Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Eight Questions For Moi? Eight Questions for You!


Erin, a fellow blogger and mommy-to-be over at A Real Housewife, tagged me to play this little re-post of 8 questions. The trick is to answer the 8 proposed questions, tag 8 of your favorite bloggers and create 8 questions of your own for them to answer. Here goes!


1. What would you request for your last meal?
Easy peasy. The spiciest tuna roll out there. Actually, two of them. And throw in a shrimp tempura roll. With a side of the fluffiest, creamiest mashed potatoes followed by the largest bowl of green mint chocolate chip ice cream. All of this complimented by a bottle of Cakebread Chardonnay.

2. Who are you closest to in your family and why?
This is a toughie. I don't have a very large family and truthfully, before the birth of my brother 19 years ago, I was the youngest of the bunch! I would have to say that I'm awfully close to both of my parents. I talk to my Momma on the phone almost daily and if it weren't for the four hour distance, I'd probably see my parents every couple of days, if possible!

3. Who is your favorite artist and current song?
I'm so lame. I don't really have a favorite artist. I love me some country music though. And some good ol' blended rock/folk. Any kind of music you could move a little to.. and drink a margarita.

If I had to choose, my favorite country artist is Sugarland, hands down. Favorite song? "These Are The Days" or "One Blue Sky." No matter where I'm driving to, I'll always throw either of these songs on and belt them out.. over and over and over again. As for my favorite folk rocker? I absolutely love Matt Nathanson. Love.

4. Favorite dessert?
Mint chocolate chip ice cream. It's imperative that it's the green kind. And any type of dark chocolate, preferably without nuts. Ick.

5. What outfit is your go-to outfit that always makes you feel fabulous?
I think I would have preferred this question be asked eleven months ago, pre-baby. If you had asked me then, I'd have said a pair of my JCrew matchstick jeans with a pair of gladiator sandals or wedges and a cute slinky tank top. Oh, and a tan. Now? A shower makes me feel fabulous. If I can get a shower, it's a wonderful day. No, really. What makes me feel fabulous now? Cute undies to make up for the heinous, non-sexy nursing attire I've been forced to endure. I really miss having a sense of style. Sigh.

6. When you were a kid, what was your dream job?
When I was 10, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I think that's the first time I ever thought about my "working future." By the time I hit junior high school, I knew I wanted to be a nurse. Exciting? No. But my dream job? Without a doubt. Should I have said something like "rockstar?" Or "model?" Ehh. I was a realistic kid, what can I say?

7. What is your least favorite aspect of your current job?
The lack of sleep. Being that my current job is a stay-at-home Mommy? That's about the only downfall. Maybe the lack of the mommy friends, too. But it's a bit early for that. We're only four and a half weeks in here, people.

8. Do you prefer online shopping or actually going to the store?
Pre-baby? I was all about the mall. I would make weekly trips there, sometimes twice a week! I had my staple faves that I would hit: JCrew, Nordstroms, MAC, BCBG. Post-baby? It's all about Diapers.com. Those flimsy plastic JCrew packages that used to adorn my doorstep have been replaced by Diapers.com cardboard boxes almost weekly. How can you ignore that next day free shipping? Diapers.com is this Mommy's best friend.

Girls, consider yourself tagged! Here are your questions:

Southern Blonde
Simply Said by Simply Me
Life As a Coaches Wife
Happiness Is

(I would tag more but the tagging is the last part I did and C's callin' for his Momma now! If you love me and you want to answer my questions, go for it! I'd love to hear your answers!)

1. I have a few words that I simply cannot stand. The sound of them, the way they fill my mouth. Just the thought makes me cringe. What are your least favorite words?

2. A self-declared major bookworm, I can't get enough of good fiction. What's your all-time most favorite read?

3. What's your favorite meal of the day? Breakfast, lunch or dinner?

4. Do you put your socks on before or after you slip your pants on?

5. If you could cast yourself on any of TV's recent reality shows, which would it be? (Jerseylicious, Jersey Shore, Real Housewives, Chopped, The Next Food Network Star) Think broad spectrum here, ladies!

6. What's your favorite attribute?

7. We all have a favorite Disney movie. What's yours?

8. And last but not least, you win a goldfish at the local country fair. What do you name him or her?

Monday, August 30, 2010

Being A Mommy Is The Easiest Job I've Ever Had. Come Again?!

