Friday, May 28, 2010

The Boys

So, quick update time. We've had a busy week, and we head out of town tomorrow.

Eli will be 2 months old on Sunday! Crazy isn't it? He had a checkup yesterday, and weighs 10 pounds, 8 ounces!!!!! Kid has gained over 4 pounds in less than two months. The beauty of breastmilk! It really is the best. He is in the 25th percentile, which is miraculous for any kid of ours. He is 22.5 inches long, which is the 40th percentile. Again, just crazy. He is sleeping great, 5-6 hours at a time. He nurses somewhere betweeen 3 and 5am, then is back down till around 6-7 am. I can totally handle one feeding a night, especially if it keep my milk supply up, and we make it to at least a year breastfeeding.

Drake is hilarious these days. He's obsessed with birds and planes, and is constantly pointing/looking up to the sky. He says uh-oh constantly. He says all done when he's ready to get out of his high chair, and it's super cute.

Hopefully I'll get some pics up next week from the beach, depending on our internet connection. Anyway, gotta go, packing is calling....

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Eli's BFF's



Two of my close friends here in Charlotte were due near me. Eli was born on March 30, Reese on April 8, and Syler on May 6. These three little ones are going to grow up being such close friends! And Drake too of course! Reese is going to have her choice of men to choose from. Tuesday, we finally got these three stinkers together so us Mommies could catch up. We attempted a quick photo shoot, and here is the result!

Wowzers





So, I've been diligently working on Drake's first year book. I'm in the age now of Drake, that Eli currently is. Does that make sense at all? The other night I turned the computer around and asked Eric who the picture was of, Drake or Eli. He got it WRONG! It's amazing how alike these two kids look at the same age. Hopefully I've picked photos that show it well.


BTW, the top two are Eli and the bottom two are Drake.

Rockin' it out...



My two super cool studs rockin' their mohawks after their baths. I can't decide who to eat up first!

And from www.blog.amuchbetterway.com- info about the necklace Drake is wearing.

Baltic Amber is a traditional remedy for pain and teething that has been used for centuries around the world.
Sold in pharmacies in Europe, they are starting to become more mainstream elsewhere as awareness grows. They are a very natural alternative to drugs and other over the counter teething remedies that seem to have a very short effectiveness if any.

The amber works by releasing Succinic acid into the body when worn against warm skin. Succinic acid is a natural analgesic and works as long as your child is wearing the jewelry. The amber is lightweight and warm to the touch because it is a resin, not a stone. The necklace is knotted between each bead for safety and amber is naturally a safe material and is therefore CPSIA compliant automatically.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Further elaboration on the Thought of the Day...

"It's not where you're from; it's where you're going. It's not what you drive; it's what drives you. It's not what's on you; it's what's in you. It's not what you think; it's what you know."

I read this yesterday on someone's facebook page. It's my new favorite quote. It's the new quote I want to model my life after.
Each part of it has so much to offer; each part is something to think about. Not just to think "Oh, that's nice", but rather REALLY think about.

"It's not where you're from; it's where you're going."
To me, this part means that it's not necessary to live in the past. It means that I'm not defined by where I grew up, but rather where I choose to spend my future. In the physical sense. It also means much more than that to me. It's not just about a physical location. It's about not being defined by past actions or decisions, but rather current and future ones. I'd like to think that people can change and redefine themselves. Of course, change isn't necessarily needed. But if change happens, it can be for the better.

"It's not what you drive; it's what drives you."
This one kinda opens up a can of worms, in my opinion. To me, this is all about being superficial and fake, rather than showing who/what you really are. And let me just say it to get it out of the way: I cannot STAND superficial and fake. A perfect example: driving a car you can't afford, just to project a certain image. The image that you are wealthy, or cool, or worthy of being around. While in reality, you can't afford the car payment, or some other bill. I've realized over time that if I quit spending time worrying about what people think of me (or how they perceive me), then I'm a lot happier. Instead, it is about what drives me. If I think about that (which for me is my family), I am fulfilled. It's hard in the beginning to change the thoughts that occupy your mind, but over time it becomes natural and real. I try to focus on myself (looking inward), rather than looking outward to others around me. I don't measure my happiness or level of success based on what's in my garage. I prefer to measure it in giggles from Drake, smiles from Eli, and kissed from Eric. On another note, I can't stand people who drive super expensive cars (for no reason), even if they can afford it. Now if you really do drive it for some of it's capabilities, that's great. I remember a discussion with a certain someone (who will remain nameless), who was tickled to pieces about his new 60K car. Yet he had a wife he "required" to work, and some kids whose college/savings funds weren't complete. What a selfish bastard.

