{11} Month Baby Update

HAPPY 11 MONTHS my sweet boy!!! The past month has been my FAVORITE month spent with my boy (I am sure I will say this again in the future - each month brings more and more joy!). I have adjusted and become comfortable in my role as a mother, we have found a routine that works for us and he is in my biased eyes an amazing, perseverant, HAPPY, intelligent, silly boy that overcomes obstacles in an admirable fashion each and every time. I do still miss him being little, but I think that the best is yet to come :)

WEIGHT/HEIGHT - 

My little shorty is 19.5 pounds and still has baby soft and chunky little legs and lots to love! He is short but being tall isn't in his genes exactly (I'm only 5 ft!).

EATING - 

I am still exclusively pumping for Aaron and I am so SO so happy/proud to have reached my personal goal of giving him breast milk for the first year! It has not been in the least bit easy - but it has been worth it! I never thought I would be even thinking about continuing past the first year but since primarily lives off of breast milk at this point - I plan to continue as long as he needs and my body allows me to. On that note  he has recently started to try more and more foods, and eat much more enthusiastically! He is also going to start seeing a speech and language pathologist, and occupational therapist so we can work on his oral aversion issues. Once he is eating enough solids, we can wean him off the "boob", and hopefully remove the g-tube!

*If anyone has questions regarding our oral aversion journey, or exclusively pumping I would be happy to answer them or create a separate blog post?

SLEEPING

Pretty much the same as last month except he has been getting bursts of energy right before bed time, and he  is going to bed around 8:30/9:00 instead now.

HEALTH

Aaron had surgery this month and an MRI for which he had to be put under - I think it was harder on me than it was on him. It was actually the toughest of his procedures for Dad and I. The days prior to his surgery we couldn't stop thinking about the fact that we would soon be forced to hand over OUR little boy to doctors for hours. We are never separated from him, and hate he had to be put under. Thankfully our strong boy took it like a champ! He was happy the entire time leading up to the procedure even though he had to fast for it! He was even clapping, jumping, and raising his hands "hallelujah"! The worst part was when we witnessed him be put under anesthesia - I NEVER want to see that again. Period. He was in pain the first day, BUT the next day he started to crawl for the first time!!! And I never ended up giving him more than Tylenol! He really is resilient and just AMAZING!

Waiting for the surgeons to come get him.

Clapping!

Raising his hands Hallelujah!

              

WHATS NEW?/

*He has learned to sign "all done"!

*He is now FINALLY taking a sippy cup and drinking water from it!

*He is obsessed with balloons, and points them out wherever we go. or in books, saying "booooo". 

*He pulls to stand with a quickness!

*He can clap, high five, and raise his hands in the air

hallelujah!

* He can find mommy, daddy, the ball. the balloon, his bottle, and water!

*Apparently he can also stand on his tippy toes in his crib and reach over to the nearest drawer and pull out all of his pajamas!

*He got his first two bottom teeth! 

*He puts things in his mouth - something he never used to do!

*He graduated from his first helmet - but it getting a second one soon.

* I am probably missing things - I have mommy brain!

Pictures from this month....

 I know I haven't posted any makeup or fashion posts! I have been so busy but I would love to do one - any suggestions? Thank you so much for reading!!!

{8} Month Baby Update

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I am so glad Aaron turned 8 months old just a day before Christmas because I LOVE this age. He is so active and aware of everything. I have not enjoyed the holidays this much since I was little! Having a child during the holiday season means reliving all of the Christmas traditions like buying him his own ornament, Christmas pijamas, visiting Santa, tree lightings, parades, going on drives to see the lights AND  I can shamelessly sing Christmas songs anywhere:)                                                                                                                                                      

This month has been a rollercoaster for us. On one hand, his eating is very hit and miss (scary at times), he started wearing a head band to help with his head flattening due to sleeping at an angle his whole life, and we found out he has to have another surgery and an MRI which he needs to be on anesthesia to have :( On the other hand, Aaron is a happy, amazing baby and a joy to to see growing. He overcomes obstacles on the daily with a huge smile on his face. Thank God for that because it gives me the strength to keep going!

Weight -  16.11 pounds - the doctor said he is finally chubby!!! He is outgrowing his 6 month clothes now, and starting to wear 9 months.

Aaron's Schedule- 

I call Aaron my pint sized boss because he is always changing the schedule! Just when I think I have it down, he decides he no longer wants to nap or eat at that time. But as of late he...

