Just a Thought

This has been running through my head a lot recently, and I thought I'd share while I have a few quiet moments. Both my boys are napping before we jump in the car and head south to spend a few days with Kevin's sister and her family. So this may be my last blog for a week or so.

Chase is a good eater. Sometimes too good. He gulps the food so fast that you have to forcibly remove the bottle from his mouth every ounce or so to keep him from choking and/or eating so fast that he pukes. But when you take his bottle away, he grunts, thrashes his arms and legs, and pretty much acts like a wild animal. Every time. I remind him that I am his mommy and I am only doing what is best for him...letting him catch his breath. And every time I give the bottle back until his little tummy is satisfied. His needs are met, and he is a happy boy.

But every day when we're going through the 15-30 seconds of mommy-imposed time out from eating, it makes me think of how we treat God. He always meets our needs. Always. But we can't always have exactly what we want, when we want it. Sometimes we have to wait...or receive blessings in smaller portions. But He will never let us go without. Never. He is always right there holding us in His hands and doing exactly what is best for us. Just something for you to think about...

Panama City Beach: The Final Days

Our last two days in Panama City Beach were a whirlwind, but a very relaxing whirlwind. Grammy and Grandpa left Wednesday morning after a nice family breakfast. Then we went back to our room and all fell asleep. Apparently it was much needed, because we slept for quite awhile. After that we spent some time at the pool. We kept Chase in his tent this time, though. Definitely not risking any sunburns here.

After mommy was done with pool time and daddy was done with gym time, we got ready and had dinner at a great local place. I think it was called Scampy's. And it was delicious. We made the night a total PCB cliche' by also visiting a couple souvenier shops before renting some movies and relaxing at home for the rest of the evening.

The next day we slept in. Not throughout the night, of course, but Baby Chase and I slept on the couch after his 8:00 feeding until 12:30! I spent a few quick minutes by the pool, and then it was time to go. We hit Pier Park (for the third time...what can I say, we love to shop!) and did some shopping and a movie.

We saw "Killers" because it isn't showing anywhere in Columbus. And the parts I actually watched were great! Unfortunately, Chase chose those couple of hours to be fussy, hungry, grunty, and take a giant poop. So we spent most of the movie trading off baby shifts and/or standing in the hallway leading into the theater where he wouldn't disturb anyone else. We tried to be as considerate as possible.

That night, we had a yummy dinner at Olive Garden, and watched another movie in our room, and enjoyed the last night of Vacation, Part I. It was sad to leave this morning, but I'm feeling about as relaxed as a sleep-deprived new mommy can. Speaking of the kid, he just started fussing...

Vacation, Part I

Kevin and I are taking advantage of some precious time off before he starts working again. So Sunday night we headed down to Panama City Beach to spend a few days just relaxing. His parents met us here, and a good time was had by all.

On our way down, there was a crazy lightning storm. Beautiful, until we ran into the monsoon that accompanied it. Then, I reverted to my childhood where I was deathly afraid of thunderstorms and had to resist the urge to curl up in a ball and suck my thumb. We made it here in one piece though, praise the Lord!

Monday we hit the beach. I was so excited to let Chase have his first experience with one of my favorite places! So we slathered him up, dressed him in the best-fitting beachwear I could find, and drug him down to the water. And when the big moment arrived...nothing! His little butt slept right through it! It didn't matter how many times I let the waves crash over his little feet, he just was not interested. He was still cute though, and took a great little nap in his new tent!

Can you say "crustacean?"

I hate that you can't see his face, because he is sound asleep!

Today I was bound and determined to get a better reaction. So we woke him up in the middle of a nap and took him to the pool. This time he did not disappoint! We put him in his cute little froggy float, and he loved it! Obviously it's too big for him, so we had to hold him up. But we pulled him around for a few minutes, and it was so cute!

We were planning to head down to Key Largo to spend a few days with Kevin's sister and her family on Thursday. But things have changed, so for now it looks like a couple more days here in Panama City with just our little family (Kevin's parents are heading home tomorrow). Can't wait to continue our vacation adventures next week!

One Month!

Chase is officially one month old today! Wow, the time has flown by! I cannot believe that I have a one month old. But I have to say I am truly enjoying every (well, almost every) minute of it.

My one month picture!

Here are some of the measureable changes over the past month:

When Chase was born, he weighed 6lbs, 13oz. Now he is somewhere in the 8 pound range. Not sure exactly where. But if you'll check out his one month picture, you'll notice a new development...chubby little thighs!

