Saturday, March 31, 2012
2 Blissful Hours x3!!
Last night was amazing! Makafui slept for 2 hours, nursed, went back to sleep and slept for 2 more hours, nursed, went back to sleep and slept for 2 MORE HOURS! That hasn't happened in weeks. I'm so happy! His sleep seemed more peaceful than it has been, I am hoping and praying that the few doses of meds he's had are helping already and that things will just get better and better.
Thursday, March 29, 2012
Grateful!
Today I am so grateful for a wonderful pediatrician, health insurance and medicine!!
After a few weeks of "normal baby behavior" (little sleep, lots of eating and crying) not only not getting better, but getting worse, I really started to get concerned for Makafui. He was smiling less and less, nursing more and more-as in, every hour and had become a very fussy baby who cried a lot. Night time was even worse and sleeping for 2 hours was a huge feat.
After lots of reading and research and a trip to the Dr., we have concluded that this poor little dude has Silent Reflux. Silent Reflux is like normal Reflux, minus the tell-tale spitting up, so it's even more painful for my sweet little baby and would explain why we didn't suspect this earlier.
Fortunately, there is medicine to make it better!! I feel so bad for my sweet boy and am sad that he's been in pain and we didn't realize it. :( The drugs take about a week for full effect, but I'm praying he starts to feel better sooner.
I'm so thankful for such a great Dr. who listened to my concerns and his symptoms and so glad to have insurance. Another upside of today is that the Dr. told me to let him sleep in his car seat or swing, so I can relax about the perfect sleep habits thing and getting him in his crib. :)
After a few weeks of "normal baby behavior" (little sleep, lots of eating and crying) not only not getting better, but getting worse, I really started to get concerned for Makafui. He was smiling less and less, nursing more and more-as in, every hour and had become a very fussy baby who cried a lot. Night time was even worse and sleeping for 2 hours was a huge feat.
After lots of reading and research and a trip to the Dr., we have concluded that this poor little dude has Silent Reflux. Silent Reflux is like normal Reflux, minus the tell-tale spitting up, so it's even more painful for my sweet little baby and would explain why we didn't suspect this earlier.
Fortunately, there is medicine to make it better!! I feel so bad for my sweet boy and am sad that he's been in pain and we didn't realize it. :( The drugs take about a week for full effect, but I'm praying he starts to feel better sooner.
I'm so thankful for such a great Dr. who listened to my concerns and his symptoms and so glad to have insurance. Another upside of today is that the Dr. told me to let him sleep in his car seat or swing, so I can relax about the perfect sleep habits thing and getting him in his crib. :)
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
1 Hour...Just 1 Hour
Last night, I left Makafui for ONE WHOLE HOUR!
I went to a Zumba class while Daddy took over. I'm not sure which one of us was more exhausted after that hour. :) Hee hee. Makafui kept Daddy on his toes and wouldn't take the bottle I left (which means that liquid gold got poured down the drain...boo!). G has a greater appreciation for what I do everyday.
Last night was another tough night...in a loooooong row of tough nights. After much research, I don't think this is "normal baby behavior" so we are headed to the Dr. in the morning and hoping for some "good" news and some sort of help for our poor little dude. More sleep would be an awesome bonus!
And here is some cuteness for the day!
I went to a Zumba class while Daddy took over. I'm not sure which one of us was more exhausted after that hour. :) Hee hee. Makafui kept Daddy on his toes and wouldn't take the bottle I left (which means that liquid gold got poured down the drain...boo!). G has a greater appreciation for what I do everyday.
Last night was another tough night...in a loooooong row of tough nights. After much research, I don't think this is "normal baby behavior" so we are headed to the Dr. in the morning and hoping for some "good" news and some sort of help for our poor little dude. More sleep would be an awesome bonus!
And here is some cuteness for the day!
This outfit is the closest Makafui will come to having a dog anytime soon.
He liked wearing glasses, he really did!
