First let me say that Lyla is a good sleeper. She goes down at night and stays a sleep for 5-6 hours. Love it! At least I did. Lyla would wake up some time between 3:00 and 5:00, eat and go right back to sleep. 20, 30 minutes tops and mommy was back in bed. That was until a few nights ago. Now she is still waking up around the same time but is wide awake. She eats and then stays up for an hour or so. Not so fun for mommy. The only thing I know to do is put her in her swing where she'll watch tv contently until she falls back asleep. I hate for my child to sleep so much in her swing, but sometimes it's the only thing to do if I'm to get any sleep. And now that I'm back at work, I need to get all the sleep I can.
So the past few nights our routine has consisted of mommy going to sleep around 10:30. Mommy waking up to pump, Lyla waking up to eat, Lyla staying awake. Mommy gives up and puts Lyla in her swing and Mommy goes back to sleep on the couch.
I'm sure this is just a phase, but it is frustrating. Especially since I was so excited that my little one was being such a good sleeper. Maybe she is sleeping too much during the day. Maybe she misses her mommy time now that I'm back at work so she wants to get it in during the night. Who knows. I just have to keep reminding myself she's only 6 weeks old. I was just hoping for more of a schedule by now.
Oh well. I get to love on my girl and that is the best part.
Any advice on getting a routine of eating times and wake and sleeping times would be much appreciated.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
6 Week Check Up
I had my 6 week check up with Dr. DeLaGarza yesterday. Everything went well. She told me I looked skinny...she is not officially my favorite person in the whole world! I was released to return to work and given the "green light".
It was so weird to be walking back down the hall of my OBGYN's office. Just 6 short weeks ago I was there planning the birth of my baby. In fact, I had 5 weekly appointments (it was becoming my home away from home). As I walked back in and looked at all the pregnant women, I thought, "Did I really look like that just 6 short weeks ago?" It seems like such a short amount of time, yet it also seems like an eternity. I honestly cannot remember life without Lyla. The late nights, the round-the-clock pumping, the smile and coos, the planning baby coverage for work...it seems like that has been my life forever. Lyla has been the greatest gift (beside my wonderful husband). She is so much more than I could have ever imagined.
I did have one issue that I forgot to discuss with my doctor. My back still hurts and the injection site of the epidural. It doesn't hurt all the time, it just feels like a bruise is there whenever I bend over. Is that normal 6 weeks later? Should I call her back and ask? Any advice from those of you who have been here before would be greatly appreciated.
It was so weird to be walking back down the hall of my OBGYN's office. Just 6 short weeks ago I was there planning the birth of my baby. In fact, I had 5 weekly appointments (it was becoming my home away from home). As I walked back in and looked at all the pregnant women, I thought, "Did I really look like that just 6 short weeks ago?" It seems like such a short amount of time, yet it also seems like an eternity. I honestly cannot remember life without Lyla. The late nights, the round-the-clock pumping, the smile and coos, the planning baby coverage for work...it seems like that has been my life forever. Lyla has been the greatest gift (beside my wonderful husband). She is so much more than I could have ever imagined.
I did have one issue that I forgot to discuss with my doctor. My back still hurts and the injection site of the epidural. It doesn't hurt all the time, it just feels like a bruise is there whenever I bend over. Is that normal 6 weeks later? Should I call her back and ask? Any advice from those of you who have been here before would be greatly appreciated.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Busy Weekend
I know I haven't blogged in a while and I'm sorry for that. Things have been so busy around here. Friday, Andy left for Austin. Our dear friend Shawn was getting married and Andy was in the wedding. He drove up to Austin Friday morning to help get ready for the bachelor party. Andy was so excited to see all of his old college buddies. Lyla and I stayed behind. Thankfully my parents came up Friday evening to give me some entertainment and help with Lyla. Andy wasn't in Austin 3 hours before he called me already missing his girls. Luckily he took our laptop so we were able to IChat. He was so happy to see Lyla.
