Relationships

I've never been happier!  I tell my husband often that if something should happen to me I will have left this life feeling so incredibly loved and feeling so lucky to have loved especially him and Baby.
First my husband, then my baby, then my parents, then my friends.


      My husband taught me what real love is.  Things like sacrificing, reliability, and respect.  These aren't easy.  But he makes it look effortless.  I admire my husband so much.  What I love about him is his unwavering devotion to his parents especially his mother.  His parents especially his mother did such a fantastic job raising him Right.  John is Always sharing his mother's stores.  I Eat. It. Up.  And in turn I love her and respect her greatly.  There is so much life-wisdom in John.  He doesn't flaunt it, nor does he necessarily share it.  Thus, I feel blessed to be very close to him.  When I feel vulnerable I have him to turn to to confide in, ask questions, learn and GROW.  John does a tremendous job protecting me and showering me with love and wisdom.  I can thank him endlessly for the corrective experiences he's given me that have healed many accumulated vulnerabilities.  I love him so much.  I have IMMENSE appreciation for everything he is and does for our little family. I am so happy for us to have come out on top.  Our communication thus intimacy is on point!  

      The road to all the marital bliss we are experiencing did not come immediately.  For the first two years there was resistance and lack of empathy.  Egos got in the way.  I cannot pinpoint when our breakthrough was, but slowly we began to build a relationship that I am so immensely proud of today.  WE GET IT.  It's so frustrating to get stuck in the phase of YOU JUST DO NOT GET IT.  Couples, continue to work at it because  WHEN IT IS 100% GOTTEN IT FEELS SO. DAMN. GOOD.

    The arrival of Baby definitely tested our marital bliss.  But not for long.  I feel like communication is such an important muscle that you can whip out and flex.  If the communication muscle is not strong then it's certainly a struggle.  So the focal point would be to work on how you communicate as a couple (and individual communication styles) versus the issue at hand.  Having a Baby Boy has softened me all around.  The way I look at my life, my family, my work, friends, and the world around me.  I approach it like a mature person ready for a last-lasting relationship. 
  
Back to Baby.  My maternal instinct didn't kick for a hot moment.  I don't think it's anything to be ashamed of.  I really just didn't know WHAT THE FUCK I was supposed to do or how I was supposed to feel!  I think I was in shock and overwhelmed.  Now, I FUCKING LOVE MY BABY!  I am like MAMAMAMAMAMA BEAR.  I love my little family so much it hurts.  I love that my Baby loves both Mommy and Daddy.  I love that Daddy is the best Daddy. I love to look into my baby's eyes and just beam happily together!  He is one happy Baby.  John and I are so lucky to have such an easy baby.  Blessed indeed.

Reuniting with my Mom.  After birth of Baby, my mom stayed with us for 1 month to make every single meal for John and me, clean, and help me with Baby.  My mom and I have always fought like sisters.  We were also each other's everything as only sister's can be to each other.  We argued here and there and got on each other's nerves... but one particular day we had a massive blow out that ended with my mom leaving and me melting down emotionally by myself by trashing/thrashing a room.  When John came home from work he played mediator.  Mom cried.  I cried.  John hugged us both.

Well, let's just say when the 1 month was up- I stood at the door of my mom's guestroom door and sobbed by eyes out.  I told her how much I really appreciated her coming out to help us.  I told her we really appreciated her so much.  I told her how sorry I was for being such an asshole as a teenager and adult.  I told her what a wonderful, wonderful mother she is.  I begged her to come back to visit again REAL soon.  I told her how I felt I couldn't do this parenting thing without her.  Seriously, I was at kiss-the-ground-Mom-walks-on phase.

Something DEFINITELY happens when you, yourself become a mother.  You suddenly realize all those times your own mother did-this for you or did-that for you and GUESS WHAT she didn't FUCKING HAVE TO!  You realize what a fool you have been to have not been thanking your lucky stars every night to have been blessed with a caring parent such as herself.  Fast forward to her month long stay.  She was a tireless, devoted work horse busy bee!  This is another reason why I love and appreciate my husband so much.  John had always respected my mom- he didn't need this 1 month of watching her work selflessly for us to respect her.  That's what I mean- I really think his parents raised him RIGHT!  He doesn't need to see the effort to be confident in the results he sees in front of him.  He just KNOWS what it takes... and there's just baseline respect.  HUMBLED. 

The three of us really came together for Baby Boy.  We will be FOREVER BONDED from the experiences.

Now my friends... TO BE CONTINUED.  



    

Constipation

Prior to 4 months (and starting solids) we've only had to deal with constipation twice.
Since starting solids about 3 weeks ago we have treated him for constipation twice already.

Here are two methods of addressing constipation.  One method is an immediate solution.  The second method is more of a long term solution and something that can be incorporated in your feeding routine from now on.

