A letter to my first born.

Opal, my dearest Opal.. You are the light of mine and your Daddy's eyes. We adore you, love you, and think you're the greatest creation in the entire world. Pretty soon you are going to be given the greatest gift in the world- a sibling. You will forever bear the responsibility and title of being a big sister. He is going to look up to you, come to you for advice before he turns to anyone else, and always expect you to back him up... and you will. 

Coming from someone who bears that title as well, I will always try to help you and guide you as you guide him. You will never be alone.We will shed light on the right and wrong things to show your baby brother. I promise. You're going to rock at being his big sissy! Really!

Before he comes though, we are going to soak up every second we can of alone time with you. We're going to make sure you know that we love you... that we really love you. We're not trying to divide up our love, but rather spread more. He is a blessing, and so are you. I am going to do everything I can to capture the little moments that we have with you forever behind my camera lens. 

You have been my best friend the past 18 months. And now I will have to share you.. Because I know your heart is going to be snatched by his little baby hands.You're going to climb up next to me, but not for our normal cuddles, hugs, and kisses.... but to smother Oliver in hugs and kisses. You're going to look up at me, with that sweet smile on your face, and say, "baby!" and I'm gonna hold back tears. But that's okay. That is exactly what Mama and Daddy want for you both. We know that you will need each other.

Oliver is seriously the luckiest little boy in the whole wide world- because he's got you by his side.

 This week you will be a big sister, 

and I can't wait to see you grow into the greatest one ever.

 Opal, my dearest Opal, I love you so much.

-Mommy.

Hospital Bag Pt. 2: What to pack for Mommy.

 

 Hey! So last month I made a general must haves post about packing my hospital bag! You can read that here. But I want to go into detail about what specifically to pack for mommy, baby, and the family over this next week. To begin, lets start with Mommy!

(Obviously you'll need your wallet and things like medications you're taking- if any. All of those obvious items, I am not going to mention here.)

Here is a little recap from the last post:

A pretty robe and nightgown.

I don't care what anyone says! That hospital gown makes you feel so gross and it isn't flattering at all. It doesn't look pretty in the photos, and I don't care if I stain this. I bought it to boost my confidence for the hospital and it really will do just that. Purple is one of my happy colors. I recommend taking something in a color that makes you feel amazing and ignore the "you'll stain it somehow" remarks. Who cares! I want to feel and look pretty while in that bland hospital.

Comfortable sleep nursing bras.

I have some old ones that I had from nursing Opal, but I bought this new set for the same reason as above. New stuff makes me feel special and pretty. I didn't have this style of sleep bras yet, so that is exciting to. It is going to do the job of making my uncomfortable engorged boobies feel as awesome as possible.

Undies.

Personal preference. But the day I go home I am most definitely not wearing those mesh undies. I am going to feel like a normal woman in some normal undies.

Nursing pads.

Washables will stay home, I am only packing the disposable ones.

Slippers.

Walking the halls is a necessity. Pack some slippers! I bought these to match my robe, and I haven't wore them once. I am saving them to add to the "new makes me feel awesome" feeling.

Socks.

The hospital's compression socks aren't all too flattering either- so I'm taking these. Hopefully I wont be as swollen this go-around, and they'll fit.

Glasses.

Don't forget to pack these if you need them!

Lip balm.

You'll need this for sure. Hospitals are dry and if you're like me and lick/ bite your lips while nervous or anxious- you'll definitely need it! Ha-ha!

Water bottle.

Your hospital will have large foam cups that the nurses and your partner or family will continuously bring you full of yummy ice water. 

So what else does Mommy need? Toiletries and Nursing items!

Nursing Pillow.

  I have used a Boppy, My Brest Friend, and those free ones that you get emails about.

My personal preference has been the My Brest Friend- I love the back support, strap, pockets, how wide it is for baby, and how the baby is actually supported and not rolling into or away from you like they can with the Boppy. I have this specific pillow in "Blue Bells".

Nipple Butter and Pads.

I chose Earth Mama Angel Baby Nipple Butter. It is all natural and safe for you and baby. You don't have to stress about wiping it all off before each nursing sesh. I'll probably use it as my lip balm too. Babies R Us carries it in stores AND you can now finally buy this in stores at Target, too!

Check out all of their products for:

Breastfeeding care here.

Postpartum care here.

I like these NUK pads because of how thin they are. You can't see them through your tops. They work great, and they don't come apart like some others that I've tried. The price point on them is really great too.