6:00 am - Wake up

7:00 am - Bottle and attempt solids(Oatmeal and fruit)

8:00 am- Change and get ready for the day/play/look at his fish

9:45 am - Bottle/Nap time

11:00 am - Wake up/play

12:00 pm - Bottle and attempt lunch w/ mom and dad (vegetables/ teething biscuit)

1:00 pm - Run errands

3:00 pm ish Bottle (Might power nap)

4:00 pm - Play

5:00 pm - Nap 

6:00 pm -Attempt Dinner w/ Mom and Dad

6:30 ish - Bottle

7:00 pm - Play w/ Dad

7:45 pm - Bathtime/Brush Teeth/ Books

8:15 pm - Sleep!

New Foods/Solids - 

Eating solids, and even bottle drinking, has slowed down this month after a few choking episodes. He has gone back too eating very little. Thank God for his g-tube, I can still make sure he gets enough to grow and gain weight. A few days ago he had a very scary choking incident, so we have been working hard with his eating and swallowing therapist to get him to eat again. This has to be one of the hardest things to deal with as a mom. Every so often he still really enjoys sweet peas :)

                                                                                                                                                                            

New Discoveries/Accomplishments- 

-Shakes his head "no"

-Waves Bye and gives high fives (Sometimes)

-Cries when I'm out of sight or Dad leaves - decided to develop stranger anxiety the day I started work - broke my heart to pieces!

-Stands with support

-Scoots on his butt to get around

-Tries to stand up in his crib

A few pictures from this month...

First time he tried to pull himself up... and out of the crib!       

Grocery shopping with mommy <3

Ready for the Christmas tree lighting at the Temecula Duck Pond

Here he started at the boppy, and made his way over to put his feet up on the wall!

Thank you so much for reading and Merry Christmas!

Happy {1/2} Birthday Little One! - 6 Month Mommy/Baby Update

      

Wow. I can not believe that my little guy is 6 months old! Or that I am now 25. TWENTY FIVE. Where has all the time gone? I was just 4 years old playing house, cooking dinner on my pretend kitchen set while holding my baby-doll, and talking on my Fisher Price house-phone (they existed back then) to my imaginary husband. And now well, I am 25 years old and I am no longer pretending. I am there! How awesome is it that I have become everything I dreamed of as a child?! VERY! This is so important to remember when I am ready to pull my hair out when Aaron decides to skip naps for a week straight! Yup a whole week! Speaking of my little pumpkin, he is growing so fast, learning so much,and developing new skills everyday. Six months is a very fun time, and I am looking forward to it only getting funner from here! Here is our 6 month update!

Weight - 14.2 pounds, he gained a pound! He is just about done wearing size 3-6 mo. and 6 mo. is fitting him perfectly! 

Aaron's Schedule- 

Has been all over the place for the last couple weeks, as we had a either a doctor's, physical therapy, or occupational therapy appointment pretty much every day. It is no wonder he went on strike with his naps! He doesn't have as many appointments for the next few weeks, so we should get back on track. I think if we hadn't kept his family dinner and bedtime routine the same he would have refused sleeping at night too - consistency is key with him! 

Fighting his nap!

Looking a bit nervous before his Dr. visit

Yeah yeah I'll nap, but first let me take a selfie!

New Foods/Solids - 

Aaron is not only eating an entire ounce more than he was last month - he is happily taking solids too! His favorites include apple and sweet potato! So far he has tried avocado, banana, rice cereal, oatmeal cereal, carrots, sweet peas, pears, apple, sweet potato, pumpkin, peaches, and prunes- all without any reactions! Daddy also handed him his first piece of bread today and he chomped/sucked away happily for 10 minutes! Seems baby led weaning may be the way to go with him! I'll keep you posted next month!

Loving his sweet peas - One step closer to removing his Mic-Key Button!

New Discoveries- 

Paper - apparently it is magical! He plays with his napkin at dinner, my grocery list at the store, the paper they pull out for him to lay on at the Dr.'s office (seriously considering buying a roll), the mail... just give him all the paper!

Accomplishments- SO many! It has been a great month! We started physical therapy this month as he lacks muscle tone due to the time he was in the hospital. Certain things are a little more challenging for him such as sitting, rolling over, and tummy time. In a matter of a week he has started to roll over, is sitting for longer periods of time, tolerates tummy time and even pushes up to his elbows. It was so disheartening to hear he would need physical therapy, but he is rocking it like the little champ he is!

-Eating solids
-No longer requires continuous feedings throughout the night and is taking everything except one meal by mouth!!!! AAAAAAAAAH! SO SO SO proud of my little boy!
-He is able to burp (children with fundoplications typically can't/shouldn't)
-Can feed himself!!!!!
-Changes the page when we read books - no joke!
- Can drink from a cup if needed, and is training on straws
- Plays Peek- a-boo

Mr. Independent 

First time drinking from a bottle!

