Poor Sadie

Poor Sadie had surgery yesterday on her ear. It was very unexpected. She has the typical golden problems...allergies, hot spots, ear problems...the works. So it wasn't a shocker when she started shaking her head and scratching at her ears about a week ago. Mike cleaned them out a few times and Wed night Mike noticed a HUGE fluid pocket on her right ear flap. So Thursday I took her to the vet and she said that from shaking and scratching she broke a blood vessel and the pocket is full of blood. Figuring they would just drain it right then and there, she explained that she would need surgery otherwise the pocket may return.




Onto Landon updates...let's see...Landon is definitely starting to smile more. Mainly in the morning and on the changing table. He seems to be very happy whenever we change his diaper especially if he has a poopy one. He coo's and ca's as well. Its a feeling I can't describe...it just makes everything well worth it!!
[Smile happens in the first 10 secs]




Its amazing watching him grow. He sits in his swing and loves watching himself and the mobile or watching our faces or even playing on his activity gym thingy. His legs and arms go a mile a minute on there, hitting toys. He also likes when he's in his car seat watching his firefly that has a black and white pattern on the bottom of it.

I've been doing a lot more pumping this week as well as bottle feeding since I'm going back to work in a week. I'm so sad!! I'm looking forward to getting out of the house BUT not looking forward to being away from Landon 40+ hours a week. Thinking about it just makes my heart sink!! I hate it! I wish I could work part time. Speaking of...

Recently two of my old dance teachers were fired from my old dance studio, where I danced growing up. We MAY be combining forces so I may continue my dance company after all. I was dead set on just stopping because I don't feel its fair to Landon or Mike, working full time, managing a small business, teaching a few hours a week, plus raising an infant. I'm just not that ambitious! If I was soley just running my company that would be one thing but we can't afford to with Mike being in limbo with his job and unsure of where his job is leading. So I'm hoping with some help I'll be able to continue JUST DANCE! For now though I'm going to be dancing Sunday nights which I'm looking forward to. A chance for me time and to help get my body back in shape.

Anyway I got side tracked...Landon continues to love taking showers with his Daddy! Mike tells me he started doing this thing where Mike holds him while sitting on the seat in the shower and when Landon feels the water hit the back of his head and he leans his head back into the water and smiles. I never thought my LO (little one) would be getting showers with his Daddy at less than 8 weeks old, actually 4 weeks was the first.

Landon seems to be on a fairly ok schedule. He fights sleep at night but once he's asleep he sleeps in 4 hour stretches. We haven't been getting up till about 10 AM however since I've been off so this week should be interesting for him & (mainly) I. I want to start getting up when I would for work to get back into a work schdule. UGH! Not looking forward to getting up around 5:30-6 to be at work by 7. Thankfully, Mike doesn't start work till 8, so he will be driving Landon to my moms and I'll be picking up around 4ish.

:::Sigh::: I need to enjoy this last week off! I can't believe how fast it's gone!

Family Pics...

Well worth $250 for a photographer to spend 4 1/2 hours at my house and 238 images later....

Smiles....

Landon is finally smiling at his Mommy!! YAY!! Now I just need to capture it!

Thrush

Could We Have Thrush?
After reading this article I decided that yes we have thrush. I'm very prone to yeast infections so this doesn't surprise me at all. My symptoms include intense pain in my nipple (that still hasn't healed---may be pumping again), my nipples are itchy and burny and I have a nice white blister on my right side above my crack, shooting pains inbetween feedings especially the right side. Landon has had a diaper rash (here is a picture online of a yeast diaper rash) that hasn't responded to any ointments, continues to pull off the breast and get fussy at times when nursing, and excessive gassiness. I get to take Diflucan for 1 week and Landon gets to take Nyastatin drops and we'll be applying a Nyastatin ointment for the diaper rash. Hopefully this does the trick.

Product Raves

I know it gets asked a lot....what can't you live without now that you have the baby and what don't you really need. Of course everyone is different but let me rave about some of the things Mike, Landon, and I love!

First, if you're BFing please, please, please don't go cheap on a pump. I got a hand me down from a good friend and it was ok but she didn't BF for a long time nor pump as much as I have been. I ran out about a week ago and got the Medela Pump in Style Advanced, its worth every penny ladies! Personally I also love the Medela pump and save bags for freezing milk. So far I have found the Medela disposable nursing pads to be the best as far as soft and most absorbent. Don't waste your time on the washable kind especially if you leak a lot.

We couldn't live without this Fisher Price Papasan Swing! Some nights I'm out on the couch sleeping while Landon sleeps in his swing because he refuses to sleep in his crib or bassinet. It also entertains him and he has spent 30 minute stretches just looking around and watching the mobile or the mirror.