Skin care.

I have a really serious thing about taking care of my skin. I break out and am allergic to a lot of products/ makeup. So I will be taking my face wash routine, some makeup remover wipes, and a facial cleansing wipes to keep my face from breaking out while I am in the hospital.

I am also taking a body wash and small moisturizer for my face and hands.

Deodorant- because duh.

*not pictured- shampoo and conditioner. Take these with you if you plan on washing your hair during your stay. I am taking a shower cap because I will wash my hair the day of my surgery and wont need to wash again during my stay.

I ALSO RECOMMEND SHOWER SHOES. TAKE SOME FLIP FLOPS TO WEAR WHILE YOU SHOWER IN THE HOSPITAL!!!!!!  

Hopefully your hospital is clean, but you just never know with public showers. I don't do germs.

Eye care.

I mentioned above to take your glasses, but don't forget to pack your contacts, their case, and a small solution for them. I love my contacts, so these are definitely going.

Oral care.

 Take your toothbrush and a tube of toothpaste. I am taking Listerine in the travel size also, because you just never know if you'll be stuck to a bed for a long period of time unable to brush your teeth properly.

Make up.

Some women will want to wear makeup, others wont.  There are usually professional photographers who will come by and offer to take photos that you can later purchase. Having these items on hand is good if you plan to do this.

 Hair Care.

If you plan on showering (and washing your hair) you'll likely want to pack shampoo and conditioner. I am having a scheduled C-section so I will be washing my hair the day of and styling it. I am taking a shower cap because I only wash my hair every 3 days. :-) If I need these products my house is close enough to the hospital that my hubby will bring them to me.

I am going to try to do my hair and makeup every single day of this journey because that is what I feel will make me happy. I want to feel and look my best. I am going have the professional photos be taken this time around also.

Nursing tops.

 If you're going to be nursing, take a couple tank tops even if you're planning on a short stay. You never know when your milk is going to come in, and you may leak. I hate being in a top that has a bunch of dried milk all over it. It just feels nasty.

Dress from Target.
Jacket is from Gap.
Necklace from Charlotte Russe.

Handbag: gift.
Sandals are from Payless.


Going home outfit and shoes.

 I am having a C-section, so I am packing a light and very loose dress. I don't want to wear anything tight or touchy on my scar. I'm taking sandals the day I go in, and will wear them returning home too.

For the lovely ladies having a natural birth- leggings and a top are optional for you. Definitely pack clothes for a size 5 or 6 month belly. You're still going to have a pretty swollen tummy while your uterus is in the process of shrinking.

I do recommend packing a dress just in case. You never know how your birth will end. 

I had no idea I was going to have a c-section the first time around and had to wear leggings and a tight top home. I was in so much pain and was uncomfortable. I truly wish I packed a dress to go home in just in case.

DRESS: FOREVER 21  SHOES: TARGET

TUMMY BAND: MOTHERHOOD

Tummy Sleeve/ Band. 

I am taking mine with me to hold my belly up. I wasn't a fan of the Abdominal Binder that the hospital gave me last time. It hurt and was too large for me. I am going to use this and if I end up wanting something more supportive I will buy the smaller binder from Babies R Us. Last time though, this did the trick and I could still breathe.

Ipad/tablet with favorite movie(s).

Your hospital should have the option to pay for cable during your stay. I am going to do this again, but I am also taking my Ipad with my current favorite movies. It will help to pass time and take my mind off of things if needed. Especially during the times my hubby may be at home napping or spending time with Opal and I am alone at the hospital. 

Pillows.

I don't think I am going to take pillows from home with me, but I am going to keep two in my car. Why? Because I am totally taking others' advice about hugging one pillow, and sitting on another on the ride home. Having that C-section wound is going to have me all sorts of sore. I remember every bump on the drive home was so painful, so I hope this tip really does help.

I also want to share a link to my Pinterest board that I have been pinning some advice from other bloggers.  

 

        

I'll continue to add to this as much as possible.

Opal Moments

I want to share a couple of Opal's silliest moments from this week. 

She started sticking her little tongue out and waving this week. 

Both have been the CUTEST things ever.

 

Here are some of the other cute snaps from this week!

She has been standing, and trying to walk all week. 

-Luckily, she hasn't fallen tooooo many times.-

 

-standing-

 -playtime-

-toes-

 -goodmorning-

 -focused-

 -toys-

Trusting my mommy gut.