So, I just got off the phone with my husband's cousin and probably the only true "mommy friend" that I have. She's a wonderfully hilarious and successful Mommy of a beautiful six year old girl who just started the first grade today. Needless to say, my mommy friend was a basket case. The kind of basketcase that offered to buy her daughter a puppy if she wouldn't go to the first grade. Don't worry, she was only half serious.

Her daughter's response? "Mommy, I have to go. It's the law." And when she told her daughter, "Okay, then I'll just go with you!" Her sweet reply was, "No, Mommy. That's embarassing." Can you believe it? I die of laughter. Whenever I talk to my cousin-in-law I tell her she needs to write a book.

But I digress. I wanted to write a quick post about the realization I came to while on the phone with my friend.

Being a Mommy isn't difficult at all. No, I never said it wasn't exhausting. Or emotionally draining. I said it wasn't difficult. Before you judge me, bear with me. I love being a Mommy and although I love being a nurse and knew that I was always meant to be a nurse, I also knew that I was meant to be a Mommy. Most of being a new Mom is instinctual. You would never think that, but once that sweet baby is in your arms, it's innate.

Ten months you grow and nuture this baby. You read books, you take classes, all the time wondering "can I really do this?" And suddenly? You give birth and it all comes naturally. Believe me, if you had said this to me 5 weeks ago, I would have called your bluff and laughed it off (and continued to freak out about not knowing what to do with a 10lb. defenseless newborn).

But like I said, being a Mom is simple. It's the rest of life that becomes difficult. The laundry. The cooking. The keeping house. Keeping up with myself, my family and my friends. I know with time it will get easier. But right now? Being a Mommy, being the one thing my son needs, is the easist job I've ever had. It's everything else that's suddenly difficult.

But I know that's all OK for now. I've found contentment in little accomplishments. One load of laundry every couple of days is a big deal. Who cares if it cycled through the dryer four times before you finally got around to emptying it and folding it? It's done.

Showering. Showering has never been such a luxury. And if I can sneak in an extra five minutes to deep condition? I'm blessed.

I'm also very lucky that I have a husband that doesn't mind working long days and coming home only to walk the Sheepie and then cook dinner.

Right now though? The laundry and the showers? They aren't my priorities. And there's no doubt that it would be nice if I had it together enough to have a well fed, content baby and already-walked sheepdog with dinner simmering on the stove by the time my husband walked through the door. But the handsome little man staring up at me? Depending on me? He's my priority. He can take all of my time that he needs. Because I'm his Mommy. And I can do that. Simply and without question.

I know soon enough I'll be able to juggle all those things. But for now? I'll relish in the time that I don't necessarily need to worry about all of those things. Most importantly? I'll be accepting of that.

Carter, You Are One Month Old Today!

As I'm sure every one says at this time, I can't believe my sweet, little baby is one month old today! Seriously, where does the time go? I have a feeling that it slips away somewhere between the exhaustion and the excitement of loving all over a darling baby boy!


Carter is growing by leaps and bounds. We won't have official numbers until our 1 month check-up tomorrow, but just looking at him and toting him around all day, it's easy to see his growth in the new chub rolls that have shown up on his arms and thighs. His face has also picked up a little more chub which makes it all the more yummy to nom all over. Although a bit roomy, he's wearing strictly 3 month clothes and they're perfect for his long and lean little body!


Baby C has begun holding his head up on his own for longer periods of time now. He's pretty much been holding up his own head since birth (I know, can you say "over achiever?") but as of last week, he's been holding it up much, much more. In doing so, he prefers to be held in a sitting position, facing away from you, so that he can take in the goings on around him. The minute you try to switch him into a traditional "cradle hold" he turns into a major fusspot.


I'd like to think Carter has a special affection for his Momma. While nursing, he's quick to grab a hold of my necklace or a lock of hair and he'll hang onto it during his entire feeding session. When he's particularly sleepy (which unfortunately isn't very often) he'll lay his little head on my shoulder and draw his little legs up under his belly and snug. It warms my little heart and I know it's only going to get better. I love raising a little Momma's boy!


As I'm sure you've all noticed by now, Carter is full of expressions. I wish I could capture the look on his face the minute he's placed in position at the boobie buffet. He knows exactly what he's about to get and those navy blue eyes light up and open wide.. as big as quarters! The legs start a pumpin' and he just gets so excited. I can't help but giggle every time. As for smiles, there have only been a couple- but that doesn't stop his Daddy and me from trying every silly face and sound to get him to smile again. Most of the time, he wrinkles up his nose and I know he's saying to himself, "Look at these two fools. I can't believe they are my parents!" Oh dear sweet boy, this is only the beginning!