I can't live without our movement monitor! Its probably the main reason I've been able to let Landon sleep in his room. I know he's safe and if he stops breathing this alarm will let me know. Mike and I had a hard time getting use to turning this alarm off when we would get Landon out of his crib and within 20 secs sure enough this alarm would sound. We've had 2 alarms when he was in the crib. It is common for newborns to stop breathing/hold their breath and then there brain recognizes and they start breathing again, I believe when the alarm sounded this startled Landon and he started breathing by the time we got to him. I highly recommend this, it puts my mind at ease.

Not only do we have a movement monitor but we have the Summer Infant Day & Night Video Monitor. I love being able to see if Landon is sleeping or awake in his crib without tip toeing into his room to check on him.

A great tip: Don't spend full price at BRU or anywhere else for any monitor. Check out ebay or craigslist even. I bought both these monitors for HALF the price on ebay. The movement monitor was used but the video monitor that was NIB (new in box)!


I also recommend having the FP Rainforest Crib Soother (this is Mike's favorite) or the Sound Sleeper. These are great for white noise.

The last item I can't live without the Boppy!! It makes nursing so much easier.

I also like our Graco Stoller. Its very lightweight and the carseat holds up to 32 lbs. Most are only 22 lbs. The other product that works well for us is Dr. Brown's bottles. They really do work! I found that out last night after I forgot to put the vent system in the bottle. Landon was spitting up left and right.

What you DON'T need...
1) bottle warmer (first year's sucks!)
2) bottle sterilizer (Boiling water is way easier)
3) comforter set (Buy seperates, its much cheaper, especially since you can't use the comforter. We chose not to use the bumpers later. Just buy the sheets, valances, decor, & a neutral bed skirt. Save the money!)

Don't need but NICE to have....
1) wipe warmer
2) sound soother

What I have too much of...
1) pacifiers (Landon loves the Soothies that the hospital gives you and you can buy them in store now)
2) hats
3) bibs
4) sheets (no more then 3)

What I bought more of once Landon arrived...
1) socks
2) ZIP UP footsies (don't buy the snap ones...they are a PITA in the middle of the night. I've found these at BRU made by Gerber (usually sold in a pack), Kohls & Target.

Hope this post will help first time expecting mothers! Of course there are other needed things but these are what have been the most useful. I'm sure as Landon gets older we'll find other things and I'll be sure to rave about them as well.

Update Finally

Sorry that I've been MIA. Trust me updating this blog has been on my mind for the past week or so but it always got shoved away because there is always so much other stuff to be done. Diaper changing, feedings, play time, laundry, cleaning the house, making time to shower, etc....Its a go with the flow type of program.

So Mommyhood is absolutely wonderful! I can't believe Landon is already 4 weeks old. Time has flown by and I'm sad that I only have 4 more weeks off of work. Boo! I would love to be a SAHM (Stay at home mom) but unfortunately its just not possible at this time. However, I'm grateful that my awesome Mom, now known as Gran will be watching Landon. Its the next best thing.

Before Landon was born I was rather nervous not only about delivery but about how I would bond with him, whether I would feel if he was mine. Let me tell you, for me, I had no problem. He was mine from the time I first held him and its amazing the emotions you experience in the next few hours and days. I feel head over heels in love with my little man. Labor was crazy fast and like many reassured me, your body just takes over. Only towards the end of pushing did I feel like I couldn't go through with it and as soon as he was out it was all over.

I hafta say that all shame and modesty go out the window after giving birth and spending 2 days in the hospital breastfeeding. Nurses are walking in left and right, food service, cleaning people, picture people, and let me tell you, you just don't care. Even now when I go to BF you do it where ever because your lil one is depending on you and only you to feed him. There is no shame and that's ok.

Breastfeeding in the hospital was a challenge at first. Landon hasn't been a text book baby and despite my effort and nurse's efforts Landon was not interested a whole lot in the boob. He would sleep 6 hours at night without eating. I caught hell from the LC I saw the day before I left but its not like I could force feed him. He left the hospital at 7lbs 13oz. He lost a total of 5 ounces, not too bad. Finally when my milk came in we got the latch and cross cradle position down pat.

However, within a few days of being home Landon was thrashing his hands around when I was trying to feed him (NOTE: Swaddle before BF!) and he ripped off a scab on my right nipple. I believe it was caused my a latch problem initially. This cut turned into a crater and I finally decided it was time to call the Dr. He prescribed a nipple cream which did a whole lot of nothing as far as helping it heal. So I called another LC at the hospital and went in and saw her on a Sunday, yes Sunday afternoon. She told me our latch is great and nothing is wrong there but she suggested I pump to allow the nipple trauma to heal. So far that has really done the trick and after a week I tried BF on that side again and it went fairly well.

Since pumping we introduce a bottle to Landon. The first night he ended up eating 5-6 ounces (told you he isn't a text book baby). He slept like a rock for 5 or so hours. It was nice to get some sleep rather than getting up every 3-4 hours to feed for about an hour (feed one side, burp, change diaper, feed other side, & finally burp).