Today was the first time since the day I gave birth to Opal, that I was truly worried and scared for her life. The first time, her heart rate was dropping dramatically because she was stuck in my pelvic bones facing the wrong direction for many many hours, leading to an emergency C-section... 

This time, because she swallowed an unknown item and began choking.

It was all really strange, and one of those situations that you can literally say, "This could've been prevented if _______". What happened was, I was watching TV with Opal in my lap, and my sister had just gotten home from school. About an hour later, I had the sudden urge to clean the living room. Particularly, vacuuming. So, my sister held on to Opal and I started cleaning. Then, I remembered a bag of confetti had fallen out of my craft box the day before in my room and wanted to vacuum that carpet as well. So I went to my room and was putting Opal's clean clothes away and picking up her toys before vacuuming. Before I got the chance to do so,  my sister brought Opal in because she got a bloody nose. So I made sure that there was nothing on the rug she was playing on, and let her play with the toys that were already on the floor. I didn't worry about the confetti, because that had happened on the other side of the room, and I hadn't seen any on that side of my bed.

Well, I turn around to grab a pile of folded laundry, and I hear Opal choking! I turn and pick her up, stuck my finger in her mouth to see if I could pull whatever it was out, but couldn't find anything. Her poor little body was tensing up and trying to throw up whatever foreign object was in her throat, but couldn't. She wasnt able to breathe, because of all of the saliva and gagging that was happening, and was getting really red. I ran out to ask my sister to help me free her passage, and to call 911 after I couldn't find what she swallowed. She was barely breathing for 5 minutes while we waited for the paramedics. 

When the firemen got there, they checked her breathing (which about 30 seconds prior to them pulling up she finally started screaming and crying) and said she was okay. The paramedics arrived a minute later, and basically said they couldn't do anything for us. One of them basically told me that Opal would be OK, to nurse her and just watch her. He told me taking her to the ER wasn't necessary. 

Something just didn't feel right with her, though.

You know that feeling when you have a popcorn kernel stuck in your throat? Well, it looked like she had that situation going on! She isn't a drooler, (even while teething) but her shirt was becoming drenched in drool. She looked like she was in pain, and her eyes were becoming sunken in. This is when I was beginning to nurse her, and she started choking more!

I stopped nursing her and decided to just take her to the Children's hospital, even if nothing was wrong. I wanted to be SURE that there was nothing blocking her airway. I just could never forgive myself if I brushed it off as easily as a man who didn't even look down her throat, and was there for a total of 3 minutes..

My daughter wasn't fine.

When we got to the ER, they got us in quickly and we saw a DR within minutes of going back. He checked her throat and didn't see anything, and right as he was going to pull away, he saw a flash of red. He had the weirdest and confused expression on his face and said, "She does have something in her throat!" This scared the crap out of me, because of course I wanted to be wrong! I asked if it was big, and he said, "I honestly don't know! It is shiny and red."

That's when I knew it had to be a stray confetti piece! 

I told him and he went out quickly after mumbling something about suction and possible operation..

OPERATION?!

Yeah, I almost had a panic attack at that point, luckily my sister reminded me to be brave for Opal. We were then taken back.... to an operating room!!!!! I was becoming a nervous wreck while 5 people were around my poor little baby and trying to get this confetti piece out of her throat! Thankfully, the suction did work, and they got that stupid thing out!

I was cautious before this incident, but I'm definitely paranoid now!!!!!!

I did learn though, to always trust my gut.

If this was about me, I would've taken that paramedic's advice and called myself crazy.. But this wasn't about me. It was about the 8 month old baby that can't explain to us what is going on.

Even if they would've found nothing, I still would've been proud that I got a second opinion.

I'm just so thankful that my babe is once again her happy, healthy little self.

<3

Eight month update.

 I know I say this every month, but I seriously cannot believe it has been 8 months since this precious girl came into our life. She changed our lives so much. She makes every argument and disagreement seem miniscule compared to the magnitude of what our family means and stands for. Living apart from my husband the past 2 months has shown not only I, but Dillon too, how much we love each other and want to raise our daughter together.

This past month, she has changed so much. She mastered the crawl, and then surprised us by pulling herself up and standing! She started this with her playpen gate, and now does it in her crib, to the couch, toys, and even to me! She is brilliant!

She has 5 teeth now, her bald spot grew in, and she says "da-da!" We started her on 3rd step foods, but she actually has been eating food off of my plate. She hates eating the mushy baby foods and is all about the textures of actual food.