Saturday, Lyla and I hung out at the house during the day. She took a very long nap (thank God) so I was able to get some laundry and cleaning done. I also packed us up for the weekend. Saturday evening we were going to dinner for my grandmother's 81st birthday and then we were going to stay at my parent's house. I had to pack for two days. My first experience in packing for a baby...scary!!!
We had a wonderful birthday dinner. It was so good to see all of my aunts and uncles. We followed up dinner at Salt Grass with cake at Grandma's house. Everyone loved getting to see Lyla. That night we stayed at mom and dad's. Lyla's first sleep over. As I believe I told you before, my mom set up her own nursery so Lyla got to spend the night in Grammy Tammy's crib. It was fun and she did a great job.
Sunday mom and I went to church and Aunt Autumn got to babysit Lyla. I think that was the best part of her day. Autumn works and goes to school full time in San Marcos so she doesn't get to see Lyla as much as she would like. So she relished in the couple of hours that she got Lyla all to herself.
Sunday afternoon Lyla and I headed up to Austin for the wedding. After getting lost on the highway system (that I hate), we finally met up with Andy at the hotel. He was so excited to see his girl. He pretty much held her the entire time at the wedding.
The wedding was crazy and beautiful. Our sweet Shawn is just a go with the flow, so the wedding "plans" were changing minute by minute. I didn't get to hear the wedding, but had to watch if from behind closed doors because just as the wedding started, Lyla decided to get fussy. Partly she was hungry and partly she was hot (it was an out-door wedding). But other than that she did great. It was so nice to visit with our friends that we don't see often. The Dimes came down from Portland, Oregon and Will and Pam came in from New York. It was a blast. Lyla got to wear the Easter dress I bought her. It fit perfectly...my skinny girl.
Sunday night we stayed at the hotel. Again, Lyla did great. She slept on the recliner (I padded her with blankets) because we don't have a pack-n-play.
Monday we woke up and meet Johnny, Christi, Pierre, Jake, Ryan and Kelly for brunch at Trudy's. Trudy's is known for their Mexican martinis. Unfortunately I didn't get to partake in one. (I did have a taste of Johnny's though). We then followed Johnny and Christi to her dad's place and spent a little time on the river before heading back home.
What a busy weekend. We were all exhausted. Andy got sick with a severe head cold. I'm suffering from a mild one, and Lyla took a while to recover from her sleep changes. But all in all, it was a great weekend and worth it all!
I only have a few pictures from the weekend. Unfortunately I am still bad at taking pictures so there aren't many. But, here you go.
Shawn and Samantha. Laurie is a good friend of ours and the Maid of Honor.
Mr. Covey feeding Lyla. He has a grandson and now a granddaughter on the way. He needed to see "how a girl feels". He was loving on Lyla.
Daddy and Lyla. He missed her sooo much.
Lyla in her dress. This was purchased for Easter, but since she took her sweet time, she missed Easter. Thankfully the dress fit. She looked beautiful.
Lyla chillin' in the hotel bed. I finally captured a smile on camera.
Sorry, I forgot to flip some of the pictures.
Saturday, Lyla and I hung out at the house during the day. She took a very long nap (thank God) so I was able to get some laundry and cleaning done. I also packed us up for the weekend. Saturday evening we were going to dinner for my grandmother's 81st birthday and then we were going to stay at my parent's house. I had to pack for two days. My first experience in packing for a baby...scary!!!
We had a wonderful birthday dinner. It was so good to see all of my aunts and uncles. We followed up dinner at Salt Grass with cake at Grandma's house. Everyone loved getting to see Lyla. That night we stayed at mom and dad's. Lyla's first sleep over. As I believe I told you before, my mom set up her own nursery so Lyla got to spend the night in Grammy Tammy's crib. It was fun and she did a great job.