Just within the past week, Baby C has also begun reaching for the toys we've placed in front of him. Right now, his favorites include a snuggly soft puppy blankie from his Great Aunt Corliss, a musical rocking horse from Grandma Kim-Mom and Lamaze's Logan the Lion.


Carter loves his tummy time, loves an extra bottle with Daddy before bedtime and loves to go for rides in the car. He's not too sure about his Sheepie brother although he doesn't mind the constant Sheepie kisses to his feets and the back of his head. He's already been around the block and to both Walmart, the post office and Kohl's. He doesn't love having his diaper changed or any sort of nakey time. He's been loved all over by countless family and friends and he's looking forward to heading home to Hometown, New Jersey in a couple of weeks to meet the rest of his Great family on his Mommy's side!

Carter, during your first month of life not did you make us parents but you've also made us a family and we've loved every second with you! I know I've said it before, but we can't remember our life before you were in it! We're so incredibly blessed and it's been so wonderful and amazing to watch you grow during the first five weeks of your life!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Going At It Alone And I've Never Felt More Human..

I just wanted to make note of the fact that C and I made it out today by ourselves and it was glorious. So what if it took nearly two hours of preparation before we both felt comfortable leaving home? We did it. How did we do it?

Before leaving, I made sure to feed Baby C so much that it would induce a milk coma allowing for some serious sleepage to ensue.




Then, I packed and repacked our diaper bag with enough "nunnies" and onesies and blankets to get us through Survivor on a deserted island.

After I finished being completely obsessive compulsive, I made sure I could unfold and fold the stroller with one hand while in our living room. I then proceeded to lug it out to the car and throw it in the back of the SUV. My SUV that I haven't driven in 4 weeks, thank you C section.

Thank goodness we have that SUV because there is no way we could have lugged that sucker around in my itty bitty Mazda.

Then it was time to load the baby. The absolutely passed out cold and in a deep milky slumber baby. I tucked him into his carseat, loaded him into the car and started the engine. Excitedly, I breathed a big sigh of relief.. and called both my husband and my mother to brag about my efforts. We were in the car. We actually made it out the door.. and into the car. Woah.

We spent an hour outside of the house today and it was amazing. We perused the racks at Kohl's (clearly baby C didn't leave empty handed) and then proceeded to head to the post office to buy stamps and mail C's birth announcements.

I cannot tell you the last time I felt so accomplished. So happy to be outside of the house. So human again.

As for baby C? He slept the entire time. And for another two hours upon arriving home. It was absolutely more than I could have asked for.

So, where are we going tomorrow?

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Things I've Learned During My Third Week As A Mom (And A Funny Sheepie Story)

1. You'd be surprised what you can do with one hand. Like, for instance, writing this entire blog post. Granted, it only took three days, but either way, I consider it a raging success.

2. You would also be surprised, absolutely shocked rather, at how little sleep you truly need to subsist. I don't need to mention that this lack of sleep also comes with delirium and hallucinations, but regardless, you are known to still make superior, appropriate and safe parenting decisions on minimal sleep-age.

3. However, you forgot what you had for breakfast. And lunch. And that's if you even remembered to take part in those meals. It's okay though. If you have forgotten what you've eaten, simply comb over your newborn's onesie. Take note, this only works with breastfeeding mothers. Are you catching on? At least once a day I manage to spill some small part of my meal on C's ensemble, as I gingerly try to navigate the way to my mouth while simultaneously doubling as an all day/night boobie buffet. But hey, I do it one-handed! 

4. Double-stuf oreos are a perfectly acceptable breakfast. They are also a wonderful midnight snack. And 2am snack. And suddenly, you begin to wonder WHY those pregnancy pounds aren't melting themselves away. 

5. My darling newborn is one smart cookie. His mommy is one big sucker. 

6. It only takes a few days to become familiar with the daytime television schedule. Regis and Kelly, Ellen, Martha and Oprah have become my new best friends. I eat breakfast with Regis and Kelly every morning. Martha typically puts C and I to sleep. Ellen loves to eat Double Stuf's with us and Oprah... well, there's nothing really else on at this time. And she just happens to follow Ellen. Oprah doesn't like Double Stuf's.