Jake and the Neverland Pirates has been her favorite tv show, and it still is. She also is loving Sofia the First and Doc Mcstuffins. She also loves the intro song to The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.

Last but not least, she has learned the "Happy and you know it" song... but instead of clapping, she slaps her thighs with her little hands. It is honestly the cutest thing. She is so cool.

I cannot wait for Dillon to see her next month, he is going to be so amazed at how much she has grown so far. I can't even imagine what I will be writing and sharing in another month. She blows me away every time.

Thankfully, next month I will also be preparing to pick her daddy up from the airport days later! Let the countdown begin!!

-Chels.

My breastfeeding journey at 8 months post partum.

Here we are, eight months postpartum! How in the heck did this happen?! I seriously feel like I sat down on the remote of my life and accidentally switched it to "fast forward".... WHERE'S THE PAUSE BUTTON!? I would totally love to pause my life and enjoy Opal at this stage in life for a bit longer. I wish Dillon was here to enjoy her. She's beautiful and just so, soooo smart.


I want to focus on how our breastfeeding journey has been thus far, and share a couple of things with y'all for World Breastfeeding Week.


First of all, I want those parents who may be reading this, and weren't or aren't breastfeeding to know that I am in no way wanting you to feel offended or less than those who do. I support you and however you are feeding your babe! They're being fed and that is all that matters! I know that there are so many reasons parents use formula, and that is your business, completely!


I happen to be breastfeeding though.... and I want to share my experience and the lessons I've learned.

Try to sleep as much as possible.

First off, the first couple weeks sucked. Having a newborn baby and being super tired sucks in general. I remember waking up so many times to my husband, Dillon walking around the room holding a pillow in his arms and "shushing" it back to sleep.... He was asleep and thinking he was comforting our new baby. That is how tired we were!

Life has to go on.

Dillon and I had no family in DC.. It was just us. There was no hospital visitors, balloons, prepared food, clean house, or welcome home party.. It was just us and the dogs with a brand new little baby. Neither of us had changed a diaper before. We had no idea what we were doing. And we had no one to do our errands for us. Opal literally was out grocery shopping with me in snow storms at 2 weeks old. I had to take her out. I had to resume my normal life, even with a fresh cesarean scar.

 Talk to a lactation consultant.

Engorged boobs were the worst! I started out with a B cup, by the time I was 9 months pregnant I was a DDD, and I am now a D to DD, depending on how much milk they're carrying. Opal had a tough time the first day that my milk came in, but we happened to still be in the hospital when that happened (due to an infection in my uterus) so I had a lactation consultant come by to help me out. She was an angel. She helped me out so much, taught me so many tips, and gave me so much confidence.

Create a circle of support.

When we got home from the hospital I was soooo scared. Nobody in my family had breastfed so I had no idea what it was even supposed to look like! I called my mother in law for advice and asked all of my friends for so much advice. It was a lot of pressure knowing that I was responsible for our daughter's nutrition! I didn't want to do anything wrong. How was I to know if I was feeding her enough? What if I would wake up one morning and not have a drop of milk for her? Should I keep formula on hand? What kind of bottles would she need if I caved and used formula? All of these questions would run through my head and I would have panic attacks every day. I definitely want anyone and everyone to feel comfortable coming to me for anything! If you have a question about nursing, I am here for you. If you need to vent about how tiring it is, I know, and I'm here to listen!

It actually got better!

I didn't believe anyone that it would get easier, but Opal and I became better at nursing every single mealtime. She was really good at latching on early into it. I think the hardest part was when my letdown was too much for her. She would get really overwhelmed and start coughing. It scared me so much, that I actually went to Target to look at formula... I started reading everything about it and was actually ready to switch because I thought I was hurting her. I decided to reach out to some of my friends who told me to try out some different nursing positions that may help. They actually worked and we got stronger and better.

Nurse in public because you're f*cking awesome. *excuse my language

My family continuously asked me how I would feed Opal when we were out running errands or shopping. They would ask if I would use a cover or just pump... And you know what? I've done both.

I've tried using a cover and that sh*t sucks. I couldn't see Opal, it made us clumsy, she was so sweaty, and I almost dropped her because we got all tangled up.

I've also pumped, and it sucks too! The only part about nursing that hurts, (aside from the occasional bite) has been pumping. I seriously give moms who have to pump everyday props. I cannot imagine how hard that must be, especially to keep a positive attitude while doing so. I actually just invested in a hospital grade breastpump and I'm very excited. I hope it is a lot better than my smaller one and that I can enjoy pumping somewhat more.