Sunday mom and I went to church and Aunt Autumn got to babysit Lyla. I think that was the best part of her day. Autumn works and goes to school full time in San Marcos so she doesn't get to see Lyla as much as she would like. So she relished in the couple of hours that she got Lyla all to herself.
Sunday afternoon Lyla and I headed up to Austin for the wedding. After getting lost on the highway system (that I hate), we finally met up with Andy at the hotel. He was so excited to see his girl. He pretty much held her the entire time at the wedding.
The wedding was crazy and beautiful. Our sweet Shawn is just a go with the flow, so the wedding "plans" were changing minute by minute. I didn't get to hear the wedding, but had to watch if from behind closed doors because just as the wedding started, Lyla decided to get fussy. Partly she was hungry and partly she was hot (it was an out-door wedding). But other than that she did great. It was so nice to visit with our friends that we don't see often. The Dimes came down from Portland, Oregon and Will and Pam came in from New York. It was a blast. Lyla got to wear the Easter dress I bought her. It fit perfectly...my skinny girl.
Sunday night we stayed at the hotel. Again, Lyla did great. She slept on the recliner (I padded her with blankets) because we don't have a pack-n-play.
Monday we woke up and meet Johnny, Christi, Pierre, Jake, Ryan and Kelly for brunch at Trudy's. Trudy's is known for their Mexican martinis. Unfortunately I didn't get to partake in one. (I did have a taste of Johnny's though). We then followed Johnny and Christi to her dad's place and spent a little time on the river before heading back home.
What a busy weekend. We were all exhausted. Andy got sick with a severe head cold. I'm suffering from a mild one, and Lyla took a while to recover from her sleep changes. But all in all, it was a great weekend and worth it all!
I only have a few pictures from the weekend. Unfortunately I am still bad at taking pictures so there aren't many. But, here you go.
Shawn and Samantha. Laurie is a good friend of ours and the Maid of Honor.
Mr. Covey feeding Lyla. He has a grandson and now a granddaughter on the way. He needed to see "how a girl feels". He was loving on Lyla.
Daddy and Lyla. He missed her sooo much.
Lyla in her dress. This was purchased for Easter, but since she took her sweet time, she missed Easter. Thankfully the dress fit. She looked beautiful.
Lyla chillin' in the hotel bed. I finally captured a smile on camera.
Sorry, I forgot to flip some of the pictures.
Friday, May 15, 2009
One Month Old
Lyla turns one month tomorrow. Wow! I can't believe the time has gone by so quickly. Lyla's first month has been filled with learning and daily changes. She is growing everyday. Her skin has lighten up, her face is getting fuller. It's amazing to look back at pictures from the hospital and see how big she has gotten already.
Some things I want to remember about Lyla's first month:
- She is growing daily.
- She doesn't ball up as much as she use to. She likes to push and stretch.
- She is holding her head up a lot. Not for long, but she is very strong.
- She is starting to give little smiles and coos in response to people talking to her.
- She is sleeping much better. In the last week of her first month she is sleeping longer and is going back to sleep after her late night feedings. That makes mommy very happy.
- She is not a fan of sponge baths; she doesn't like being cold.
Some things I've learned (and am learning):
- Motherhood is hard and wonderful at the same time.
- Nothing goes as planned.
- Postpartum body is less attractive than pregnant body (at least everything is stretched tight when you're pregnant). This is a daily lesson. I am having a hard time adjusting. I have to remind myself everyday that it is going to take time to get my body back and get this weight off. I am working out about 4-5 times a week. The hardest part is I have to fit into my staff dance wear by June 7th for camp. I made the mistake of trying it on yesterday. Let's just say my emotions were worn on my sleeve the rest of the day.
- I don't have all the answers
- I have great friends and family who are huge support systems for me.
- I don't take enough pictures.