Let's see...Landon's pedi appts went really well. He was up 1 lb at his 2 week check up, weighing well over 9lbs and growing over an inch. He eats really well so it doesn't surprise me. The only concern at his 2 week check up was bilateral eye infections. His tear ducts are clogged (which is common after birth) and we've been putting ointment in for the past 2 weeks which has seemed to help.

So Mommy's brain is starting to fail...its takin me all afternoon to accomplish this between Great-Grandma visiting, crying, feedings, & diaper changes. So I'm gonna leave you with a few pictures and a commitment that I will update this blog weekly (or at least try to). I want to keep a good record of Landon's milestones. I have a feeling he's gonna be smiling soon (not just in his sleep).

Daddy & Landon's favorite time....bath time!

Drying off

Daddy, Landon, & Big Brother Jake


Aunt Ashley & Landon

Pouty lip for Pappy


This swing is a life saver! I spend many nights on the couch sleeping while Landon sleeps here rather than his crib.

Activity gym

1 month old

Real quick I just want to thank all the people who've followed our story and shown us support especially my nesties & bumpies on PL/SAL/PAL!

Meet our lil man!

On June 6th, at exactly midnight I woke up with horrible upset stomach & nausea. After sitting in the bathroom for about 10 minutes I climbed into bed and just sat there, I noticed contractions were coming every 3 minutes. They were lasting 30 secs to 1 minute and were defintely not my usual BH contractions.

At about 12:30, I had had almost 8 contractions and told Mike we need to call the Dr. Mike was all laid back and was like why don't you try laying down and resting some. He didn't think this was the real thing what so ever, thought I possibly had food poisioning. 5 minutes later I looked at him and said "No we need to call the Dr NOW!" I took matters into my own hands and called the OB, through contractions, who of course told me to go to L&D. Mike was gonna have me take a shower and get one himself but by this time contractions were pretty intense that I couldn't walk through them and I had to breath through them.

So we quickly piled into the car and drove 5 minutes to the hospital. At this point I was grabbing his hand during every contraction and breathing through them as best as I could. We arrived at the hospital around 1:15 and they got us hooked up and sure enough it was the real thing (DUH HONEY!). I was already 4 cm. The nurse starts telling Mike that usually first time Mommy's progress 1 cm an hour and blah blah blah. Well around 2ish (I think) I became very uncomfortable, I was squeezing Mike's hand so hard that twice he said to me "Jess, I need my hands, please don't squeeze so hard" and at that point I asked for my epidural. They already had fluids pouring into me and my OB asked the nurse to check me again. I was 6 cm and my membranes were bulging so much she said I may be dilated more but she couldn't tell. So much for 1 cm an hour.

The anesthelogist was excellent. I barely felt anything. I felt the initial pinch, a little burn and cold when he started the meds. Almost immediately my left side went numb. My right side took a little longer but 2 contractions later all I felt was a menstrual cramp on my right lower side. It was amazing the instant relief. I was finally able to be myself and joke around with Mike, my parents, and my nurse. I have to say I had the best nurse ever who walked me through everything!!!

Around 3:30 Dr. Hank came in again to break my water and announced that I was fully dilated!! Mike and I were like "WHAT!?" I asked to labor down for a little bit since I was comfortable and tried to take a nap. Around 4:50 we started pushing. The first hour of pushing was a piece of cake. The 2nd hour was way more intense and I never imagined feeling all that pressure down there. Ouchy!

Mike and my mom held my legs and the nurse coached me through every contraction, taking a deep breath in and pushing for 10 secs, 3-4 times through every contraction. By the 2nd hour I could feel them coming on because it felt like someone was grabbing my right ass check and squeezing so hard, sometimes it felt like sciatica during my later weeks of pregnancy.

I remember at one point them suggesting a vaccum but I said no unless I really needed it. Right before my last push I said something to the effect of "ok I can't take much more I may need some help" meaning the vaccum. My last push was crazy. I think I pushed for a minute straight with 1 or 2 breaths. I could feel Landon's head coming out and as it did I stopped pushing I was so tired and everyone was like "NO NO NO KEEP PUSHING!" So I did one more time and the rest of him came out along with a nice big gush. It was such a relief! He cried and cried and they put him on my chest. However, I felt so sick from pushing that hard that I really didn't want much to do with him so they wisked him off to check him out.

My mom went with Landon while Mike stayed with me. (What a great hubby I have!) He watched the entire thing even though he said he didn't want to watch the head come out. haha So the first thing I asked was "I tore, didn't I?" and Dr. Hank and Mike had this expression on their faces that I knew I tore pretty good. Mike told me that his head came out and I had about 1 cm of a tear and when his shoulders popped out I just ripped open. I have a partial 3rd degree tear.

I would totally do this all over again for my little man! He is so precious and I love him so so much! So no more delaying...meet Landon Michael.