Thursday, September 29, 2011

Ava's Weekly Update- 47 Weeks

As baby's language skills improve, you can start teaching her about manners. Say "please" and "thank you" whenever appropriate in your interactions, and prompt her to do the same. And, instead of picking up her toys while she's down for a nap, make cleaning up part of the playtime routine and encourage her to "help" however she can.

This is a great idea especially because down here manners is a big thing. I'm going to try this whole help me clean up thing and see how that goes haha

Sucking on her thumb or a pacifier is baby's way of soothing herself. According to the American Dental Association, there's no need for real concern regarding pacifier usage until age four, when permanent teeth start coming in, but you may want to consider weaning sooner rather than later for an easier transition -- in addition to affecting teeth formation, it can also affect baby's ability to talk.

This currently isn't an issue for us....Ava was never a big paci fan and still isn't. Sucking her thumb was a quick little phase. Of course we won't introduce the paci now but I guess she could always take up thumb sucking if she really wanted to....we'll watch for it but aren't concerned now.

Opt for short, manageable stories when you read to baby -- her attention span is only about three or four minutes right now. Trying to read for longer than that may cause her to get fussy.

See she used to love love love longer stories but just recently she gets distracted quickly and wants to turn the page or look around so I'm taking this into consideration.

Ava's Weekly Update- 46 Weeks

If you're breastfeeding and wondering when you should wean baby, know there's no "perfect" time. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least a year -- and continuing as long as you and baby both want. Of course, we know that some moms choose to wean earlier. If you're considering it, talk to your doctor before you introduce cow's milk into baby's diet. Many say to wait at least until her first birthday

Let me say this has been a long long road and sometimes a struggle (especially as of late) but I'm glad that my body and baby allowed us to be able to breastfeed this long. When I first started my mini goal was 3 months but I really wanted to make it to 6 months...then my New Year's Resolution was 9 months, and at that point I said why not go for 12? But as Ava's teeth came in (specifically once she got the top and had her bottom's) that was something that I had/have to struggle with and sometimes it hurts but it's not THAT bad. When I got pregnant with lil one my milk supply depleted so flipping fast! Normally I could pump twice a day (sometimes had to pump a tad at night) and get her the 13oz she liked (with breast milk you don't need as much) but then it dropped to 8, 7, and now about 5-6. So we have to supplement but I figured at least we made it all the way and now that we've introduced solids I'm ok with it. I have to say feeling so sick lately I am looking forward to a year when I will stop pumping at work. I'll continue to feed at home but we'll introduce cow's milk as well.

Books are very good for baby, so experiment with different ones. Bright colors, interactive features, and durability (baby likes to pull, grab, and bite) are all qualities to look for when shopping or borrowing. It's okay to allow baby to explore around the house without you hovering; just check in and call his name every few minutes to make sure he's not getting into trouble. This way, he'll feel secure and independent.

We learned very quickly to save the nice books for bedtime and let her have the hard ones haha...we have different shapes and sizes and she truly does enjoy them which is great! Lately she doesn't want to explore...she wants to be with me.all.the.stinking.time! But when she does want to explore it consists of: pulling out a drawer in an old hutch thingy, checking out the roomba, checking out the dog food, or checking out our scale and tub in our bathroom...le sigh

Make sure that whole milk dairy products (yogurt and cheeses) are part of baby's diet until he's two years old.

ummm thanks for that tip???

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Week 10 Update

Week
9/10 Update

How far along?: 10 Weeks

How big is baby: .91 inches long, weighing .07oz and the size of a Green Olive/ 1.2 inches long, weighing .14oz and the size of a Prune

Maternity clothes: I was going to tell them today but (10w sorry skipping ahead) but the center manager (who isn't my manager) has been so busy that I'll push it as long as I can.

Sleep: When I can actually fall asleep (which is hard to do because I feel terrible all of the time) then it's not bad.