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Tender Parenting
Before we had Makfaui or I was even pregnant, George and I would observe how people parented...from strangers at the mall to friends and family. It was, and still is, a great exercise for us. It brings up discussions that we might not otherwise have. We are able to see natural childhood behaviors and how the parent(s) respond BEFORE it's our turn, then we can talk about how we would like to handle different situations. We're learning a lot by this purposeful observation.
Sadly, we see more bad parenting than we do good. Which is good for discussion, but sad for the kids. I think one of the things I see MOST often is moms who are out and about speaking rudely, snapping at or talking down to their kids for no apparent reason (like barking orders at them, not using a stern voice while disciplining). It really bothers me to see this and I want so badly to tell these moms that being nice would go a looooong way.
I recently witnessed some parenting that upset me a LOT (like maybe to the point of tears) and got me to think more specifically about what our parenting style is...or I guess what we want it to be, since 6 weeks is still kind of survival mode. :)
I've seen a lot of "hard" parenting lately. Parenting that I hope didn't start out that way-I think very few mommies and daddies look down at their totally precious baby and think, "Wow, I love you, but I'm gonna be a jerk to you soon and call it discipline." I think a lot of it comes from being tired, or lazy. Maybe a little selfish, or simply misguided. Whatever the reason may be, it's still wrong.
I know we aren't and can't be perfect parents. We can be really good parents though-parents who raise our child to the glory of God and by His grace. That means not lazy, not selfish, not mean or impatient, not ignorant to our child's development and abilities and not hard.
I look to scripture and see that God, the ultimate parent, and the only parent who truly sees the heart of His kids and has the right to be hard, is not. He is merciful, He is gentle, He is sacrificial. His discipline is firm, but full of love. Tender. Our God is so tender to us.
I've really been mulling over these observations and tough things I've seen lately. I think tender sums up the way I want to parent. I pray God will help me to be a tender mommy, I'm trying hard to be that to my sweet, sweet baby.
Sadly, we see more bad parenting than we do good. Which is good for discussion, but sad for the kids. I think one of the things I see MOST often is moms who are out and about speaking rudely, snapping at or talking down to their kids for no apparent reason (like barking orders at them, not using a stern voice while disciplining). It really bothers me to see this and I want so badly to tell these moms that being nice would go a looooong way.
I recently witnessed some parenting that upset me a LOT (like maybe to the point of tears) and got me to think more specifically about what our parenting style is...or I guess what we want it to be, since 6 weeks is still kind of survival mode. :)
I've seen a lot of "hard" parenting lately. Parenting that I hope didn't start out that way-I think very few mommies and daddies look down at their totally precious baby and think, "Wow, I love you, but I'm gonna be a jerk to you soon and call it discipline." I think a lot of it comes from being tired, or lazy. Maybe a little selfish, or simply misguided. Whatever the reason may be, it's still wrong.
I know we aren't and can't be perfect parents. We can be really good parents though-parents who raise our child to the glory of God and by His grace. That means not lazy, not selfish, not mean or impatient, not ignorant to our child's development and abilities and not hard.
I look to scripture and see that God, the ultimate parent, and the only parent who truly sees the heart of His kids and has the right to be hard, is not. He is merciful, He is gentle, He is sacrificial. His discipline is firm, but full of love. Tender. Our God is so tender to us.
I've really been mulling over these observations and tough things I've seen lately. I think tender sums up the way I want to parent. I pray God will help me to be a tender mommy, I'm trying hard to be that to my sweet, sweet baby.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Ponderings of a New Mommy
Despite being sleep deprived and hardly being able to remember my name some days, each day of being a mommy has brought me some new or known, but seen afresh spiritual insight to ponder. I think of God more as a parent now and am understanding His love for us and sacrifice of Jesus in new ways.
Today, Makafui was crying in his car seat on the way home. Nothing I said or sang would calm him down. He knew I was nearby, but it wasn't enough for him. I'm sure the poor baby just couldn't understand why I wouldn't pick him up! That's all he wanted. As sad as it is to listen to him cry and not do anything about it, I know that keeping him in his car seat is the safest and best place for him...even when he hates it and it's uncomfortable.