His first bottle was 2oz. Now we can't keep the boy fed! He is consistently eating 5oz per bottle. That means no more little bottles :( Today he even took 6oz...and then proceeded to throw it up all over himself and me. That's just another way he's like his daddy...he doesn't have a "full" button.

Sorry if you can't see the difference here, but I didn't want to waste formula. There's 2oz of water in the little bottle and 5 1/2oz of water in the big one.

He has officially graduated from a size Newborn to a size 1 diaper. They are a little big, but we haven't had any leaks since we moved up!

Last but not least, his Newborn clothes still fit, but we're slowly making our way into size 0-3 months. Which means a lot more cute outfits and options!

Here are some fun developments which are a little harder to measure:

His neck is getting stronger by the day. He loves to lay on his tummy on someone's chest and just hold his head up as long as he can. And of course, this is accompanied by the cutest faces! He's also started scooting. If you're laying like I mentioned above, he will push off of your legs, stomach, whatever he can find, until he's gone as far as he can go. One day he pushed himself off my shoulder into a bit of a headstand. Too cute.

This is him worn out after several minutes of holding his head up/scooting.

He's also slowly but surely figuring out his fingers. His grip is getting much stronger, and he's started grabbing onto things all the time. The burp cloth while you're feeding, your shirt while you're holding him, etc.

The past month has been so much fun! I wish time would slow down because I'm always feeling like I'm going to miss something. Then again, I can't wait for each new development. I'm just a big bag of mixed emotions. But I do know one thing for sure...I'm one proud mama!

Of course, we can't forget about his proud daddy either...

This Week In Mommy-Land

It has been a pretty eventful week around here. It's been the first week having Kevin home. Woo hoo! That has been great! He's been able to help out with feeding, diapers, and of course take over some of the cuddling. He is just smitten with baby Chase. At the first hint of a cry, he'll pick him up. This kid is going to be ridiculously spoiled!

In other baby news, we are on a pretty good schedule right now. Feedings are pretty consistent at every 3 hours. I go to sleep somewhere between midnight and 1am, and nighttime feedings are usually around 4am and 8am. My mom says you can't count 8am as a nighttime feeding. But I do, because after that one my behind goes right back to bed. lol. He's also been pretty consistently waking up for the day around 10am. I can't really complain about that.

I've talked a lot about feeding habits. And his just keep getting funnier to me. We are definitely up to 4oz per feeding. Occasionally he'll leave half an ounce in the bottle. And a couple times he's even had 5oz before he was happy! Sadly, life has gotten the better of me, and we're mostly formula feeding now. I'm doing my best to get my milk supply back up, but I can only do what my body will allow. I'm trying to accept that and not be too upset with myself. The most important thing is that Baby Chase is healthy and happy...and trust me, he is!

We're finally fitting into some 0-3 month size clothes. That means many more options for cute outfits...and photo ops! There really isn't much out there in the way of newborn size clothes (we spent several hours shopping to find the outfit he wore to church on his first Sunday). I think he's also just about ready for size 1 diapers as well. Just depends on what brand you use. But I think I'm going to use up the rest of my newborn ones and then go ahead and switch him over.

In other news, I had my follow-up doctor's visit today. I can't tell you how great it feels to know I don't have to see the doctor again for an entire year! I mean, I'm the girl who went from NEVER going (we're talking 4 years here) to going every month, and eventually every week. I really like my doctor, but I've seen enough of him thank you very much! Plus, he gave me the all clear to go swimming again...which means we can start planning family vacation! Key Largo, here we come...Johnson family, I hope you're ready!!!

My Favorite Things: Baby Edition

Here are some baby products that I've developed a great appreciation for over the past few weeks:

• Sleeping Gowns - I will admit, when I first saw one, I thought I'd never put it on my little boy! But now he sleeps in them literally every night. They are perfect...built-in mittens to keep from scratching his little face, and elastic at the bottom so changing is a breeze in the middle of the night! Thanks, Amanda...great advice!
• Target brand diapers - I started off using all Pampers (and Huggies when I was given them). But after some more great advice (thanks, Angela), I have decided that Target makes the best diapers out there! Great leak protection, and they're cheaper! Obviously I'm not alone in this theory, because it seems like they can't keep them on the shelves!
• Avent feeding system - I have the Avent bottles, manual breast pump, and breast milk storage system. I will say that I have a small complaint about leaky bottles. However, I love this system because everything works together! All the bottles work with the breast pump, and the storage system comes with an adapter that can turn the storage cups into bottles or hook directly onto the pump as well. Genius! (Thanks to my sis for the advice on this one!)
• Boppy - Another genius idea. Great for breastfeeding, bottle feeding, awake time, and even (gasp!) sleeping. My favorite thing is that I can keep a free hand when I use this pillow for feeding.
• Pacifiers - I had to list this one because I spent so long saying that I didn't want to use them. And that lasted maybe 12 hours. I LOVE the paci! The paci pod and paci clip are also must-have items.