Best moment this week: Hitting 10 weeks

Movement: possibly but I've been focusing on my breathing so much and not getting sick I haven't even been thinking about that or excited honestly

Food cravings: nothing

Food aversions: Everything makes me sick so it really doesn't matter

Gender: Won't know that for awhile.

Labor signs: None for a long long time please!

Belly button in or out?: Innie

What I miss: I'll miss eating my steak at medium rare and having to heat up deli meats, and watching cheeses. (This will probably stay because I have barely drank as it is with BF'ing so that isn't that big of a deal)

What I am looking forward to: Hitting 12 weeks and hopefully hearing lil one's HB on the doppler since I'll be 12w3d when I go

Weekly Wisdom: I haven't gotten any yet since I really haven't told anyone. But you better believe I'll be asking about the 2 under 18 months folks.

Milestones: Another week down

Weight: No idea...the last thing I've cared to even check on is my weight right now.

I'm feeling terribly guilty because I can't get excited right now at all. I mean I have like 6 apps on my phone to go through this pregnancy and have no been able to even open them because I don't want to know anything right now other than to feel better.

I have whined so much today on here but since I lived through it once and that was bad and this is like 10x worse I feel I can pull out the bitch card every once in a while.

Sorry

I'm so behind on updating this with Ava's weeks and did I even get Week 9 in there? All I know is I for sure am behind at least a week on Ava's progress and today's Week 10 and I am exhausted and sick.

It's taking so much just to write this let alone think but what else do I have to do. It's a pretty slow week at work but honestly I am so much more sick this go round that I spend every minute here trying not to get sick and then going home to a crazy active almost 11 month old eek! Mr. B just went out of town today and will be gone at least until Thursday.

Most times I would be a little relieved to just worry about Ava and myself but he has been good with giving me 20 minutes to decompress when he gets home which usually means I lay on the bed hoping to feel better.

Ava has started this new thing where she almost falls asleep around 7:15 then awakes around 7:35 and wants to play. I don't have energy anymore to keep trying to get her to sleep so I let her play and around 8 she wants to be fed again and go down. She's great sleeping on me every.which.way.humanly.possible but as soon as I put her in her crib she's up. We've been letting her cry it out in there but she's resilient y'all so Mr. B has stepped up to the plate to hold her and walk while I lay there trying not to barf.

So that will be tonight's struggle but I will get the bed with our new uverse (yay for watching recorded shows in bed now) and miss thang maybe just have to join me in there until she's good and tired.

Now onto the CIO other than when she goes down first thing...it's been a work in progress and by that I mean really f*cking annoying haha but we've been doing it.

She averages waking 2-3 times and cries for a good amount of time...she's so stubborn like me. But last night she I think woke up around 10:30 but we don't really count that but only cried for a minute and didn't wake up until I got her to feed her! She generally wakes around 4:30 but I say that's too early and she'll go back down until around 5:45 and that's when I get her feed her and let her get in bed with us.

Because the alarm is set for 6:20 so at 5:45 to feed her isn't a big deal since I fall asleep doing it and she needs to eat before she goes to daycare. Then she usually stays asleep while we get ready which irks me because it's Mr. B's job while I'm in the shower to get her ready and then I get ready and watch her while he showers but she's so peaceful that I won't wake her if she's still sleeping.

I have to say I am looking forward to getting her back on the ol schedule of sleeping until 8 when I'm on leave (hopefully a permanent one hah)

Another thing this whole lay on your left side for blood flow guess what generally helps me feel better...right side. So I do it until I start feeling better and then flip onto my left to go to sleep. I do normally prefer my left or back but hate when I can't. Same goes for sushi, unheated lunch meats, ,medium rare steaks..etc..etc.etc..