- Give myself lots of grace. After Lyla was born I talked with my sweet BSF group leader. She gave me some great advice. Libby said, "set low standards for yourself and give yourself lots of grace." I have made this my mantra this past month. When times get hard I remind myself that it's going to be okay and I try to give myself grace.
- Time is not what it use to be. Before Lyla was born I thought, 6 weeks of maternity leave, I'll get so much done. Ha!!! If I want to get stuff done I'll have to stay up while she's asleep...not going to happen. So needless to say there are still thank you cards to write, the hall closet has not gotten organized, and dishes don't get done every day like they use to. I know things will get easier once Lyla gets a little bit older. Right now she is wanting to be held if she is awake. I hope I'm not spoiling her.
- Breastfeeding is not easy. I've heard everyone say this, but I didn't know it would be as hard. After much prayer and support from family and friends, I have decided to move to pump and bottle feeding. It has been a much easier week on all of us. Lyla is happier during feedings, which makes mommy happier. Daddy can help with feedings and he really enjoys that. The only problem is she is eating so much (3-4 ounces at each feeding) that I am not able to store much. I pretty much pump what she eats at her next feeding. I'm worried she might be eating to much, but she is also going longer between feedings so I guess it all evens out.
Some pictures of our sweet girl!
One of my favorite things. I held her as she slept for about an hour because I just love the snuggle time.
Lyla's belly time! She is getting stronger every day.
Andy and I cracked up at this. Sleeping with her hand over her face. We have sonogram pictures of her doing this same thing in the womb.
Again, always has her hands up by her face.
Some things I want to remember about Lyla's first month:
- She is growing daily.
- She doesn't ball up as much as she use to. She likes to push and stretch.
- She is holding her head up a lot. Not for long, but she is very strong.
- She is starting to give little smiles and coos in response to people talking to her.
- She is sleeping much better. In the last week of her first month she is sleeping longer and is going back to sleep after her late night feedings. That makes mommy very happy.
- She is not a fan of sponge baths; she doesn't like being cold.
Some things I've learned (and am learning):
- Motherhood is hard and wonderful at the same time.
- Nothing goes as planned.
- Postpartum body is less attractive than pregnant body (at least everything is stretched tight when you're pregnant). This is a daily lesson. I am having a hard time adjusting. I have to remind myself everyday that it is going to take time to get my body back and get this weight off. I am working out about 4-5 times a week. The hardest part is I have to fit into my staff dance wear by June 7th for camp. I made the mistake of trying it on yesterday. Let's just say my emotions were worn on my sleeve the rest of the day.
- I don't have all the answers
- I have great friends and family who are huge support systems for me.
- I don't take enough pictures.
- Give myself lots of grace. After Lyla was born I talked with my sweet BSF group leader. She gave me some great advice. Libby said, "set low standards for yourself and give yourself lots of grace." I have made this my mantra this past month. When times get hard I remind myself that it's going to be okay and I try to give myself grace.
- Time is not what it use to be. Before Lyla was born I thought, 6 weeks of maternity leave, I'll get so much done. Ha!!! If I want to get stuff done I'll have to stay up while she's asleep...not going to happen. So needless to say there are still thank you cards to write, the hall closet has not gotten organized, and dishes don't get done every day like they use to. I know things will get easier once Lyla gets a little bit older. Right now she is wanting to be held if she is awake. I hope I'm not spoiling her.
- Breastfeeding is not easy. I've heard everyone say this, but I didn't know it would be as hard. After much prayer and support from family and friends, I have decided to move to pump and bottle feeding. It has been a much easier week on all of us. Lyla is happier during feedings, which makes mommy happier. Daddy can help with feedings and he really enjoys that. The only problem is she is eating so much (3-4 ounces at each feeding) that I am not able to store much. I pretty much pump what she eats at her next feeding. I'm worried she might be eating to much, but she is also going longer between feedings so I guess it all evens out.
Some pictures of our sweet girl!
One of my favorite things. I held her as she slept for about an hour because I just love the snuggle time.