7. Your son's peenie will outsmart you with almost every diaper change. Who know that little sucker could be so feisty? And yes, we call it a "peenie."

8. Personal hygeine falls by the wayside. You consider your day a raging success if you find time to brush your teeth. You absolutely blow your mind when you can sneak in a 5 minute shower. You suddenly don't care so much anymore if you don't have time to deep condition. The only one who sees you all day is the baby anyway, and he doesn't care how soft and silky smooth your hair is.

Speaking of showers, I gave myself quite the chuckle the other day. For the first time since C's birth, I attempted to take a shower all by myself, meaning while I was alone with C during the day. Typically, I had been putting off my showers until Hubs came home from work in the evening, this way he could entertain C and I could spend a few minutes feeling human again.

 Taking a shower, while home alone with a newborn requires a ridiculous amount of planning. The bouncy seat needed to be brought upstairs. Morty the Moose also had to make the trip as did a "nunnie" (or paci), a blankie and well, my baby. These items then had to be dragged into the master bath and assembled in such a way that I could both see and hear C from inside the shower stall. Why did I find humor in this?

When Sheepie was a brand new puppy and I needed to take a shower, I used to corral about a zillion of his favorite toys and lock him in the bathroom with me while I showered. This way, I could keep an eye on him!

Everyone always says "having a puppy is just like bringing home a new baby." Next time you hear this sentiment, don't laugh! Just think of me, dragging baby Sheepie into the bathroom.. and two years later.. dragging baby C in there, too!

Oh, and to this day? Whenever Sheepie hears the shower turn on? He comes running and plants himself in the bathroom with you- right on the other side of the tub. What a good boy.

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

we may not
have it all together.
but, together
we have it all.





please take note of the dog toy, the fact that my husband fell asleep holding the remote and the random baby sock off to the left. i do have to mention that this picture was snapped during the first week of Carter's welcoming home. we have come a LONG way since then and my husband no longer falls asleep holding the remote. he knows better to hand it off to me before heading off to dreamland.

love you, hubs!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Sheepie Loves Baby..

I won't lie. It hasn't been easy splitting my attention between this precious brand new baby of ours and our first "baby," Sullivan. It breaks my heart a little bit to think that he could, even if only for a minute, feel neglected by us. But I can also see how it's possible. Both Hubs and I try to love all over Sheepie the minute we have the chance. It's true. I would (and have) sacrificed the first 15 minutes of glorious, peaceful, uninterrupted sleep to spend some time with the "big brother." He deserves it because he's been such a good boy around his new baby brother.


image courtesy of melissamanzione.net


As for preparing him, we lackadaisically followed what we had read in books. We thought about carrying a baby doll around the house but that never came to fruition. Hubs brought home Carter's newborn hat and blankie from the hospital and let Sullivan acclimate himself to the smell. And that was that. 

We brought Carter home and it's been love at first sight. Sheepie adores the new baby and never misses a moment to lick his bare feets while he's having his diaper changed or nuzzle up to the back of his head while the baby is nursing. 

Granted, we have yet to lay Carter on the floor, bringing him down to Sullivan's level, but when the time is right, I have no doubt that Sheepie will pass that test with flying colors. 

While nursing Carter in the glider, Sullivan plants himself across my feet and lays with us until mealtime is over. The minute Carter begins to stir in his bassinet or pack and play, Sullivan is the first one to run over to him and make sure he's ok.  

We often lovingly refer to Carter has "the new puppy," and when we do, Sullivan's ears immediately perk up and we know he understands who we're talking about.

I will admit, however, that we have, on more than one occasion, forgotten to feed Sheepie his breakfast until a few hours later. But the truth is, he loves us still the same. He grins and bears it and I think he understands how... err.. preoccupied we are.

I can only hope that the extra scoop of vanilla ice cream that he received on his 2nd birthday made up for our absence and reinforced how much we love our sheepdog.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Can You Be An Over Achiever at 3 Weeks Old?




"Mom! What do you mean I never wore newborn sized clothes? And I only wore newborn sized diapers while in the hospital? Is it true? I've been wearing size 1 diapers since coming home?!"

Yes, Mr. Carter. It's true. Your Daddy and I quickly realized during one of your middle of the night meltdowns, that you do not fit in newborn stretchies. After coaxing your flailing limbs into an adorable stretchie covered in puppy dog paw prints, as we began to snap it up, we quickly realized it didn't cover your shoulders! You're too long, sweet boy, for newborn sized clothes! Good thing we didn't stock up on too many..