I am concerned with not getting enough water. Before getting pregnant even I downed water a lot (one it did help with bf'ing but I like water) and now LOOKING at it makes me want to get sick and even chewing on ice chips now makes me sick. Capri Sun's Tropical Punch is the only thing besides dark carbonated beverages that make me feel ok. I try and stay away from caffeinated drinks because of bf'ing and now pregnancy but carbonated (not out of a can) cokes and dr. pepper's generally ease my stomach for some strange reason. I just want to get over this hump so I can take better care of myself and eat all healthy things and drink tons of water....ugh

10W

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Ava's Weekly Update- 45 Weeks

Baby's language has improved to the point where she's actually starting to mean what she says (or squeals). Continue talking to her and responding to whatever you think she's trying to convey. She'll soon be able to understand simple directions like "hold the ball" or "pass me the cup." Games like peekaboo and patty-cake will help further develop her communication and memory.

Everyday it seems like Ava is picking something up. She really does remember High Five! She also understands the sign for milk, and her daycare teacher says she tries to say "bottle", she says mama and dada. She knows how to roll/share back and forth as well. She also knows how to play peek a boo either by pulling a cover off my face or she'll do it to herself.

Baby loves reading books with you. Make storytime even more educational by encouraging her to point at familiar objects in the pages. You may also notice baby pointing at things in the real world -- this is her way of letting you know what she wants or is interested in when she doesn't have the words. Help her out by naming whatever it is she's pointing at -- soon, she'll be able to say it herself.

She loves story time when we're "winding" down for the night which is hilarious these days and when I say hilarious I don't really mean hilarious haha. But we're starting to point to her nose, mouth, feet, and toes as well. And when she stares at Parle we say doggie. She's definitely more aware of her surroundings.

Try not to overreact if baby takes a minor tumble. If you remain calm and collected, she'll be more likely to stay cool as well

Mr. B definitely needs to read this haha...I have been telling him this and internally I still gasp but she definitely waits for a reaction before she reacts.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Week 7/8 Update

Week 7/8 Update

How far along?: 7 Weeks 3 Days or 8 Weeks 1 day

How big is baby: .51inches long and the size of a Blueberry

Maternity clothes: I wanted to wait until 3 months to tell work (well my office) but I'm going to tell them on Monday after we have the U/S on Friday. I still am not happy about it but I can't hide this bump any longer and NEED to be in maternity clothes. I never thought I'd say that so soon.

Sleep: Ok it's the same I guess but CIO ebbs and flows. Last night was a great night but we'll see. I'm looking forward to some sleep.

Best moment this week: Seeing our little one on Friday!!!

Movement: Ok I'll say this and then judge myself for being stupid...I swear these past two days I have felt flutters...But it seems even too early for 2nd baby but maybe not?

Food cravings: Taco Bell for a hot minute

Food aversions: Everything makes me sick so it really doesn't matter

Gender: Won't know that for awhile.

Labor signs: None for a long long time please!

Belly button in or out?: Innie

What I miss: I'll miss eating my steak at medium rare and having to heat up deli meats, and watching cheeses. (This will probably stay because I have barely drank as it is with BF'ing so that isn't that big of a deal)

What I am looking forward to: September 16th when we can see our little one.

Weekly Wisdom: I haven't gotten any yet since I really haven't told anyone. But you better believe I'll be asking about the 2 under 18 months folks.

Milestones: Another week down and less than 48 hours until we see the little one

Weight: 164.2 umm yes you read that right! That's like almost 3lbs folks. I'm thinking my milk supply may have something to do with it though since BF'ing had kept the weight off....but I noticed the huge increase oh about Monday and that's when the belly really seemed to pooch out so who knows...maybe there's two in there?! aghhh

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Ava's Weekly Update- 44 Weeks

As baby grows, actions that may seem like defiance -- throwing food, banging objects, biting, pulling -- may really be his way of learning. Discipline is essential, but so is letting him explore. Trust your gut and stay consistent in your reactions, and over time, you and baby will both learn what works best.

Oh my gosh yes! In fact Ava just spit food all over my face and clothes last night and she did it to her daycare teacher the other day haha. But definitely banging different objects to hear the sounds, biting she has done a few times but we are very stern on the no with that one. We do take a laid back approach in letting her figure things out but there are area's that are a no go and we sternly tell her no, pick up her and move her and give her something else to do. She knows better at this point because most often than not she will look at us and slooooowly start to do whatever she shouldn't be doing haha.