"It's not what's on you; it's what's in you. "
Oh, another can of worms. Actually, it's really related to the one above. Or, an elaboration of it. It's about being more concerned with whether my jeans are from Nordstom's or Target, rather than learning who I am and what I believe is true and real. It's interesting to me that every October I become a year older, and hopefully, wiser. With each passing year, I also make more money and pay off more debt. So, you would think that with that happening, I could/would be more interested in and impressed with superficial things that money can buy. Sunglasses, purses, clothes, etc. Instead, I've become less interested. I'm certainly not saying I won't pay money for expensive name brand items. (Because I LOVE seven jeans!) But I pay money for them because I truly love the item, not because I'm trying to project a certain image. Self reflection can be a good thing. And when I've spent time on that, this quote becomes all the more true. And as I focus more on what's in me, I find myself quite turned off by people who are only concerned with what's on me. And with that, I find myself VERY turned off by people trying to make themselves appear as something they are not. Like misrepresenting something they are wearing as their own, when in reality it's a knockoff- or only borrowed from a friend. Blech....

"It's not what you think; it's what you know."
I know what's really important to me. And I know who I'm really important to. And I think it's time to be true to that.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Thought for the day

"It's not where you're from; it's where you're going. It's not what you drive; it's what drives you. It's not what's on you; it's what's in you. It's not what you think; it's what you know."

I'll elaborate with my thoughts on this quote later. But it was too good to not share immediately!

Monday, May 10, 2010

Update on my boys!

Drake turned 16 months five days ago! Where has the time gone? I swear that kid was just born yesterday. He is more of a joy everyday, and yet he is more of a pain every day. He is MOST definitely a toddler, and is becoming more defiant and headstrong. He has learned to bite, which is a MAJOR issue for me. Unfortunately, he hasn't done it to Eric or myself, just his cousin. We are waiting for him to do it to us, and start some major discipline for it. I really have no idea where to start for discipline. Neither Eric or I are big fans of spanking; we prefer gentle discipline and positive reinforcement. However, that's nice and all, but we've never parented or disciplined before. What we theoretically prefer may or may not work for our kids. We'll start with the redirection, positive reinforcement, and time outs first. I guess we'll see where those get us.

Drake has become a lot more whiny. However, I wonder if he's not getting enough sleep some days. If his naps aren't long enough, we can definitely tell! I tell him "Whining gets you nothing", but he looks at me like I'm crazy. His comprehension is getting better, he often understands what I'm telling him. (Listening is another story). His speech is improving as well. He's recently added the words "bird", and "hey" to his vocabulary. The "hey" is accompanied by a big arm wave. He is constantly looking up when we are outside, and gets super excited by either birds or airplanes.

We got a letter last week that told us Drake officially got the spot at the preschool we wanted him in. It's the one at our church, right at the front of our neighborhood. He'll be going on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 9:30 until 1pm. I guess that means he'll transition that morning nap out. I sure feel sorry for his teachers! He's going to be a major crankbutt. I hope he enjoys it. He quits crying within 1-2 minutes when we leave him on Sunday mornings, so I hope he'll be just as good when we leave him for preschool. I'll be able to take him and pick him up on Tuesdays, Eric will take him on Thursdays, and I'll pick him up on Thursdays. We are excited to have our schedule all worked out!

Now, on to an update on sweet Mr. Eli. He will be SIX weeks old tomorrow!!! Seriously? He is such a good baby. He only fusses when he's gassy, and Mylicon usually fixes that. Along with a good burp or toot. He is taking a little bit out of a bottle, but he still isn't doing it easily. Or happily. I'm gonna call his pediatrician about it Wednesday, and discuss it with him. I just don't know if he's big enough to go by the "when he gets hungry enough he'll eat" method. I mean, I go back to work in less than a month, so he's got to figure it out eventually. As a mom who believes in demand feeding, and meeting a baby's every cry and need, this is hard for me. But, I HAVE to work, so it's not done out of laziness or something else.