As for newborn size diapers? You wore them while in the hospital. And once your Daddy and I ran through the small stash that we took home with us from the hospital, we started putting you in the Huggies Size 1's and they fit like a charm.

Not to mention, son, you've also been holding your neck up like a champ. Even the pediatrician was surprised at your strength and coordination! You love tummy time and will expertly turn your head to the side once on your belly. Within seconds you start moving your legs a mile a minute and lifting your head clear off of your play mat. Some days it seems like you'll be crawling tomorrow and asking to borrow the car by the weekend!

As for sleep? You love it just as much as Mommy. Unfortunately, just at awkward times of the day! Your last meal at the "boobie buffet" is typically between 10 and 11 at night. Once your little tummy is full, we've been putting you to sleep in your bassinet swaddled, fat and happy. You'll continue to snooze for about 4 or 5 hours, when it's up again for an early morning snack. An hour later, you're back to sleep and this time, Mommy sneaks you into bed with her. We've deduced that this is your favorite place to sleep, skin to skin with Mommy on her chest. It's the best sleep you're both able to get and Mommy secretly adores it. Another 4 hour stretch passes, it's around 8am and we kiss Daddy goodbye as he heads off to work.

Just within this past week, Carter, you've been awake and alert for longer periods throughout the day! You're averaging five to seven hours of awake time (often in three hours stretches) and your Mommy loves it! We lay around on the couch all day and play with your "stuffies," or we'll venture upstairs and spend some time on your play mat! You LOVE looking at yourself in the mirror and we can get the most coo's out of you when you see yourself! It's to die for..

Not a day goes by that we are not amazed by you, darling boy! We all joke that I gave birth to a 3 month old!

We kind of expected it though. If you're anything like your Mommy and Daddy, you're already an over-achiever!

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Is It Still Referred to As a Push Present...

If there's no actual "pushing" involved?



Thank you darling husband and precious baby boy..
I am undoubtedly the luckiest Mama in the world.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Carter's Debut, A Birth Story.

Friday, July 30th 8:30am

You can read this post about how we came to the decision to schedule Carter's birthday. We lovingly referred to it as The Plan and let me just say, it went off without a hitch!

Hubs and I arrived at the hospital at 8:30am as instructed. We checked in with Labor and Delivery and as is the case with most hospitals, the nurses on the Labor and Delivery floor had no idea why I was there. Okay, let me rephrase. They knew I was pregnant. They also knew I was coming in for a possible induction. However, they had no idea of "the plan" to try a few methods to coax Baby C to drop, before proceeding with induction. Thanks, Doc Silver Fox for filling them in, as you had graciously promised me the day before.

A few phone calls later and the placement of a Foley catheter, everyone was clued in. I would like to take a minute to apologize to all of my former patients for whom I have inserted Foley catheters on. When I tell you, "just take a deep breath, it's only uncomfortable for a minute," I am a big, giant, phoney liar. And I couldn't be more sorry for the lies. Holy cow. That is NOT nice. Most women are blessed to have their epidural in place before their Foley, but since it was hoped that with the insertion of said Foley, that C would drop- there was no need for an epi at that time. I. am. so. sorry.

Shortly after that bag of fun, the OB doctor on-call walks in with the ultrasound machine. One quick, painless ultrasound later, it's evident that Carter is perfectly content where is he, wedged transverse inside my pelvis. At this point, the OB doctor also eludes to the fact that Carter may or may not be a big(ger) baby which may or may not be responsible for why he hasn't already engaged himself in my pelvis.  However, there is no mention of possible pound-age. We're still lead to believe he's going to be the "average sized, 7-8.5lb baby" that was predicted throughout my entire pregnancy.

Nice to think that I have an unsually small pelvis, right? Or... an unusually large baby?

Here's where the OB doc breaks it down. She starts by saying, "I think we already know the answer as to whether or not Baby C will drop. And it's a good thing the 2pm twins were already delivered. This leaves the morning OR slot wide open. I'll call the anesthesiologist."

Say what? You're going to call him right now? I start getting the vomit feeling. Hubs starts getting really excited. Talk about a role reversal. Things are starting to happen just as I had hoped. Why am I suddenly more nervous than a pre-pubescent boy putting his arm around his first girlfriend in the movie theatre?