Baby's personality and temperament are starting to show. Whether he's laid-back and shy or energetic and outgoing, this is your time to get to know him. The best part? Spotting the characteristics he inherited from you!

Ava can be so laid back sometimes it's awesome and then other's you better watch out haha....most of the time when she's upset it's because she's hungry or doesn't want to be in her crib/go to bed surprise surprise. Last night was night #2 of the CIO (which we absolutely hate but we have to get this figured out before the baby comes and I need sleep) and she cried on and off for 2 hours before I just went to get her at 4:45. I fed her and then she fell asleep but woke up right away when I put her in her crib so she came in with me at that point. We're going to keep at it though because we know it will take a bit and consistency is key.


The guilt has come back about bringing another baby into the house so early. This week I've been going to the daycare on lunch to feed Ava. That way she's only taking in formula for her afternoon feeding and I have been loving the extra time of how excited she is to see me but it's too much for me so I've been getting over the guilt of the giving more formula and it's not for much longer anyways. But when I'm spending those special moments with her I feel bad that I won't give her enough attention. I know I will.

Mr. B is excited for a second but he too the other day said "you know it will be great but I will miss just playing with her on the bed and having that 1:1 time."

I know what he means by that....others who don't have children or don't have them so close may think that sounds selfish but I get it. I follow a blog where they really had special roles with their children and one tended to favor one parent and the other child the other parent and so they made it a point a couple times a week to switch it up and play with the other and get quality time in and that really helped. This will definitely be the case with us especially when Mr. B will be out of town.


Sick of being sick

Oh my gosh y'all this M/S is no joke. I do remember dry heaving a lot more with Ava but I think that's because I tried that to see if I felt better. I don't remember it being this bad though. The pills they work for 4 hours but you can only take them every 8 so you know where that's going. Small meals only help sometimes and all the other fun remedies don't work either.

Today I actually felt pretty good with all the stuff I tried doing until 2 and at 2:30 I could take another pill and still nothing.

This is making it so hard to drink water because honestly the thought of it makes me want to projectile vomit at my desk.

I'm trying but again upset that I know I'm not getting enough. At night usually around 8 or so it seems to be ok for a couple of hours so I try and get 30oz in then.

And yesterday I was wearing this dress that always does seem to give me a pooch where the waist starts and I kept thinking man this is crazy and I kept pulling it down and I was very self conscious.

I get home and change clothes and look in the mirror and I'm like "whoa wait a second!" everyone there was a serious bump. It felt hard too. I was 1. A little taken aback that it was happening so fast and it wasn't bloat and 2. That I can feel it above my belly button. Maybe this has something to do with just having a child 10 months ago??? Maybe it's really twins haha

I won't lie I did get concerned for extra amniotic fluid already and what that could mean so soon since we don't get our ultrasound until next Friday.

I have no idea how I'm supposed to hide this from work for another month...I don't think it's going to happen honestly.

When I get home I'll upload the picture I took last night...it's the same today as well. oh boy!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Week 6/7 Update

Week 6/7 Update

How far along?: 6 Weeks 2 Days or 7 Weeks 0 days

How big is baby: .25inches long and the size of a Sweet Pea

Maternity clothes: Nope but late last week things did start to feel tight...however now things are fine again because I've been sick and haven't kept things down or been eating like normal

Sleep: Having a 10 month old who loves to co-sleep doesn't warrant the best sleep because I've been trying to let her cry it out for a bit and wean her of that. This has nothing to do with being pregnant though haha

Best moment this week: Getting through another week

Movement: None

Food cravings: None so far

Food aversions: Nothing per say but I'm feeling sick a lot

Gender: Won't know that for awhile.

Labor signs: None for a long long time please!

Belly button in or out?: Innie

What I miss: I'll miss eating my steak at medium rare and having to heat up deli meats, and watching cheeses. (This will probably stay because I have barely drank as it is with BF'ing so that isn't that big of a deal)

What I am looking forward to: September 16th when we can see our little one.