I'm going to try and make this a regular feature on the blog, so keep posted for more favorites. In the meantime, what are some of YOUR favorite things for baby?

At Last...

My love has come along. My lonely days are over. And life is like a song.

This song, to be exact. I love starting my posts with song lyrics. Kind-of like theme music playing in your head while you read the post. But I digress.

This past Thursday we made the LONG trek to Virginia Beach to finally pick up my husband and bring him home. Oh yeah, and introduce him to his son! Well it was definitely a long trip, but it was well worth it. Watching Kevin and Chase interact for the first time was the sweetest thing! Kevin couldn't get over how tiny Chase was (even though he's already so big to me!), and kept thinking he was going to break him. I'm sure that won't last long. Here's a shot from the family reunion in front of Burger King. lol.

Yeah, he was pretty happy.

Holding baby boy for the first time.

Happy little family!

They took to each other quickly, to say the least. The next day, I found them laying in bed together, and Chase was just staring into Kevin's eyes, smiling away. I'm thinking maybe it was because he's tired of hearing "you look just like your daddy" and was trying to see what we're all talking about. But what a precious moment, either way.

We got some family shots, and even some with the really cool planes in the field next to our hotel.

It's been really sweet watching them bond over the past few days. Kevin is definitely taking to being a daddy. And what 3 week old baby would be upset about another set of arms to hold, feed and love on him? Kevin hasn't changed his first diaper yet...but don't worry Chase pooped all over his arms this morning. Way to initiate him into the daddy club, son! Yeah, I gave him a tiny high five. Then a few minutes later he pooped on me. That's ok, it was still funny.

Sweet Peace

Today was Friends and Family Day at church. A lot of hard work and planning went into making it a fun and exciting day for all. Major props to everyone who was involved in the process. But my favorite part of the day by far happened before all of the "fun" began.

During praise and worship, the Spirit of God really fell. And despite all of the hard work that had gone into our day of "fun," Pastor put the schedule on hold to allow God to create His own schedule. I am so thankful to be under the leadership of such a true "Pastor." I have sat under many "Preachers," but it is a true blessing to know that God has placed someone over our church who willingly casts his own plans aside and remains open to a move of God. Sadly, I have seen many men suppress the Spirit for their own agendas.

Here is a shot of Baby Chase during those few precious moments. He slept so peacefully. Normally when he's sleeping he makes all kinds of crazy faces. But during that time, there were nothing but smiles. Don't even try to tell me that child doesn't know where he came from. He understands the presence of God, maybe better than any of us.

Speaking of baby boy, today we sang "Here I Am To Worship." There's a line in there that says I'll never know how much it costs to see my sin upon that cross. Singing that line as a mom...whole new meaning. Think about it.

Go, Baby Go!

Chase had his two week check-up this morning. He now weighs 7lbs, 10oz. That means he's gained a whole pound from his discharge weight at the hospital, and another 3oz will be a full pound since birth! Dr. Flowers seemed very impressed that he had quickly regained, and far surpassed, his birth weight. Not only that, but he's grown another half an inch...he's now 20.5 inches long! Grow, baby grow! (But would you mind slowing down until daddy gets home please?)

We had a really great visit today. Not only are his stats great, but all of his yucky newborn stuff (stump, circumcision, peeling) seems to be healing quite well. I am very thankful for that, because taking care of those things is not fun. Dr. Flowers is great! He's so positive and encouraging, and he really makes me feel like a great mommy. After my initial experience with the lactation consultant, I believe every new mommy could use that kind of positive reinforcement. Not only that, but he sent his compliments to Kevin, and although he wasn't able to serve himself, obviously has a special place in his heart for those who are sacrificing for our country. (PS - Thanks for the recommendation, Lindsey...you were right!)

Our next check-up is in six weeks. I am so incredibly thankful for a happy, healthy, wonderful baby. I pray God's continued covering over my little one, because I know He's got great things in store for our family!

A Postpartum Post

Okay, I'll admit it. I did a LOT of whining throughout my pregnancy. So I thought I'd take an entire post to address some of the things that bugged me and how they have changed in the past two weeks.