Within minutes, the anesthesiologist walks in the room. He reads me my rights  quickly explains to me the risks of major surgery and I nod. He looks like a skinny homeless man. Internally, I'm freaking out. Hubs can sense this and starts massaging my hand. Little do I know, I just met one of the country's greatest anesthesologists. And here I am thinking he was homeless. Nice one, AP.

After consenting to my C-section (sadly, without the much desired tummy tuck) I figure now is a good time to start making some phone calls.




Within minutes, my wheelchair chariot arrives to whisk me off to the OR. I make another phone call and the nurse decides now's a good a time as any for a photo op.



With a kiss and an, "ohmygod we're going to be parents in like, thirty minutes," I'm wheeled off to the OR.

The nice thing about the speed with which this all took place, was that it truly left me little time to overanalyze. Therefore, I wasn't really ever "nervous" about having my epidural/spinal combo placed. Well, except for that one time that my anesthesiologist looked homeless. I hop up on the table, trying to ignore the trays full of sharp blades that surround me.

Before placing the spinal, the anesthesiologist asks if I would like "a little something for the nerves." Let's see. I'm half nekked, 39 weeks pregnant, sitting in a sterile room surrounded by sharp objects that will soon be used to slice me open. Of course I would like a little somethin' somethin'. Enter: a dose of some unnamed magical cocktail that immediately had me wanting to be best friends with every single person that entered OR number 1.

I kid you not. I turned into Chatty Kathy. If I were an observer? I'd have wanted to smack me in the face and knock me out. I talked about books, about vacations, about raising boys. I made small talk about David Yurman and once again, tried to convince the handsome helper-surgeon to give me a tummy tuck. Looking back? I was a nutcase and all I can do now is laugh.




With legs that felt as heavy as cement bricks, the epidural/spinal combo worked like a charm. Only once did I feel a twinge of nausea and immediately, the anesthesiologist cracked open a smelling stick, a trick he learned while in the Army. He then explained the science behind it's success and the promotion of a vaso-vagal response and as much as I'm into all that medical mumbo jumbo, I was just glad I didn't spew all over myself.

There was some tugging and lot's of pulling. Everybody always says that, but it's another thing to experience it. It's like being rocked on a boat. Definitely one of the stranger feelings I've experienced. At one point, the tall handsome helper-surgeon was elbow deep somewhere up near my rib cage it seemed. With one knee on the table, he was trying to push Carter down near the incision site. If it wasn't for the unnamed magical cocktail and the wonderous smelling stick, I definitely would've vomited at this point.

I entered the OR at 10:41am. At 11:18am, Carter made his grand entrance into the world, screaming for all to hear. It was Heaven to my ears. I had never been happier to hear that little man exercise those lungs (a sentiment I now lovingly refute!) Upon pulling him out, I was later told that my OB exclaimed, "Holy cow. He is one big baby!"



I was luckly to steal a quick glance at him over the curtain that separated my from my insides before they whisked him away to clean him off and weigh him. A loud "9, 10" was announced and I thought to myself, "that's impossible. His time of birth couldn't be 9:10, I was wheeled into the OR at 10:41!"

Little did I know that was his weight. Almost three weeks old and I'm still in shock that I housed an almost 10 pound baby.

He was pure perfection, albeit a little slimy and slightly blue-hued. He required a little suctioning, as he swallowed some fluid on his way out, but once he was clean and less gurgly-sounding, he made his way over to his Daddy's arms. I'm sure you're wondering, "did you cry?" And yes, I did. Like a baby.

As soon as I heard that cry, it was almost instinctual. Tears. And lot's of them.

As stated in my "I swear I'm not crazy and I'm super flexible" birth plan, it was requested that my arms remain free during surgery and that if indicated, Baby would remain with us for as long as possible, delaying both the antibiotic eye ointment and vitamin K shot until his newborn exam."

Needless to say, my wishes were granted and Baby C remained with us while I was being stitched up and we couldn't help but stare at him in sheer amazement.



He also made his way with us to recovery where we ooh'd and ahh'd over him and he latched like a champion. We broke the rules a bit and were able to keep C with us for nearly two hours. Finally, the nursery came looking for him and whisked him away for his newborn examination.

Carter's debut had gone exactly how I had hoped. Actually, it had gone even better than that.

Delivering C was a whirlwind experience and after four days in the hospital, rooming in with our sweet, precious boy, coasting on adrenaline and fumes, we came home to be a family of four.