1)  Children's Liquid Glycerin Suppository
For our 4 month old we only squeeze half of the content in.  But first we lube it with KY jelly for easy insertion.  Then squeeze half of the content in (***adjust for baby's age- see box for detailed instructions***) and GET READY for poop to come out pretty much immediately.  Get ready though, there will be A LOT of poop.
Make sure baby is well hydrated afterwards.  Whether it's by giving baby 1-2 oz of purified distilled bottled water like Arrowhead or Dasani (for example) or through a good feeding.  The concern here is that baby loses too much water all at once.    

2)  Fruit juices like Apple or Prune
Start baby on apple or prune juice diluted with water (50/50) to help with constipation.  Some moms say apple juice doesn't produce results.  They prefer pear juice and prune juice.
I suggest 2oz prune juice added to 2oz bottled water, once or twice weekly.   
    

Acid Reflux and Baby Carriers

If your baby has acid reflux you will have to keep baby upright for at least 20 minutes after a feeding.  I used baby carriers because they allowed me to have my hands free and still attend to baby's 20 minute requirement.  Often times the baby would fall asleep in the carrier.  I think it's best to have the baby already swaddled so the transition from baby carrier to swing/crib/pack'n'play is smooth.  No need to wake the baby.

Here are the combinations I recommend.  Be sure to buy the correct size. 
 
Ergobaby + SwaddleMe
Tuck the legs into fetal position.

K'Tan + Woombie Leggies

Ergobaby + Woombie Leggies

While I was hands free I could tidy up the nursery, go for a walk, throw a load of laundry in the wash, and meal prep in the kitchen.  Or if he was fussy I could bounce on the medicine ball while the white noise machine was playing in the background.  Being hands free is so much better than being stuck.

Venting: I absolutely HATED the Ergobaby Newborn Insert.  DO NOT BUY IT.  IT IS TERRIBLE!  

Exclusive Pumper

What to do with plugged milk ducts that will not unplugged despite your best efforts?

I've massage, I've used heat compressions, I've even been down on all fours!  When you are experiencing engorgement that just will not go away I recommend grabbing a manual pump like Avent's manual pump and hopping in the shower.  This works best if you have a detachable shower head like I do.  I turn the water on as hot as I can take it, then I point the shower head closely and directly at the clogged area, and I just go nuts with the pump.  You may need to massage a bit (take care not to re-clog).  At this point you should not even be concerned about wasted milk since a lot of shower water will mix into the pump.  All you need to do is experience let down and pump a little to unplug.  As soon as you feel relief, you can towel off and resume pumping with the electric pump.  Since all this happened in the shower, you don't have to be concerned with any mess.  YOU ARE WELCOME!!!!  This has saved me so many times. 

Something else that has saved me are hands free pumping bras!   I've also DIY'ed some of my old bras to make hands free pumping bras by cutting a small "x" shape into your thinner, non padded bras.  This way you can save money and pump hands free.  Hallelujah! 

Exclusive Pumper

Things that worked for me and baby from an exclusive pumper perspective.

"Baby won't drink"

Something happens at around 3 months for breastfed babies where they stop drinking milk and their normal feeding routine is no longer smooth sailing.  It is known as a nursing strike.  Well, at 3 months my baby started to refuse the bottle.  If this has happened to you I recommend feeding baby while they are in a baby carrier.  I use the Baby K'tan.  I have baby in the "hug position" (google it), I support his head and he will feed that way.  I hope this tip helps you.  I could not find any tips on the topic for exclusive pumpers.


"Acid Reflux"

You can feed while baby's sits facing you on your pelvis, his/her back rests against your propped up thighs.  Stop to burp the baby at 2 to 3 ounces.  After the meal, keep baby upright for at least 20 minutes.
20 minutes can seem like a long time.  Make sure to get some type of bouncer.  Like Tiny Love or Baby Bjorn.  I have both and I find them handy.  Baby and I especially like the Tiny Love bouncer.  Before you put baby in the bouncer make sure you've burped baby thoroughly.
Other things you can do is to add a teaspoon of rice cereal to the bottle (a teaspoon per 4 ounce bottle for example).  The rice cereal helps to thicken the milk so the milk does not come back up as easily.  The only caution with using rice cereal is constipation.  Make sure your "breastfed" baby has a bowel movement at least once every 7 days.  If after 7 days baby has not pooped, you can go to your local drug store and get glycerin suppositories.  **Follow the dosage instructions and also remember to give baby 1 to 2 ounces of water in a bottle that day to prevent dehydration.**
If baby still suffers from reflux, the pediatrician will prescribe medicine.  Such as 1ml of Ranitidine (ZANTAC) every 12 hours administered orally.  
  