So it got me to thinking. How many times does God have me on the way to somewhere good and I am the one crying because it's uncomfortable and I don't understand why He just won't get me out?! Probably more times than I would like to admit. But just like Makafui and his car seat, it's the safest and best place for me, whether I like it or not.
On another note...I made lasagna one handed today while nursing Makafui. BOOM! I'm so proud of myself that I had to share! :)
Today, Makafui was crying in his car seat on the way home. Nothing I said or sang would calm him down. He knew I was nearby, but it wasn't enough for him. I'm sure the poor baby just couldn't understand why I wouldn't pick him up! That's all he wanted. As sad as it is to listen to him cry and not do anything about it, I know that keeping him in his car seat is the safest and best place for him...even when he hates it and it's uncomfortable.
So it got me to thinking. How many times does God have me on the way to somewhere good and I am the one crying because it's uncomfortable and I don't understand why He just won't get me out?! Probably more times than I would like to admit. But just like Makafui and his car seat, it's the safest and best place for me, whether I like it or not.
On another note...I made lasagna one handed today while nursing Makafui. BOOM! I'm so proud of myself that I had to share! :)
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
6 Weeks!
My little baby is 6 weeks old today! He suddenly seems so much bigger to me! We moved his car seat straps up this week and he is starting to fit into 0-3 month clothes a lot better. I think this may be our last week in Newborn clothes- I'm choosing to see the happy side of that. :) He's still not chunky, but he's definitely filling out a bit and getting longer.
He is doing better at napping places other than my arms, and we are so very proud of that. :) We've actually had some great naps over the last few days.
His nights are hit or miss. We either get a really wonderful night, with feedings between 2-3 hours apart or we have a reeeeally rough night with a lot more feedings and a period of time that he is just awake for a while. Last night however, was wonderful! A very loud storm with LOTS of bright lightening came through and he slept through it!
He still LOVES to eat all the time, but I have noticed that I'll get some slightly longer breaks here and there, which is nice. I'm doing a better job at chilling out and not worrying about scheduling him, what babies his age "should" be doing, judgement from people and blah, blah, blah. It makes day-to-day life much better and I think he really does need to eat that much.
He loves to look at the light, no matter where we are. Sometimes if he's fussy, just turning on a lamp for him to look at calms him down.
We are getting social smiles more and more...it's the best thing! He is especially smiley in the mornings and it's totally precious!
He likes Reggae! I shouldn't be surprised, he's George's son after all, but he really seems to like it more than other music we play, and maybe even dances to it? I'll see if I can record what he does when the music starts...so cute!
He is doing better at napping places other than my arms, and we are so very proud of that. :) We've actually had some great naps over the last few days.
His nights are hit or miss. We either get a really wonderful night, with feedings between 2-3 hours apart or we have a reeeeally rough night with a lot more feedings and a period of time that he is just awake for a while. Last night however, was wonderful! A very loud storm with LOTS of bright lightening came through and he slept through it!
He still LOVES to eat all the time, but I have noticed that I'll get some slightly longer breaks here and there, which is nice. I'm doing a better job at chilling out and not worrying about scheduling him, what babies his age "should" be doing, judgement from people and blah, blah, blah. It makes day-to-day life much better and I think he really does need to eat that much.
He loves to look at the light, no matter where we are. Sometimes if he's fussy, just turning on a lamp for him to look at calms him down.
We are getting social smiles more and more...it's the best thing! He is especially smiley in the mornings and it's totally precious!
He likes Reggae! I shouldn't be surprised, he's George's son after all, but he really seems to like it more than other music we play, and maybe even dances to it? I'll see if I can record what he does when the music starts...so cute!
I just can't get enough of his sweet little face!
Lovin' some snuggle time with Aunt Kimberly and Uncle Justin.
"Ooooh, look at me! I am sooooo handsome!"