Lyla's belly time! She is getting stronger every day.
Andy and I cracked up at this. Sleeping with her hand over her face. We have sonogram pictures of her doing this same thing in the womb.
Again, always has her hands up by her face.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Breastfeeding Challenges
As you know from some of my earlier posts, Lyla had a problem latching at the beginning of her little life. After meeting with several lactation consultants and purchasing a nipple shield, the latching issue ended and we had successful breast feedings!!!
Well, recently we added another issue. Because of me having to go up to work for some events during my maternity leave, Lyla would have to be fed breast milk with a bottle. Not a problem because she was still getting breast milk. However, a few days ago breast feeding became a challenge again. Lyla would feed for about 3 minutes and then get frustrated, push back and scream. She started doing this at every feeding. Which made things frustrating for her and for me. The only thing I can come up with is that she has gotten so use to the bottle that the breast is too much work for her and therefore causes the frustration. I think she gets mad because she isn't getting the milk as easily. The other problem is she is eating so much that we would fight through the feeding and then still have to give her a bottle with more breast milk because she wasn't satisfied.
So now the decision, to stop breast feeding and just pump and bottle feed, or push through in the hopes that things will turn around. I have been debating this decision for several days. Personally, I don't mind pumping and bottle feeding. One, it's much faster. Two, I'm about to go back to work and she will be on the bottle all day which will push her further from the breast. Third, I've never felt the strong "bond" from breast feeding. I actually enjoy the bottle feeding because I can look into my sweet girls' eyes. I love watching her curl her hands up under her chin. I also love that she isn't fighting at each feeding.
But, does this make me a bad mom? Am I being selfish and giving up too easily? These are the questions that I have debated over and prayed over. I've discussed it with Andy and asked his opinion. He said it's my choice and I just have to stand behind it. Both of us are determined to keep her on breast milk at least through August. We want her to get the nutrients of breast milk and we don't want the expense of formula. But now my little one is taking so much milk that I'm not sure I can keep up. She is already taking 3-4 ounces at every feeding. She's not even a month old yet. She is sleeping longer at night so I can only assume that she is stocking up during the day.
Oh the life of a mom. The constant decision making. The uncertainty that I'm not making the right decision. I just had no idea breast feeding would bring about so many challenges.
Well, recently we added another issue. Because of me having to go up to work for some events during my maternity leave, Lyla would have to be fed breast milk with a bottle. Not a problem because she was still getting breast milk. However, a few days ago breast feeding became a challenge again. Lyla would feed for about 3 minutes and then get frustrated, push back and scream. She started doing this at every feeding. Which made things frustrating for her and for me. The only thing I can come up with is that she has gotten so use to the bottle that the breast is too much work for her and therefore causes the frustration. I think she gets mad because she isn't getting the milk as easily. The other problem is she is eating so much that we would fight through the feeding and then still have to give her a bottle with more breast milk because she wasn't satisfied.
So now the decision, to stop breast feeding and just pump and bottle feed, or push through in the hopes that things will turn around. I have been debating this decision for several days. Personally, I don't mind pumping and bottle feeding. One, it's much faster. Two, I'm about to go back to work and she will be on the bottle all day which will push her further from the breast. Third, I've never felt the strong "bond" from breast feeding. I actually enjoy the bottle feeding because I can look into my sweet girls' eyes. I love watching her curl her hands up under her chin. I also love that she isn't fighting at each feeding.
But, does this make me a bad mom? Am I being selfish and giving up too easily? These are the questions that I have debated over and prayed over. I've discussed it with Andy and asked his opinion. He said it's my choice and I just have to stand behind it. Both of us are determined to keep her on breast milk at least through August. We want her to get the nutrients of breast milk and we don't want the expense of formula. But now my little one is taking so much milk that I'm not sure I can keep up. She is already taking 3-4 ounces at every feeding. She's not even a month old yet. She is sleeping longer at night so I can only assume that she is stocking up during the day.