He's been giving me social smiles for a few days, and today he gave Eric a big smile while I was gone with Drake. Eric was so happy and proud to tell me about it when I got home. His head strength is also getting a lot better. It's amazing how someone so tiny can hold that big head up for so long. On another super exciting note- his horrible diaper rash/excoriation is better! We've been sitting him up in the Boppy, on the baby einstein play mat. He seems to like looking around and checking it all out.

We have a busy week planned, which simply means we have something planned each day. And even the smallest trip is an adventure with my two boys. Tomorrow we are going on a tour at Drake's future preschool in the morning. And in the afternoon, Eli and I are heading to my postpartum checkup. I can't wait to see my midwife Tina and catch up. On Wednesday I'm taking both boys to the mall and meet up with my friend Melissa. She had her daughter Reese about a week after Eli arrived. We are both excited to get out of the house and catch up, even if it is while pushing strollers around the mall. Thursday there is a La Leche League meeting not too terribly far away, and I hope to make it to that. I've never been to one, so I hope it's what I expect. On Friday, we are heading to Florence for the night. I've got a baby shower on Saturday morning for a cousin, and then we'll head back home Saturday evening/night.

Well, I think that's enough of an update for now. Peace out!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Eli's newborn photos!

I am so excited to share Eli's newborn photos with you all! We had a last minute change in photographers, and I am beyond thrilled with how they turned out! It isn't much of a surprise to anyone that I LOVE having beautiful photos taken of my boys. I've always enjoyed beautiful photos. And since my boys are the most important thing in my life, it makes sense that I now obsess over getting the 'perfect' photo of them. If I wasn't doing the anesthesia gig, I'd totally be a family photographer. I have a nice Nikon SLR, but don't have the time/patience to learn to shoot manually. Luckily, I've found a few photographers who can!

Drake's newborn photos were done by our good friend Ryan, who actually shoot mostly corporate and fashion photography. He was going to do Eli's, but was sick with a sinus infection when we needed them. Enter Leah! I knew from facebook that an old friend from high school was now doing photography professionally. And the kicker- she lives in a Charlotte suburb and shoots here frequently! It was very important to me this time to have Eli's pictures taken in our home. A- I didn't want to go anywhere with a toddler and newborn. B- I wanted photos in his nursery. I called her, and she was able to come to our home on Eli's two week birthday. She was here over three hours- allowing plenty of breaks for nursing and diaper changes, and it was very relaxed. When I got the proofs back, I wasn't sure how on earth I'd begin to choose. Luckily, my Mom helped and we began to narrow it down. I purchased a package that includes another session later in the year, and we'll do it when Eli is 9 months old.

When we moved to Florence, I did some research to find the best photographer there. I decided that Collin Smith photography was the best around, and we purchased the five year plan for Drake. So, we already have Drake's sessions paid for for five years! We did a big session when he was nine months, and that's why I chose to do Eli's when he is nine months. When we go to the beach in June, we are actually doing Drake's "18 month" photos a month early, along with some family shots. I can't wait to have beach pictures taken!!!

So, as far as Eli's photos- I have SOOOO many favorites. I love the one of just Drake and Eli. I seriously didn't think we would have one of those turn out. Drake was tired and cranky, and would not sit still. I can't believe Leah captured one. The ones of Eric with both boys are also really special to me. There is one of me and Eric with Drake- and the smiles on our faces are so natural since we were throwing Drake up in the air and playing. I love how candid they were. Of course, I love them all of just Eli. Particularly the one of him kinda smiling in his sleep- could that get any cuter??? The ones of me and Eli in his nursery, in the rocker, make my heart smile. They are just beyond sweet. Anyhow, enough rambling. Let's get on to the good stuff- photos of my amazing boys.







































Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Rear Facing Carseats

I've been meaning to find time to blog about this forever. Computer time is scarce here, but Drake is at the grandparents, so I have a few minutes.

The National Transportation Safety Board, as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, now recommend that children remain REAR FACING in their carseats until at LEAST two years of age. Why? Because it is safer. Watch this video, and it'll show you why.