Makafui got dressed up in his big ol' 0-3 month outfit for a stylin' trip to church....then he had a diaper EXPLOSION in it and all over Gigi. Nice.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Cutest Baby on the Planet!
Playing with Daddy is soooo much fun!
Little dude has quite the grip already.
Love this sleepy little man! Obviously, we are totally wrapped around his little fingers.:)
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Because I am a Stress-ball Freakazoid
For a first time mom, I have a lot of childcare experience. I've read a lot of books and implemented all sorts of different "methods" on other people's kids. I've sleep trained, potty trained, set and kept regular daily routines/schedules and juggled all sorts of stuff at once.
I told myself before Makafui was born, that I CANNOT spoil my newborn; that he needs me and can't comfort himself or meet his own needs and that his early weeks are so precious and fleeting. I know that babies learn to self comfort around 4 months, so I decided that for the 1st 2 months we should just do whatever works for us and at 2 months start working towards a more predictable life and getting to the place where he sleeps without help. Simple, huh? It was supposed to help me be super chill.
And here I am at just 5 weeks in and freakin' out about messing my kid up for life. He still nurses very often (every 2 hours at night, sometimes more in the day). He sleeps well during the day when I hold him, but when I put him down he wakes up within 10 minutes. In the evenings, he just neeeds me-so I don't get much of a break when G comes home, nor do I get much done around here.
I don't really mind these things for now, it's sweet that M needs me so much. I like watching him sleep. I like snuggling with him during the day. I love that I can make him so happy and content.
What worries me is what if he's still doing this in 6 months...or in 6 years? I want to go on a date with my husband! I want to be able to go places without nursing constantly. (Ever tried to nurse discreetly while dragging your grocery cart and doing your weekly shopping? It's a bit tricky.) I want to be able to really clean my house. I want my kid to be well adjusted. I want family life, instead of 100% Makafui run life. And maybe, just maybe there is some performance in there and a great fear of being a bad mom.
So I did what I do and read and researched and read some more. Turns out, as usual, I am a stress-ball freakazoid. My baby and his current development is completely normal and things will get better.
I don't know why I do this, why I put so much pressure on myself to do everything right...perfect, really. Doing things with excellence is one thing, but to stress the heck out over everything is a bit much. My value is not tied up in how well my baby sleeps, how much or little he cries, how clean my house is, or ultimately, in my ability to "do it all". This is something I really struggle with and has become more obvious adding a newborn to my life. I guess I know what to be praying about during all those quiet night time feedings...
Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
I told myself before Makafui was born, that I CANNOT spoil my newborn; that he needs me and can't comfort himself or meet his own needs and that his early weeks are so precious and fleeting. I know that babies learn to self comfort around 4 months, so I decided that for the 1st 2 months we should just do whatever works for us and at 2 months start working towards a more predictable life and getting to the place where he sleeps without help. Simple, huh? It was supposed to help me be super chill.
And here I am at just 5 weeks in and freakin' out about messing my kid up for life. He still nurses very often (every 2 hours at night, sometimes more in the day). He sleeps well during the day when I hold him, but when I put him down he wakes up within 10 minutes. In the evenings, he just neeeds me-so I don't get much of a break when G comes home, nor do I get much done around here.
I don't really mind these things for now, it's sweet that M needs me so much. I like watching him sleep. I like snuggling with him during the day. I love that I can make him so happy and content.
What worries me is what if he's still doing this in 6 months...or in 6 years? I want to go on a date with my husband! I want to be able to go places without nursing constantly. (Ever tried to nurse discreetly while dragging your grocery cart and doing your weekly shopping? It's a bit tricky.) I want to be able to really clean my house. I want my kid to be well adjusted. I want family life, instead of 100% Makafui run life. And maybe, just maybe there is some performance in there and a great fear of being a bad mom.
So I did what I do and read and researched and read some more. Turns out, as usual, I am a stress-ball freakazoid. My baby and his current development is completely normal and things will get better.