 "Pumping"

Storage Bags-
I've used Lansinoh, Avent, Medela, and NUK.  Lansinoh do not do well in the freezer.  The bags are more flimsy.  When the milk freezes and the bag shifts around and is maneuvered... it may tear and your milk will leak when defrosting.  If you use Lansinoh bags purely for refrigeration purposes, then it's a great product.  Plus it is super cheap compared to the rest of the bags.  I would still use Lanisnoh for the freezer but I would not put more than 2 ounces of milk in the bag.
Avent is what I currently use.  It's very sturdy and hold up well in the freezer.  The zip is great.  The only minor inconvenience is  "tamper evident seal" feature because I don't always have scissors around and the seal does not tear smoothly.
Medela bags are unique because they fit on to the pump so you don't have to do any transferring.  This was a great solution in the beginning when I would pump 2 or 3 ounces per breast.  However, when I started to pump 4 to 5+ ounces per breast it would be impossible to use Medela bags because they cannot carry as much milk.  4 ounces would be pushing it to the brim.  Due to the amount I pump I cannot use Medela bags.  When I did use them, the zip was strong and they fair very well in the freezer.
Lastly NUK bags.  I think they are a step up from Lansinoh bags.  The only complaint I have about NUK bags are the zip is finicky.  You have to make sure to zip it very well otherwise it is not air tight.  Another minor inconvenience about NUK bags is you cannot use a pen to write on the label.  It must be a sharpy because the flap is transparent.  I think the NUK bags are a great alternative to Avent bags.

Gender Announcement. Gender Reveal Cupcakes.

Gender Announcement.  Gender Reveal Cupcakes.

These gender reveal cupcakes were very easy and super fun to make.  The color of the inside frosting will reveal the gender of the baby.  Blue for boy and pink for girl.  The reactions I witnessed were fun and memorable.  It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it.

Ingredients:

Betty Crocker Moist Cake Mix
Gender neutral cupcake liners (pictured)
Blue or pink food coloring (pictured)
A tub of white frosting
Edible black gel (pictured)

Index card
Blue and pink sprinkles (pictured)
Cupcake pan

Directions:

1)  I bought the Yellow Betty Crocker Cake Mix.  Follow the directions on the box to make your batter.  Line your cupcake pan with gender neutral cupcake liners.  Then scope 1/3 cup of batter into each cup.  Pop it into the oven by following the baking instruction on the Betty Crocker box.

2)  Take out of the oven and let cool.  Take a paring knife and cut an upside down cone in the center of the cupcake.  In other words, take your knife, stick it half way into the cupcake at an angle, and continue to stick it in half way at an angle as you outline the shape of a circle. 

3)  Next, take off the cone top you have just created and fill your cupcake with blue or pink frosting.  And then put the cone top back on.  I recommend mixing your white frosting in a mixing bowl with blue or pink food coloring and then transferring it into a ziplock bag.  You will cut a corner off the ziplock bag to pipe the frosting into the cupcake.

4)  Now, pipe on the rest of the white frosting over the top of the cupcakes.

5)  Hoover an index card in the middle of the cupcake.  Take blue sprinkles and sprinkle half of the cupcake.  Now take pink sprinkles and sprinkle the other half of the cupcake.

6)  Last but not least pipe a question mark onto the cupcake with the edible black gel.

You're all set for the gender reveal!  I hope this helps.  Thank you for reading. 

Homemade Body Butter for Stretch Mark Prevention.

Pregnancy.  Health & Beauty.  

Homemade Body Butter for Stretch Mark Prevention. 

I started applying body butter as soon as I knew I was pregnant.  I wanted to set my skin up for success very early by moisturizing heavily.  I wanted to give my skin the best chance at withstanding all the growth/stretching that it was about to experience in the coming months. 

Making your own body butter comes with a lot of advantages.  For me, I liked that I was able to purchase all organic product so my body butter was 100% organic and natural.  Plus I didn't have to worry about using up expensive product and having to reorder again and again.  I have ample ingredients.  Enough for my entire pregnancy, post pregnancy, and even as gifts for friends!

 
Ingredients:

1/2 cup shea butter
1/2 cup cocoa butter
1/4 cup coconut oil
less than 1/4 cup olive oil
1.5 tbsp of rosehip oil











1)  Melt shea butter and cocoa butter down in a double boiler.  Stir frequently with spatula.  Before the shea and cocoa are completely melted, go ahead and add the coconut oil in last for melting as well.

2)  Take your pot/bowl off the double boiler with heat protective gloves.

3)  Add olive oil and rosehip oil to the batch.







4)  Place your pot/bowl in an ice bath during which time you will proceed to whip for 3 minutes.  Replenish your ice bath and whip again for 3 minutes. 

5)  To speed up the process, you may now place the pot/bowl into the freezer for 2 minutes.  And whip again.  If there's a need pop it into the freezer again for 2 minutes and whip it again until you get the consistency you approve of.






Have faith it will get there... I know for my first time I was kind of panicking but ultimately the consistency will start getting fluffy.














6)  I placed mine into various sizes of Tupperware.  Nothing fancy.  If you are giving it as a gift you could put it small mason jars and decorate it with ribbon!

I hope this helps.  Thanks for reading.