Oh the life of a mom. The constant decision making. The uncertainty that I'm not making the right decision. I just had no idea breast feeding would bring about so many challenges.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
I am a Mommy
This afternoon my mom came over to visit. My dad had to go help a friend in Boerne, so my mom took advantage of coming to visit Lyla and me. Later my dad showed up just in time for Lyla to finish feeding. So, Grammy Tammy and Big Guy got to take turns holding and playing with Lyla. First I have to tell you that Lyla was smiling and possibly produced a little laugh for her Big Guy. I'm not sure if the laugh was in reaction to my dad or just coincidence. Anyways, I digress.
Lyla was being real fussy while my dad was holding her. He burped her, changed her, walked around with her, but nothing was working. I finally got up and took her and calmed her down. My mom said, "maybe she just wanted her mommy." After Lyla was calm, I handed her off to my mom so I could get dinner started. After a while she started fussing again. I thought, well it might be time for her to eat again. So I took her from my mom and my parents got ready to leave. Again, Lyla calmed down. As my mom was walking out the door she stated again, "sometimes a girl just need her mommy." Lyla fell asleep in my arms and has been asleep ever since (about 30 minutes).
As I sat on the couch with my little one in my arms, I thought, "mom's right...I am a mommy." It is such a strange realization. All my life I have loved babies. I am the oldest of 14 cousins, so needless to say I have helped raise them all. I can remember holding a baby that wouldn't stop fussing and the mom finally taking the baby back and the baby immediately calming down. It would always frustrate me. Why couldn't I do that? Why couldn't I get the baby to stop crying?
Now I know....I wasn't the mommy. Now, I am the mommy. Wow!!! It's amazing how after 2 and a half weeks things still shock me. It's amazing how important being "the mommy" is. I never understood the power of being the mommy. I guess no one understands until they become one.
Lyla was being real fussy while my dad was holding her. He burped her, changed her, walked around with her, but nothing was working. I finally got up and took her and calmed her down. My mom said, "maybe she just wanted her mommy." After Lyla was calm, I handed her off to my mom so I could get dinner started. After a while she started fussing again. I thought, well it might be time for her to eat again. So I took her from my mom and my parents got ready to leave. Again, Lyla calmed down. As my mom was walking out the door she stated again, "sometimes a girl just need her mommy." Lyla fell asleep in my arms and has been asleep ever since (about 30 minutes).
As I sat on the couch with my little one in my arms, I thought, "mom's right...I am a mommy." It is such a strange realization. All my life I have loved babies. I am the oldest of 14 cousins, so needless to say I have helped raise them all. I can remember holding a baby that wouldn't stop fussing and the mom finally taking the baby back and the baby immediately calming down. It would always frustrate me. Why couldn't I do that? Why couldn't I get the baby to stop crying?
Now I know....I wasn't the mommy. Now, I am the mommy. Wow!!! It's amazing how after 2 and a half weeks things still shock me. It's amazing how important being "the mommy" is. I never understood the power of being the mommy. I guess no one understands until they become one.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Lyla's Favorite Things
Lyla is liking her swing better. She cries for the first 5 minutes, but then gets over it and hangs out or sleeps.
Lyla loves to hold onto Daddy.
Lyla loves to give Daddy kisses.
She loves to fall alseep on her boppy pillow while breastfeeding. It's just too comfortable.
Okay, so we've only pulled the activity mat out once and she only lasted about 5 minutes, but we know she is going to love it.
She naps and is now sleeping in her crib.
Lyla loves to hold onto Daddy.
Lyla loves to give Daddy kisses.
She loves to fall alseep on her boppy pillow while breastfeeding. It's just too comfortable.
Okay, so we've only pulled the activity mat out once and she only lasted about 5 minutes, but we know she is going to love it.
She naps and is now sleeping in her crib.
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