I don't know why I do this, why I put so much pressure on myself to do everything right...perfect, really. Doing things with excellence is one thing, but to stress the heck out over everything is a bit much. My value is not tied up in how well my baby sleeps, how much or little he cries, how clean my house is, or ultimately, in my ability to "do it all". This is something I really struggle with and has become more obvious adding a newborn to my life. I guess I know what to be praying about during all those quiet night time feedings...
Colossians 3:1-4
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
2 Timothy 1:7
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Conversations at Target
I may have mentioned a time or two that no matter what I do or where we go, Makafui needs to nurse while we're out. Today, that happened at Target. I stood over to the side near guest services while G checked out. A little boy (way too old not to know better, maybe 10?) left his pregnant mother and much younger brother and came up to me. We had the following conversation...
Me: Yes, it is. (In a nice, chipper, proud voice)
B: Can I see it?
M: No, you can't. (Still nice voice, hoping this ends the convo)
B: Why not?
M: Becuase he's eating. (Still nice, but a little annoyed)
B: Oh, he's eating water, right?
M: Uhhhh, no. (Weirded out, neutral voice)
B: Then what is he eating?
M: He's eating breast milk.
B: So you don't want to show me becuase it's coming from a machine, right?
M: No, it's not coming from a machine. (Really?!)
B: Then why don't you show me?
M: Becuase it's private, go ask your mom. (Not nice anymore)
B: Ohhhhh! I know! You would be embarrassed....becuase it's like a cow!
M: Yep. Exactly like a cow.
Boy: Is that a baby under that blanket?
Me: Yes, it is. (In a nice, chipper, proud voice)
B: Can I see it?
M: No, you can't. (Still nice voice, hoping this ends the convo)
B: Why not?
M: Becuase he's eating. (Still nice, but a little annoyed)
B: Oh, he's eating water, right?
M: Uhhhh, no. (Weirded out, neutral voice)
B: Then what is he eating?
M: He's eating breast milk.
B: So you don't want to show me becuase it's coming from a machine, right?
M: No, it's not coming from a machine. (Really?!)
B: Then why don't you show me?
M: Becuase it's private, go ask your mom. (Not nice anymore)
B: Ohhhhh! I know! You would be embarrassed....becuase it's like a cow!
M: Yep. Exactly like a cow.
So. Weird. How do kids not know about breast feeding? Better, how do they NOT know you don't walk up to a stranger, talk about her boobs in a round about way and then call her a cow?
And here is the cuteness for the day:
Monday, March 12, 2012
Growing, growing!
Last night, Makafui was a champ! He slept for 2 hours and 45 minutes TWICE between feedings! AMAZING!! I think it's because he's growing. :) I confirmed that theory by weighing him on a packing scale at my mom's work today...9 1/2 lbs!! He did have clothes and a diaper on, but they don't weigh too much. Before I know it, he'll be out of his newborn size clothes and I might just be okay with that. :)
Tonight we are giving a 'young family' small group a try. We've had such a great day, I hope it continues...chances are, he'll nurse the whole time!
I love this cute little outfit-it's still too big, but I had to put it on him before it was too warm. Notice how dark his skin is getting? ;)
M got some Uncle time this weekend (and other family members:). I am so grateful that we have family nearby and that they are already so involved in his life!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Baby Weight
Today I cleaned out my closet and put away my maternity clothes. It was a little bit sad because I loved being pregnant so much and the belly was fun.
Now, I have 3-4 outfits that I can wear.
I got into one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans 2 1/2 weeks after Makafui was born (plus some jeggings, but I don't feel like jeggings count)...they don't all fit though. I'm not sure what I weigh, becuase scales are from the Devil. I told myself before he was born that I've lost weight before and I can do it again (true). I also told myself that I would be nice to myself, focus on my baby and good health and worry about working out and dropping the pounds after my 6 week 'go ahead' from the Dr.