• Nausea and Vomit Mouth - This was my absolute least favorite part of pregnancy. Not being able to fall asleep and/or sleep through the night without revisiting my dinner was simply excruciating. I am happy to report that I have experienced neither of these since my delivery.
• Swelling - Due to the ridiculous amount of fluids that were sent pumping through my body in the hospital, this one took a little longer than I would've liked to go away. But it is finally gone! I have ankles again. My feet are still a little wider than normal (hopefully this will go away), and I still can't wear my wedding rings, but cankles and elephant knees are things of the past!
• Unsolicited Touching - I was very concerned about switching from unwelcome belly rubs to unwelcome baby rubs. But thankfully people have been pretty respectful. Even at church, most people asked before they touched him. I was pleasantly surprised.
• Unsolicited Comments - Wow, if I thought people had a lot to say when I was the size of a house, I had no idea how much more they would say when looking at the cutest baby in the world. Okay, so I'm a little biased. Mostly people just say how cute he is. However, several people have given their opinions about how early I had him out and about. To those people, I would like to say "bite me."
• Appetite - As crazy as it sounds, there were very few occasions during my pregnancy that I was actually physically hungry. I'm sure it had a lot to do with the nausea. But now that little man is here and I am trying to get back to my pre-pregnancy body, I am famished all the time! It's good to be hungry again, but it could have come at a better time.

• Body - Speaking of pre-pregnancy, it is bikini season and I am feeling the pressure to look good again. Admittedly, it's self-imposed pressure, but nonetheless it's there. I'm just going to lay all the stats out there and maybe being honest with the blogging world will help keep me more accountable to my personal goals. At my first prenatal visit, I weighed 138lbs. Over the next 8 months, I gained exactly 40lbs. As of this morning, I weighed 152 which, for those of you who aren't good at math, leaves 14lbs to get me back to where I started. Granted, I'd like to look even better than I did, but let's jump one hurdle at a time, shall we? If I'm being completely honest, I felt much less self-conscious when my belly was the size of a giant beach ball than I do now. At least then, there was no question as to whether or not I was pregnant. Now, the jiggly lump that remains must certainly be raising some eyebrows. I feel as though I have even less clothing options, because there is more pressure to hide the mess! Maybe it's just a complex I have.

Sitting here with a sweet sleeping baby boy in my arms though, I can't say I have too much to complain about. He is physically perfect, amazingly cute, and the best decision I have ever made! Now I just have to make it through the next 8 days so I can share my little blessing with the other best thing in my life!

Oink, Oink!

Baby Chase and I were released from the hospital on Friday May 21st. His discharge weight was officially 6lbs, 10oz. That was a great number, considering the average baby loses around 7% of their birth weight in the first week. Well in our first couple of days getting to know each other at home, I learned something very important about my child. He is a PIG. Breastfeeding just wasn't cutting it. He would scream, scream and scream some more, and after exhausting all possible options (wet diaper, sleepy, etc) it was pretty clear that he just needed to eat. So we started having to supplement with some formula. Cue one happy baby. I hated to do it, but if the baby needs food, the baby needs food.

We had our first appointment with the Pediatrician on the following Monday, and he had already gained two ounces back! Another positive report from the doctor, and I was feeling pretty good. By this point, we are working well together. We're establishing a pretty good routine, and mommy is getting a reasonable amount of sleep at night. He is eating about 3oz per feeding. I was still having to supplement though, so I called the lactation consultant from the hospital.

Let's just say we did not get off to the best start. Basically she told me that I introduced bottles/formula too soon, and that he's eating too much. So I hung up the phone feeling like a horrible mother, and the waterworks began. After a lengthy conversation with my mom where she reassured me that I was doing well to follow my instincts, and I am just doing what is right for my baby, I was feeling a little better.

My actual appointment with the lactation consultant resulted in a much happier ending. She observed me feeding him, and said that both he and I are doing everything right. Just to remain persistent and patient, and hopefully I'll be able to breastfeed exclusively within a couple of weeks. She also said that some babies do eat as much as three ounces per feeding, so just to follow his cues, because he will tell me when he is hungry as well as when he's full. His weight was also up to 7lbs, 5.1oz. Oink, Oink!

Yesterday he was eating nonstop...and spent a TON of time awake, too. By 2am, mommy was completely exhausted! Apparently he had exhausted himself as well, because I had to wake him up at 7:30 for a feeding. Of course, we promptly went back to bed afterwards : ) So we're pretty sure he was going through his first growth spurt. I gave him a lecture to stop growing until daddy gets home (9 more days!).

My little piggy's next doctor's appointment is in two days. I can't wait to see what he weighs now!