Hubs and I have never felt so overwhelmingly blessed in our entire lives. It's a whole new level of happiness that I never knew was possible. Hubs is already starting in on numbers 2 and 3..

Easy there, darling husband. Let's at least teach this one to say "please" and "thank you," first!

Saturday, August 14, 2010

On Baby-Wearing.

It rocks. That's it. It absolutely rocks.


just look at how happy that baby is!
image via product website

I set out on a mission today to learn how to use my Moby wrap. I heard it was a must-have akin to Sophie a La Giraffe (and for all you moms and moms-to-be out there, we know what a hot commodity she is!) So way, way, way before C was even born, circa 15 weeks preggo, I made my first purchase off of Diapers.com and scored my black Moby for a third of the retail price. Thank you first-time promo codes.

I was determined not to let the wrap get the best of me. It's a bit tricky, as in it feels like you need seven hands to make the "X's" and tie the knots, but once Hubs' laughing subsided, we figured it out.

Let me just tell you, Carter loves the "hug hold." LOVES. I mean, luuuuuuuuurves the "hug hold."

The intense desire to master baby-wearing came about when we realized how much Carter loves to be snugged and cuddled against our bodies. Our moving bodies. After he nurses, he'll fall asleep and the minute his little back hits his bassinet, he's all, "Mom, you're such a sucker for thinking you could lay me down to sleep! Now walk me around the house." No joke. You can practically read that sentiment in his little grey-blue eyes.

Enter the Moby. I'm in love. And I promise I am not being compensated for this blurb. This is simply me, telling you how much I love my Moby Wrap. And how much I LOVE having two hands free to do just about anything. Not to mention how comfortable it is to wear. There are no plastic clips rubbing up against either myself or baby C. I've been rockin' the wrap for close to two hours now and am still as comfortable as ever. There's no pull or stress on my lower back and I feel perfectly balanced wearing my nearly 10lb. baby!

Those two free hands attempted to take a picture of said baby-wearing, however, when dressed in black from head to toe (black is supposed to be slimming, remember? Yeah. That rule doesn't apply to post-preggos, but that's a whole other post in itself) there is no delineation between my outfit and my black Moby (or my little nugget snugged safely inside), so the picture pretty much looks like a tired, exhausted mother wearing a giant black fat suit.

Just take my word for it.

Baby-wearing rocks.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Carter's Newborn Shoot with the Talented Melissa Manzione



Much bigger news to share today, readers. Carter's birth story will have to wait another day.. as will my shower and anything else I had small intentions of accomplishing today! It's almost as if Carter has a sixth sense that includes waking up or turning into Captain Fussypants the minute Momma sits down to do anything! Looks like I'm going to need to read those Moby wrap instructions and start some baby-wearing around here!

Last night we were blessed to welcome Melissa Manzione, lead photographer (and "Auntie" to Carter) of Melissa Manzione Photography, into our home for Carter's newborn photo session.

Although these pictures will absolutely speak for themselves, let me just say, she is phenomenal. There's no wonder about her eye for some of the most darling images every captured on film!

this picture has instantly become one of my absolute favorites


Despite heading to the beach this weekend for a fabulous birthday celebration and spending her Thursday evening whipping up a delicious dinner for Hubs, myself and Baby C, Melissa worked tirelessly to immediately edit a handful of pictures so that the Hubs and I could sneak a peak at Carter's photo shoot.

Head on over to her photog blog to check out more pictures of Carter as well as some of her other amazing work!

We love you BUNCHES, Melis! We hope you have a wonderfully, fabulous birthday weekend!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Milk Breath.

Definitely one of the sweetest smells ever, on the face of this earth. I could (and probably do) spend countless hours, each day, with my nose pressed close to my sweet baby's lips.. inhaling that warm, sweet baby milk breath of his.

Go ahead. Call me crazy, but it's an addiction. I love every single little thing about him and I just can't get enough.








in honor of Carter's 2 week birthday tomorrow I promise to try and get his birth story together!

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

So In Love.

Most days, we find it hard to believe, Carter, that you've only been an "outside baby" for 12 days. Because right now? For us? We can't remember our life before you entered this world. That quickly you've fallen into place with us as a family and your Daddy and I couldn't possibly be any happier.


We also couldn't possibly be any more exhausted...
but for you, sweet precious boy, it's absolutely worth it.