Sitting for his physical therapist!

Wearing the sweater and hat Grandma made him!

Aaron's very first pumpkin patch!

Mommy Update -

• I mentioned that my milk supply was decreasing last month, I am happy to say that it is still going strong! Some days I have less than others but as long as I am consistent, drink a lot of water, and eat enough I am getting more than enough - I have quite the stash in the freezer just in case :)
• My hair is still falling out like crazy - help!
• Being new parents it is so easy to have our lives revolve around Aaron (and in many ways this is exactly as it should be), however we try to make time for ourselves and our relationship also. For example, if we can't go out we have date nights in. This month we had an Italian themed night after Aaron went to bed- complete with Antipasto, wine, and homemade pizza.This takes extra effort, but is so important! I feel that if we are happy and our relationship is strong, Aaron will be happy knowing his parents love each other and have an example of a healthy relationship. I want that for him. I also know that in the end Robert and I will always have eachother :) 
  
• Confesion- I call my mom EVERYDAY. On the tough days and the good days, to vent, to cry, for advice, to brag about Aaron's new skills, for everything! SO glad to have her!

Ok I'll end this now, I can ramble forever and I have a lot of homework! I am looking forward to another great month with my baby boy and family, and wish you ALL the same! Thank you all so much for reading and all of your support! I really appreciate having so many people care about Aaron, and to exchange ideas with! Love you all!

Mommy & Baby Must Haves: 0-6 Months!

Wow my little man is nearly six months old! I can't believe I have had the pleasure of being a mommy for half a year already! Or how much life has changed! I mean I suck boogers out of my little guy's nose with. my. mouth (more on that later)! I remember scouring over tons of mommy blogs, Pinterest boards, and YouTube videos, trying to figure out what kind of parent I wanted to be, what I needed to buy, etc. I made lists, and lists, and more lists, of what I NEEDED. Turns out I didn't need a butt wipe warmer, water wipes are being recalled because they have a dangerous bacteria in them, and Aaron had his own preferences - go figure! Either way I know that as moms we want what is best for our babies, and the nesting phase won't let up until we just have everything perfect. Honestly I still stay up at night researching more baby things - so I compiled a list of the stuff I ACTUALLY did use - over these last few months! I hope this helps all the mamas out there like me! 

1. Aden + Anais Classic Swaddle Blankets - I recommend these to anyone having a baby that will listen to me! They are worth all of the hype for sure. They are stretchy, thin, and breathable- perfect for swaddling baby during warmer months - These saved our lives when our AC broke, and Aaron would not sleep unless swaddled. I also use them as car seat covers, breastfeeding covers, to lay out for diaper changes, and for snuggles :)
2. Mini Arc Co-Sleeper- All of the benefits of sleeping next to your baby minus all of the hazards - enough said. 
3. Medela Symphony BreastPump or  Medela Lactina Select Breastpump- Being a NICU mom meant that I had to pump my breasts if I wanted Aaron to have breast milk exclusively, and that I was able to try both hospital grade breast pumps, and a cheaper alternative provided by my insurance (most insurances provide one of some kind - fight for a Medela!). I have been able to maintain my milk supply for 6 months despite having Aaron in the hospital for half of it, and I credit these pumps!
4. Dr. Brown's Bottles - These are the best for babies with gas and re-flux!
5. Medela Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags - These bags make sanitizing your bottles, and even small plastic toys so easy! Just throw them in the bag, add 2 oz. of water and put them in the microwave for 3 minutes! And you can take them with you everywhere!
6. Medela Tender Care Hydrogel Pads -If you are breastfeeding, YOU NEED THESE IN YOUR LIFE! Trust me!
7. Boppy Pillow- A registry must have and my go to babyshower gift! I used this for breastfeeding in the early months, and still use it now for tummy time, supported sitting, and to hold Aaron elevated to keep acid re-flux from getting him. 
8. Philips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier- Aaron won't go anywhere without his binky, he has loved it since day 1, and I feel good knowing it is BPA free, and doesn't accumulate moldy water in the back like other cute pacifiers do.
9. NoseFrida Nasal Aspirator- This is by far my favorite thing on this list. Aaron can not afford to have any boogers in his nose, and this lets me control the suction to make sure I get all of his boogies out. It has a filter guys- don't worry!
10. Slimming/girdle style underwear - Yes there is underwear on this list. That is because one does not walk out of the hospital with a baby in hand and a flat stomach. I believe I was asked when I was due three days after Aaron was born! Many people recommend the belly bandit, but I found it bulky, uncomfortable, and obvious. A tight fitting, high waisted/girdle style under wear sucked everything in, helped my mommy tummy go down (got a smaller size every week to keep tightening) AND I felt good about myself!