When I'm out running errands or hanging out with my family and Opal tells me she is hungry, I stop and feed her. If I'm at a mall I find the family restroom and nurse her in the room set aside for that. If I'm at target I just sit down somewhere quiet (yes, in a random aisle- I don't care) and I feed her. If were using the carrier I just pull my shirt down and feed her, that simple. If were driving, I pull into a parking lot and feed her in the backseat. I don't use a cover and I don't pump and take a bottle with me. I tried those things and I just didn't like it. I've learned that feeding my baby wherever and whenever works for me.

Teething sucks, but it will get better! 

As I type this right now, I'm laying in bed watching breaking bad. Opal is latched on, dream nursing, and every couple minutes she will sneak in a little tiny bite. It is JUST barely noticeable. But, that's not always the case. Sometimes she will look at me with a very sneaky smile... And she will chomp down! I've learned to over dramatically scream and to say OW! She instantly looks shocked and will kiss my boob or my arm. I hate when she bites, but she's cutting 4 teeth right now and I don't blame her one bit! I go absolutely crazy when my wisdom teeth flare up every couple months, and she's just a little baby who can't even understand what the heck is going on with her mouth and ears. That must be so frustrating! 

When she first started teething I had asked what to do when she first started biting. Instantly, people who had never breastfed in their lives told me "that means she doesn't want to breastfeed anymore." 

I was devastated! I was so confused! How could my 3 month old baby already be done? How could this be? 

Well, they were wrong. I researched a lot. And my baby kept asking for my milk. And I just flicked her and over dramatically said "OW!" If she bit me. And you know what? It got better!! Now were going through another hard teething phase and I'm not taking it as "mom your breast is no longer necessary!" I'm taking those bites as, "HEY MOM MY MOUTH HURTS AND I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO." ;-) 

Don't give up. It gets better!

It takes dedication.

Being a breastfeeding mother is easy and hard at the same time. It is hard to be solely responsible for your baby's nutrition. But you know what makes it easy? Knowing that you are giving your baby exactly what God planned and blessed us with!

If you ever need help or advice, I'm here for you!

:)


-Chels.

7 months of fabulousness.

 

Can y'all believe that my winter baby is now over 1/2 a year old?! I swear, it honestly feels like just last week I was rocking her in the nursery with Dillon, scared to death that we were going to mess something up. I can't even begin to explain just how much my life has changed since becoming a mother. Some days I don't even want to leave the house alone with Opal, because I don't want to do it all by myself. Little things are actually tough to do! Things like, loading/ unloading her stroller and carseat, opening a door to a building WITH the stroller, paying/ getting gas, grocery shopping in general, etc..

It has been especially harder the past 2 months, because Dillon is still in DC, while I am here in California. My family gets annoyed with me, because I tend to ask for help a lot (not really, they're just not quite used to it all yet). It was much easier to hand her off to Dillon, because that's her daddy! Its his job to love on her while I hide in the bathroom! (haha!) But- good news- (fingers crossed and prayers welcome) is that Dillon, Opal, and I may be living under one roof again as soon as January 2015! That's only 5 months from now! Woo-hoo!

Wait, 5 months!?!?!? Holy cow, do you know what that means? That also means that Opal will be turning 1 in 5 months! (begins sobbing*) My younger sister Reyna, is already pinning away on Pinterest for her birthday party ideas.. It is that serious around here. 

Here are a list of some of Opal's milestone achieved this past month:

1. she began crawling forward this month.
2. that led to sitting. I walked away for 30 seconds, came back and found her watching tv sitting up on her own! I nearly cried I was so proud.
3. Its been 5 days of sitting and she has already mastered balancing and doesnt fall over much either!
4. She is beginning to wave to us.
5. She is also learning ways to communicate to us, such as asking for someone to grab her, no, yes, more, etc.
6. She has decided that she is NOT a fan of pureed food. So, I just feed her mashed up vegis/fruits and she also eats what I eat. She's actually pretty great at mashing/"chewing" her food.
7. She also LOVES the apple juice/ water mixture. 
8. We're still breastfeeding, and she still prefers it over everything :-)
9. Oh, she also is trying really hard to pull herself up while in her crib.
10. Wait, did I mention she has transitioned successfully to a crib! Yep, that too!