Saturday, August 7, 2010

You Know You're A Couple of Brand Spankin' New Parents When...

You're up with the baby in the middle of the night. He starts to fuss. You look over at your semi-conscious husband who, upon hearing the baby cry in his dreams, begins to dig through the blanket he's resting his head on, mumbling half coherently, "I'm trying to find him!" "I know he's in here!" And upon finding and rescuing said baby (who resides comfortably in Momma's arms) begins to rock the pillow baby he's uncovered, back and forth. It's true. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. So, I laughed so hard I cried. In retrospect? I should have caught it on film.


You pass out on the couch in the middle of a ferocious pumping session. We're talking the kind of passing out cold that you haven't done since that beer pong/case race tournament back in college. And you suddently awake to a soaking feeling. Yes, you may have peed your pants. However, in this situation, it's a lot more likely that in your heavy slumber, you've spilled the 4oz of precious milk all over yourself and the brand new couch. Awesome.

You can't remember the last time you fed or diapered the baby. Good thing there's so many handy gadgets out there to help you remember this. Unfortunately, there are no gadgets out there that help you remember the last time you peed, showered, ate a full meal or brushed your teeth. Someone needs to get on this.

You've been wearing the same black yoga pants for days and when prompted, will unwillingly put on a shirt. When nursing every two hours, it's much easier to go topless. I like to tell my husband to "imagine we're on a topless beach somewhere warm." He doesn't buy it.

You and your husband have diapering contests. It's true. When it's your turn to change the baby's diaper, you actually time yourselves. This is where I've come to the conclusion that my husband could kick my butt in a diapering duel. What can I say? He's just that good.

You and your husband have actually spent quite a number of brain cells deciding and debating which "unique" names will be given to baby's favorite items. For example, Carter's paci's are referred to as "Nunnies" or "Nun-Nun's." You've also already begin to abbreviate everything and speak to each other in "the baby voice." For example, both of us have yet to say the full word, "diaper." As in, "Carter needs his diapey changed!"  

You've cried while opening a baby gift that included Sophie the Giraffe. Not only were they tears of excitement and gratitude, but tears of relief because you knew there was no way you were going to convince your husband that the baby needed a twenty dollar chew toy.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

You Have a Baby... And a Blog!

As I'm sure most of you have guessed by now, I seem to have taken a temporary blog hiatus to snug, love, cuddle and kiss all over the sweetest, cutest, most handsomest, snuggliest and lovliest little baby boy. DaddyHubs and I are so excited to introduce to you Carter Michael aka Little Teradactyl Baby.

Born Friday, July 30th at 11:18am
9lbs. 10oz.
21 1/4 inches long

Yes, you read that correctly. Unbeknownst to the medical team, Carter ended up being quite the big baby boy. Of course, motherly instinct (and the size of my ginormous midsection) told me that he was going to be a chunker, regardless of how many docs reassured me he was measuring out to be an "average sized baby." Now that he's here, there's nothing average about him!

He's wonderful. A surreal blessing that I cannot believe came home with us from the hospital. They let you take him home!? Who knew! Us! Hubs and I! Home.. with a baby! Only six days old and already on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

With Daddy, less than an hour old

With little time to brush my own teeth and change my underwear, let alone blog, I'll be saving Carter's birth story for another post. In short it was quick, painless and involved some sort of awesome cocktail from one of the most amazing, world reknown anethesiologists in the country. I still have no idea what was in that "cocktail" as when asked, he replied "a good man never shares his secrets." Although, I do know that once it made it's way through my bloodstream, I immediately wanted to be BFF with just about everyone in the OR.

Day two. Mommy just wants to nom all over my cheeks.

Thank you all for your support, your sweet comments and concerned emails throughout this entire pregnancy. Although I might not have gotten to exchange emails with you as I may have liked, please know that Hubs and I appreciated every sentiment. Every chuckle. Every single comment.  


My first car ride, home from the hospital!


I promise to be back and blogging with a vengeance once we have this whole parenting thing under control. Oh, and "Teradactyl Baby?" Carter earned himself this nickname early on, about the time that he started throwing his infamous 3am meltdown. Like I said, earlier.. an absolute whirldwind adventure.

Check out my milk mustache!

And I wouldn't want it any other way. Now, if you'll excuse me.. I have a blonde-haired, blue-eyed miniature Hubs just waiting to be scooped up and loved all over....
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