Weekly Wisdom: I haven't gotten any yet since I really haven't told anyone. But you better believe I'll be asking about the 2 under 18 months folks.

Milestones: Another week closer to seeing our baby!

Weight: 161.2 So we're talking ounces so I would say could've dropped a tad from being sick but it could just be the scale.

For a minute I thought maybe I wouldn't get morning sickness (we all know with me it's not in the morning it's a 24/7 thing) but I started to not feel so great on Thursday and then it snowballed throughout this weekend. I got bad sick here at work today. That's the stuff that's hard to hide. This feeling is I think worse than with Ava..which is hard to believe. It's making it worse running after her and trying to get her to sleep in her crib all night so we're up a lot. I called the nurse and she called in a prescription for me. Not sure what she prescribed. Last time it didn't work but I'm hopeful.

Ava's daycare teacher said her sister used to get sick a lot and her doctor told her before getting out of bed in the morning to suck on a Hersey's kiss until it dissolves and that really helped her. I'm up for trying anything.

Looks like soup for me tonight!

Thursday, September 1, 2011

Ava's Weekly Update- 43 Weeks

Baby's first birthday is approaching, and infantdom is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Now that she can feed herself with her fingers and hold a cup, watch out for food fights. Baby loves throwing things, but not because she's trying to drive you mad -- taking action and watching its immediate effects actually help her learn.

We have taking the whole solid's thing pretty slowly. She hated the brown rice cereal that I ground up and cooked (shame on her hah) but love's puree's. This weekend I'm actually going to introduce soft sliced carrots and maybe apples and avocado's to her since she likes all of those things in puree form.
As far as drinking she does bottle of course at daycare but we haven't started her on the sippy cup yet. I'm going to put a little water in it or BM if I have enough to see how she does.



From playing patty-cake to holding out her arms while you get her dressed, baby's growing up in little ways every day. Her vocabulary is also expanding -- expect to hear more than "mama" and "dada" pretty soon. Your words are starting to make more sense to her too, so keep up your end of the chatter as much as possible.

I've definitely noticed this past week that Ava is learning a ton of things. I have been working on hello and bye bye (she flails her arm about but I know what she's trying to say...she doesn't do it every time but she's getting there), also doing high five (she will remember after we do it a few times but hours later I can't randomly ask for a high five and she'll remember).

She is chattering a ton and good to know that soon she really will say mama and dada and mean it. Whenever I say mama and do the sign for it she smiles so big...she's been smiling at that for a couple months now.

We say a prayer for Tripp Roth and the family twice a day and every time I say "Ava do you want to say a pray for Tripp?" (specifically in the car where I can see her but she can't see me) she smiles big.

I really have been talking to her a lot these past few months and will ramp it up from now on.



Serve baby's food in a bowl rather than a plate to help contain the mess. Using bowls that suction onto the high chair table will also keep things (relatively) clean.

This should be interesting but I'll give it a whirl.


Ava now has her top left front tooth and both bottom teeth. I noticed that her top right tooth is about to cut. The past two weeks she had been teething bad but that's all that I see coming in.

She now crawls everywhere! And I mean the real crawl not fast army crawling.

She is pulling herself up on anything and everything and wants to be in the know of everything as well.

Last weekend I put the things on the cabinets that tie two together. I left the really heavy drawers accessible and the pots and pans open because if she wants to get in there and make noise I'm fine with that.

She is so nosy and I know she get's that from me. She will tilt and turn her head just to see who walked by...haha it's really funny.

She also will get on all 4's sort of like the crab walk and she's trying to figure out how to stand up and let her hands go but isn't quite there yet.

We put a baby gate in front of the fireplace so of course she's no longer interested in that, but her new hobby is to push the receiver buttons and bang on the Blue Ray player...oh joy.

I can not believe she's almost 10 months.

I have started planning her 1st birthday party....The Hungry Caterpillar theme. I will be going overboard of course but oh well.