1. Timi and Leslie Diaper Bag- I love that these diaper bags don't look like diaper bags! They are huge, have different compartments to put diapers, bottles, changing pads etc., and stylish!I get tons of compliments on this bag!
2. Humidifier- These are a must for the colder months, and when baby is sick and congested. We had ours on every night when Aaron was having a lot of breathing issues, and will turn it back on when it gets colder again. It also helped with my allergies so it is a win-win!
3. Moby Wrap - I am a huge believer in baby wearing! Babies love feeling close and protected by mom, and mom gets to bond with baby while having hands free to do other things. I almost always wear Aaron when we are out and about because I find it way easier than lugging the stroller around, and I get to play with his feet and kiss his little head while grocery shopping or walking around the mall! 
4. Infantino Twist and Fold Activity Gym Play Mat
5. Coconut Oil- It is all the rage and has been for a couple of years, and there are even more reasons to love it! This 6 dollar bottle of coconut oil prevented stretchmarks from my huge preggo belly, cured Aaron's cradle cap overnight (just apply at night and brush head in morning before washing it out), is great on any dry spots or irritation on his body, removes my makeup, and conditions my hair! Do yourself a favor and get yourself a bottle- they last forever!You can also make a natural vapor rub with it that is baby safe- recipe coming soon!
6. Jumperoo - A dear friend gave us one of these, and it is Aaron's current favorite hangout! He will listen to the Grease soundtrack, or preschool songs and jump away for nearly an hour! I love it because 1) It allows me to get stuff done and 2) Has strengthened Aaron's leg muscles a ton! This is something we were worried about because he spent so much time in the hospital, but after a few days of use I saw great improvement! :)
7. Baby Bullet - It is a lot more work to make your own baby food, but it is actually pretty easy! And there is nothing more rewarding to me than seeing him munch happily on nutritious, preservative free, organic food that I made!
8. Plum Organics Baby Food - When I don't have access to a particular food that I want Aaron to try, or need something fast and travel friendly to take with us to his swallow and eating therapy, I just use one of these organic, single ingredient packets. Aaron loves their sweet peas!
9. Diaper Genie- Speaking of solids..... I could have gone without the Diaper Genie the first few months, but let's be honest solids poop stinks! This diaper pail really does take care of the smell, and I like that there is a designated trashcan for his diapers.
10. Sophie the Giraffe - There is a reason that Sophie is on every modern mama's registry list... it isn't just because she is cute- babies love them! Aaron didn't show much interest in her until he started teething, but now she is his favorite toy. He really likes munching on her ears, and hearing her squeak!  
11. Dribble Bibs - Now that Aaron is teething, he is also drooling. A LOT. I love how cute and stylish dribble bibs look on little boys! I got mine at H&M, but I have seen a large selection on Etsy, and plan to make a few of my own!
12. Baby Toothbrush- I don't have a specific toothbrush for babies that I like, any soft silicone brush will do. I just want to make sure I start taking care of Aaron's teeth early! My mom always did, and to this day I have never had a cavity. I hope to do the same for Aaron - thanks mom!
13. Zoli Bot Cup and the Playtex Training Time Straw Cup -  Speech therapists and dentists alike do not recommend the use of sippy cups, as they can lead to speech delays, lisps, tooth decay, and the need for braces. Both of these cups train babies to go from bottle drinking to straw drinking, are BPA free, and dishwasher safe!Aaron is already getting the hang of it, and I can see how proud he is of himself!
14. Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream - If you follow my blog or Instagram you have heard me talk about this eye cream. I typically don't even like eye creams, and think they are a waste of money.  I just repurchased this one, and that says a lot. The entire time we were in the hospital this helped me look a little more alive, and I am still using it everyday! Highly recommend this for new moms!

I forgot to add this cuddley blanket! Aaron loves it!

I hope this loooong list helps you out! And PLEASE leave any of your MUST Haves as a comment, I am interested in what everyone else is using! Thank you for reading :)

5 Month Mommy and Baby Update!

Happy 5 Months little man!

I can not believe my baby boy is 5 months old already! Time is going by so fast, and I just want to relish every single moment with him. I know it won't be long before he is running around... and away from me :(

Weight - This little guy is a chunky monkey! He went from the bottom 3rd percentile to the 69th percentile and weighs 13 pounds! He is currently transitioning from size 3 to 3-6 months. Am I the only mom that gets sad when folding up the clothes he has outgrown???