Watch You tube video

So, now that you've seen the visual aids, maybe it makes more sense. It certainly did to me once I saw videos about remaining rear facing. I understand the arguments to face forward. For most people, it's that their kids legs are SOOOO long. Boo freakin' hoo. I know I sound like a unsympathetic bitch here, but seriously???? Would you rather have your kid's neck or leg snapped? Another frequent argument is that the child throws major fits rear facing. I'm sure Drake has you beat. He's gotten better since we moved from the Peg Perego seat to the Britax, but he is still capable of quite the fit. I'm sure that moving him to facing forward would make it better, but he is just going to have to deal.

Eli is ready to eat, so I've gotta run. But seriously- think about keeping those sweet babies rear facing!

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Monday update

My big boy had his first dentist appointment today, and we are proud to report no cavities or problems. (Kids are supposed to start the dentist visits at one year old by the way). They gave him a slinky for not biting them, and he was simply thrilled.

My little boy has three chins. That's all about him. THREE chins. Cutest dang thing EVAH!!!

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Stream of consciousness.....

My two boys are exhausting and overwhelming, but worth every second.

I can't control how people treat me, but I can control if I allow them in my children's life. Treat me poorly, I'll just ignore you. Treat my children poorly, and I'll wish you to the depths of hell, and cut you out of all of our lives completely. Just a thought. Don't mess with my kids.

I'm tired of hearing about Arizona's immigration law.

Breastfeeding support group starts back up this week, and I'm super excited. I love my LC (lactation consultant) Cindy.

We turned in Drake's papers today for preschool. I hope he does indeed get the available slot. I really hope he enjoys it two days a week in the fall. It's only 9:30-1, so it shouldn't be too much. I don't want the little tyke overwhelmed.

I've NEVER envied mothers who have to send their children to daycare. Eric and I have always worked hard to make sure that private nannies are in our budget. However, if we were a daycare family, I'd be enjoying time with just Eli right now. Instead I'm taking care of a toddler who never sits still AND my newborn who lives on my boob. So, yes, right now I'm a little envious of daycare families.

I can't wait for not one, but TWO weeks at the beach with my family coming up!!!!!!! Eric can only come for a couple of days, (work), but I'll be there with the boys, my awesome parents, and many aunts/uncles/cousins. And my favorite non-relative Amber. (You'd better ask off work now!!!) Can you say Momma is getting a TAN??? Oh, and while we are there, we are having Drake's 18 month portraits, plus family portraits done on the beach. I'm super duper excited about that:-)

Although I'm tired of hearing about Arizona, I am getting a little worried about this spreading oil slick.

We got Eli's birth announcements back yesterday, and assuming I get them addressed tonight, they are going out in the mail tomorrow. They are so pretty, and I just love the way they turned out. The way we came about having his portraits done is a long story, for another post when I post the pictures.

I am amazed at how some unfortunate people allow themselves to be so completely manipulated and controlled in a marriage. I truly hope and pray it's b/c they don't see the truth, rather than assuming there is no way out. There is always a way out, and I'm always available to help.

I think my stream is over with......

Eli- One month

Our sweet Eli was one month old a few days ago. I honestly can't believe that. You'd think I'd be used to how fast time passes, since we've just completed Drake's first year. Nope! Eli's first month flew by. His checkup was actually a couple of days before he was one month, and he already weighed in at 8 pounds and 3 ounces. His pediatrician was thrilled, because that puts him in the 10th percentile, and he was born in less than the 5th. His height was in the 25th percentile, and his physical exam was great. We go back when he is two months old. Poor little tyke has a bad diaper rash from peeing/pooping so much. Dr. Dorsey called him a "high volume baby". Meaning he takes in, and puts out a lot. He said it's really hard to keep babies like that from getting a red bottom, no matter how much naked time they get (or diaper changes). We have some really think barrier ointment he recommended, and Eli's bottom is looking better.

Eli's eyes are starting to lighten up a little, and his hair is falling out. He holds his head up like a champ. He LOVES to be worn, in the Moby or Babyhawk meitei. I imagine he's not a fan of his big brother, who is always trying to poke at him. Poor Eli. It's got to be hard having such a young toddler as a big brother.

I think that's about it for an Eli update. There just isn't really much to say about what a one month old is up to:-)