That last part has been easier said than done. I am soooo anxious to hit the gym and HARD...you know, when I get 30 minutes to myself. It's weird, I look in the mirror and think, "Wow, I look really good for having just had a baby!" Then, I try and put on my [skinny] jeans and feel like a fat cow! Silly, I know-hopefully putting this out there will help me feel better. :)
I get to go shopping for my Birthday, which is in about 6 weeks. I hope I've gotten a little smaller by then-I'm not doing this nine months on, nine months off thing! I'm looking forward to a very positive Baby Weight update in the very near future.
Now, I have 3-4 outfits that I can wear.
I got into one pair of pre-pregnancy jeans 2 1/2 weeks after Makafui was born (plus some jeggings, but I don't feel like jeggings count)...they don't all fit though. I'm not sure what I weigh, becuase scales are from the Devil. I told myself before he was born that I've lost weight before and I can do it again (true). I also told myself that I would be nice to myself, focus on my baby and good health and worry about working out and dropping the pounds after my 6 week 'go ahead' from the Dr.
That last part has been easier said than done. I am soooo anxious to hit the gym and HARD...you know, when I get 30 minutes to myself. It's weird, I look in the mirror and think, "Wow, I look really good for having just had a baby!" Then, I try and put on my [skinny] jeans and feel like a fat cow! Silly, I know-hopefully putting this out there will help me feel better. :)
I get to go shopping for my Birthday, which is in about 6 weeks. I hope I've gotten a little smaller by then-I'm not doing this nine months on, nine months off thing! I'm looking forward to a very positive Baby Weight update in the very near future.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
4 Weeks!
This little dude is 4 weeks today!
Did you notice those adorable little bitty gym shorts? George calls them his, "I'm sexy and I know it" shorts. Hee hee. He be stylin'!
We didn't have a weight check this week (yay!), so I'm not sure how much he's gained, but we think he looks a bit chunkier. :)
This week Uncle Jeremy came to town. Makafui enjoyed spending time with him and making Uncle J uncomfortable by needing to nurse allllll the time. Ha! he also really appreciates Uncle J's hair.
M likes to play with Daddy's tie with his feet-too cute!
This week-
M has started to have a noticeably longer attention span. He will just lay on the couch or in his bed and happily look around for 5-10 minutes...assuming he isn't hungry!
He has started making cute little cooing noises and to express himself verbally in a non-crying way.
I have seriously become his favorite person! Some days G hardly gets to hold him because only Mama will do. I thought it would be a little bit longer before that happened. It's super sweet, but a little bit exhausting.
He continues to be a hearty eater!
He smiles while he's eating and sometimes in his sleep and his whole face smiles...I love it and can't wait for him to smile at me and on purpose.
He sleeps for 2 hour stretches at night and went down before 11 once this week. I'm still hoping and praying for longer stretches, but I'm finally getting used to being up that much.
He doesn't have much of a routine during the day yet. Some days he eats and dozes off and on all day long and others we get real naps and eating times. Each day is a new adventure.
He continues to bring GREAT joy to our lives and we love him SO MUCH!!
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Out and About
Today, Makafui and I ventured out to Bible Study together. He did GREAT! He slept through the whole lecture and most of discussion time, just waking up to eat. Then he slept the whole way home and an hour longer once we got here! I couldn't believe it! I made and ate my lunch with both hands, tidied up the apartment, did some laundry and rested for a bit. I'm learning to work quickly while he sleeps.
Oh well, it was still fun and I'm getting good at eating with one hand and using my baby as a gigantic napkin. Regardless, I see more Chick-Fil-A dates in our future.
Tonight, we did our first family eat out. Chick-Fil-A, of course. I fed Makafui right up until we went to get G in hopes that he would chill while we eat, that didn't matter....he spent the entire meal like this. (Yes, I do look verrrry tired.)
Oh well, it was still fun and I'm getting good at eating with one hand and using my baby as a gigantic napkin. Regardless, I see more Chick-Fil-A dates in our future.
In other cuteness...
He actually fell asleep with his arms up like this the other day and kept them there...too cute!
I LOVE those lips!! He has been enjoying his play mat lately.
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