll still be demand feeding for awhile, but may cut out that continuous snack time in the evening.

The rest of his exam looked good. He has a short frenulum, and they gave us a ENT consult in case we want to get it clipped. I had mine done in elementary school after years of speech therapy, and still not being able to say "r". We aren't sure yet if we're going to do it. They do it in the office with a little bit of numbing medicine, and the pedi and lactation consultant both said it's not a big deal. So we'll see......

A US air plane leaving NYC and coming to Charlotte crashed this afternoon, into the Hudson. It appears the passengers are all fine, but keep them all in your thoughts. Even if they are fine physically, that's still one heck of a traumatic experience.

My big boy!

Yesterday Drake and I headed out again, and it was a little less scary. But I'm still unhappy about the teenager and geriatric populations having licenses to drive. We went out to the lactation center for an appointment. Breastfeeding is going very well, but I wanted to go anyway just for a weight checkup, and to see how much he's getting with each feeding. I also had a few questions about pumping and returning to work.

And most importantly, I wanted to know when BF will QUIT HURTING! It's only hurting on one side, so at least that's a plus! I can see why women quit. I would never quit because of pain though, because his need for healthy breast milk is greater than my need for comfort. And so it begins, Drake has moved to numero uno.

So, the Drake-ster was 5-8 at birth, and 4-15 at four days old. Well, at eight days old, my big boy is already up to 5-7!!!!!!!! I was SO flippin happy, because now I know I'm doing a good job. BF is hard in the aspect that you don't truly know how much they are getting. They weighed him in the beginning, and after each breast. My superstar got a total of 2.5 ounces! I call him barracuda boy, because of his facial expressions when he's trying to latch on. His mouth is wide open, and he just swings his head all around......in hopes of finding a boob anywhere around. He totally looks like a barracuda fish, hunting for food. Not that I really know what a barracuda looks like, but it sounds good. I like the ring of barracuda boy.

He actually goes to the pedi again Thursday, for another weight check. I'm hoping he'll be above his birth weight by then, and then I'll really feel good. Seeing a healthy weight gain makes me really proud as a breastfeeding mommy. I can't imagine bottle feeding and missing out on all the bonding time we get during feedings. There is something so special about it, that is unexplainable to those who've only bottle fed.

Well, other duties call. Have a great day!

Quick word about our dogs...

Before the comments start flying about our dogs near the baby......

They are only allowed in the same room with Drake if we are in there as well. They are SO gentle, and just want to sniff him alot. Lucy whines when he cries, like she's in pain too. We test them in little five minute increments, which are what the photos are from. When we let them near Drake, they end up just lying down beside him after a good sniff. They are hearing alot of the "leave it" command these days. We're teaching them that they can only go near the baby if given permission. So don't worry, our dogs do NOT have freedom around mommy's little prince. They are lucky to get time near him once or twice a day. But I wanted everyone to see how cute it is when we do actually let them spend time together!

What noone tells you.....

Yesterday was probably the scariest day of my life. Frightening, petrifying, and any other adjective I can't think of right now.........they are all adequate descriptions of yesterday. My heart was racing, bordering on straight up palpitations. Why, you ask? Well, Drake and I decided to venture out of the house. Yes, that's right. We left the house. Oh. My. God. We got into that steel cage called a car, and actually went out on the road. Why on earth must people drive so fast? Why doesn't obtaining a drivers license require a thesis and week long driving skill test? I am NOT HAPPY that they actually give TEENAGERS a license. It's absolutely absurd.

Drake and I left the house about 1:15 to run just a couple of errands. Yes, it took the entire morning of getting ready and prepared to leave by 1:15. And I still did not have on any makeup. But hey, I was showered and my teeth were brushed. I even had on a cute shirt. I'll be honest, I don't ever really wear much makeup. It's so much effort and Eric even prefers me without it. We first headed to the UPS store, to ship Aunt Lindsay some hypnobabies material. She wants to see what it's all about since I had the fastest birth ever. Then we headed to Harris Teeter for some juices and gingerale. We had plenty of food at home, but needed more drinks. Here is my handsome man on his first trip to the Teeter.

I'm not sure if you can tell, but his carseat sat all the way in the cart, NOT balanced on the upper toddler seat part. I frequently see carseats balanced like that, in order to fill the main part of the cart with groceries. IT'S NOT SAFE---DON'T DO IT! Those carts are not designed and made to balance/withstand the weight of a carseat on the upper toddler seat section. Once I need to do some real grocery shopping, Drake will go along in his Hotsling or Moby wrap.

AFter the Teeter, we ran by the invitation store really quick for some extra envelopes. Aunt Bridget's baby shower for McCall is fast approaching, so those invites are going out tomorrow.

Aunt Lindsay's baby shower for Lacy Ann is Feburary 7th, and we're really sad to miss it. I'm not comfortable taking Drake at 4 weeks old on a plane. Logistically it doesn't bother me, it's the germs that scare me. It's flu and RSV season, and an enclosed plane with recirculated air is not what the Drake-ster needs. We're going to save our Buffalo trips for during warmer weather, when Drake can play with all of his cousins at the cottage.

We're going the the lactation center today at 2pm for a checkup. They do his weight before and after feeding, and tell me how many ounces (approx) he's getting. I just want to know he's gaining! And start asking all of my questions about when to start pumping and introducing bottles. I've gotta start working on my game plan so that I've got a nice supply saved before returning to work.