Aaron's Schedule-

6:00 am - Wake, Books, Bath, G-Tube Care 

8:30 am - Solids/Feeding & Morning Nap

11:00 am - Wake & Play/Tummy time

11:30 am - Feeding & Play or run errands with Mommy

1:30 pm - Goes down for nap

2:30 pm - Wake, Feed & Play (Possibly another 20 minute nap sometime in the late afternoon)

5:30 pm - Feeding, Dinner with Mommy and Daddy, Playtime with Daddy

8:00 pm - Bedtime Routine (Jammies, books, breathing treatment, music/blankie/binkie)

8:30 pm - Bedtime :)

* Due to having a g-tube Aaron is hooked to a pump overnight that provides him a continuous feed (8:30 pm - 6:30 am) so he does not wake up to eat at night. Even before having a g-tube, Aaron has been sleeping through the night since he was one month old.  I  wake up at 1:00 am and 5:00 am to pump and change his feeding bag.

New Foods/Solids - In order to get his g-tube/Mic-key button removed, the doctors have said he needs to eat all of his meals by mouth. In the beginning Aaron was drinking no more than half an ounce at a time. Feedings were a real struggle, he would cry through out the entire feeding, which lasted about an hour, and ended with me having to hook him up to a pump to finish the rest... UNTIL THIS MONTH!!!!!! AAAAAH! If you can't tell I am typing this with a huge proud mama grin on my face :D He is currently eating the entire amount by mouth in less than 15 minutes - without choking or crying! In fact if he does cry it is to get more! He also is trying to hold his own bottle, and did through out an entire feeding once last week. THIS IS HUGE!!!!! Oral Aversions are very common in children with his laryngomalacia and acid re-flux diagnosis, and he has been working very hard to get to this point (knock on wood, and thank GOD)! Also his occupational therapist gave us the green light on introducing solids at the beginning of the month. I was so excited, I bought organic bananas and pureed them... Aaron was not into it at all (hence the banana bread recipe), scaring us that he would need therapy for a longer period of time. He would gag and cry. Finally I decided to give him sweet potatoes nonchalantly, and he did cry... because he could not get enough in his mouth!!! We are currently on day 3 of trying the sweet potatoes, he is loving them, and so far no allergic reactions - yay!!!! We still have to work on increasing his amount, and getting rid of the nighttime continuous feeding but this is all a step in the right direction - I am beyond ecstatic!!!

Showing off his food mustache!

New Discoveries- Ladies and gentlemen, he has found his feet and his tongue, and they are among his favorite things to play with! He looks at his feet in the mirror, and plays with them. My personal favorite is watching him concentrate because he will stick his tongue out and focus really hard! He has also started laughing out loud in response to peek-a-boo games, and tickles! He also discovered the power of tantrums - my lord! 

                                           

Accomplishments- Um EATING!!!! He is also sitting without support (other than his little chubby arms) for a few seconds at a time!

Places he went- He was quite the adventurous little man this month ... he went to his first play date, first birthday party, first family gathering, dipped his little toes in grandpa's pool, went to the lake, the pond, to eat sushi with his auntie, and we try to go out somewhere every afternoon. He loves being out and about just like his mama!

At his first birthday party... not to fond of the hat!

I love these little bibs and that cute face!

He has really loved sitting in this chair... and eating in it too!

Mommy Update -
I am not nearly as exciting as Aaron, but thought I would update anyways :)

• This month brought on postpartum hair loss. IT. IS . EVERYWHERE ... but my head of course! I started taking biotin and I am still taking prenatal gummy vitamins. Fingers crossed it stops falling out soon!
• I am back down to my pre-pregnancy weight and have been waking up early to work out 5-6 days a week. Nothing too crazy, just 30 minutes of cardio and some strength training exercises with a weight rope. Mostly to counteract all the ice-cream I have been eating hehe.
• I have been pumping every 3-4 hours since Aaron was born. As of last week I noticed a decrease in my supply :( I have increased my water intake, been drinking mothers milk tea 3-4 times a day, and eat oatmeal for breakfast everyday. Hopefully it is just temporary and I see my milk supply go back up... any tips?
• This month my fiance and I finally went on a date. Well first we went on faux sushi/ ice-cream date. I say faux because Aaron came along with us lol. We actually had a lot of fun as a family though! This past weekend Mama Zoila (my mom) offered to babysit so we could get out and spend time together alone. We ended up going to watch a baseball game and went to eat at Joe's Crab Shack - delicious! It was a blast, but I felt as if I was missing something the entire time. I kept checking my phone... turns out Aaron was having a blast as well with grandma!

All in All... it was an amazing month! I can't wait to see what the next few months have in store for us!

  

Outtakes haha!