It's going to be FREEZING in Charlotte this week. Thursday thru Saturday are highs in the 30's and lows in the teens. That is arctic weather for us here. Drake isn't very happy about it, because that means are daily walks will be on hold. I like going for a walk during the warmest part of the afternoon, but only if it's in the 50's or higher.

Our photos from his 5 day old photo shoot will be ready today or tomorrow, and I can't wait to share them with all of you. I've seen one preview, and can I just say AMAZING! Our friend Ryan of Fenix Fotography is one of the most talented people I know.

Well, I'm off for my daily shower. I just wanted to share some more Drake photos and stories.

PS. Keep my friend Caroline and her family in your thoughts. They are leaving Jan 29 for China, to pick up their new daughter! It's so exciting, but think about them during their travels. Best wishes and be careful!

How can you not just fall in love with this face?

Being protected by his big sister Lucy.
Being protected by his big brother Linus.
On our first walk on the greenway. There was a stroller briefly involved until he decided Mommy's arms were more fun.
My brother holding Drake. He'll be holding McCall in 3 short months!

Superstar

Drake wants everyone to know that he is quite the superstar--he slept in his bassinet like a big boy! Prior to last night, he would not sleep in the bassinet beside our bed. He had to be in his swing, or be on my chest. This either forced me to be on the couch (beside the swing), or a nervous wreck about him being on my chest in the bed. I am petrified to have him in the bed with me, but I'm all about cosleeping with him right beside me in his bassinet. In any case, he did so well. He was waking up about every 3 hours to nurse, and when he was done I'd lay him in the bassinet. It worked! I couldn't believe it, b/c prior to last night he just didn't want any parts of it. And it worked twice, after the 1 am and 4 am feedings. I'm so proud of my big man!

We think the reason he didn't like it is because he was so tiny in such a big space. We took the insert from his carseat (that he couldn't use) and laid it flat in the bassinet, and it kept him snuggled enough to feel secure. They did a test in the hospital called a car seat test, because he didn't meet the weight requirement. Basically, the nursery staff just watched his oxygen saturation level for an hour while he sat/slept in his car seat. And interestingly enough, his was better without the snuggly head and body support pillow. So, they took it out, and it's working magic laid flat in the bassinet. Babies sure do make their own plans for how things will work out, that's for sure!

I'm addicted to posting Drake photos!

My sweet boy in his very first cloth diaper! It's a bummi prefold with XS thirsties cover. One reason I was so upset he was teeny was that he'd have to wear sposies :-(

But, I've managed to get the prefolds to work. He loves cloth-see how alert and happy he was about it?

4 Generations! Me and Drake, with my dad and Grandmother.
Snuggle time with his greatgrandmother Sissy. He settled right down in her arms for a nice long nap. She's had a little practice!
He didn't like the third bath of his life any more than the first two, lol.
This photo made me giggle. His boppy was in his crib, and I set him in it a moment to run to the bathroom. I was back in about 4 minutes, but he'd fallen asleep! And I mean a hard sleep too......a little milk coma. It was so sweet--isn't he cute?

I can't believe I'm posting this one, b/c I look SO chunky in it. But it's so cute of my big man! This was is first bath at home. Eric and I gave him his first bath in the hospital. The place we delivered gives you the option of doing it yourself, or letting the nursery staff do it. We really wanted to do it ourselves. He didn't like his second bath any more than the first!

Getting a weight check at the pediatricians. I missed this shot in the hospital. This is when he was 4 pounds, 15.5 ounces. I almost cried....
Much happier when the bath is over, and mommy is snuggling him.
Getting ready for that bath!
So this photo has quite the story to go with it! Fortunately, it's one with a happy ending. When Drake was born on Monday, my parents and SIL Bridget drove up. They spent the night at our house, and came to back to the hospital Tuesday morning. But while they were leaving our house Tuesday am, it was raining, and the concrete was slippery. Bridget slipped, and fell straight down, on her stomach without really even having a chance to guard her fall. Not a big deal for most people, but she is 26 weeks preggo! It scared the crap out of her and my parents. So, my mom called me and asked what she should do as far as going to the hospital and getting checked. I in turn buzzed my nurse, who said that at 26 weeks she should just come to the maternity center. So in a really strange turn of events, my SIL and I were patients at the same time, in the same maternity center. Thankfully everything was just fine, and my niece McCall looked wonderful on the monitors. It was quite the scare! So, I showered and got dressed that am, and poor Bridget was stuck in the bed on the monitor. After getting permission from my nurse, I put Drake in his bassinet, and Eric and I wheeled him down for a little visit. So, this is the infamous photo. We'll be explaining it for years to come :-)

Drake's birthday!

Eric doing skin to skin, right after he got there! Look at that proud daddy!

My nurse Marilyn, giving Drake to Eric for skin to skin. She had no qualms about telling Eric to strip:-) And BTW, he has on pants- you just can't see them in this photo.
Eric as he walked in. I'm so glad my doula caught these moments with the camera.
Our first family moment! I'm looking at Eric, and he only has eyes for Drake. So sweet!
Holding Drake shortly after birth, before Eric got there.

I went through and found some non graphic photos from Drake's birth. Enjoy!